Why Girls Learn Fighting Faster Than Guys

Aug 30, 2024·By James Vick

Hey there, fight fans and martial arts enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a topic that might ruffle a few feathers, but trust me, it's worth talking about. We're gonna break down why girls often pick up fighting techniques faster than guys in martial arts training. Now, before you get all worked up, hear me out – this isn't about all guys, but there's definitely a trend worth exploring.

The Open Book Approach

So, here's the deal. When it comes to learning martial arts, there's a big difference in how guys and girls typically approach their training. And it all starts with what's going on in their heads before they even step foot in the gym.

Guys think they already know how to fight. Guys come to a gym with a preconceived notion, a lot of them do. With the preconceived notion they already know how to fight and women don't.

This right here is the key, folks. A lot of guys walk into a martial arts gym thinking they've already got fighting figured out. Maybe they've been in a few scraps, watched a ton of UFC fights, or just think they're naturally tough. Whatever the reason, they come in with this idea that they don't need to learn the basics.

On the flip side, most women come in with a totally different mindset. They're like blank slates, ready to soak up knowledge like a sponge. They don't assume they know anything about fighting, which makes them way more open to learning.

The YouTube Effect

Now, let's talk about something I like to call "The YouTube Effect." It's not just about YouTube, but all the fight content out there on the internet and TV. Here's what happens:

New guy joins the gym
Instructor shows a technique
Instead of practicing what they've just been taught, the guy tries some flashy move he saw in a UFC fight last weekend

Sound familiar? This is a huge problem, especially for beginners. Look, I get it. Those spinning back kicks and flying armbars look cool as hell. But here's the thing – you gotta crawl before you can run, and in martial arts, you gotta learn the basics before you can pull off the fancy stuff.

Girls: The Better Students?

Now, I'm not saying all girls are perfect students or that all guys are stubborn knuckleheads. But in general, here's what I've noticed:

Girls tend to listen more carefully to instructions
They focus on the techniques being taught
During sparring, they try to apply what they've learned in class

This approach pays off big time. By focusing on the fundamentals and actually listening to their instructors, girls often progress faster in their martial arts journey. They build a solid foundation that'll serve them well as they advance to more complex techniques.

The Dangers of Overconfidence

Let's break it down a bit more. When you come into a martial arts gym thinking you already know how to fight, you're setting yourself up for a world of trouble. Here's why:

You might ignore important basics: Thinking you're already a tough guy might make you skip over crucial fundamentals like proper stance, footwork, or breathing techniques.
You could develop bad habits: If you're always trying to throw that haymaker you saw on TV instead of working on your jab, you're gonna build some nasty habits that'll be hard to break later.
You might get hurt: Martial arts isn't just about looking cool. It's about learning to protect yourself. If you're always going for the highlight reel moves without proper training, you're putting yourself and your training partners at risk.
You'll progress slower: Ironically, by thinking you're ahead of the game, you might end up falling behind. While you're struggling to pull off advanced techniques, others who started from scratch will be building a rock-solid foundation.

The Right Mindset for Martial Arts Training

Alright, so what's the takeaway here? Whether you're a guy or a girl, the key to success in martial arts is coming in with the right mindset. Here's what that looks like:

Be humble: Leave your ego at the door. Nobody expects you to be a badass on day one.
Be open to learning: Treat every class like you're seeing this stuff for the first time, even if you think you know it.
Trust your instructor: They've been doing this a lot longer than you have. If they tell you to focus on something, there's probably a good reason.
Practice what you're taught: Sure, that flying armbar looks cool, but for now, focus on perfecting your basic armbar from guard.
Be patient: Martial arts is a journey, not a destination. It takes time to get good, so don't rush it.

A Reality Check for the Guys

Look, I know it might be a tough pill to swallow for some of you guys out there. But here's a little reality check:

I don't go to my accountant and think that, that I know how to do taxes. I don't go to my doctor or my dentist and think I know how to pull people's teeth.

This right here is gold. Just like you wouldn't try to tell a doctor how to do their job, you shouldn't come into a martial arts gym thinking you know better than the instructor. These people have dedicated their lives to mastering these techniques. Show them some respect by being a good student.

The First Six Months: Crucial Learning Time

Now, let's talk about why those first few months of training are so damn important. When you're just starting out in martial arts, you're laying the foundation for everything that comes after. It's like building a house – if your foundation is shaky, the whole thing's gonna come crumbling down eventually.
Here's what you should focus on in those early days:

Basics, basics, basics: I can't stress this enough. Master your stance, your basic strikes, your blocks. It might seem boring, but trust me, it'll pay off.
Listen to your coach: When your instructor is showing a technique, give them your full attention. Don't be thinking about what you're gonna have for dinner or that sick move you saw on Instagram.
Drill, drill, drill: Repetition is key in martial arts. The more you practice a technique, the more natural it becomes.
Ask questions: If you don't understand something, speak up! There's no such thing as a dumb question when you're learning.
Leave the fancy stuff for later: I know you're itching to try that spinning heel kick, but for now, focus on perfecting your basic roundhouse.

The Role of YouTube and UFC in Learning Martial Arts

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not saying YouTube and watching UFC fights are bad for your martial arts journey. They definitely have their place. But here's the thing – timing is everything.

When you're just starting out, watching a bunch of advanced techniques can actually hinder your progress. You might get frustrated that you can't pull off the same moves, or worse, you might try to attempt them before you're ready and end up hurting yourself or your training partner.

So, when should you start incorporating what you see online or in pro fights? Here's my take:

First 6-12 months: Focus solely on what your instructor is teaching you. Build that solid foundation.
1-2 years in: Start watching instructional videos that complement what you're learning in class. Use them to refine your existing techniques, not to learn new ones.
2+ years: Now you can start exploring more advanced techniques online. You'll have the base knowledge to understand what you're seeing and how to safely incorporate it into your training.

Remember, there's no shortcut to mastery in martial arts. It takes time, patience, and a whole lot of practice.

Sparring: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Alright, let's talk about sparring. This is where you really start to see the difference between those who've been paying attention in class and those who've been daydreaming about being the next UFC champ.

Here's what typically goes down:

The Overconfident Guy: He comes in hot, throwing wild haymakers and attempting flying kicks he saw on YouTube. He's all about power, no technique.
The Attentive Student: She starts cautiously, using the basic combos and footwork drilled in class. She's focused on technique and timing.

Guess who usually comes out on top? Yep, the one who's been paying attention and drilling the basics.

Sparring isn't about winning or losing – it's about applying what you've learned in a dynamic situation. It's your chance to test your skills, see what works, and identify areas where you need improvement. If you're always going 100% and trying to "win" every sparring session, you're missing out on valuable learning opportunities.

The Long-Term Benefits of Being a Good Student

Now, you might be thinking, "Okay, but surely at some point, natural talent takes over, right?" Well, not exactly. Being a good student in the beginning stages of your martial arts journey sets you up for long-term success. Here's why:

Solid Foundation: By mastering the basics early on, you'll have a rock-solid foundation to build upon. This makes learning advanced techniques much easier down the line.
Fewer Bad Habits: When you learn proper technique from the start, you're less likely to develop bad habits that can hinder your progress later.
Better Body Awareness: Focusing on proper form and technique improves your overall body awareness and control. This translates to better performance in all aspects of martial arts.
Faster Progress: It might seem counterintuitive, but by taking it slow at the beginning and really nailing the fundamentals, you'll actually progress faster in the long run.
Reduced Risk of Injury: Learning proper technique and body mechanics from the start significantly reduces your risk of injury throughout your martial arts journey.

Advice for the Guys (and Anyone Else Who Needs to Hear This)

Alright, fellas (and anyone else who might be coming into martial arts with a bit of an ego), I'm gonna lay it out straight for you:

Check your ego at the door: Yeah, I know you think you're tough. But trust me, there's always someone tougher. Come in ready to learn, not to prove yourself.
Embrace being a beginner: There's no shame in not knowing something. In fact, it's exciting! You've got a whole world of martial arts to explore.
Respect the process: Martial arts isn't about instant gratification. It's a lifelong journey of learning and self-improvement. Enjoy the ride.
Learn from everyone: That tiny woman who's been training for years? She could probably teach you a thing or two. Be open to learning from all your training partners, regardless of size, gender, or appearance.
Focus on improvement, not comparison: Don't worry about whether you're better or worse than the person next to you. Focus on being better than you were yesterday.

The Takeaway: Be Like the Girls (In This Aspect, At Least)

So, here's the bottom line: when it comes to learning martial arts, try to approach it like many of the women do. Come in with an open mind, ready to learn. Leave your preconceptions at the door. Listen to your instructor, focus on the basics, and trust the process.

Remember, martial arts isn't about being the toughest person in the room on day one. It's about continuous improvement, self-discipline, and respect. Whether you're a guy or a girl, young or old, if you come in with the right attitude, you'll be amazed at how quickly you progress.

Want to Get Started? Here's How!

If you're fired up and ready to start your martial arts journey (with the right attitude, of course), I've got just the thing for you. I've written a book called "The Ultimate Guide to Your Martial Arts Schooling Instructor." It's a compact 62-page guide that'll help you find the perfect gym in your area.
In this book, you'll find:

Tips on how to choose the right martial art for you
What to look for in a good instructor and gym
How to prepare for your first class
Common mistakes to avoid as a beginner
And much more!

YIt's a small investment that could save you a lot of time and potentially some bad experiences as you start your martial arts journey.

Wrapping It Up

Alright, that's it for today's topic. Remember, martial arts is for everyone. It doesn't matter if you're a guy or a girl, young or old, athletic or not. What matters is your attitude and your willingness to learn.

If you've got any questions about anything we've talked about today, or if there's another topic you'd like me to cover, just drop a comment below. I read all of them and I'll do my best to get back to you.