My parents didn't send me. I joined initially, in my 20s, for self defense after an unfortunate experience. BTW they teach you how to use weapons in some martial arts schools. Men are physically stronger than women. But some men don't have the balls to fight.
Absolute bitches? I think women who do any type of combat fall across a spectrum of bitchiness. Some are total pussycats, others, not so much ;)
Sounds logical.