Balance

Last night it looked as if we'd have the usual gentlemen students on the mat. There was Scott, and me, Ryan, Tobias, Rob, and Owen. Than and Cosme were missing, but it was a very typical number for an ordinary advanced class.

Our two regular ladies were present as well. Elizabeth and Tawha are almost always present.

But what was this? Koko was home from University, and stepping onto the mat.

And who was that? We had a Blue Belt visitor from a Gracie school in Alberta. Her name is Andrea.

That made four ladies in uniform. I can't remember the last time we had so many.

Giddy runs the front desk, and is also a Blue Belt, but has not suited up for months. She has a few medical problems that she has to take it very easy with. She was so inspired by the female turnout that she suited up, too.

That made five. Out of a total of 11 students on the mat.

Pity that it will be a one-time thing. Andrea will have gone home. Koko will be here for a couple of weeks, then back to school. Giddy will be here, but likely not training.

We'll be back to Elizabeth and Tawha. Can't see this changing soon.

We have about a dozen White Belts, and all of them are male. Half of these guys will soon transition to the advanced group.

On a percentage basis, we're going to get increasingly male dominated.

But who knows. September is traditionally when most people decide to take up martial arts. Maybe we'll be joined by a couple of ladies at that time.