Editor's note:
Every year PAWMA honors female martial artists who not only demonstrate talent and leadership in their martial art, but have also been strong supporters and contributors to the PAWMA organization.
Email us your recommendations for Martial Artist of the Year at president@pawma.org
Also, we would like to reintroduce themes to future newsletters. For the next issue the newsletter theme will be PAWMA Legends. If you have any articles about the women who started PAWMA and kept it going in the early days, please send them on!
And, if you have an idea for a theme let us know that as well at newsletter@pawma.org
The next deadline for newsletter articles is April 2nd!
by Meredith May, San Francisco Chronicle Staff Writer
Photo by Lance Iversen / The Chronicle.
Reprinted by permission of San Francisco Chronicle. July 25, 2011 - Although she can no longer stand for very long, Sensei Keiko Fukuda, the highest-ranking woman in the world of judo, can still spot a misplaced thumb from across the room.
At 98, she is still teaching the Japanese martial art three times a week at a women's dojo in Noe Valley, giving pointers from a fold-out chair, wearing her gi - and the red belt that signals her superior rank. Read more about Fukuda Sensei »
By Tracy Reith
Photo courtesy of Tracy Reith.
I began training in Mo Duk Pai kung fu as fun way to get a little exercise and learn something new. It was a time in my life when I was slightly bored. When it came to extracurricular activities, I was something of a dilettante. I had taken art classes, adult education classes, even yoga. I didn't stick with anything for very long. Although I enjoyed each activity, I eventually grew bored. I did not expect kung fu to be any different in that respect. What did Tracy learn about martial confront? »
By Corie Ralston
Photo courtesy of Corie Ralston.
Like most tomboys, I enjoyed running, climbing trees and a good game of "cops n' robbers" when I was young. Unfortunately, my budding athletic career took a turn for the worse in second grade when I was picked last for a game of dodge ball, and I had the sudden realization that I was in fact a terrible player, being both afraid of the ball and a very slow runner. I spent the next torturous years--from elementary school through the end of high school--being picked last for every team sport ever invented. Read Corie's personal training story »
By Alyssandra Yochelson
Photo courtesy of Alyssandra Yochelson.
The very first and simplest reason is I wanted a regular workout. I missed sweating and feeling super strong, like I was doing something useful with myself. The problem is I'm incredibly lazy by nature and had very little will power, so having a gym membership or promising to run three times a week wasn't going to do me any good. A friend suggested Cuong Nhu, in fact he even suggested the Tuyê't Tan Dojo itself, telling me that it was great and fun and I would totally love it. Classes were times a week and if I paid for it myself, I wouldn't want to miss class. It sounded like it could be perfect.
Read what martial arts has done for Alyssandra »
Photo by Karma Yoakem.
By Talena L. Kettrell
You might not remember me
I am the freedom you wished for
I am the strength you've prayed for
I am it
that turns your breath
into pure energy
I am the something
that turns your mortal hands
to steel ...
Read the full poem »
By Jennifer Argle
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Argle.
Karate and violence are two words I usually don't put together in the same sentence, but recently I've had to and I am quite uncomfortable with the combination. I love karate (and martial arts in general) and think of it as more art than anything else.
There is a beauty and freedom in the way an individual combines a series of moves, which become more than just a block, punch, or a kick. A well executed technique, kata, or sparring match leaves me in awe.
Read more about Jen's perspective on martial arts »
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From the Editor:
Thank you to those who contributed, assisted, and took the time to write an article for this newsletter. If you are interested in writing an article for the upcoming newsletter, please email Newsletter Editor at newsletter@pawma.org. The next submission deadline is April 2, 2012. PAWMA is looking for Associate Editors to help develop content, as well as proofreaders and copy editors. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Newsletter Editor at newsletter@pawma.org for more information.
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