The Martial Arts Woman Podcast

Denise leads by example! Her Kenpo training began in 1994 at the Boise Kenpo Karate school. Today, she holds a 6th-degree black belt. Her 1st-degree rank was significant, as she was the first woman to be promoted to a black belt in a Kenpo organization in the state of Idaho at that time. She later took over this school, which she operated for many years until a promotion at her day job at the Veterans Health Administration required extensive travel. Denise retired from the V.A. after a 37 year long career serving mostly in upper management positions. She shares about her initially difficult transition to retirement until she began to fill her time with what she loves - martial arts, family, and even pickleball. She is active in the Kenpo Women's Symposium, where she promotes women in martial arts. We discuss extensively all the benefits of martial arts outside the physical practice, including communication and learning to overcome failure. If you're looking for a role model and someone who leads by example, you will find it in Denise. Denise's info and links:  

Audrey Hussey is a super fit conscientious high achiever type martial artist! That's a mouthful, but I think when you hear her talk about her martial art journey you will agree that she has a spunk and spirit that outshines many. From learning a martial art alongside some of her kids (and she has 6 kids, btw), to coming to a near screeching halt when she saw the perfect and affordable location for her martial art school, you get the sense that Audrey does not easily give up. Personally, she exudes commitment and dedication to excellence in martial arts. Her previous experiences in body building and powerlifting contribute to her strong physicality and mindset. Plan to be be inspired as Audrey walks you through her martial art journeys and milestones and shares how she turned an empty space connected to a gas station into a successful martial art school. Today, at 57 years old, Audrey strives to be the absolute best that she can be. Trust me, she is fierce in her commitment to martial arts but what truly propels her forward is her tenacity and ability to push through difficult moments knowing that she will find a solution somewhere, somehow.

Audrey's links and info:

Jane and I became friends a few years ago after she invited me to be a co-host on her podcast, The Java Buzz Morning Talk Show. Since then, I learned that Jane is a true friend to many. She is selfless in many ways and reaches out to those who need encouragement, a smile or just a quick hello. Aside from this, she is an accomplished martial artist, a business owner, and a positivity enthusiast. Her down to earth personality is a shining light in a difficult world and I truly admire her for always striving to make a positive difference. Today, Jane shares the ups and downs of her childhood, her martial art training and accomplishments, her unique work history (some cool jobs!) and her side businesses. Most of all, she will inspire you with her personality and wisdom on this episode of The Martial Arts Woman Podcast.

Jane's Links and Info:

Dr. Jean Kanakogi is an amazing positive force not only in martial arts but in all that she does. She holds a B.S. and M.S in Criminal Justice/Protection Management and a PhD in Psychology. She is a recently retired Senior Special Agent for the US Government with extensive experience in conducting criminal and administrative investigations. With a career spanning for over 25 years in law enforcement, Jean has been the lead investigator on several high-profile cases, some including the attacks on 9/11 and many that focus on protecting public health.  

Besides her experience in executing search and arrest warrants, she connects with people through her expertise in resilience, emotional intelligence, deception detection, interrogation skills, firearms/martial arts tactics, and humor – she keeps it real. Dr. Jean holds a 6th degree in Judo and is a sought-after speaker and presenter in corporate, law enforcement, and mental health arenas because she is...well... a relatable badass! 

Listen in as Dr. Jean shares how she was nearly born on the Judo mat, her experiences as a federal agent and public speaker, and how she celebrates her mother, Rusty Kanakogi, “the mother of women’s judo,” in her book, Get Up and Fight.

See links and info below! Dr. Jean Kanakogi's Links and Info:

Sabotage. Sexualization. Misplaced loyalty. At what point do you realize your martial art experience is not what it should be and how do you change that? Lisa shares how she ended up in a dojang that demeaned her and diminished her ability to achieve her black belt after the appropriate amount of training. Yet, she eventually found her way through this negative experience to the other - and more promising side - of martial arts.

If something doesn't feel right at your martial art school, leave. There is no room for inappropriate behavior and no excuses. As in all professions, there are good and bad people. Always trust your gut and your reasoning and move on. There are mostly great schools out there willing to encourage and motivate you to be your personal best.

Thank you to Lisa for explaining her scenario and how martial arts has it share of bullies and bad apples, too.

Andrea's Links and Info:

Rachelle's lifelong ambition of becoming a school teacher came to an abrupt stop early on in her career when she was attacked in the hallway of a public school by a male teenage student who "lifted her off the floor by her throat." When she complained to the Principal, he called her melodramatic and he told her to just calm down. She wasn't a martial artist then...not yet, and this was not even the catalyst for her seeking training. The true catalyst was being bullied and threatened by a family member who was a police officer. That is when she knew for sure that self-defense was the answer. As an adult, she also struggled with anger, hurt and fear from childhood traumas because her mother was often in abusive relationships. This is no sob story, though. Rachelle found a new and different career, learned martial arts and today owns her own school and also works private security jobs. She claims that martial arts did more for her than eight therapists combined! Her succinct storytelling will capture your interest as she shares how she overcame all, became successful, and why she fervently believes that “everything is martial arts.”

Rachelle's Links and Info: 

Joelle White has been an online friend of mine for years. The one thing I always enjoy about her is her sense of perseverance from her journey from white belt to black belt in martial arts to her unwavering desire to overcome the hardships she faces in her life. I'm happy that she began her blog so many years ago after reading her eloquent responses to my blog. I knew immediately that she needed to share her story more than she needed to respond to mine. Joelle is a beautiful soul, a hard worker, and the kind of martial artist who is truly excited about her martial art practice. She has, in so many ways, inspired me to be a thankful and thoughtful person. One of her most difficult struggles has been financial. She openly shares her story of facing devastating financial obstacles head on and how she eventually pulled out from beneath the weight of them. Her overarching theme is that, no matter what, you must strive to reach your limits. If you love stories that are genuine, real, and enthusiastic, the kind of stories that remind you that your vulnerabilities can one day be your strengths, then you will love listening to Joelle's story on this segment of The Martial Arts Woman Podcast.

Joelle's links: 

Martial art woman, Emily Darlage, has been an online friend of mine for a long time. She is a beautiful person with a warrior spirit who teaches martial arts at her school. Emily's positivity and kindness always warms my heart and in this interview these very traits shine through as she shares her martial art background and love for teaching. As we know, even the most kind people face struggles, obstacles and devastation. Emily starting noticing some unusual conditions in her walking and after seeking treatment, she was eventually diagnosed with ALS. As a martial artist, she now prepares herself for battle. She seeks other types of treatment other than traditional. She uses a walker for short distances and a wheelchair for longer distances. She stays hopeful. How would you cope? Would you use a martial art spirit and positivity like Emily? This is a must listen podcast for everyone because while warriorship is valid in good times, it is more necessary when you must face and overcome the unexpected. Emily knows her life has purpose and she shares in this interview her thoughts on why surrounding yourself with the right people for support, the people who love you, makes all the difference in the world. 

Emily's links and info: 

Ariel Farley ("Arley") is a vibrant martial art woman. She lives in the smoky mountains of Tennessee and practices Krav Maga as well as Tai Chi and self-defense. In some ways, she is a beginner as she began practicing Krav Maga in 2019. However, she has come a long way in her training and is an assistant instructor at her school now, also. She understands the important benefits martial arts offers her and other women. For instance, her confidence improved and she now effectively manages most of her anxiety and stress. Arley hopes to remind other women that they do not need to "make themselves small" or try to fit into a box. She also teaches martial arts to teen girls and mentors them on life lessons and some of the issues they face in their daily lives. She remembers all too well being bullied intensely in elementary and middle school and now she strives to help these young women overcome their difficult moments. One day, Arley aspires to  open her own school, but in the meantime she will focus on learning, exploring the history of martial arts, and networking. She considers the practice of martial arts an uplifting experience, and that is the only time I've ever heard martial arts described that way! On a side note, this martial art woman’s charm and endearing personality will capture your heart. Enjoy. 

Arley's Links:

"We can all grow together and be stronger for it." - Sabrina Bliem.  Today's interviewee, Sabrina Bliem, a/k/a The Karate Shrimp, highlights how martial arts changed her life, improved her mindset, provided unexpected opportunities and allowed her to heal through difficult personal situations. This exuberant YouTuber and blogger shares vulnerable moments as a woman who was harassed by one of her martial art students. She tearfully shares the implications of this situation that occurred around the same time as her divorce and her mother's illness and subsequent passing. Sabrina's insights on why women must learn martial arts are compelling and she provides encouragement to those interested in taking their first step into the dojo. This martial art woman finds balance in her life and success as an engaging Youtuber,  mother of two, and an expert and teacher in health and wellness.  She is a prime example of how martial arts are as much for healing as they are for fighting. Yes, we can all become stronger for it!

Sabrina's Links: 

Abbey Rickman is an inspiring woman with an amazing martial art mindset who overcame several life challenges. She tore her ACL not once, but twice. The initial one caused a  disappointing honorable discharge from the military where she dreamed of being a military police officer (security forces). Somehow, she landed exactly where she needed to be and found happiness in her current career as a criminal paralegal in the district attorney's office.  As a trial paralegal, Abbey shares her insights on why reporting sexual assault to the police is cathartic for many women, even though it can be a difficult process. She explains why plea deals sometimes occur and how they still ensure some justice is done. Abbey is a 4th degree master in Tang Soo Do. She candidly shares how she once had to use martial arts for physical defense (ouch for that guy!). We chat about why practicing in heels for women is more important than you think, why martial arts are important for women, and how women can get started in training if they are interested but are unsure about getting started. Abbey's insights and experiences, personally and professionally, remind us that overcoming is the greatest power we have. 

Andrea's Info: 

Where do I begin? Dalia Vitkus has an array of astounding stories that will blow your mind. She grew up in a rough part of town in Chicago dealing with peeping toms, gangs and bullies. At age 15 she was very nearly raped in France by the manager of a disco club (a buxom French woman stormed into the bathroom to save her!). She defended her boyfriend in a fight by kicking the assailant with her boots on! Sometime later, as a martial art student, she unexpectedly met Bill "Superfoot" Wallace at a martial art seminar and ever since he's been a friend, mentor and instructor. She also shares how she began her martial art school. Dalia works as an officer of the court and helps to identify and eliminate human trafficking. There's so much more! Don't miss this fascinating discussion with martial art woman, Dalia Vitkus (pictured here with Bill "Superfoot" Wallace). 

Dalia's Links & Info: 

Jackie Bradbury began martial arts just shy of her 40th birthday. She was a two pack a day cigarette smoker at the time and realized she had to change her ways. She also needed to find a way to deal with a stressful job. She decided to begin martial art training with her family and the rest is history. She and her long-time husband, to whom she refers as her best friend, train together and recently opened their own school after operating a martial art program for many years. Jackie's background includes black belts and ranks in other styles, but the best fit for her is Modern Arnis. 

I met Jackie on social media about 8 years ago when we both began our blogs….mine, The Martial Arts Woman, and hers….The Stick Chick. The topics are different but it's fair to say both are written by enthusiastic martial art women with a message!

In this podcast, Jackie shares her martial art background, training, and instructors. She fills us in on her recent surgeries and why she is able to rebound faster than most thanks to her marital art mindset and training. We also discuss what it is like to train and teach with your significant other. While we didn’t have a chance to chat about it in the interview, I would be remiss to not mention that Jackie is a huge Kansas City Chiefs Fan and her other interests are “sci fi and fantasy geekery of all kinds," punk music, art and even video games. 

Make sure you like her links and pages to (as Jackie aptly states)  "break up your Facebook stream full of memes, politics and selfies!"

I think you will mostly enjoy Jackie’s enthusiasm and obvious true love for martial arts in today's podcast. 

Jackie’s Links and Info:

Lynda Hatch was born with a hearing impairment that was discovered around 6 months of age. So, don't be shocked when you hear a male voice on this podcast! Her husband, David Hatch, graciously translates throughout the interview. Lynda wanted to make sure that listeners knew she was the one answering the questions and her husband is translating so you will on occasion hear her respond verbally before David translates. Lynda and David met early in her training years and they have practiced and taught together ever since. They have resided in Michigan for many years.

Why did Lynda begin martial arts as a young woman at a time when women students were few and far between, anyway? She wanted to learn how to protect herself and she also experienced some bullying as a young girl (not for being deaf but for her red hair and religion!) which prompted her to seek out martial arts. Lynda began martial arts in the late 1960's.  She earned her 1st degree black belt in Karate in April, 1977. She was the only female in a male-dominated karate club. She shares insights on how she learned martial arts during these years without any verbal cues like counting or not being able to hear an opponent's breath or movement during sparring.

In 1985, Lynda and David met Guru Dan Inosanto (Guru Dan Inosanto has over 40 years’ experience in the martial arts and is a world authority in Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Martial Arts) at a seminar and their training with him continued though seminars and private trainings. Lynda says that she learned to be a good instructor from those who trained her. She has a huge list of accomplishments and gives credit to Guru Dan Inosanto and Sifu Francis Fong, as well as others, for her accomplishments. We all know, though, that dedicated and determined martial artists put in the hard work and effort, which is exactly what Lynda did with the extra challenge of not hearing. 

Lynda wrote a chapter for my book, The Martial Arts Woman, where she shares how she overcame adversity in her life. Today we learn what ignites her passion and commitment to martial arts and more importantly, why being hearing impaired is not a setback, but simply an alternate path for her. Lynda shares a favorite quote which encapsulates who she is as a martial art woman. She says, "If it's going to be, it's up to me."

Enjoy! 

Lynda's Links and Info: 

Joan Cather: "Martial arts for women are a safe haven, a place where they can grow at their pace."  Joan Cather is a passionate, determined and goal-oriented individual who does not accept barriers from preventing her from being the best person she can be in all areas of her life. She is a martial artist, instructor, and school owner who truly wants the best, not only for herself, but for all. Joan began martial arts in 2000 and recently achieved mastership in Taekwondo and she shares that ambitious journey in this interview. Her pure enthusiasm about martial arts and life is refreshing and you will find yourself nodding in agreement to her personal philosophy on living a powerful and productive life.

Joan's Links and Info: 

stlblackbeltacademy@yahoo.com

https://www.stlblackbeltacademy.com/

Andrea's Links and Info: 

In 2013, Lena Smith's son was murdered when she was just beginning martial arts and was a yellow belt. Her son struggled with mental illness and addiction and she was worried about him. Though just a yellow belt when he was murdered, Lena found comfort in the dojo and a chance to heal through her martial art practice. She says, "Karate helped me fill the void in my mind." Her martial art story begins at 50 years of age at the prompting of a friend to take karate. We laughed about the fact that she initially wondered if martial arts were part of some "weird religion," but once she learned more about karate, she immersed herself in training and earned her black belt. She shares some of the struggles she faced in learning karate and how she overcame them, including dismissing negative self-talk. Nine years later, she is a black belt and trains about four times a week. She recognizes the awesome benefits that karate offers including fitness and a positive mindset. She reminds us all that we must be fearless in our martial art practice and in life! I know you will enjoy her positive, light-hearted nature and her remarkable martial art journey.

Andrea's Links & Info:

Vicky Green has been involved in martial arts for nearly 40 years! She shares why she began martial arts, what it was like competing against men, and why her goal is to simply change one life through her teaching. Of course, she has changed many lives over the span of her career. Listen in to how she uses a martial art mindset in life, especially fairly recently with the loss of her husband of 48 years. She discusses the ups and downs of owning a club, why she chose to be a non-profit organization, and what conflict resolution "without force" means. Her most poignant comment bellows true for many women in martial arts who are students or instructors, "We are givers." 

Vicky is an 8th Dan in Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan, Chief Instructor at Shell Rock Karate Club, and owner of Greens Self Defense. She was trained by Master Dan Heidt, a 9th Degree Black Belt (Grand Master) in self defense for women and conflict resolution without force. Her story will inspire you to make a difference and to continue to push through in life with perseverance and purpose. 

Vicky's Links & Info: 

Christy Anne Padigimus has had her share of life's difficulties. Her first marriage ended partly because her husband forbade her to learn martial arts. Even more heart-wrenching, her son took his own life nearly three years ago. Martial arts helped her overcome all and move forward in a positive direction. Christy recently earned her black belt at age 50. Christy says that she did not choose karate; rather, karate chose her. She began learning martial arts with a couple of her children in the kids' class and finally after 2 years, she began adult lessons. Her martial art journey and experiences, both learning and teaching, help her cope with her devastating obstacles and move forward in a positive and passionate direction. She remarried (her karate instructor) and lives life with a vibrant positive attitude. She loves being the mother of a large family and a grandmother. In this podcast, Christy highlights the importance of self-healing and self-care and reminds you that life is a gift never to be taken for granted. Listen in as Christy inspires us all to overcome and to use the tools available to us to live a long, powerful and productive life. 

Links & Info:

• Christy's School: Ultimate Impact American Kenpo Karate

We all have fears. Fear of rejection, the unknown, or even strange nightmares that wake us up in the middle of the night. I am right there with you!. Time and time again in my life I allow fear to rule my direction. Fear ironically kept me safe from failure. Then again, I never quite felt fulfilled...until I learned a martial art. Martial arts are physical. However, when you step back and look at your practice and feel the curve of its direction your life, you recognize that it allows you to overcome fear and so many other obstacles. Suddenly, you equate martial arts with your life and you recognize that slowly, gently, effortlessly, you begin to overcome the fears that once lurked over your life. Today, I discuss how I overcame the fears in my life, in my quest for success, thanks to martial arts. 

Links & Info:

Author, Melanie Gibson, explains how she found a way to renew herself and cope with her mental illness through her Taekwondo practice. She recently published her memoir, Kicking and Screaming, a memoir of madness and martial arts, in which she shares a brutally honest, yet inspirational and witty account of her intimate struggles with multiple mental illnesses, substance abuse, and poor relationship skills. We talk about her return to Taekwondo after her initial practice when she was ten years old and how it allows her to cope with her mental illnesses in a way she had never experienced before. This story is real, inspirational, and another testimony to the power of martial arts. 

Melanie was raised in Snyder, Texas. She has a bachelor's degree in English from Texas Woman's University, a master's in library science from the University of North Texas, and an MBA from the University of Texas at Arlington. Melanie has worked in the healthcare industry since 2004, with roles as a hospital librarian, corporate trainer, and learning designer.

Christine Bannon-Rodrigues and I grew up in the same town in Rhode Island and went to the same high school just couple of years apart. Small world, right? I'm sure she didn't know then that she would be a martial art world champion one day, nor did I know that I would interview her on my martial art podcast, but here we are. Christine is a world champion many times over and runs a school with her husband in Warwick, R.I. She has been on too many magazine covers to mention, as well as Halls of Fame, trading cards, and in television and film. She has been a product designer, model and spokesperson for Macho Products for over 20 years. You will be inspired by her desire to set and achieve her martial art goals and how she brings a martial art focus into her life every day. Enjoy! 

Christine's Links & Info: 

Pat Williams is a positive martial art warrior. She is a 10th degree black belt who began training in the 1960's. Many know and love her for her  positive daily Facebook posts. Although she has been in a wheelchair for 4 to 5 years because of her knees, she continues to train and teach. She practices martial art techniques from a wheelchair perspective. She says, "This wheelchair does not stop me." Pat shares about life as a martial art woman in the 1960's, her sparring competitions, and her love for teaching children. For her, awards and accolades signify her effort, love and respect in martial arts. Prior to retirement, Pat was a city bus driver and experienced a few situations when martial art training helped. For instance, she has once hit in the head with a bottle, but fortunately, she turned her head in such a way that the blow to the head did not kill her. Pat believes more women train today because of assaults or attempted kidnappings. Her advice to women who want to learn a martial art is: visualize yourself learning different styles; ask questions; go to seminars where you can sample a wide variety of martial art styles; and find a good school in your area. 

Overcoming incapacitating medical issues and a survivor of sexual abuse at the hands of her doctor, Bethany June Dillon perseveres through the strength of her Native American heritage and culture. She creates Native American jewelry and weaponry and researches and writes about Native American warfare (she has authored two books on this topic). She is beginning a new magazine that delves into others' achievements, and explores scientific discoveries and Native American issues. In this podcast, she shares about the various interesting martial arts she has practiced and how they impact her life. She is recuperating from several physical issues, but plans to return to martial arts once healed. For Bethany, martial arts are important for women because they provide both mental responsibility and strength. She explains that, in many ways, martial arts are like a "tribe" where martial artists work together to lift each other up.

Listen to this fascinating woman who shares her talents and her struggles, yet somehow, leaves us all with a sense that everything will work out if we take one day at a time.

LINKS & INFO: 

Bethany's Links & Info: 

*Some disturbing stories are shared in this episode* Today's show is a little different in that it does not focus on a martial art woman, but rather effective self-defense for women. Tiffany Richards of Peaceful Warrior Women's Self-Defense guides us through the reasons why most women students prefer a woman self-defense instructor; how she overcame her own physically abusive situation in her twenties (even during a time when she practiced martial arts); truthful stories of other women who faced devastating assault situations; reporting incidents to the police; relevant statistics; why men never feel the way a woman does when deciding where to walk or park alone; and why her self-defense instruction is emotional and relatable to women. All of her techniques are "pressure tested" to ensure they work in real situations. Tiffany has been on television, news and other media sharing her self-defense information and strategies. Don't miss this important topic. 

You can also check out Tiffany's prior interview about her life as a martial art woman on an earlier episode in this podcast. 

Tiffany's Links & Info 

Lynn Varghese was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2003. After three surgeries and a shunt, it was found to be benign. In 2012, she began training martial arts in her basement for a full year before finally joining a martial art class. She is a devoted wife & mother as well as an energetic and determined martial art woman and instructor. Listen in to her inspiring story about overcoming her brain tumor and why she began her martial art journey.

Today I have the honor of presenting probably one of the most compelling interviews of a woman whose life is filled with ups and downs but who seems to conquer all, Fran Charlton of Sweden.

Fran's interview is compelling. She will capture you with her beautiful story-telling and captivating personality. She was born into a family of creative individuals; however, her childhood was riddled with trauma, drama and abuse in her family. She heard the abuse her mother endured and some of these sounds she can never forget. But her mother turned to karate and learned enough to protect herself against her abuser. She then suggested that Fran learn karate and Fran has never looked back. Fran discusses her extreme competition regiment and malnutrition, her long track to get to university, an unplanned pregnancy, and she talks about the effect of long term or chronic injuries on health and life. She shares about her hip surgery from which she recovered at a rapid pace. Her styles include karate, Aikido and Kung Fu. She delves into why women stop practicing martial arts. She opened a karate clinic with an open communication concept, a sports and injury clinic, and her new Budo Mindset program that provides tools for a better mindset as well as creating a physical tracker to assist in creating a unique program for individual needs.

Kristy Hitchens talks about how and why she founded the Pink Belt project in Australia, a  martial art scholarship for women in need, especially victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. A journalist and media officer by trade, and a blogger on the side, Kristy has a sprite enthusiasm about martial arts and makes a positive difference as a martial art woman. She is a Taekwondo black belt, karate student, and also a wife and mother. In this interview she shares insights on why martial arts are important for women, why being a beginner is a good thing, how she overcame a physical injury to take her black belt test, and why failing is a step on the ladder to success.

I’m sure her interview will inspire you to be the best that you can be and strive to make a positive difference in the world, too.

This lighthearted and laughter-filled interview matches Lady's personality perfectly. Listen in as she shares about martial arts, movies, holistic health, writing and even belly dancing! She also provides insights about online teaching and what advice she would give to a woman interested in learning martial arts. 

Links & Info:

Lady's School & Website:

Penny Pitassi is a multi- martial art school owner and an active shooter training trainer. She began martial art training in 1989 and holds rank in several different martial art systems. She worked in the Air Force as a B52 crew chief (only 2 of the 400 in this position were women!) then later became an Air Force Historian and part of the Honor Guard. Seven months before retiring from the Air Force in 2007, and with several years of martial art experience under her belt, Penny began her 1st martial art school which she eventually grew into four successful schools. In this interview, she shares insights on how to grow your school; why teaching character development is a necessity; teaching martial arts to your own children; how she finds success teaching martial arts in PE programs in private schools; and how and why she became involved in learning and teaching an active shooter program. This is a podcast full of interesting and valuable information from a very interesting and motivated martial art woman. 

Links & Info: 

Alena Turley understands the power of Hapkido training.  As just a white belt, she fended off two attackers and later overcame a brief imprisonment at home by knife. With her own experience of trauma and abuse behind her, she is uniquely qualified to work with women to develop strength and confidence on the mats with warmth and determination. Today, she is the founder of one of Australia's first women's only Hapkido classes. She is a blogger, an award-winning educator, a content creator and a mother of three. She also founded an ethical lifestyle & soulful parenting hub. 

Links & Info: 

Listen to Kung Fu practitioner Megan Westerman's  insights on why sometimes losing is winning and why she thinks more women should learn a martial art. Megan overcame anxiety, depression and an eating disorder in her teens by going to martial art classes where she did not have to worry about anything but training. Martial arts push her to reach her goals. As result, she says, "I want every woman to do some form of martial arts." Today, she is a Kung Fu instructor and competitor. She lived, worked, and practiced Kung Fu in China for a period of time in the past. 

Terri Green began practicing martial arts as a teenager in the 1970's. She decided to forego the traditional, expected lessons back then of sewing and cooking in exchange for semi-contact street fighting and earning a black belt. Terri was a teenager, about 14 years old, when she started. Her parents signed her brother up for lessons to help toughen him up. After watching him take the classes she asked her parents if she could take the class and they felt it was a waste of time for her. She convinced them that she needed to be able to defend herself and they eventually agreed. She began learning semi-contact and street fighting then and it was the best exercise she ever had. There were not a lot of women in the classes, so every time she worked out with a man, she had to prove herself and show that she was tough. She says, “I had to literally beat them up to make them work out with me.” She also learned weapons, like knives and chains, and guns.  She even went on the bus to class with a huge machete knife on her.

Yes, times were different in the 1970’s. I know you will find this podcast well…pretty groovy.

Practicing a sword form in the park during COVID times, Maca Navas is known to the locals as "The Sword Lady." They don't know her name but they see her grace and commitment to her practice. Maca practices Kung Fu and Tai Chi.  In this Podcast, she shares how she struggled for many years of her life with an eating disorder, anorexia. She describes it as a "disease of her soul" where she did not feel comfortable in her own skin. Martial arts helped her overcome and cope with her personal challenges and allows her to be the person she feels she was always meant to be. She hopes that her story inspires others...and it will. 

A year out of nursing school, Gwendolyn volunteered to be a COVID nurse when the floor in the hospital where she worked became the COVID unit. Her years of martial art practice taught her very valuable lessons - fearlessness and confident commitment- and she vigorously uses them in life and in nursing. Gwendolyn shares her insights on being a woman in martial arts, overcoming and understanding societal expectations, giving yourself permission to find your voice, and more. She is a creative and eclectic woman who was formerly a Birth Doula and who enjoys a variety of creative endeavors such as a Star Trek project, her crafting business, being a graphic artist, and a blogger. She is a wife and a caregiver of her 13-year-old niece.

Gwendolyn's Links & Info

"Own your space. Powerfully embrace who you are. Don't apologize for what you know. Continually strive to become more than who you are." -Michelle Manu.

Michelle Manu's interview is captivating and inspiring, from her practice of a Hawaiian Combat Art to wellness, womanhood, and weaponry. Don't miss her discussion about training airline professionals after the September 11 incident (and she has a funny story on how she became involved in that training!).  Her brief bio is below: 

From her days in journalism, radio and broadcasting, to her martial art movie experiences, heritage, faith, martial arts practice, community service and inspirational writing, this Podcast interview covers the gamut of this "real deal" martial artist! Find out WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW about this empowered and inspirational martial art woman. 

Bio (see full bio at www.themartialartswoman.com): 

Karen Eden Herdman is a 7th degree martial arts master of Tang Soo Do. She is most well known in the industry for her inspirational writing. She has appeared in every major martial arts magazine in the country and world, including six magazine covers of her own. A journalist by trade, Karen has worked for NBC and FOX affiliates, with live broadcasts airing on CNN, and reporting for FOX national and Animal Planet. Her ability to turn everyday occurrences into life lessons started in the martial arts industry over 20 years ago, where she became known as the "Master of Inspiration." In 2000, she joined The Salvation Army and started the largest inner-city martial arts program in the world.

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Karen's links:

Stalked by a drug dealer as a teen and young woman, Odette Russell knows a thing or two about the importance of protecting yourself and being a strong woman. Since her early years, she has dedicated much of her life to training in martial arts and teaching self-defense, as well as being a mother, wife, and a professional in the workplace.  Today, she is a Grandmaster with more than 41 years of martial art experience. Her dabbling in martial arts as a youth turned to dedicated committment when she met her husband, Sijo Abdul Mutakabbir, the founder of SWAM Martial Arts Academy. Odette also accomplished huge personal goals outside the martial arts, included earning a Ph.D in Health Psychology in 2018. She is a steadfast advocate of wellness & quality of life.  Find out more about this amazing martial art woman, her extreme training regiments, and her dedication to martial arts in this empowering martial art interview. 

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Meet Violet Li, an established Tai Chi practitioner, instructor, and author of hundreds of articles about Tai Chi. Violet shares about her background and experiences, explains Tai Chi principles, theories and techniques, and discusses why martial arts are important for women. Listen to this fun and enlightening podcast. Violet's enthusiasm will make you want to try Tai Chi, too! Tai Chi offers profound benefits and everyone can learn it at any age. I also highlight many of Violet's achievements in martial arts. This interview is fun and engaging! It is a chance to learn more about this mindful martial art, its benefits, and how this passionate Tai Chi martial art woman shares her knowledge with the world.   

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With a passion for teaching and a natural talent for martial arts, Adette Rice felt a strong desire to break down the gender barriers and change the public impression of martial arts training. She set out to create a learning environment in which all members are welcomed, supported and accepted. Since opening the doors in 1999, Adette has positioned Driftwood Martial Arts as the premier training centre in Kitchener/Waterloo and a top school in the province of Ontario, Canada.

Before opening her studio Adette was an avid and highly successful competitor winning several national and world championships. After retiring from competition Adette put her focus on developing champions amongst her own students with great success. Her students continue to perform at the highest level both nationally and internationally. A key area of focus for Adette is community involvement. 

Her training began training in Hamilton, Ontario under the direction of Sensei Layton Morrison in 1990. Adette currently holds the rank of 7th dan in Goju Ryu and continues to train under Carlos Montalvo Hanshi. 

Adette continues to work tirelessly to dispel many of the stereotypes associated with the martial arts. When she’s not punching and kicking Adette enjoys spending time with her husband and children and is an avid traveler always on the lookout for the next adventure. When she finally manages to spend time at home she loves to cook, read, run and cuddle with the dogs.

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Lucie Marsh is currently one of the few females ranked as 6th Dan in the SKIF organization. She lives in the UK and has run her own dojo and competed in more than 7 World Championships, several European championships, and hundreds of National Championships.  While her background and achievements seem completely normal, Lucie's background and journey in martial arts is riddled with traumatic events including beatings from local girl gangs when she was younger, sexual harassment in her career, an abusive relationship. She had her first taste of martial arts in her early 20's when she joined her architect father in Malaysia and learned to compete and win. She continues to compete today even though she has crippling and chronic arthritis in her hips and can barely walk. Somehow, she is able to perform the kata in competition through the pain. Learn how Lucie overcomes all through martial arts and goes from trauma to triumph in this captivating interview.

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Collegiate karate perspectives from four martial art women! Listen in as these women share why collegiate karate is so important and why their instructor, Sensei Swanson, is so instrumental in their love and participation in this martial art. These women share a perspective rarely discussed, how practicing karate during their college years helped them achieve and grow into the accomplished women they are today. SEE THEIR FULL BIOs IN THE BLOG VERSION OF THIS PODCAST WHEN PUBLISHED at: www.themartialartswoman.com. 

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Do you think you would be the person you are today if not for martial arts? Martial arts saved me from being negative, unhappy and miserable. Before martial arts, I was not confident or secure in who I was. Now, I have goals & dreams and martial art friendships that are deep in my heart. I have the confidence to step out and share my stories and the stories of other martial art women because it is my passion and purpose.  

Martial arts help you find the "extraordinary you," and they are a tool that help you become the person you truly want to be. Listen to how martial arts saved me from failure and negativity and maybe you will recognize how important they are in your life, too. Never give up!

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