Girls, Do self defense and martial arts classes give you self confidence?

[Anonymous]

What class have you taken?

[Little_Bumblebee]

It did when I went to Taekwon-Do.
I love how it felt when I learned something new. How I strengthened my body to receive a kick, and I felt proud when I came home with bruises. Felt like I earned them.

It's a long time ago now, and I miss it.

[Asker]

I just started taking a martial arts class and it’s a lot of fun but I feel awkward sparring against women since I was taught to never hit a woman

[Little_Bumblebee]

Just figure out what baseline of strength you can use behind your kick or punch, and you'll be okay. You can always ask the woman in question at first.

[Asker]

I got paired up with a woman in her 50s last class, she actually called me out for not using enough force, I was very timid at first. She on the other hand was not taking it easy on me. And got me several times in the head and once in the crotch

[laraWM]

Yes, it helps to feel more comfortable with your body and to improve your behavior outside

I did judo and some self defense classes

[Apinya97]

Thai boxing and more recently combat sambo. Yes, they give me confidence in myself.

[Agape93]

A bit, pankration. But my shotgun more than suffices to end a threat.