13/09/2022
Betty Woolertan writing at independent local newspaper B247 meets up with Ash Guest, a kick boxer with ten years of experience, who has opened an all women, and non-binary kick boxing club based in Old Market, at the heart of Bristol’s gay village. “I was noticing that wherever I’ve trained, whether it’s in the UK or elsewhere, that these spaces can be male-dominated which can be really intimidating,” Ash told Bristol24/7. “It’s obviously a big generalisation but I think, generally, if you’re not a cisgender man, you’re not taught to be aggressive from birth – you’re taught to make yourself small. Then throughout the weeks, I see people progress not only in terms of technique and fitness, but also in confidence – which is really freeing. One woman called it ‘a sacred space’. Athena Combat Club is always welcoming of new members – you just have to be a woman or non-binary, and the club is fully transgender friendly. Pop along to https://www.athenacombatclub.co.uk/ for further information.