For our May 2025 Femm Fighting, Jaydra led us in a discussion about how we dismantle systems of oppression in the martial arts and in the greater world. The topic was a big one, and our group rose to the challenge and offered thoughtful insights. Being part of such a dedicated group of people who are doing the difficult work of liberation and anti-oppression was humbling and inspiring.
Jaydra’s notes from our discussion are below.
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Here was the lead-in and prompt:
The work of liberation and anti-oppression is the same as the work of martial arts. In both cases we must practice.
Each school/style has their own methods and philosophies for how to make the journey from beginner to black belt, but the end goal is still the same: know yourself more fully so you can know the world more fully. Martial arts is self-development, which is the same work we all need to do to take down the systems of oppression our society currently runs on. The greater martial arts community is perfectly situated to act as a leader in the quest for racial justice and other forms of equity.
For example, situational awareness is the most important base skill for practical self-defense. It is also one of the most useful skills while attending a protest or giving public testimony on a piece of proposed legislation. And it is vital for dismantling systems of oppression within myself and in society because I have to be able to see what is really happening, I cannot just rely on the narrative offered by those currently in power.
A commitment to life-long learning is also a good example.
Partner work is another great example because none of us exist in a vacuum.
Community & solidarity are critical to liberation and anti-oppression.
Question:
Martial arts is mostly structured in a hierarchy, how can we adjust that system and structure to make sure each person’s value is recognized and appreciated and the folks “at the top” are not raising themselves by pushing others down?
Answers from the group:
School is governed by a committee with reps of all belts from white to black.
Formal policies & structure for grievances. Process for when someone has an issue.
Maintaining a “beginners mindset” as a senior student and teacher.
Free flowing information. Access to info at any belt level.
Asking “what does it mean to be in charge?”
Freedom to ask questions and an environment that doesn’t shut that down.
Leadership to stay open to listening to feedback and concerns.
Personal mission to show up & be in a situation that sucks and practice being okay.
Transparency of process from leadership.
Knowing our lineage and history.
It’s hard to learn when you’re scared.
Practitioners who are also speaking out when it’s needed about what they see as issues
Question (multi-part):
What are you doing in your personal heart space and/or dojo to nurture community and support your liberation & anti-oppression efforts? How are taking your martial arts skills and practice out into the greater world or in other parts of your life?
Answers from the group:
Putting on my invisible anti-bro poncho.
Self measurement of, “am I in a place to be a safe partner?” Recognizing I’m more dangerous when I’m scared.
Going out in nature. Having class outside.
When feeling disempowered or out of control, controlling what I can control about my body (like going to a martial arts class).
Consider the cultural appropriation aspect of our martial arts lineage.
Epsom salt bath.
Choose not to attend a class taught by a certain person.
Take notes & publish zines.
Monthly Qigong sessions at tender Loving Empire.
Make sure I leave my house every day.
Sing loudly in the car.
Only listening to the news in specific short timeframes.
Teaching. Passing on knowledge & helping other people feel more empowered.
Gardening. Walking around the garden and touching all the plants. Digging in the dirt.
Giving yourself space to cry and feel your feelings.
Going to class.
Mindfulness practice.
Talking to the wind.
Delete social media.
Sitting on my couch and doing nothing and valuing that just as much as doing stuff.
Michelle Folk Johnson 