Give up ?

[FighterLoser]

I've been doing a martial arts for a few years and love certain aspects of it but we have to spar. I don't mind sparring but I'm a middle aged woman and I will never be anything other than medioca. This is ok with me but the class is made up of teenagers and men who are far faster and taller and the instructor insists I spar them, instead of the one other middle aged woman in the class.

I come away feeling defeated and shit. I simply can't improve when I don't have time to think and spend my time being punched and kicked. I learn far more when I'm with the other woman or some of the older men because we are evenly matched and can try techniques out.

I'm wondering whether the teaching methods and me are not matched and the classes are for younger people.

A hobby should be enjoyable right? Not have you walk away feeling out of control and inferior?

@FighterLoser how are you doing now, op? I would also suggest finding another class as the instructor seems like a twat

I'm still there. I do another martial arts twice a week, and dropped this one down to once. Not sparred this year and I'm trying not to panic that this week will be the week.

I'm doing very well in the new classes, but I think my old school has more polished students.

Not sure why I continue to go; perhaps to face the fear. Thing is, I'm panicked each week until the class is over. Then I'm buzzing about the new ones.