Changing clothes

[Bailee]

So...How do you folks handle it when a room full of men (including visiting sensei) just starting changing? Our little band of women feel out of place, like they are forcing us to leave or just making us feel plain akward (sorry!).

Is this something that doesn't bother the men? Or do they assume that since the women are in the minority we should leave? I mean we're talking 4 gals to 50+ men.

Just wondering what everyone's thoughts were...

[Alison2805]

Im sure they arent forcing you to leave, they are probably hoping youll follow suit and strip! Its quite normal for all the guys to get dressed out in the open. One of the girls here does the same thing and noone bats an eyelid.

Theres something extremely hilarious about guys putting on hakama and THEN taking off their undies.

I personally get changed in the bathroom. Gotta keep some mystery!

[Gessho]

So...How do you folks handle it when a room full of men (including visiting sensei) just starting changing? Our little band of women feel out of place, like they are forcing us to leave or just making us feel plain akward (sorry!).

Is this something that doesn't bother the men? Or do they assume that since the women are in the minority we should leave? I mean we're talking 4 gals to 50+ men.

Just wondering what everyone's thoughts were...

It happens at my dojo but the guys who do change on the floor hide behind a pile of mats. We have kids there so everyone is pretty sensitive but I will say that men, in general, are comfortable getting naked.

I for one come with running shorts on under my sweat pants so when I drop my pants to put on my hakama there is no risk of a wholesale shrieking exodus!

[xvikingx]

Is it really such a big problem? They are simply changing. Don’t make this into a guys vs. the-girl-minority issue. How about not looking if you are too immature to handle people changing clothes.

[Bailee]

Is it really such a big problem? They are simply changing. Don’t make this into a guys vs. the-girl-minority issue. How about not looking if you are too immature to handle people changing clothes.

I just wanted to know what you thought. We weren't asked to leave, but after we did, we were asked why we hadn't left sooner.

It's not a maturity issue, it was just a question about unspoken communication or assumed courtesies.

[xvikingx]

Well I told you what I thought. It seemed like a maturity issue to me because you wrote about feeling awkward and questioned whether they were trying to force you out or not.
It’s quite common for people to change and clean up their kit in the dojo. Why? Lots of room to fold up your kit. I personally would rather not change in front of woman and children (freedom-kendo all the way baby), so I go off to a less conspicuous spot but I do change in the dojo.
I think I'm not fully understanding the situation. They don't ask you to leave but when you do they ask why you don't leave sooner? I don't know what your dojo is like but I assume the ladies change somewhere else. Is everyone just standing around talking after practice? Maybe they want to change and close up the hall.

[Bailee]

That's cool. Was just looking for opinions.

Now freedom-kendo....never heard it called that

[xvikingx]

So what exactly is the situation? You finish practice, everyone chats, the guys start changing and surly?

Now freedom-kendo....never heard it called that

That's because it's usually called indecent exposure. It's the only way to go!

BTW Do you know someone named Elizabeth Foot (Foote? I could mistaken altogether on the last name)

[Bailee]

Yep!

She trains with us when she's not taking a semester in Japan

[Bailee]

It was a special training seminar at a gym, not the dojo. I just think that nobody knew where to change and fold.

[xvikingx]

Yeah she trains at the same dojo as me!

EDIT: In Japan that is

[Bailee]

That's cool, we miss her here!

[xvikingx]

To be honest we are members of the same dojo but I have only seen her twice. I guess she trains on the days I can't. She seems well though.

[KhawMengLee]

Yeah she trains at the same dojo as me!

EDIT: In Japan that is

Oooooo! another one to join our merry adventure to the 100yen beer curry house?

[xvikingx]

Oooooo! another one to join our merry adventure to the 100yen beer curry house?

Menger!!! When are you coming back? If my wife and I can't make it out to Boston this year I think I'm going to head over to KL.