Martial arts originated by women?

[Taiji Rebel]

Does anybody know if there are any martial systems which were devised by women?

 

[isshinryuronin]

It is said that White Crane was developed by Feng Qinian, daughter of Zhonggong Q. of Shaolin Monk fist. Her lineage continues with Zeng Chisu>Wang Faodang>Lin Shixian>Pan Yuba>Ryuru Ko (Whooping Crane)> Higashionna Kanryo (Naha Te)>Kyoda Juhatsu (Toon Ryu), Anko Itosu (Shuri Te) and Miyagi Chojun (Goju Ryu). Of course, the last several masters had a variety of input from others as well, but their styles, and other Okinawan styles, still reflect elements of Crane.

 

[drop bear]

Sort of the suffragettes and jujitsu.

They at least deserve a mention.

 

[Taiji Rebel]

This reminds me of a book by Wendy Rouse titled Her Own Hero: The Origins of the Women's Self-Defense Movement.

It is a thought-provoking book and has opened my eyes to the origins of martial arts and the physical culture movement - if you have not come across it before then give it a read.

 

[skribs]

Wing Chun, at least that's what the lore says.

 

[Flying Crane]

It is said that White Crane was developed by Feng Qinian, daughter of Zhonggong Q. of Shaolin Monk fist. Her lineage continues with Zeng Chisu>Wang Faodang>Lin Shixian>Pan Yuba>Ryuru Ko (Whooping Crane)> Higashionna Kanryo (Naha Te)>Kyoda Juhatsu (Toon Ryu), Anko Itosu (Shuri Te) and Miyagi Chojun (Goju Ryu). Of course, the last several masters had a variety of input from others as well, but their styles, and other Okinawan styles, still reflect elements of Crane.

Sorry, it’s “calling crane” not “whooping crane”. That’s my little pet peeve again.

Carry on.

 

[geezer]

It is said that White Crane was developed by Feng Qinian, daughter of Zhonggong Q. of Shaolin Monk fist. Her lineage continues with Zeng Chisu>Wang Faodang>Lin Shixian>Pan Yuba>Ryuru Ko (Whooping Crane)> Higashionna Kanryo (Naha Te)>Kyoda Juhatsu (Toon Ryu), Anko Itosu (Shuri Te) and Miyagi Chojun (Goju Ryu). Of course, the last several masters had a variety of input from others as well, but their styles, and other Okinawan styles, still reflect elements of Crane.

Wing Chun, of course, is said to have been devised by the nun Ng Mui. Since Fujian White Crane, especially, the Wing Chun White Crane branch is widely believed to be one of the ancestors of WC, many believe that the Crane origin myth of Fang Qiniang was the source of the WC Ng Mui and Yim Wing Chun story.

Many discount these tales since they are legends and not supported by verifiable facts. Nevertheless, I see value in them. The Ng Mui-Wing Chun story, for example, expresses the highest ideal of WC, namely that, if the art is really done right, even and old woman or teenage girl could make it work!

...on the other hand being, being a total beast helps too. Learned that from Emin Boztepe.

 

[skribs]

We've always joked that my Mom has invented Tickle-Kwon-Do.

One time in Hapkido class, she (around age 65, 100 pounds), was trying to get a submission on a rather fit soldier in his early 30s. She couldn't quite find the right angle on the wrist for the break. So instead, she tickled his ribs. The guy was flat on his back, jumped about 3 feet in the air. Also loosened up his arm so she could find the submission.

 

[O'Malley]

Sorry, it’s “calling crane” not “whooping crane”. That’s my little pet peeve again.

Carry on.

Unless taught to law enforcement. Whoop whoop is the sound of da police.

 

[Taiji Rebel]

Another good book to understand one woman's experience of learning and competing in martial arts is: Seconds Out: Women and Fighting by Alison Dean.

It offers men a different way of thinking about martial arts, self-defense and competition. A good read for instructors of the martial arts, regardless of the style your school is teaching.