And then he was an 8th...Recently, I had the honor of attending my Sifu JR Diaz’s promotion from 7th Degree Black belt to 8th Degree Black belt. This was such a dignified and emotionally charged moment, that most of the attendees were left in tears and speechless. Sifu Diaz has been a pivotal force in all of our lives; and I purposefully use the word force because he is a force of nature on and off the mat. Over 40 years of a fully dedicated life to Kenpo Karate, Eskrima and his students, now personified in the 8 red stripes on his belt.  My Sifu after being promoted to 8th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate. |
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As I travel and speak with different Martial Artists from different systems, the easiest topic of discussion has been work out gear.
Some base their selection on price or brand and some prefer the bare necessities. Personally, one day I might be on the mat in my PJs and the next I’m in full Kenpo regalia.
I was surprised and slightly guarded when I was approached by Elite Sport who wanted to sponsor me and have me test their gear.
I was hesitant, but they encouraged me to just try the equipment and the clothing, urging me to let the results speak for themselves.
So I found myself on their website trying to pick out what items I would try. As I looked through the rash guards, gloves and bags it suddenly dawned on me that I might know what these items are but I had no idea how to determine the quality of any gear.
With the popularity in Martial Arts, especially MMA, on the rise there are many new brands and distributors popping up.
While some consumers might be inclined to choose the first cool looking piece of gear they find, there’s much more to it than that.
Gear is meant to protect students while also helping to enhance their training or performance. It is therefore crucial to pay to the attention to detail that goes into the gear. These details are what attract not just customers but reviews from customers.
Elite Sports has been pleased with their customer response and maintain,
“The response from our customers has been overwhelmingly positive, which is a huge source of pride for our design team and the company as a whole.”
So I selected my items and waited for them to arrive in the mail. Yet I still questioned why gear would be such a necessity?
The truth is good gear doesn’t just enhance your training, but can ensure your safety. Injuries are a huge risk for many MMA fighters not just in the ring but during training. These injuries could include torn ligaments, dislocated joints, broken bones and possible concussions.
It’s because of these potential injuries that Elite Sports stresses,
“Wearing no training equipment at all is a huge risk.”
It’s because of these potential injuries that Elite Sports stresses,
“Wearing no training equipment at all is a huge risk.”
I don’t train at an MMA gym but my main aspiration for gear was to find gear, whether it was a pair of gloves, shorts or even a gi that would be good quality and a comfortable fit.
I just hoped my rash guard made me look this awesome.
I tried the Elite Sports Rash Guard first. When it arrived, I was a little skeptical as I pulled it out of its packaging. I am by no means a “slender” woman. I have a large bust and an hour glass figure. The problem I’ve had with tops in the past is them riding up and showing bare mid-drift.
I had a feeling I’d have the same problem with this rash guard.
I was also worried about it being too tight in the bust and not allowing me proper shoulder movement. When I slipped it on, I was pleasantly surprised to find was their no-slip waist band. This sucker wasn’t moving and I literally was like an enthusiastic child and began doing jump jacks and running around the mat trying to get it to ride up...
But it stayed put.
But it stayed put.
I faintly heard the hallelujah chorus in the background.
I was also surprised at the strong flexibility of the material. It didn’t itch and it moved nicely with me. Plus, I am able to wear it just as a top or under my gi and still maintain comfo
While this might not sound like a big deal, its little things like this I don’t have to worry about when training. Elite Sports explains, that when they make a set of gloves or a rash guard, it’s meant to be suitable for use; whether your goal is to go pro, live a healthier lifestyle or gaining valuable self-defense skills.
Elite Sports motto is,
“Embrace The Pain. At the end of the day, the gear you train in isn’t going to turn you into a superhuman. You have to put in the hours at the gym. What we mean by that is strive to be the best and let the growing pains shape you.
“Embrace The Pain. At the end of the day, the gear you train in isn’t going to turn you into a superhuman. You have to put in the hours at the gym. What we mean by that is strive to be the best and let the growing pains shape you.
When you visit the Elite Sports website you can clearly see their passion for what they do. Consumers can see the lives and careers of their sponsored fighters on Team Elite. Their website shows a unique page for each member of Team Elite to showcase their story.
The future is shaping up for Elite Sports...
Especially with a lot of their focus and passion in constantly improving their products. With their own manufacturing facility, they are able to make some of the most advanced gear on the market place.
To stay up with their latest news and merchandise be sure to follow them on their social media. Also watch Kenpo Girl’s social media for my photos and videos of me testing their products.
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Human beings have been competing since the beginning of time...
Whether it's for survival or skill there's a competitive nature in all of us. That competitive nature is most commonly exhibited now in sports and one of the fastest growing sports in modern-day time is Mixed Martial Arts or commonly called MMA.
MMA is the combination of various martial arts systems used in the competitive Arena to demonstrate an athlete’s skill by either knocking out or submitting one's opponent. The popularity of the sport his grown drastically over the years and while some are very enthusiastic others question the motives of the sport.
It has become a common belief that MMA is too violent of a sport and that it caters to an audience's need for blood and violence rather than technique or skill.
Some states in the past have even banned the sport all together. Back in 1996, the state of New York decided to ban the sport. It would be 20 years later in 2016 that New York with lift the ban and the first MMA fight would be held at the Madison Square Garden.
Even with these achievements there are still Skeptics that question MMA.
Some claim that MMA has negative effects on the fighters for the rest of their lives. Others are more concerned about the effects live professional fights might have on society; claiming that the image of MMA could influence violence in society especially amongst a younger audience.
Probably shouldn't have let them watch Highlander before bed.
Before passing judgment on the sport, I felt that there needed to be a deeper understanding on professional MMA.
So I decided to speak with my friend Jennifer Waters. Jennifer Waters is a 29 year old and from Augusta, GA. She holds a 4th Dan in Tetu Shin Ryu Kempo Karate, 1st Dan in MMA, 1st Dan in Kempo-Jitsu, and is a 4th Stripe Blue Belt in RCJ Machado Jiu-Jitsu. She owns and operates 2 Seigler's Karate Center locations with her family and is a 2x Kickboxing Champion. She began her MMA career in 2016.
Jennifer "Warrior" Waters after her first MMA fight in 2016.
Some Skeptics compare MMA to the Gladiator sport. However, I don't believe they truly understand what a gladiator sport is...
Gladiator Sports in ancient Roman times involved Armed men who competed against other gladiators as well as wild animals and incarcerated criminals. These Competitions were life-or-death that were used to entertain the masses.
This is a gladiator sport... to help avoid confusion.
Jennifer believes that this Gladiator sport misconception comes from the early beginnings of MMA.
She explains,
“The sport has grown so much from the early days of "No Holds Barred" fighting. And I can see why some people would say that it looks barbaric. Typically these people are not educated about the technical aspect of fighting.”
She explains,
“The sport has grown so much from the early days of "No Holds Barred" fighting. And I can see why some people would say that it looks barbaric. Typically these people are not educated about the technical aspect of fighting.”
It’s possibly from these early unregulated beginnings that some naive spectators came to the conclusion that mixed martial arts fights were no more than glorified brawls. But like any sports, there has been an evolution over the years.
Jennifer spells it out clearly,
“Honestly, that was 20 years ago. Just like the NFL has gone through rule changes, regulation enforcement, and a pattern of continuous improvements, the sport of MMA continues to do that also.”
Jennifer spells it out clearly,
“Honestly, that was 20 years ago. Just like the NFL has gone through rule changes, regulation enforcement, and a pattern of continuous improvements, the sport of MMA continues to do that also.”
Regulations have been created and enforced to not only help the reputation of the sport but most importantly to protect the fighters well being.
Before a fighter can step into the ring they must pass physicals, eye exams and blood work. Some promoters are even taking it to the next level.
Jennifer explains,
“Many promoters also want to see some kind of fight footage before you step inside the cage. They want to know they are not putting a back street brawler out there with zero experience against someone with years of training.”
Jennifer explains,
“Many promoters also want to see some kind of fight footage before you step inside the cage. They want to know they are not putting a back street brawler out there with zero experience against someone with years of training.”
Boxing and kickboxing regulations call for a 10 second countdown when an opponent is knocked out.
To further insure a fighter’s safety, regulations in MMA eliminated the 10 count and placed more responsibility on the referees. A referee will monitor the fighters not only for a fair fight but their state of mind and reaction time. If the fighters well being is at risk for permanent or unrecoverable damage, they will stop the fight.
Its because of these regulations that Jennifer says,
“Many people feel that MMA fighters suffer less traumatic brain injuries than boxers due to this increase of safety.
Its because of these regulations that Jennifer says,
“Many people feel that MMA fighters suffer less traumatic brain injuries than boxers due to this increase of safety.
Other skeptics have less concern for the fighters and more for the audience. They assert that these fights are encouraging violence, particularly with youths. With social media’s popularity, anyone can search the term fight and not only find MMA competitive fights but also street fights. This is where the confusion sets in.
To someone with no martial arts training the two could look the same, but in reality the trained MMA fighter has been training for years and is regulated.
Jennifer clarified,
“This really is no different than watching two kids swim a race in a swimming pool and then watching Michael Phelps swim for an Olympic gold medal. The activity is similar but definitely not the same. Real and successful MMA fighters will spend years and hours of training to perfect their craft just like any other professional athlete does.”
As an instructor Jennifer encourages her students to watch not only her fights but other fights as well. She believes it gives them the opportunity to see their instructor handle loss or defeat in a respectful and humble manner.
I attended my first live professional fight back in December 2016.
I’ll admit there was a little bit of apprehension lacing my excitement. I had previously watched UFC fights on television but had never actually attended one. I had absolutely no idea what to expect. What I hoped to see was skilled fighters demonstrating mixtures of different systems and techniques and trying to find the perfect combination that would equal victory. I wasn’t disappointed. I found myself living vicariously through them, mentally applying my own training into understanding of what they were doing. I was enthralled and entertained.
What left me unimpressed wasn’t the fighters… it was the audience.
While many were in the same mind frame as myself, so many were the opposite. When the fighters would reach a stalemate with either grappling or gauging reactions, many of the audience members would begin to boo.
It blew my mind.
Here were these amazing athletes showing their talent not just physically but intellectually, and they were being heckled. It made me start to wonder how much power or influence the audience might have over a fight? Jennifer explained to me that like any sport, the amount of butts in seats will determine the future. Some promoters are focused on selling tickets rather than the longevity of the sport.
Jennifer believes,
“I think it will take people with vision in leadership to really promote the sport to a high level. This will mean that the integrity of the sport must be thought of in advance before its profitability.”
If the focus falls primarily on money, then audiences would hold more power than they realize. What audiences need to understand is not every fight might meet their expectations. A lot of planning goes into creating a match-up but it doesn’t guarantee anything.
Jennifer reminds us,
“You have to remember when you are going to a fight that competitors are matched in skill level and style if possible, but sometimes opposite skill sets and the lack thereof can make a fight boring.”
Jennifer's first MMA fight was anything but boring, it was considered the "Fight of the Night"
When you attend a fight, always be prepared for some crowds to be somewhat uneducated of Martial Arts and MMA. For beginners to Martial Arts, don’t let your limited experience keep you from watching and learning through exposure. While many attend fights purely for the entertainment aspect of it, there is much to learn there as well.
Whether skeptics are gaining their opinions from the audience’s mood swings or on current regulations, MMA continues to be one of the fastest growing professional sports in the World. Whether it’s your cup of tea or not, MMA still remains one of the top popular venues to display martial arts competitively. One of the greatest ways we grow as martial artists is through exposure. Regardless of criticism, if you are intrigued or curious about attending a professional fight you should go and have an open mind but most importantly...
Have fun.
That's exactly what I plan to do with my besties at UFC 209 in March.
Jennifer "Warrior" Waters next match will be April 8, 2017 for NFC in Greenville, SC.
She can be found on Facebook @ Jennifer Waters or Instagram @jennifer_s_waters.
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It’s a historical fact that martial arts practitioners have always been dominantly male.
Even though there has recently been an influx in popularity with female practitioners in many different styles and systems, there is still a prejudice associated against women in Martial Arts. Over the years, women have had to fight—literally—for respect in the Martial Arts community.
Yet, one of the hurdles that some female practitioners are having to overcome is called “Female Cannibalism”.
Yet, one of the hurdles that some female practitioners are having to overcome is called “Female Cannibalism”.
“Female Cannibalism” is a new age term being used to describe female on female aggression and bullying.
Sorry but you can't have an article about "cannibalism" without featuring the good Doctor.
An unfortunately common phenomenon becoming associated in martial arts were a female student could use demeaning and abusive tactics to either belittle another female student into a submissive state or even drive them from the Dojo. The tactics of social media bullying, gossiping, slander and sometimes physical aggression can become lethal to a student’s study.
After centuries of women fighting for a status in martial arts, it is almost ironic that we would become our own final obstacle.
It’s an issue that some female martial artists are having to deal with on top of their training. It sadly can be isolating students and doing the opposite to overcome the sexism associated sometimes with martial arts.
One system associated with such secrecy and exclusion is Lua. Lua is an Ancient Hawaiian Martial Art which employs a style of hand-to-hand fighting and grappling, while also wielding staffs, daggers, slings and other weapons used to either strangle or dislocate limbs. The most famous weapon associated with the art is shark-tooth clubs—clubs lined with razor sharp shark teeth.
Lua has traditionally been limited to only full-blooded Hawaiian males.
It wasn’t until the 1950’s that some Masters of the art began accepting students outside of their traditional requisite. One of the pioneers behind this shift is Olohe Solomon Kaihewalu. He began bringing Lua to the Mainland in 1950, but his teaching non-Hawaiian males wasn’t the only controversy. He also had female students into the 1980's, but only one remains.
Michelle Manu and her instructor Olohe Solomon Kaihewalu
Michelle Manu began training in Lua in the 1990's under Olohe. Even though Olohe was changing the face of Lua already, he still had hesitations about training Michelle. This was considered what the Hawaiians call a kapu or a forbidden ban associated with an ancient Hawaiian code of conduct.
At first, Michelle had a difficult time just getting Olohe to speak with her on the phone and allowing her to watch a class, let alone training her.
Michelle explained,
“For the first 8 years he tried to get me to voluntarily quit… Olohe gave me a chance and I endured.”
Michelle explained,
“For the first 8 years he tried to get me to voluntarily quit… Olohe gave me a chance and I endured.”
Michelle’s tenacity paid off.
She is now the only authorized female instructor also known as a Kumu, trained by and as a first generation Kumu of Olohe.
This title didn’t come at no price.
Olohe has received multiple death threats over the years due to Olohe’s progressive teaching that violates the traditional kapus, which were traditionally punishable by death.
The most perplexing part of women being excluded from martial arts especially Lua, is women can be the ones in need martial arts the most.
Michelle commented,
“Being a mixed woman from the Mainland would disqualify me from Lua training but there were times that women had to know the Lua in ancient times.”
Michelle commented,
“Being a mixed woman from the Mainland would disqualify me from Lua training but there were times that women had to know the Lua in ancient times.”
Olohe attributes some of his training to his mother,
“The women were the ones who protected the land, family/children and at times made weapons while the men were gone.”
“The women were the ones who protected the land, family/children and at times made weapons while the men were gone.”
The women’s day to day chores would mimic Lua practice
Almost every woman learned hula dancing when they were young which would demonstrate hand-to-hand combat techniques. Michelle is a Kumu and a professional Hula Dancer.
 | Michelle explains, “I want to take that ‘girl activity’ and transform it into the energy flow and explosions of timed power to show women how very powerful we can be.” |
Lua might have been declared a dead art in 1970, Michelle continues to fight not only for her art, but for herself and other women. “Female Cannibalism” is one of the topics she’s most passionate speaking about and empowering women with the tools to combat this epidemic.
I had the pleasure of sitting and discussing with Michelle, many of the different theories on how this behavior begins or manifests amongst female associates. The theories range from jealousy to a lack of female matriarchs to help guide young females—or it even being female nature.
Michelle’s theory is,
“The woman that feels jealous or threatened by another woman lets her insecurities get the best of her. Whether it is age, beauty, brains, better technique, fluid forms, higher rank or more expensive handbag, something snaps and switches internally. In that instant, she declares war and destruction upon her target of the moment.”
“The woman that feels jealous or threatened by another woman lets her insecurities get the best of her. Whether it is age, beauty, brains, better technique, fluid forms, higher rank or more expensive handbag, something snaps and switches internally. In that instant, she declares war and destruction upon her target of the moment.”
The truth is I believe it’s a mixture of all of them.
Young female practitioners in an unhealthy state of mind that is natural of female nature and missing a matriarch presence to guide them through it. Either way, we as martial artists must remember our training is equal parts physical and mental. When we train, we are reminded that outside of the dojo we cannot choose who our attackers are and how they may attack us and we should prepare for any attack.
Should preparing ourselves for a mental attack be no different?
Should preparing ourselves for a mental attack be no different?
Michelle’s advice on countering female cannibalism is thus,
“I say that life is a martial arts technique. You have a choice in how you respond. Do you just stand there, freeze and get pummeled? Will you choose to get out of the way and perry block. Or, will you move, perry, and counter? In the instances of Female Cannibalism, we have options. Take it, say nothing, and endure the attack; Maneuver gracefully and kick it up a notch while ignoring but aware; or call the insecure woman out on the mat? Each bully and instance is different. Each takes care, feminine finesse, and timing. Each takes being wholly connected to yourself and what your inner woman says is right for you to be and do in each situation. Trust yourself and never apologize for who you are and for working towards being a better you. Be aware though. While being attacked, it is common to want to destroy the bully in return. I've been there and had to put myself in a submission hold. Less noise and collateral damage is always better when dealing with unpleasantness. Be lovingly firm while never tolerating poor behaviors of others.”
We are the ones with the power to choose if this mental attack will or will not affect us.
As Martial Artists, we are taught to confront threats but perhaps our greatest weapon may become empathy. Especially if our attacker is our fellow Martial Arts sisters. In this case, it’s not about countering and attacking but remembering another reason we take Martial Arts....
Self-Awareness
Self-Love
Self-Empowerment
Self-Love
Self-Empowerment
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It has been over a year since I got back on the mat and continued my study of Kenpo Karate.
I was so enthusiastic to be back on the mat as an adult and to have a new and mature perspective of martial arts. As you advance in our system, our self-defense begins to focus on complicated attacks from an attacker with martial arts training. It’s natural and crucial when we discuss these attacks that we discuss the systems they would originate from. For the longest time that was the only exposure I had to other systems and Dojos.
Then one day a group of us students were invited by my instructor to accompany him to Oregon to participate in a seminar. This was the first time I had ever been to another dojo. I loved speaking to the students; discussing techniques, sparring, and our general love of Martial Arts.
It was my inspiration to start Kenpo Girl.
My extended Kenpo family in Toledo, Oregon.
My ultimate goal being to create not only a forum for different Martial Artists to discuss their love for the art but also to expand my education. I have had the honor of meeting Martial Artists in Kung-Fu, Hungar Kung-Fu, American Kenpo, Kempo, Muay Thai, Sumo and even professional mixed martial artists.
Yet I hadn’t had the opportunity to speak with anyone from the Taekwondo system.
I jumped on the opportunity to travel to San Francisco and meet Rick St. Clair a 7th Dan in Taekwondo, owner of St. Clair's Taekwondo and distributor of Don “The Dragon” Wilson's t-shirt line called Traditionz.
Kenpo Girl & Rick St. Clair at St. Clair Taekwondo
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I knew next to nothing about Taekwondo...
Accept, that they are dominantly known for Kicks and competing in the Olympics. I had grown up in Martial Arts somewhat skeptical of Taekwondo.
When Taekwondo or TKD was ever brought up I found myself wondering the following:
- If the study of Taekwondo was limited to a certain age and body type?
- How could it be considered an effective form of self-defense if you only kick?
That could knock anyone out.
One of the reasons I study American Kenpo is because I have always felt anyone can participate and learn Kenpo. We have students that start at age 4 and others at 50. At our dojo students can vary in size from Heavy weights to bean poles. I found myself questioning Taekwondo because of their kicks, especially head kicks, require a large range of flexIbility.
So would being a contortionist or gymnast be a prerequisite?
When I met up with Mr. St. Clair at his dojang (dojang is Korean for dojo) in the Parkside neighborhood of San Francisco. He had brought two of his black belts to do demonstrations for me. As they demonstrated some of their stretching and spinning kicks Mr. St. Clair clarified for me,
“Any kick in any system can work and it doesn't have to be a high kick. However flexibility does help so we do spend quite a bit of time stretching.”
I think it’s safe to say any system should support stretching because Martial Arts is not just about hitting people but also physically and mentally preserving your body. Yet for Taekwondo, when you add in the competitions, stretching becomes a necessity.
The majority of my education on Taekwondo is based off of Taekwondo’s #1 publicity...
The Olympics.
Taekwondo first appeared in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea as a demo but wouldn’t be accepted as an Olympic sport until the 2000, Sydney Olympics. The most recent buzz in the martial arts community was Karate being accepted for the 2020 Tokyo, Japan Olympics. There are currently only 4 martial arts represented in the olympics: Taekwondo, Judo, Wrestling and Greco-Style Wrestling.
With Karate being added into the mix, would the popularity of Taekwondo decrease and would there be a decrease of students drawn to Taekwondo?
Mr. St. Clair said he had been disappointed in the caliber of fights in the Taekwondo section of the Olympics this year in 2016 but was reassuring that,
“I don't feel Karate being introduced to the Olympics would affect the popularity of Taekwondo. In fact, I’m confident Taekwondo will always be in the Olympics and am excited about karate being in it.”
The art will forever more be engraved with Olympic history...
Yet the art was originally formed for self-defense during the 1940s and 50s as a combination of Karate, different Chinese and Korean Martial Arts. Within that period of time, Taekwondo was not only created into a National sport but also adapted for use in the South Korean Military. During the Vietnam war, American veterans became exposed to TKD due to its high almost cultish popularity in South Vietnam. Over the years, TKD has had some adjustments due to the military influence by adding more lethal elements to the art.
Captain Nam Tae Hi, standing at the microphone, directs a taekwondo demonstration in 1958 for members of the National Armed Forces of Korea
Nonetheless,
Mr. St. Clair’s students are not militants but regular teenagers who want to better defend themselves on the streets. He has adapted their training by exposing his students to other systems and styles,
“I make sure my students have a plan B, we do ground fighting as well as weapons training. If they (his students) has to pick up a stick, they know how to use it.”
Mr. St. Clair’s students are not militants but regular teenagers who want to better defend themselves on the streets. He has adapted their training by exposing his students to other systems and styles,
“I make sure my students have a plan B, we do ground fighting as well as weapons training. If they (his students) has to pick up a stick, they know how to use it.”
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Two of Rick St. Clair's students:
Ms. Kaela Lee, 17 years old & 1st Dan
Mr. Daniel Uribe, 16 years old & Black belt.
Mr. St. Clair has his students do some cross training but he is adamant they do not forget the history or culture behind TKD. He requires his students to not only know the history of TKD but the language. All students must learn cues and basic parts of the Korean language as well as the history of their art to earn their black belt. In Martial Arts, there will always be knowledge passed down from generation to generation, regardless of their system or rank.
The South Korean flag has become vastly associated with TKD.
This is the one thing that McDojos are unable to duplicate...
McDojo’s are known fake dojos that attempt to mimic real Dojo’s in various systems to exploit students for money. McDojo’s base their knowledge and education off of YouTube videos and popular choreographed martial arts films and there is no understanding or background knowledge to the history of the system/style or the theory of the physical or mental application of the art.
We have to remember that although we might achieve black belt, the lessons will never end...
That’s the beauty of Martial Arts and the journey we have chosen to travel. This is also something to take into consideration when searching for a proper Dojang or Dojo. Anytime a Martial Artist tries to tell you that time and tradition isn’t an element in earning a black belt...
You should tuck tail and run.
You should tuck tail and run.
I would really like to thank Mr. Rick St. Clair for inviting me to his Dojang and enlightening me on the Taekwondo system.
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When I was younger and first started training, self-defense techniques and katas were strongly encouraged but not sparring.
It wasn’t until I was an adult that I started sparring and fell in love with it. Yet, the first couple of months were kind of rough as I started to apply everything I had learned and practiced into a full contact scenario.
Kenpo Girl sparring for her 3rd Brown belt.
For the longest time, when people saw my bruises from sparring, their expressions would go from concerned to shocked and slightly taken aback. They would ask,
“You let men hit you?”
“Only after I hit them first,” I would try to laugh it off but the humor was totally lost to them and I began to realize that not only sparring—but women sparring—was considered so taboo.
“You let men hit you?”
“Only after I hit them first,” I would try to laugh it off but the humor was totally lost to them and I began to realize that not only sparring—but women sparring—was considered so taboo.
I keep telling people, but no one seems to believe me.
Little do they realize that sparring is equally crucial in Martial Arts as practicing katas and techniques.
When I attended a large tournament this summer, I was super excited to meet other martial artists who were equally as passionate about sparring as I am. One of these competitors is fellow Kenpo sister, Heather Flessing.
Heather Flessing, 2nd Degree Black belt in Kenpo and 1st Place winner for
Women's Black Belt Sparring.
Heather is a 2nd degree black belt in American Kenpo and has been training for 7 years. When she first started Kenpo, she started sparring right away and explained,
“I began sparring about 2 months after I started Kenpo. Sparring looked exciting, and I wanted to have a practical application for some of the techniques I was learning in Kenpo.”
“I began sparring about 2 months after I started Kenpo. Sparring looked exciting, and I wanted to have a practical application for some of the techniques I was learning in Kenpo.”
That was the same reason I decided to start sparring as an adult. I had been hesitant at first because I had a lower back injury and was worried after years of rehab that I would injure it again. When I brought my concerns up with my Sifu he urged that our sparring night wasn’t a full out fight night like you would see in the movies, but that each student practiced control with one another.
We fix what we break,
Mr. H helping Ms. A after accidentally hitting her in the nose.
My Sifu also reminded me,
“Learning karate isn’t just about learning to punch and kick someone, it is learning to take a punch or a kick because in a real fight—they’re going to punch and kick you.”
Heather believes sparring is important because it allows you to get your adrenaline going and see how to respond in a “real” attack situation. It goes back to the reason Martial Arts was developed—self-defense. We have to look realistically in a fight our attackers are not going to just stand there and allow us to break their bones.
“Learning karate isn’t just about learning to punch and kick someone, it is learning to take a punch or a kick because in a real fight—they’re going to punch and kick you.”
Heather believes sparring is important because it allows you to get your adrenaline going and see how to respond in a “real” attack situation. It goes back to the reason Martial Arts was developed—self-defense. We have to look realistically in a fight our attackers are not going to just stand there and allow us to break their bones.
If only it were that simple.
She also explained why it is so vital for women in particular to spar,
“I definitely think it’s important for women to learn to spar because when you spar, you learn how to take a hit. Generally, women do not play sports where they make contact with others in a way that might knock the wind out of them or cause them pain. If they do not know how it feels or how to react when someone punches them in the stomach or face, they won’t be as capable of defending themselves in a real-life situation.”
Though the probability of a woman being attacked might seem unlikely… According to the Criminal Victimization Report but the Bureau of Justice Statistics,
The rate of serious violent victimization for females increased from 19.1 per 1,000 persons in 2014 to 21.1 per 1,000 persons in 2015.
For more scary statistics please visit the Bureau of Justice Statistics website.
It was common when I first started sparring for people to see my fore arms bruised up and automatically assume my boyfriend was beating me. When I told them I was a Martial Artist and it was from sparring, they concluded I must enjoy fighting and be a violent and hard woman.
For a while I became self-conscious of this. I dreaded wearing short sleeved shirts and shorts, exposing my discolored forearms and shins.
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Kenpo Girl all bruised up.
Some people were appalled that men at my Dojo were hitting me. Yet for anyone that has been to my dojo they would know the males do not enjoy hitting women and are very respectful towards their female peers.
I was told once,
“They should hit you—if anything they should hit you harder because a rapist isn’t going to worry about how hard he’s hit you when he’s assaulting you.”
I finally began to accept my bruises as badges of honor and began to openly discuss them, calling them my “Kenpo kisses.”
Heather’s advice for anyone thinking of learning to spar is,
“Though sparring might seem scary, it is an important part of self-defense. If your reason for learning martial arts is to be prepared in a self-defense situation, sparring is essential.”
“They should hit you—if anything they should hit you harder because a rapist isn’t going to worry about how hard he’s hit you when he’s assaulting you.”
I finally began to accept my bruises as badges of honor and began to openly discuss them, calling them my “Kenpo kisses.”
Heather’s advice for anyone thinking of learning to spar is,
“Though sparring might seem scary, it is an important part of self-defense. If your reason for learning martial arts is to be prepared in a self-defense situation, sparring is essential.”
Heather Flessing competing at the Long Beach International Martial Con 2016
There are many people that enjoy sparring so much they compete at tournaments but we have to remember whether we want to compete or train for survival, sparring is crucial to our Martial Arts Development.
Regardless of system, there is always a portion we favor. Yet we have to remember that each portion or aspect of our system is there to build on each other. The sparring cannot be without the basics and the basics are just pretty movements until applied. Anyone can be taught the movements in the air, but learning how to apply it is what distinguishes Martial Artists from Dancers.
Regardless of system, there is always a portion we favor. Yet we have to remember that each portion or aspect of our system is there to build on each other. The sparring cannot be without the basics and the basics are just pretty movements until applied. Anyone can be taught the movements in the air, but learning how to apply it is what distinguishes Martial Artists from Dancers.
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I grew up in a highly competitive family.
My mother, Heather Greenwood, competed in the very first World Games and the Second World Games and not only won gold in her events in swimming but also beat a Worlds Record. If that isn’t enough I also have family members that have competed at the Olympics and professionally internationally.
 Old picture of my mom, the 1975 Gold metalists tested positive for steroids bumping her up to the Gold Metalist. |  Old news clipping of my mom. |
Unfortunately, the genetic competitive drive in my family is almost impossible to shut off. Simple family events where always laced with an antagonistic contest of who can be the best at literally anything. Simple tasks such as eating dinner would quickly become a contest of who can eat the most. Simple discussions become arguments because no one can afford to be wrong and lose.
Family game night was banned with the fear that a simple card game could easily become a reenactment of an old western saloon bar brawl.
Family game night was banned with the fear that a simple card game could easily become a reenactment of an old western saloon bar brawl.
The short answer I give people when they ask if I compete in tournaments…
The competitiveness of my family destroyed me on competing.
The competitiveness of my family destroyed me on competing.
When I went to watch my first tournament, The Long Beach International Martial Con, my intentions were to photograph the event and socialize with the participants and at absolutely no point compete.
The Dojo I train at primarily focuses on self-defense and Eskrima rather than point sparring and tournament katas. I was excited to attend due to the significance behind it. The Long Beach International Martial Con was originally the Long Beach International Karate Championships and was founded by Grand Master Ed Parker Sr.
For Martial Artists living under a rock, Ed Parker was the founder of the American Kenpo System. He created the Long Beach Internationals in 1964. Many famous Martial Artists such as Chuck Norris, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez and “Superfoot” Bill Wallace have established their reputations as world class fighters at the Long Beach Internationals.
It became an annual event and in 1967 Bruce Lee was introduced for the first time to the Martial Arts community and demonstrated his one-inch punch and two finger push-ups
Bruce Lee demonstration at Long Beach Internationals.
It has been many years since the birth of the Long Beach Internationals and is now known as the Long Beach International Martial Con and run by Steve Cooper. Yet I still expected to see finely tuned techniques, katas and good sparring. The first day was black belts, and when I looked at the schedule and saw 12 and under black belts, I will admit I was skeptical.
In my Lineage we have an age requirement of 16 to be a black belt. I’ve always agreed with this because I have always felt being a black belt is more than just skill. There’s a maturity and intellectual aspect I have always associated with being a black belt.
Maturity and Intellectual are not the first adjectives that come to my mind when talking about 12 year olds…
Yet these young girls wanted to speak with me to give advice and encourage other Martial Artists.
I spoke first to Trinity Harnden, 11 years old and black belt, who had started training when she was 5 years old. She started first competing when she was 6 years old. She had won 3rd in the Self-Defense Techniques that day. Her advice to student’s thinking of competing was,
“They need to follow their heart. Breathe in and out (during competition) and you’ll be fine.”
I spoke first to Trinity Harnden, 11 years old and black belt, who had started training when she was 5 years old. She started first competing when she was 6 years old. She had won 3rd in the Self-Defense Techniques that day. Her advice to student’s thinking of competing was,
“They need to follow their heart. Breathe in and out (during competition) and you’ll be fine.”
Trinity Harnden executing her self defense technique.
Pretty mature and intellectual for an 11 year old.
Another 11 year old Black Belt I spoke with was Briannah McGee. She won 1st in Weapons in the 12 and under age group. She started training with the Bo Staff around age 5 or 6 and has been competing from a young age,
“You need to just pretend its practice and breathe.”
Winners of the American Kenpo Self Defense 12 & Under Black belt.
(left) Second Place Mikaela Mata Morose, (center) First Place Briannah McGee, (right) Third Place Trinity Harnden.
This might sound like primitive advice for a seasoned martial artist, but for some students they should consider taking a leaf from these young girl’s books.
I watched many competitors shine in their victory I also saw many drowning in their loss. It was in the moment of water bottles flying and fists colliding with tables and doors, that I realized competitors were forgetting the true benefits and unconscious purpose of tournaments.
Tournaments aren’t just about winning trophies or plaques. Everyone has trophies, especially from tournaments that have been around as long as the Long Beach Internationals. My friend Skye Byerly a 15 year old Black belt in Shotokan and Taekwondo was competing at the Long Beach Internationals for the first time and said,
“It’s my first time here (Long Beach Internationals) but I’m making friends from all over and networking.”
I watched many competitors shine in their victory I also saw many drowning in their loss. It was in the moment of water bottles flying and fists colliding with tables and doors, that I realized competitors were forgetting the true benefits and unconscious purpose of tournaments.
Tournaments aren’t just about winning trophies or plaques. Everyone has trophies, especially from tournaments that have been around as long as the Long Beach Internationals. My friend Skye Byerly a 15 year old Black belt in Shotokan and Taekwondo was competing at the Long Beach Internationals for the first time and said,
“It’s my first time here (Long Beach Internationals) but I’m making friends from all over and networking.”
Skye Byerly competing with her Bo Staffs
It’s about the experience.
It’s having the opportunity to spar someone you’ve never sparred before. It’s the opportunity of watching a Bo Staff twirl you never would have thought of. It’s the experience of meeting new people to share these experiences and your growth with.
I had the privilege of not just meeting these young black belts but getting to meet Bob White, 9th Degree Black belt, historical Tournament Champion and Hall of Famer.
I had the privilege of not just meeting these young black belts but getting to meet Bob White, 9th Degree Black belt, historical Tournament Champion and Hall of Famer.
Kenpo Girl with Bob & Barbara White
Everyone student who shows up and gets on the mat at these tournaments is already winners.
Everyone who shows up and gets on the mat at these tournaments is already winners. There are so many amazing fighters and movers that struggle finding the self-confidence to compete. Finding your confidence and self-reassurance is part of the battle not just for competing but in daily life. Some of the advice Skye gave as a competitor was,
“Don’t be afraid of people who have been competing for a while.”
“Don’t be afraid of people who have been competing for a while.”
We have to remember our ultimate goal is to be better than we were the day before.
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The Summer Olympics happens every 4 years...
For some sports it is considered the pinnacle of competitions and an honor to represent not only their sport but their country. Many of the Martial Arts systems are not represented in the Olympics however Martial Artists still look forward to watching the wrestling, judo and Taekwondo.
While tuning in and watching these systems might not seem like such a big deal; not only does it show support for the athletes but it’s supporting Martial Arts being in the Olympics. Most spectators recognize the challenge to qualify as an athlete to compete in the Olympics but what spectators don’t realize is how challenging it is as not only to qualify a sport but to keep it recognized.
Wrestling is one of the oldest sports in the Olympics.
Yes... That old.
It was introduced in the Ancient games in 708 BC. Yet in the 1900 Summer Olympics, wrestling was not recognized. It wouldn’t be until the next summer Olympics that the Freestyle Wrestling would be reintroduced and have weight classes established. The sport was becoming further established when in 2004 women’s wrestling would be introduced.
Yet things took a turn for the worst.
The 2013 IOC or International Olympic Committee voted to remove wrestling starting with the 2020 Olympics.
How could that be?
It all comes down to money. The IOC had been under pressure to reduce events and athletes in each Summer Olympics do to the cost to host such events. The IOC started a program pertaining to “core sports”. “Core Sports” would be protected and continue in the Olympics, but the “non-core sports” would slowly be phased out.
Even after the program was implicated it still didn’t help, so after the London Olympics they re-evaluated the “core sports” again, reviewing studies and results of the London Olympics.
In 2013 the IOC Executive Board recommended wrestling be dropped.
The United World Wrestling immediately responded,
“We were greatly astonished by today’s recommendation of the IOC Executive Board not to maintain wrestling among the 25 core sports for the 2020 Olympic Games. We will take all necessary measures to convince the IOC Executive Board and IOC members of the aberration of such decision against one of the founding sports of the ancient and modern Olympic Games.”
“We were greatly astonished by today’s recommendation of the IOC Executive Board not to maintain wrestling among the 25 core sports for the 2020 Olympic Games. We will take all necessary measures to convince the IOC Executive Board and IOC members of the aberration of such decision against one of the founding sports of the ancient and modern Olympic Games.”
Athletes would still be able to compete in the World Games but the United States wrestlers feared losing the chance of ever competing for Gold again. Wrestling and 7 other sports including Karate were reviewed as “non-core” sports, but wrestling was one of the very few that came out triumphant.
Nenad Lalovic, President of the UWW stated,
"Normally this is done in a few years, we did it in a few months. It was a question of our survival. We did all we could, we changed our sport and the federation was successful. We continue to work tomorrow.”
Some of the sports literally had to fight to be recognized.
Taekwondo started striving for the Olympics in 1974. In 1975 it was accepted for the World Games which is an international competition that recognizes non-Olympic sports. In the 1988 Korean Olympics and the 1992 Barcelona Spain Olympics it was a demonstration sport. At this time Taekwondo was already recognized by the World Cup, The Asian Games, All-Africa Games, and the Pan American Games but the Olympics wouldn’t accept it until the 2000 Sydney Australia Olympics.
One of the requirements to become an Olympic Sport is
To have a recognized international committee that oversees the sport, thus ensuring all athletes are competing under the same rules and regulations.
Tragically over the years it has been almost impossible to unite the organizations.
In 1970 the World Union of Karate-do Organizations was created, but it wouldn’t be until 1985 that the OIC would recognize the organization as the official board of karate.
At this point of time the World Union of Karate-do Organization or WUKO, attempted to unify with the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) to form the World Karate Federation, in hopes to finally become an Olympic Sport. The union was unsuccessful, causing the IOC to suspend its recognition of WUKO. When the union was unsuccessful the WUKO created the World Karate Federation or WKF.
At this point of time the World Union of Karate-do Organization or WUKO, attempted to unify with the International Traditional Karate Federation (ITKF) to form the World Karate Federation, in hopes to finally become an Olympic Sport. The union was unsuccessful, causing the IOC to suspend its recognition of WUKO. When the union was unsuccessful the WUKO created the World Karate Federation or WKF.
It was finally in 2016, in Rio de Janeiro that the IOC announced that Karate would be a recognized and participating sport in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan
The politics and drama associated with organized sports can be trying at times.
Karate has had multiple organizations dating all the way back to 1961, yet because of our inability to unify and work together hundreds if not thousands of Karate enthusiasts have had to wait 59 years before being able to compete in the Olympics.
As a Kenpoist, I tend to view my system more as a self-defense system rather than a sporting system like Judo. Nonetheless, I always find myself watching the Judo, the Taekwondo and the Wrestling because these athletes are not just representing their sport and country…
They are representing our community.
Let's not forget a community is defined as a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
It’s another 4 years before the next Olympic Games and the Karate Community is already buzzing about the Tokyo Games and we should be happy for them because it has taken so many years and so much dedication to reach this point.
It’s another 4 years before the next Olympic Games and the Karate Community is already buzzing about the Tokyo Games and we should be happy for them because it has taken so many years and so much dedication to reach this point.
But let’s not forget, it’s not guaranteed that the Martial Arts will continue in the Olympics…
Especially if we don't support them.
If you ask any martial artists why they study there are typically 2 answers; self-defense and to improve their quality of life.
Quality of life is defined as a standard of health, comfort, and happiness experienced by an individual or group. Generally this quality of life is obtained by maintaining health. Many believe the enhancement of strength and physique often provided by Martial Arts is limited to only youths…
But what about the other generations that study Martial Arts?
Are these benefits available to elderly or disabled students?
People in their 40’s to 70’s are essentially untouched by the Martial Arts Community, yet senior citizens are the most vulnerable age group for violent crimes. There is a stigma of weakness associated with the elderly or disabled but it’s considered worse when one of them requires a cane or ambulatory device.
It couldn’t be further from the truth.
Canes have not only been used as ambulatory devices for centuries but also as weapons. Bartitsu is a martial art and self-defense system that originated from England in 1898 to 1902 whose approach was to use canes and walking sticks as weapons. Yet Bartitsu was “Asian-influenced” meaning the Japanese, Chinese and various Oriental origins had worked with canes and walking sticks.
A fun fact: Sherlock Holmes knew Bartitsu.
There are now many different systems were the curriculum is specifically set up to assist students with physical disabilities and require either a cane or walking stick. Cane Masters is not only one of the world’s finest purveyor of custom made walking and combat canes but also instructional media pertaining to self-defense, exercise and rehabilitation while using a cane.
Robert Pilkington started Cane Masters in 2015 with knee and back problems.
Robert Pilkington: 2nd Dan in Kenpo, Shotokan and Taekwondo.
Developer of Cane Po.
He explained,
“After 9 months of training in the Cane Masters system, I went to my primary care physician for my annual check-up and he barely recognized me. I was standing up straight, not limping, was able to get up and down, had lost weight and my overall health had improved tremendously. “
“After 9 months of training in the Cane Masters system, I went to my primary care physician for my annual check-up and he barely recognized me. I was standing up straight, not limping, was able to get up and down, had lost weight and my overall health had improved tremendously. “
With Cane Masters you can find information on various Cane Systems such as Cane Fu, Cane Chi, Silver Dragons and the American Cane System Belt Ranking System. Cane Masters has been active since the late 1980’s.
Their most recent non-profit program is changing lives.
The Cane Seminar for Disabled Veterans is a seminar structured to assist those who have lost limbs for our country. Many of the attendees have prosthetic limbs, are in wheel chairs or are suffering from PTSD.
Robert is also a Veteran,
“I also suffer from extreme PTSD, and when I train, it gets my mind off all my issues, and for a few hours I have some peace in my head.”
“I also suffer from extreme PTSD, and when I train, it gets my mind off all my issues, and for a few hours I have some peace in my head.”
Many Veterans are used to working out on a regular basis.
Their lives depend on maintaining a healthy physique in battle, but when they are injured and return home the focus shifts from preventing injury to coping with injury. After seeing so many Veterans with disabled physically and mentally, Cane Master’s created the seminar in hopes they would help then by obtaining improving quality of life through exercise and boosting confidence with self-defense.
So far the Seminar has been a huge success and hundreds of Veterans have completed the course.
Bill believes the positive effects of the program are due to changing the frame of mind,
“If Veterans accept the challenges presented in the Cane Masters System, it will help them physically and mentally. It gives the veteran something to think about and study rather than the day to day misery that most of us suffer through, both physically and mentally.”
Bill believes the positive effects of the program are due to changing the frame of mind,
“If Veterans accept the challenges presented in the Cane Masters System, it will help them physically and mentally. It gives the veteran something to think about and study rather than the day to day misery that most of us suffer through, both physically and mentally.”
The program is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) through Homeland Heroes.
Homeland Heroes has been effective since December 2006. Every position is non-paid and strictly a time donation position. All monies and time goes directly to Veterans.
The program is perfect for Veterans and the ability for one to carry canes or walking sticks in public is protected under the American’s With Disabilities Act or ADA.
The program is perfect for Veterans and the ability for one to carry canes or walking sticks in public is protected under the American’s With Disabilities Act or ADA.
...“Covered entities must allow people with disabilities who use manual or power wheelchairs or scooters, and manually-powered mobility aids such as walkers, crutches, and canes, into all areas where members of the public are allowed to go...”
It doesn’t get any clearer than that.
The ADA allows disabled persons to carry canes and other ambulatory devices in public places such as restaurants, hospitals or even airports.
The ADA allows disabled persons to carry canes and other ambulatory devices in public places such as restaurants, hospitals or even airports.
This program isn’t just assisting Veterans and the elderly...
Its tearing down a fallacy those Martial Arts is only for young athletic youths… It’s for everyone. Martial Arts were created to equalize and empower weaker opponents who had a greater chance at becoming a victim.
Programs like this are helping break down barriers.
Not just for their students but for those watching and curious. Programs like this, that the Martial Arts Community should be supporting, because they are executing the exact goal of Martial Arts.
SELF-EMPOWERMENT
No matter your age, physique, or mental capability… You’re quality of life will improve with self-empowerment.
As stated, the Cane Seminar for Disabled Veterans and Homeland Heroes are non-profit organizations that rely on donations. The donations given to the Cane Seminar for Disabled Veterans are what provide the combat canes for the Veterans participating. If you are interested in donating to the cause or are interested in Cane Masters a link is provided below.
No matter your age, physique, or mental capability… You’re quality of life will improve with self-empowerment.
As stated, the Cane Seminar for Disabled Veterans and Homeland Heroes are non-profit organizations that rely on donations. The donations given to the Cane Seminar for Disabled Veterans are what provide the combat canes for the Veterans participating. If you are interested in donating to the cause or are interested in Cane Masters a link is provided below.
There are many misconceptions and stereotyping in the Martial Arts community.
I recently went out to get groceries and was wearing one of my Dojo’s karate t-shirts. A man commented about my shirt and asked where I got it? I said it was my Dojo’s t-shirt. He was perplexed that it was my shirt AND that I do karate. When I asked why it was so hard to believe he said, in his exact words…
“Well… you—um— don’t look like you work out often.”
I’m not going to lie, I got my feelings hurt.
I’ve run into many misconceptions concerning Martial Arts but none are as prevalent as the stereotyping of body image. The two largest forms of exposure for Martial Arts is movies and Mixed Martial Arts such as UFC. It’s natural that the general public would automatically assume all female practitioners would look like Ronda Rousey.
I’ve run into many misconceptions concerning Martial Arts but none are as prevalent as the stereotyping of body image. The two largest forms of exposure for Martial Arts is movies and Mixed Martial Arts such as UFC. It’s natural that the general public would automatically assume all female practitioners would look like Ronda Rousey.
Ronda Rousey former Olympian and UFC Champion...
Kenpo Girl: mother and karate instructor that likes cake.... and ice cream.
The truth is stereotyping can be found in every system.
Kenpoists are stereotyped as large middle aged men who love Elvis and Kung Fu practitioners are viewed as tiny Oriental people that wear pajamas. The only way to break stereotyping is educating yourself and not judging a book by its cover.
When I attended the 2016 Dragonfest in California I was introduced to the US Sumo Federation which demolished all misconceptions and stereotyping I had of Sumo. I had the honor of meeting Trustee Bill Gossett and Treasurer Americus Abesamis whom is also an actor and amateur Sumo competitor.
I learned the United States sent a team to the 1st World Championships in 1992 and created the US Sumo Federation, a non-profit organization serving as the governing body for amateur Sumo in the United States.
I was completely shocked to find out that Sumo was so popular in the United States that it would warrant an Organization such as the USSF. The USSF might be considered a small organization compared to other Martial Arts but they currently have over 600 members which includes approximately 100 active adult athletes and with about 100 active youth in competitions. There are numerous active sumo clubs in 15 states. They even have active students or Rikishi in states that do not have an established club yet.
I had a hard time wrapping my head around those numbers.
Whenever I thought about Sumo with my naïve mind; I pictured huge, obese, scantily clad Japanese men wrestling each other. I was blinded by one of the oldest stereotype of Sumo…
I was completely shocked to find out that Sumo was so popular in the United States that it would warrant an Organization such as the USSF. The USSF might be considered a small organization compared to other Martial Arts but they currently have over 600 members which includes approximately 100 active adult athletes and with about 100 active youth in competitions. There are numerous active sumo clubs in 15 states. They even have active students or Rikishi in states that do not have an established club yet.
I had a hard time wrapping my head around those numbers.
Whenever I thought about Sumo with my naïve mind; I pictured huge, obese, scantily clad Japanese men wrestling each other. I was blinded by one of the oldest stereotype of Sumo…
Size
The image I had in my mind had been painted by the Professional Sumo in Japan. In professional Sumo there are no weight divisions. Hence the theory—the bigger you are the better you will do. The amateur Sumo has different weight divisions for the Rikishi.
Tom Zabel, President of the USSF further explained,
“During our competitions and demonstrations we show people that our athletes come from a variety of ethnic, cultural, and sporting backgrounds. Many athletes come to the sport with a background in judo, freestyle wrestling, other grappling sports, bodybuilding, football, and mixed martial arts.
Sumo is a contact sport and can be very rough. That roughness keeps some people away and attracts others. An average match lasts just a matter of seconds. It’s amazingly explosive –that’s the reason people love to watch it. The burst of energy and adrenaline makes sumo as physically and mentally intense as any sport can be.”
“During our competitions and demonstrations we show people that our athletes come from a variety of ethnic, cultural, and sporting backgrounds. Many athletes come to the sport with a background in judo, freestyle wrestling, other grappling sports, bodybuilding, football, and mixed martial arts.
Sumo is a contact sport and can be very rough. That roughness keeps some people away and attracts others. An average match lasts just a matter of seconds. It’s amazingly explosive –that’s the reason people love to watch it. The burst of energy and adrenaline makes sumo as physically and mentally intense as any sport can be.”
Definitely not a sport or Martial Art for a lazy person. The USSF is trying to break all stereotypes of Sumo, especially to achieve their ultimate goal…
GOLD
Yes the ultimate goal of the International Sumo Federation (IFS) is to make Sumo an Olympic sport. The IFS has had to make some adjustments, which are changing the face of Sumo.
Any new sport admitted into the Olympics has to be open to both male and female. Thus, women are now invited to compete. The first female World Sumo Championships were in 2001. The USSF sent a full ladies team to the 2015 World Championships for the first time.
Any new sport admitted into the Olympics has to be open to both male and female. Thus, women are now invited to compete. The first female World Sumo Championships were in 2001. The USSF sent a full ladies team to the 2015 World Championships for the first time.
Mr. Zabel says,
“The biggest obstacle is the stereotype that sumo is for men and especially for the “big” men. It is slowly becoming more popular with the ladies, mainly due to the fact that they see that there are weight divisions and that there are some very athletic women that do sumo. It’s not just for “big” people.”
“The biggest obstacle is the stereotype that sumo is for men and especially for the “big” men. It is slowly becoming more popular with the ladies, mainly due to the fact that they see that there are weight divisions and that there are some very athletic women that do sumo. It’s not just for “big” people.”
These are the battles of stereotypes the USSF and the IFS has had to battle.
The reason they are winning is because they have found the best way to reach out to people is through education. The USSF does demonstrations to help educate the public of their sport and culture.
To some it will always be some that will want to judge a book by its cover.
It’s easier in their mind set to draw up conclusions rather than to take time to educate themselves. You can’t fix stupid and it will drive you nuts trying too.
I study karate to level the playing field in the event I must defend myself and my son. Remember, it takes 25 pounds of pressure to break a smaller bone, it takes even less to break the nose, to pop out an eye ball or to simply crush the groin. I don’t plan on over powering an attacker. I plan on breaking them.
I study karate to level the playing field in the event I must defend myself and my son. Remember, it takes 25 pounds of pressure to break a smaller bone, it takes even less to break the nose, to pop out an eye ball or to simply crush the groin. I don’t plan on over powering an attacker. I plan on breaking them.
My Sifu always says, “Karate was made for women. It’s an equalizer.”
Don’t let anyone discourage you because you aren’t what they expected. Do what is best for you. Hold your head up with pride because you are one of the few making the attempt to better yourself.
I'm Jesalyn.
I’m a single mother.
I’m an artist and writer.
I fall into the Bantamweight division and like to eat cake.
I am one of the many faces of Martial Arts…
I’m a single mother.
I’m an artist and writer.
I fall into the Bantamweight division and like to eat cake.
I am one of the many faces of Martial Arts…
And proud of it.
When I started Kenpo Girl I had no idea the level of popularity it would have. My goal was to start and open discussion between all systems of Martial Arts about the passion we have for Martial Arts. I wanted an open dialog going on in the Martial Arts Community.
I discussed this recently with my good friend Debbie Goodman on her TV show, Martial Arts Mania.
Debbie Goodman (Left) Kenpo Girl (Right)
Debbie Goodman goes way back with Martial Arts. She was one of the many children inspired by the TV show “Kung Fu.” It wouldn’t be until her late 20’s that she decided to start taking lessons...
“I started with Shotokan Karate but it just didn’t do it for me. I tried a blended style which taught self-defense moves but there was no philosophy… I finally found John Cho’s Kung Fu school and felt it was a good fit for me."
“I started with Shotokan Karate but it just didn’t do it for me. I tried a blended style which taught self-defense moves but there was no philosophy… I finally found John Cho’s Kung Fu school and felt it was a good fit for me."
Debbie got the idea for Martial Arts Mania in 1992 from a TV show out of San Francisco called, |  |
The goal of the show was to invite Central California martial artists to come on the show and demonstrate their styles and talk about their schools.
In 2013, Debbie was nominated for a "Martial Arts Hall of Fame" award in Newport Beach. On this trip she attended a book signing at the Martial Arts History Museum in Burbank, CA and filmed the event and interviewed some of the martial arts celebrities that attended.
Soon Martial Arts Mania was the talk of Los Angeles but suddenly the show was facing an uncertain future. Martial Arts Mania’s co-producer, Eric Catlapp, in May 2013 was tragically killed.
In 2013, Debbie was nominated for a "Martial Arts Hall of Fame" award in Newport Beach. On this trip she attended a book signing at the Martial Arts History Museum in Burbank, CA and filmed the event and interviewed some of the martial arts celebrities that attended.
Soon Martial Arts Mania was the talk of Los Angeles but suddenly the show was facing an uncertain future. Martial Arts Mania’s co-producer, Eric Catlapp, in May 2013 was tragically killed.
“The show came to a screeching halt at that point and I wasn’t sure it would continue,” Debbie explained.
The show would go on. Bestina Mounenalath signed on as co-producer and help Debbie pick up the pieces, just in time to get a call from James Wilson. James Wilson is a film producer and wanted Debbie to interview his stars from his upcoming move, “The Martial Arts Kid.”
Debbie saw an opportunity and took it,
“I told him I'd been dying to get an interview with James Lew, and if he could get me an interview with James Lew, I'd come down when he was available, and whichever one of the stars was available on that day, I'd interview them. It turned into a dinner party at James Lew's house, and Don Wilson was the one that was available.”
Debbie been watching these two icons since the '80's. They graced the covers of many Martial Arts magazines at that time. James Lew has been in the film business since the early '70's, starting with the TV series "Kung Fu". Don “The Dragon” Wilson is not just an actor but a 10x World Champion Kickboxer. These two interviews would boost Martial Arts Mania’s popularity and would become Debbie’s most memorable interviews.
Don Wilson (Far Left) Debbie Goodman (Left Center)
James Lew (Right Center) James Wilson (Far Right)
Debbie says fans of Martial Arts Mania can look forward not just to more celebrities, but also more "home grown" Valley people such as "Kenpo Girl". Debbie plans on showing more "demonstration" type shows. She hopes one day her show might just be aired not just on a local channel but possibly a corperate one. Martial Arts Mania is currently featured on CMAC but can be viewed online.
Below is the links to CMAC and Martial Arts Mania.
You can also view "Kenpo Girls" interview on Martial Arts Mania below.
Below is the links to CMAC and Martial Arts Mania.
You can also view "Kenpo Girls" interview on Martial Arts Mania below.
For the last few months I have had the privilege of meeting many different students that study Kung Fu.
In all of my encounters I had discussed our similar passion and excitement for Martial Arts and how it had been affecting our lives for the better but I have to confess I knew next to nothing about Kung Fu. I had read various articles on Kung Fu that had me at times scratching my head. I couldn’t separate fact from fiction.
At a Martial Arts History Museum fundraiser I had the opportunity to meet not a student but a Founder of a style of Kung Fu, Douglas Wong. After lightly discussing his martial arts resume with me, I concluded this man definitely knew Kung Fu. But it wouldn’t be until a few weeks later that I sat down with his wife Carrie Ogawa-Wong at Dragonfest and got my Kung Fu facts straight.
Carrie Wong (left) Kenpo Girl (Center) Douglas Wong (right)
Sifu Carrie Ogawa-Wong was just the informative woman to set me straight. She is not just a wife, mother and martial artist but is also a 2005 inductee of the Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame, an author and a martial arts competitor. In 1980 she was competing nationally and was ranked number 2 female competitor in hand and weapon katas by the Star Rating System. She made a return from retirement in 1991 at the Tat Mau Wong’s International Kung-Fu Championship in San Francisco.
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She has studied...
- Aikido under Kensho Furuya
- White Tiger under Master Doo Wai
- Taiji under Master Wen-Mei Yu
- Five Animal Sil Lum Kung Fu and Yau Kung Mon under Master Wilson Quan
- Five Animal Sil Lum Kung Fu and Matrix under Master Tom Chan
- Matrix under Master Al Garza
- Kamishin Ryu (karate)
Sifu Carrie teaches Children's Kung Fu, Adult Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan, and private classes.
Some of her students include Kevin Sorbo “Hercules, the Legendary Journey”,
Lucy Lawless “Xena: Warrior Princess”
and Ryan Gosling “Young Hercules”
Some of her students include Kevin Sorbo “Hercules, the Legendary Journey”,
Lucy Lawless “Xena: Warrior Princess”
and Ryan Gosling “Young Hercules”
Carrie training with Lucy Lawless
When I sat down to talk to Carrie, I told her I had been so confused on all the different styles of Kung Fu. Carrie laughed,
“The easiest way I explain it is with cars. Kung Fu is a car and each style is a model. The styles are all different but in the end they are all Kung Fu.”
Yes apparently all cats know Kung Fu.
I confessed to her I didn’t know much about Kung Fu and what I probably did know was misconceptions. I was familiar with the fact that Kung Fu is not a belt system. I asked if societies fascination with belt systems had affected them?
Carrie explained, “When we weren’t doing regular testing none of the students ever asked about it but if you are an instructor that focuses on it then that’s what they (students) will focus on. The American society has a need for promotion, a need to show their progress.
Carrie explained, “When we weren’t doing regular testing none of the students ever asked about it but if you are an instructor that focuses on it then that’s what they (students) will focus on. The American society has a need for promotion, a need to show their progress.
“We had our curriculum situated were we were able to incorporate sashes very easily. I’ve found it helps the kids but... I tell my students I can take away a sash but not what you learn. What you learn becomes you and it can’t be taken away.”
There are so many different systems in Martial Arts, I asked what Kung Fu provided her that no other system did?...
She clarified, “With our style we try to stress the spiritual and physical training. I took karate first and when I took karate no one talked about breathing or inner energy. No one trained your chi.”
This was something I had read about, that Kung Fu focused on a spiritual energy. The definition of chi in Chinese refers to “air” or “breathing”. These are two different things but both are essential for a martial artists to establish an “energy,” which we transfer into power.
This was something I had read about, that Kung Fu focused on a spiritual energy. The definition of chi in Chinese refers to “air” or “breathing”. These are two different things but both are essential for a martial artists to establish an “energy,” which we transfer into power.
I frowned, the image of Kung Fu and power in my mind were conflicting ideas....
Carrie was quick to disprove this misconception, “I try to convey that the softness associated with Kung Fu is a misconception. I was the only female in the fighting class of 20 men. We had other students from other Kung Fu schools wanting to fight, so they would come and fight with us—full contact.”
After further discussing the topic, I was reminded that 10x World Champion Kick Boxer, Don Wilson got his start in Kung Fu. Doug has trained previous champions such as William Henderson and Alonzo “Lumpy” Young.
After further discussing the topic, I was reminded that 10x World Champion Kick Boxer, Don Wilson got his start in Kung Fu. Doug has trained previous champions such as William Henderson and Alonzo “Lumpy” Young.
We could go on and on about the misconceptions of Kung Fu.
Perhaps some of it comes from the publicity Kung Fu receives from Martial Arts Films. Perhaps some just want to judge a book by its cover? Either way Kung Fu is not the only system or style riddled with misconceptions and delusions.
It leaves us in a quandary on what to do and what to say when confronted with these misunderstandings?
We have dedicated large amounts of time in our lives to study and as Carrie stated, that knowledge becomes us over time. As that knowledge grows we in turn become the face and representative of that system we love so much. People are naturally going to be curious of our passion and the system we are studying. The first thing we can do is not get upset or continue to pass on false information.
Smile and remember you could be speaking to a future fellow scholar.
I attended my first ever Martial Arts convention called Dragonfest.
Dragonfest is an annual fundraiser for the Martial Arts History Museum. The convention hosts a variety of booths. For $25 guests can meet local instructors to discuss their systems and styles, shop various items ranging from Japanese style art to knives and even Gi’s and of course meet various celebrities.
When I first arrived it was a bit of a culture shock. The mixture of the variety of booths, the Taiko drums and lion dancers were an adrenaline rush and slightly overwhelming. There was a stage available for demonstrations, performances and a live auction. There was a large diversity of systems, some I hadn’t even thought about seeing at a Martial Arts convention such as the United States Sumo Federation and Michelle Manu a Hawaiian Weaponry specialist. It was while I was first walking around that I met Robin Hart.
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Robin Hart is the Owner of Muay Thai School USA and is the only female professional promoter in the USA that has brought some of the best Muay Thai fighters from around the world to the USA. Robin found out about Dragonfest after her and her Summer Junior Muay Thai Camp students visited the Martial Arts History Museum. She told me, “The networking here is amazing. It’s awesome to be a part of the Martial Arts Community.”
And what a community it is ranging from Muay Thai, Kenpo to Kung Fu and even Sumo. Robin reassured,
“Even though there’s not a traditional belt system (in Muay Thai) we still have advancements like any other system. When people are deeply involved with Martial Arts they have a deep respect for each other regardless of the system.”
“Even though there’s not a traditional belt system (in Muay Thai) we still have advancements like any other system. When people are deeply involved with Martial Arts they have a deep respect for each other regardless of the system.”
As I walked and talked I found that I could have a thorough conversation with anyone about Martial Arts. I sat down and spoke with Carrie Ogawa-Wong, 2005 inductee into the Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame, White Lotus Kung Fu Master and instructor at the White Lotus Kung Fu Studio. Her and her husband Doug Wong (Founder of White Lotus Kung Fu and Author) were selling his books, t-shirts and handing out information on their Dojo.
Carrie has attended every Dragonfest, minus the very first one. As a veteran to the convention she said, “It’s great that once a year we get to see our olds friends in the different systems that we have in a way grown up with.”
She insists,
“Anyone can attend, there’s a little bit of everything in the Martial Arts culture here. People can be so limited on the culture of Marital Arts so it’s good to attend.”
She insists,
“Anyone can attend, there’s a little bit of everything in the Martial Arts culture here. People can be so limited on the culture of Marital Arts so it’s good to attend.”
I ran into fellow Kenpoists Marissa and Minh Mach at Ed Parker Jr.’s booth and asked them what they thought about their first visit to Dragonfest?
Marissa had thought it would be smaller, “I didn’t expect it to be this big and with all the notable Martial Artists here. It’s awesome and we appreciate the varieties (systems/styles).”
Marissa had thought it would be smaller, “I didn’t expect it to be this big and with all the notable Martial Artists here. It’s awesome and we appreciate the varieties (systems/styles).”
There were many notable Martial Artists present for the event; from Ed Parker Jr., Don “The Dragon” Wilson and Cynthia Rothrock. One of the celebrities I had the opportunity to speak with is Al Leong, actor from Die Hard and Big Trouble in Little China Town. He had attended last year as well and told me, “This is a better location, it keeps getting bigger. This brings a lot of different people together and different styles together.”
Yet these meetings are not just limited to a photo op and autographs. I spoke with Mr. Leong about his book “The Eight Lives of Al “Ka-Bong” Leong,” which tells the story in vivid detail of his career in film and stunt work. At each celebrity booth, guests can purchase memorabilia, have the celebrity sign and then discuss and talk with them and this is all possible because everyone here is approachable.
Towards the end of the day I was able to meet up with the one and only Cynthia Rothrock. Cynthia is a Martial Arts Film actress that is heavily involved with the Martial Arts History museum. She has attended every Dragonfest.
She explained,
“The Martial Arts History Museum is sponsoring this where you can meet actors and other Martial Artists, there’s entertainment and knowledge for everyone. Everyone here is so friendly and it gets bigger and bigger each year.”
She explained,
“The Martial Arts History Museum is sponsoring this where you can meet actors and other Martial Artists, there’s entertainment and knowledge for everyone. Everyone here is so friendly and it gets bigger and bigger each year.”
Cynthia explained that anyone can enjoy Dragonfest. She studies 5 different forms of Martial Arts: 3 Chinese systems and 2 Korean systems. She says anyone interested in starting Martial Arts could attend and see the various demonstrations and speak to the different practitioners to determine what system is best for them.
The truth is I was slightly skeptical about attending Dragonfest.
I had envisioned a group of mainstream pretend Martial Artists running around in some costume and swinging fake Samurai swords at each other…
It wasn’t that way at all. Everyone had pride in their system and style and where excited to be at an event where they could discuss their passion for the art. The Martial Arts History Museum might have hosted the event, but it is the passion we all share for the study and art of Martial Arts that brought us there and kept us captivated.
Though this event may be overwhelming for some, I would greatly encourage anyone to attend. This event was an eye opener to the idea of having support not just in your dojo and your own system but to reach out to other various systems.
It wasn’t that way at all. Everyone had pride in their system and style and where excited to be at an event where they could discuss their passion for the art. The Martial Arts History Museum might have hosted the event, but it is the passion we all share for the study and art of Martial Arts that brought us there and kept us captivated.
Though this event may be overwhelming for some, I would greatly encourage anyone to attend. This event was an eye opener to the idea of having support not just in your dojo and your own system but to reach out to other various systems.
The physical training may vary but the spiritual journey is all the same.
Jesalyn Mae Harper
Hello my name is Jesalyn. I'm a divorced single mom and a karate addict...
I am currently a 1st Brown belt in American Kenpo and a Junior Instructor at Double Dragon Kenpo Karate under JR Diaz, I am part of the Parker/Planas Lineage and study Karbaroan Eskrima with JR Diaz, under Guro Ed Planas
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