On Instagram I recently hosted an AMA, and here are the answers to some of your questions!

Martial arts schools are ultimately businesses, and making enough money to keep the lights on is essential. However, there are some red flags that may signal a gym is more focused on control, profit, or self-promotion than its students’ well-being.

In 2026, more gyms have become inclusive spaces where athletes of all genders train together. That’s progress - but it also creates situations that many martial artists aren’t sure how to navigate.

Being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated space comes with friction. You often have to fight to be heard, respected, and, at times, to feel safe. Combat sports are no exception.

One of the most common reasons newer students give for avoiding group classes isn’t intimidation - it’s that they don’t want to “take reps” away from someone better than them.

According to so many, the gym is therapy - so why was I still struggling? Why was I, in some ways, even worse than before?