The Liberation That is Black Pants

I sincerely hope this is not the case, but some ladies may be deterred from martial arts because periods and white pants are not a good combo. Especially when you are typically training with children and men around.

I can imagine that it is not necessarily the only reason. After all, it's not like ladies go around thinking about their periods 24/7. It's more like the final straw, in addition to the usual reasons adults are hesitant to start martial arts, which tend to be: "I'm not fit enough," and, "I'm too old, it's too late." If a woman really wants to do martial arts, she will do it, even if it means maybe a few days out of the month, she will be sitting out. But it's a bummer. I'm not about that life, for me or my fellow Taekwondo women.

I already had black pants since I was a teenager, since it came with my black belt uniform. It's very freeing to jump and kick around without worrying about bright red stains spreading all over your white pants. Sometimes...yes - you feel a little gross, even if people can't see the mess. Sometimes you check the floor discreetly after sitting down on a heavy flow day to make sure you didn't bleed through since just because it doesn't show on your black pants doesn't mean it won't show up on surfaces you sit upon. But for the most part, black pants mean less concerns about my period. Worries are not completely eliminated, of course, because periods sometimes start earlier than expected.

It was, however, not until recently, with the influx of Taekwondo moms joining class, that I realized, d'oh! We need black pants to be available for all my ladies. One of my moms came up to me and asked if she could also have black pants like me, because, psst, you know??

I was on board 100% and immediately ordered black pants for my lady martial artists to purchase in addition to their white uniform if they wanted. Later, parents started asking for black pants for kids, too, because hey, kids are MESSY and can we please figure out a way to do less laundry?

I still stick to the white formal dobok top. The collar should not be black until black belt. But black pants are just more practical. I have a summer camp program where kids are with us as early as 6 am until 6 pm and parents are huge fans of black pants, especially at lunch time.

The symbolism of the white uniform is a compelling one, representing purity and keeping people at the same humble status of student regardless of socioeconomic status. It is a good ideal. But also ideal is the idea that martial arts can help everyone, and how can it help people if it is not accessible?

#blackpantsftw

I realize this probably isn't a really big "thing," but this is the kind of topic that intrigues me - everyday things we take for granted and don't think much about. I like that I can offer a different perspective as a female Taekwondo professional. And maybe some men will read this and be enlightened, which is always really exciting.

#taekwondo #taekwondomoms