Nottinghamshire club challenges male-dominated martial arts culture with female-focused model

Sarah Harney, a 51-year-old mother of five from Nottinghamshire, established Endeavour Taekwondo in Rainworth in 2020 to address systemic exclusion within the martial arts sector. Motivated by negative experiences at previous clubs, where she encountered stigma surrounding menstruation and a lack of institutional support, Harney created a facility designed specifically to provide a safe and supportive environment for female practitioners.

The studio has grown to 200 members, with approximately 70 per cent of participants being women. Harney, who achieved a black belt alongside her husband and five of her six children, teaches alongside her son, Aidan Heaney. The club’s operational model deliberately shifts focus away from upper-body strength and power-based techniques, prioritising kicking drills, psychology, and self-defence lessons to accommodate the needs of its predominantly female student body.

Harney has actively worked to dismantle the taboo surrounding menstruation in sports. She recounted instances where students have been supported through their first periods with practical accommodations, such as training in black uniforms to manage discomfort and communal support from peers. This approach contrasts sharply with the rigid standards and male-dominated culture Harney observed in other clubs, which she described as discouraging for women who feel excluded or judged.

The institution’s focus on high-ranking female role models has yielded tangible competitive results. Two students have won world titles, and the team secured 11 medals at a competition in Germany in May. Aidan Heaney noted that showcasing successful women helps counter the perception that taekwondo is exclusively a male domain, thereby fostering a sense of safety and belonging for new recruits.

Member retention and community cohesion appear strong, with students describing the club as an "extra family." Kirsty Harrison, 39, from Mansfield, achieved her first black belt in December after citing the club’s inclusive atmosphere as a key factor in her progress. She emphasised that the environment allows women to train without the pressure of performing to external standards or feeling inadequate compared to male counterparts.

The club’s methodology includes integrating self-help measures and psychological resilience training into regular sessions. Harney criticised traditional institutions for failing to look after their members, positioning Endeavour Taekwondo as an alternative that prioritises member well-being alongside athletic development. This structural shift aims to retain women in the sport by removing the social and physical barriers that typically lead to dropout rates in male-centric environments.