 by Shifu/Sensei Koré Grate
Annually, in December, for the last twelve years our dojo (Five Element Martial Arts/FEMA) has celebrated a New Year ritual based on the ancient Japanese cleansing practice called "Misogi".
What is a Misogi?Purification ceremonies precede the commencement of all important events and functions in Japan. Misogi is a Shinto practice involving purification in a waterfall or other natural running water (like a dousing practice). Before undergoing this cleansing in the icy water, participants don white kimonos or white loin clothes and white headbands.
Photo courtesy of Shifu/Sensei Koré Grate.
How FEMA celebrated the New Year »
Greetings PAWMA members!Your PAWMA Board of Directors would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! We are entering the New Year evaluating our experiences, listening to our members, and building on our successes to develop a plan that will bring PAWMA to new heights in 2013.
by Janet Seaforth
The 5th World Wushu Championships in Huangshan, China, included 56 countries and thousands of participants. It was held from November 5th to the 11th. My demonstration of the Dragon Tiger Mountain 108 form was on Friday morning in arena 3 at the top left with three other contestants from Japan. I got an 8.67 out of 10 points which is pretty good.
Photo courtesy of Janet Seaforth
Read about Janet's experiences in China »
 by Silke Schulz
Nerissa Freeman, a 4th Dan in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, recently launched Wasenshi Kan ("School of the Peaceful Warrior”) dojo in Roseville, California, at an open house held October 26, 2012. Approximately 30-40 guests were treated to a demonstration by Sensei Freeman and her students at the Polish American Club. Fellow Danzan Ryu school heads and PAWMA members Delina Fuchs and Katie “Murph” Stevens were there to support the opening.
Photo courtesy of Silke Schulz
How Danzan Ryu is expanding in Central California »
by Jennifer Argle
When I signed up for my first martial arts class in college what I had witnessed a year earlier was still fresh in my mind. Nearly 20 years later when I began learning Cuong Nhu in ’08 and saw one of the first philosophies of the style was the 5 A’s (Awareness, Alertness, Avoidance, Anticipation, Action) it resonated with me so deeply because of that incident.
Read what Jennifer experienced »
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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 10, 2013. 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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