It might be hard to imagine something new in the centuries-old sport of Taekwondo. But here at Family Martial Arts in Goshen, Master Emily Marmo has found it.
This month, she started a Taekwondo class this month specifically for transgender and non-binary students. Marmo says it’s something she hasn’t seen other martial arts studios doing. And although she isn’t a member of the LGBTQ community, she does consider herself a proud ally, something she says she’s been since she was a kid.
“I bought a pin, I don’t know where I got the money, and it said 'straight but not narrow,'" Marmo said. "And I had to have been all of, maybe 6 or 7. And my parents were like, 'do you know what that means?' And I did.”
Emily said the idea for this class came from feedback she received from two of her students. They told her they struggled with larger class sizes because they felt uncomfortable with the physical appearance of their bodies; a condition known as body dismorphia.
“It is very, very physical," Marmo said. "We’re doing jumping jacks and that’s not comfortable. And that’s huge. And that’s a very basic thing that we do.”
She responded by making the new classes smaller and more individual. The idea became a hit; bringing in four new students who say they love the close knit atmosphere.
“Having a tight little group, and it’s a really comfortable environment," said Luke, one of the new students. "I wouldn’t come if it wasn’t. I feel really comfortable here.”
Marmo says as long as students are interested in learning about Taekwondo, she’ll keep this class going because there’s a lot that young people can learn from martial arts, no matter who you are.
“It’s great for self confidence, great for self focus," she said, "Easy, simple things like you come in and the way we’re sitting down before. Your shoulders are pulled back and your chest is high. Just the way you carry yourself is something you can integrate into your life everyday.”
Weekly classes are continuing, with more information on the Family Martial Arts website.