World Women's Wellness Day

Maybe you know & maybe you don't but tomorrow (Friday 25th April) is World Women's Wellness Day. To mark this day, we are announcing the latest initiative to make Family Martial Arts Centres more 'female-friendly'.

Last year, we started providing free menstrual products in our centres. After some feedback from female students at the Prestwich Centre, we’ve taken it a step further and introduced a ‘menstruation-friendly policy’ - across the whole of Family Martial Arts Centres.

• Our goals are to create a supportive environment without having to have awkward conversations with our Instructors. This means female students can use the restrooms as needed without needing permission (like, ‘no questions asked’).

• We also want to increase awareness among both the Instructor team and the wider student body about any changes or limitations in class (like substituting exercises or holding techniques).

• We’ll provide a range of free period products in all the toilets in the Do Jangs and make sure there’s enough in shared spaces.

• We’ll also allow approved black martial arts trousers in class to reduce anxiety about menstrual leakage (traditional white martial arts uniforms will be worn at Graduations, seminars, and Dan Assessments).

We know how tough it can be to manage your period while still wanting to train at your best. One of the biggest concerns many women have is what to wear under your white martial arts trousers during that time of the month. You want to feel comfortable, protected, and confident, without worrying about visibility or leaks. Here are some ideas if you want to keep wearing your white martial arts trousers:

Finding the Right Protection

The most important thing when deciding what to wear is choosing the right level of protection for your flow. There are several options available, each with its own benefits.

Here are some helpful tips for managing your period during training:

• Period Underwear: These are like regular underwear, but they have extra protection to soak up your flow. Many brands have high-absorbency options that you can wear alone or with other period products.

• Menstrual Cups or Discs: Some women prefer these because they’re super protective and don’t take up much space. They’re great for intense workouts because they stay put and don’t leak.

• Tampons: Tampons are a classic choice, and they can be effective, especially when you use period underwear or black compression shorts for extra security. Don’t forget to bring extra tampons, and we have free ones in the toilets.

• Pads: Pads are great for absorption, but they can sometimes shift during movement, which can be a problem when you’re wearing white trousers. If you prefer pads, look for ultra-thin designs with wings and secure them well to prevent bunching or slipping.

Choosing the Right Base Layer: Even with the best period products, we sometimes worry about being visible under white trousers. Here are a few things that can help:

• Nude-Coloured or White Compression Shorts: These provide a smooth and secure fit while offering extra coverage. They can also help hold pads in place and give you an extra boost of confidence.

• Seamless Nude or White Briefs: If you prefer something lighter, seamless underwear in a nude or white shade blends well and reduces visible lines under your uniform.

• Black Underlayers for Added Confidence: Black shorts or leggings under your Do Bok trousers can be a great way to feel secure and confident.

Mindset and Confidence: We totally get that training while on your period can be a bit tricky. There are worries about leaks or feeling uncomfortable, but we want to reassure you that it’s totally normal to train during this time. With the right preparation, you can feel confident and focus on your training rather than your period. If you’re feeling a bit out of sorts, it’s totally cool to take it easy or adjust your training intensity. Just listen to your body and do what feels right for you.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. If you ever feel unsure, feel free to chat with your Instructor or one of the senior students. We’re all here to support you and make sure you feel comfortable and welcome.

And guess what? Training during your period doesn’t have to be a total drag. With the right protection and mindset, you can step onto the mats feeling strong, capable, and ready to give it your all. After all, we train to overcome challenges, and this is just one more women can handle with confidence!