My Obsession
Well — I own a self-defense school most of you don’t know that about me. Guardian has been my non profit for two years now. Well anyways allow me to explain my complete 35 year obsession with fighting, I started out at 5 learning how to box from my dad.
Fighting and martial arts…Growing up as the youngest in my family, I was often on the receiving end of aggression. My brother would punch me, my sister would pull my hair, my mom would swat me, and my dad, well, he would throw me into walls. I was constantly navigating a world that felt hostile and unsafe. To top it off, being the “cute girl next door” with blonde hair and freckles brought its own set of challenges. I was often seen as an easy target, and the threat of violence wasn’t just at home but everywhere. The trauma of date rapes and the profound grief of losing a boyfriend to suicide pushed me to seek something that could help me regain a sense of control and protection in my life.
That’s when I found Judo. It was my first step into martial arts, and it was transformative. Judo taught me more than just physical techniques; it showed me how to stand my ground and channel my experiences into a disciplined practice. It wasn’t just about defending myself; it was about finding my inner strength and learning to respect my body and its capabilities. From Judo, I moved into Ichi Mu Kung Fu, where I earned my first black belt. Kung Fu opened up a world of fluidity and adaptability in combat, teaching me how to be both hard and soft, aggressive and yielding. I then went on to study BJJ (first black) and Arnis, a Filipino martial art that emphasizes stick and knife fighting. Arnis taught me about precision, timing, and the importance of understanding your opponent.
As a middle-aged woman now, my passion for martial arts has only deepened. I find myself drawn not just to the physical aspects but also to the strategy and mental discipline involved. Martial arts are a constant reminder that strength isn’t just physical; it’s also mental and emotional. It’s about resilience, about getting back up after you’ve been knocked down, both in the dojo and in life.
I believe women should get more into fighting and martial arts. It’s not just about self-defense; it’s about empowerment and self-discovery. Women often face unique challenges that require a strong sense of self and the ability to stand up for themselves, both physically and mentally. Martial arts provide a framework for developing these qualities. They teach you to trust yourself, to push your boundaries, and to understand that you are capable of much more than you think. Fighting back against the stereotypes and limitations imposed on us, we learn to take control of our own narratives.
For me, martial arts are more than just a sport or a hobby — they are a way of life.
