Prejudice against fat Martial Artist.
Over the last several years I have encountered my fair share of prejudice against fat Martial Artist. In a facebook group I am on another "Martial Artist" posted this:
"What's the deal with some ( I use "some" loosely) Martials Arts Instructors being fat asses?
Step it up. No excuse"
I replied:
I am fat. When I started Martial Arts, about 7 years ago, I was over 500 lbs...512 to be exact, and if I stretch my neck I am 5 feet tall. Over the last 7 years, I have lost 300lbs. I am still a hundred pounds over weight. God has blessed me with a unique ability to teach Martial arts to students who have a difficult time learning. If people look at where I am now they would see me setting terrible example to my students. I mean look at me. I am fat and we all know fat means unfit....unfit in relation to my health, but that doesn't make me unfit to teach. It is a journey, and I am still fighting my way, through countless obstacles, including a thyroid issue, to be healthier and still working toward an appropriate weight. This is my struggle, and I will not give up that fight. If every instructor waited until they were perfect, physically or mentally even, to teach then the Martial arts, and the Martial way would be no more. I am fat and my imperfections are right there for everyone to see. That is a humbling factor....I ask you this, what are your struggles? What keeps you humble? What imperfection should you remove before you are fit to teach? Are you fortunate enough that your shortcomings are easily hidden? I say....Just because an instructor is fat doesn't mean they always will be... or they have nothing to offer the MA world.