Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors~Sharing our Knowledge with the World~

HAPPY NEW YEARWINTER 2012 NEWSLETTER

Join us next March at the Alexis Park Resort, a non-gaming, all-suite oasis of peace and luxury just steps away from the famous Las Vegas Strip. “Non-gaming” means not having to wade through loud, smoky casinos, and “all-suite” means all accommodations have separate bedrooms - more room to stretch out in after a great workout or walk down the Strip! We’ll be near dozens of dining and shopping venues, including the Hard Rock Cafe, Starbucks, and Planet Hollywood, just to mention a few.

Do not miss this opportunity to network with other women martial arts instructors from all over the world. Take the time you need to re-energize, refresh, and renew.

Check our website for more information and details: www.Awmai.org

2011 Ambassadors

AWMAI Board of Directors

Executive DirectorZosia Gorbaty

zgorbaty@gmail.com

Administrative DirectorKerry Kilburn

kerrykilburn@awmai.org

Financial DirectorBarbara Feldman

blueherondojo@comcast.net

Certification DirectorJanice Okamoto

jko@gte.net

Events DirectorPosition Open

NewsletterEditor: Kerry Kilburn

Art Director: Dory West

Our Mission: To support personal safety,

health, and integrity through martial arts and anti-violence

instruction.

Contact Us!AWMAI

P.O. Box 6284Norfolk, VA 23508

www.awmai.org

From the Executive Director’s Corner

Happy New Year 2012 to Everyone!

As I write this the AWMAI board of directors is busy finalizing plans for our annual conference “Sharing Our Knowledge with the World” and first Hall of Fame awards banquet. I am pleased to let you know that we will be honoring and inducting 31 women martial arts instructors who each began training more than 30 years ago. This represents over 1,000 years of training! This is-sue contains a list of session presenters, class descriptions, and the schedule, always subject to change if necessary. I hope this will help you with your planning!

In this issue you will also find an article with two similar stories that may sound familiar to many of you. Read the article by Cyndie Eustler O’Bleness and Opal Harbert, and their martial arts journey this past year. Both attended the AWMAI conference for the first time in 2011 and we are so glad things turned out so well for both.

If you believe in AWMAI, please consider joining our Board of Directors. We currently need an Events Director, and would like to recruit someone prior to the conference. This is a voluntary position, with some great perks like working with an awesome group of women for a cause you really believe in, meeting new people, all conference expenses are paid by AWMAI (starting in 2013), serving the AWMAI membership, and adding to your resume’! We will also be looking to fill the positions of Executive Director, Certification Di-rector, and Administrative Director to transition into their positions for 2013. Without YOU to volunteer this organization cannot sustain. Please email me if you are interested.

See you in Vegas!Zosia

PRESENTERS & SESSIONS at the 2012 AWMAI CONFERENCE

KeyL – Lecture/DiscussionMC – Moving Classroom combining lecture & movement applicationWO – Master Class WorkoutMWO – One hour early morning Workout

Grand Master Graciela Casillas- Spontaneous Knife Defense (WO)This seminar will address how to use an edged weapon as an equalizer against an assault where disparity of force is present. Empty handed, street proven defensive tactics effective against an armed assailant will be covered.

Shihan Barbara Christensen – Teaching Non-Traditional Learners (MC)The purpose of this class is to share information about teaching “non traditional” learners. Since martial arts are known for discipline and focus, many parents bring children who have difficulty in school to our classes. I will draw from personal experience with family members with learning disabilities as well as my teaching experience with students with ADD, ADHD, different learning styles, and general “non standard” behaviors. I will present some statistics and some of the relevant rules that govern special education in public schools.

Sifu Barbara Feldman – Health Nurturing Qigong (WO)The Health Nurturing Form uses the traditional qigong principles of relaxation, controlled breathing, rooting to the ground, upright posture, and concentration to stimulate the meridians. Taking less than 10 minutes, this eight-move form, performed slowly on both sides, has flowing movements and is easily adapted to physi-cal limitations. It was developed by Professor Zhang Guan De at the Beijing Sports University as part of his DaoYin YangZhen Gong system (the way to pull in to feed the body exercises). DaoYin YangSheng Gong (DYSSG) is recognized in China by the Sports Department, the Wushu Federation, and the Health Depart-ment. DYYSG is taught officially in Sports Universities and in Traditional Chinese Medecine Universities. All of the exercises in this system enhance the flow of blood and energy, thus increasing flexibility and good physical and mental condition.

Shihan Denise Gonzales – Chokes & Arm Bars (MC)The focus of this class will be on proper implementation of chokes and arm bars. Arm bars will be dem-onstrated and practiced for effective use of full‐body leverage in order to initiate and secure a lock on the targeted arm, while preventing the opponent from escaping the lock from positions such as the mount, side control, or guard. Various effective chokeholds will be demonstrated and practiced using very slight tech-niques of pressure rather than physical strength. These techniques will be shown with and without the use of a gi. Finally, I will address all the important safety issues that instructors must take into consideration when teaching these techniques.Kyoshi Zosia Gorbaty & Professor Janice Okamoto – Self Defense in Confined Spaces (WO)For most of us the majority of our training takes place in our indoor dojos/dojangs/kwoons or outdoors in wide-open spaces. This is great for practicing forms, high kicks, throws, bo staff training, or the like. However in many real life situations the assault will occur in a small, confined area. What if you need to defend your-self in the stall of a public bathroom, an elevator, a vestibule, or the like? In this class we will offer a variety of techniques and concepts from our respective points of view.

Shifu/Sensei Kore’ Grate- Generational Styles of Learning (L)We are all in a generation that is deeply influenced by the events of life manifesting a certain way we like to learn any new subject. In this discussion we will review and understand the differences in learning styles of people born in these identified generations as applied to teaching martial arts/self defense. It’s especially great to be able to understand all the way from the Veteran (1920-1943), Silent Generation (1926-1943) to the Gen X & Y generations of now and how they all absorb information.

Sifu Kimberly Ivy – Practical Qigong (WO)This session will introduce the Yi Jin Jing Xi Sui Jing (Muscle Tendon Changing and Bone Marrow Washing Qigong). The form is a straightforward method for gently stretching & balancing the muscles and tendons of the body and removing stagnation in the bone marrow. In a short period of time a practitioner of any age, fitness or skill level will feel more open and have greater Qi and blood flow throughout the entire body, es-pecially to injured areas and areas of chronic tension. The form is also an excellent tool to enhance mindful-ness and one’s meditative capacities. The Yi Jin Jing can easily be integrated into class warm-up routines or shared with students who are on break due to injury or illness to keep them safely moving. The session will include an introduction to the basic theory of Qigong and of this specific method as well as instruction in several of the most useful movements for the martial athlete.

Sifu Debbie Leung – Push Hands Across Styles (WO)Being among such accomplished women martial artists, training together, and learning from each other will generate great energy. Lets see how it moves us! Feel that energy in our bodies, feel it as we touch in with each other, let that energy flow to and from our selves and others and follow it to discovery and insight.

Liangong Early Morning Workout (MWO) -Liangong is a qigong exercise that warms up the body from head to toe, improves range of motion, and develops proper alignment for qi flow and pain reduction, while increasing balance and core strength. An energizing exercise, it is often used to start the day.

Master Arlene Limas – Becoming a Good Fighter: Finding Your Strengths (WO)This class will address drills, movement, kicking, and conditioning to improve your fighting skills.

Master Kathy Long – Muay Thai Counter Drills (WO)Instructors, one of the best ways to sharpen your students’ skills is through drills. In this class you will learn counter drills used by World Champions in many sports.

Equipment required: Boxing gloves, mouthpiece, shin guards groin protector and an open mind. For those of you who wish to take it a bit lighter, regular hand chops and foam shin guards will be acceptable.

Sifu Jen Resnick - Martial Arts Medicine: Battlefield Medicine for Trainers (MC) Training for the martial arts instructor traditionally includes learning basic first aid for the training floor. Internal Chinese martial arts, in particular, have a sophisticated array of healing tools to draw from. Participants will learn how to use poultices, liniments and gaos to treat common martial arts injuries, from a jammed finger to a sprained ankle or broken rib. They will also learn and practice revival techniques for knockout blows and a martial arts “tune up” for competition events. (This class draws from material from ZhengGuTui Na seminars. For more information, please visit www.zhenggutuina.com)

Five Element Qigong Early Morning Workout (MWO)Five Element Qi Gong is a system of medical qi gong designed to regulate and harmonize the five elements of the body and cosmos: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. Simple, yet profound, these movements can be practiced daily to align and regulate the body’s energetic systems.

Shihan Ilene Smoger - Secrets to Running a Martial Arts School for Nearly 30 Years (L) Why do some martial art studios last forever and most open and close in less than two years? Many times the most tal-ented martial artists cannot keep a school going. Topics for this lecture include: the expenses of running your studio including leases and space requirements; curriculum; getting new students and keeping senior students; offering adult and youth programs; the power of technology; paying dues and billing; and test-ing requirements. There will be some discussion on building your school and eventually transitioning your school to last longer than you.

Shihan Jaye Spiro - Young Martial Artists Program (L)

July 2011, Sensei Jaye Spiro and Instructor Lisa Santi, undertook the immensely rewarding task of coordi-nating the Young Martial Artist Program at National Women’s Martial Arts Federation Special Training. Our goal was to create a “full service” youth program that assured Moms who trained that their daughters would be safe and happy throughout the entire camp from Wednesday until Sunday. During this lecture discus-sion, we will share our template for what turned out to be a very successful experience for over twenty young martial artists. We wish to inspire others to come forward in future years and build a stronger and stronger YMA program. They are our future. These ideas may also invigorate your clubs back home, too.

Sensei Peg Strain – De-Escalation Skills Training (MC)

De-escalation skills calm or inhibit aggressive behavior in most types of conflict. They are essential leader-ship skills for organizational development, and important facilitation skills for teaching. They are a bridge between traditional martial arts and contemporary safety training, including conflict resolution and facilitation services. They are also at the heart of most martial arts –hidden or overt movements in our techniques and kata.

Objective: to present a complete and effective skill-set with non-verbal messages (the 4 boundary controls), verbal skills (direct speech and boundary-setting), and physical boundary skills. We will cover theory and application, organized into three sections, non-verbal, verbal, and physical. The physical section will cover de-escalation escape techniques for grabs and choke attacks.

Suggested Reading: “Class Prep” (SDI teacher’s text from MLS); “NVC”, “The Little Book of Conflict Trans-formation,” by John Paul Lederach; “Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life” and “Speak Peace in a World of Conflict,” by Marshall B. Rosenberg

Sifu Aarin Burch – Hip Hop Early Morning Workout

Wake up with this basic Hip Hop dance class. A cutting edge urban movement that incorporates Hip Hop, jazz and classical dance moves.

This class is geared for dance enthusiasts and fitness class participants alike. Most of all, the class is de-signed for people to have a great time and shake their tails!

Panel Discussion: “Where Do We Go From Here: The Future of Women in Martial Arts

Moderator: Sensei Heather Turnbull. Panellists: Master Marjory Allingham, Master Virginia Burnside, Shihan Denise Gonzales, Shifu/Sensei Kore’ Grate, Master Kathy Long, Grand Master Cookie Melen-dez

We know that the freedom of today’s women and girls to train in the martial arts is the product of many battles fought and won by the kinds of pioneering women we honor at this conference. Now that women are enter-ing the ranks of senior instructors, school owners, and leaders of our styles/associations, what changes do we hope to make in the martial arts world? What barriers still exist that we can help break down? What values are missing that we can help instill? What would we like the martial arts world to look like 10, 20, 30 years from now, and how can we “become the change we wish to see”?

AWMAI 2012 Conference ScheduleKeyL – Lecture/DiscussionMC – Moving Classroom combining lecture & movement applicationWO – Master Class WorkoutMWO – One hour early morning Workout

Friday, March 2Location: Zeus A Conference Room9:00am-1pm - Registration

9:30-11:00am – Pre-Conference Session (free with conference registration)Health Nurturing Qigong (WO) - Sifu Feldman 11:00am-1:00pm – Lunch Break

1:00-2:00pm Opening Welcome & Presenter Introductions

2:15-3:00pm – Keynote Address w/Q&A (Grand Master Casillas)

3:15-3:45pm – Session 1 (Movement Icebreaker – Professor Okamoto) 4:00-6:00pm - Session 2 (Panel Discussion with Q&A)“Where Do We Go From Here: The Future of Women in Martial Arts”Moderator: Sensei Turnbull; Panelists: Master Allingham, Master Burnside, Shifu/Sensei Grate, Shihan Gonzales, Master Long, Grand Master Melendez

6:00-8:30pm – Dinner Break on your own8:30-10:30pm –Session 3: Networking Social (refreshments served)

Saturday, March 3 – Location: Apollo 7 and Apollo 8 Conference Rooms

7:00-8:00am – Session 4Apollo 7 Hip Hop (MWO) - Sifu BurchApollo 8 (or Upstairs Outside Deck) Liangong (MWO) - Sifu Leung Breakfast Break

9:30-11:00am – Session 5Apollo 7 Practical Qigong for the Martial Artist (WO) - Sifu Ivy Apollo 8 Teaching Non-Traditional Learners (MC) – Shihan Christensen

11:30am-1:00pm – Session 6

Apollo 7 Becoming a Good Fighter: Finding Your Strengths (WO) Master Limas Apollo 8 De-Escalation Skills Training (MC) - Sensei Strain Lunch Break

2:15-3:45pm – Session 7Apollo 7 Spontaneous Knife Defense (WO) - Grand Master CasillasApollo 8 The Secrets to Running a Martial Arts School for Nearly 30 Years (L) - Shihan Smoger 4:00-4:30 – AWMAI Board Report5:00-6:00 - DEMONSTRATION

7:30-11:30pm – Location: Athena Ballroom Hall of Fame Banquet (Italian Buffet) “Boasting, Toasting, & Roasting” – Shihan Christensen & Shihan Spiro

Sunday, March 4Location: Apollo 7 and Apollo 8 Conference Rooms7:00-8:00am – Session 8Apollo 7 Five Element Qi Gong (MWO) - Sifu Resnick Breakfast Break

9:30-11:00am – Session 9Apollo 7 Chokes & Arm Bars (MC) - Shihan Gonzales Apollo 8 Young Martial Artists Program (L) - Shihan Spiro

11:30am-1:00pm – Session 10Apollo 7 Muay Thai Counter Drills (WO) - Master LongApollo 8 Martial Arts Medicine: Battlefield Medicine for Trainers (MC) - Sifu Resnick Lunch Break

2:15-3:45pm – Session 11Apollo 7 Self Defense in Confined Spaces (WO) – Kyoshi Gorbaty & Professor OkamotoApollo 8 Generational Styles of Learning (L) - Sifu/Sensei Grate 4:15-5:45pm – Session 12Apollo 7 & 8 Push Hands Across Styles (WO) - Sifu Leung 5:45-6:00pm – Closing

(Schedule subject to change without notice)

IMPORTANT CONFERENCE REMINDERS

**All mail-in registrations must be received in our P.O. Box by February 20th

**The cut-off date for room reservations at the Alexis Hotel at the contracted group rate of $49 per night/suite is February 15th, after which time any reservations accepted will be at the hotel’s prevailing rate and based on availability. Register directly online on our website Conference Page.

**If you will have a guest attending the banquet, you must pay for them online prior to February 28th or by snail mail received by February 20th. The cost is $60.

**If you would like your business card to appear in our Conference Booklet, please: mail your business card & $20 check payable to AWMAI and send to Janice Okamoto, 3006 Lincoln Ave, Alameda, CA 94501.

Silent Auction and Raffle DonationsWe will be hosting our annual Silent Auction and Raffle Fundraiser for AWMAI’s schol-arship fund at the conference. Grand Prize for our raffle is tuition to the 2013 AWMAI Conference. Easily transported items are encouraged. If you want to donate an item but aren’t attending, please contact Barbara Feldman at blueherondojo@comcast.net to make arrangements.

Were You Promoted in 2011?AWMAI CERTIFICATE OF RANK RECOGNITION

AWMAI offers Certificates of Rank Recognition as a way for your peers to recog-nize your individual achievement in the martial arts. An AWMAI Rank Recognition Certificate also indicates to your students and teachers that you are a member of an international community of women martial artists representing myriad styles and systems. If you were promoted during 2011, please consider adding this ac-knowledgement of your accomplishment. Details are available on our website. www.awmai.org

Community Day 2011By Prof. Janice Okamoto

On October 22, 2011 my dojo, the Alameda Judo/Jujitsu Club held their annual fundraiser at Playland-not-at-the-Beach in El Cerrito, CA. This year we added a canned/non-perishable food drive to help the Alameda Food Bank stock their shelves before the holiday season as a part of the AWMAI’s Com-munity Day project. It was a fun family evening and a great showing of support with everyone bringing multiple canned items per person. “I was exceptionally proud of my students; after they heard what the AWMAI Community Day was about they involved not only their families, but their neighbors and friends to join in.”Even prior to the event students were bringing in items that we had to store at the dojo. I personally would like to thank Bernice Jay for contributing over 4 cases of items. On drop off day, I walked into the Food Bank and they asked me if I needed food? I replied no and said I brought a donation. They were so surprised that we held a food drive this early since so many people only think of the holiday season as a time to donate. The Food Bank’s word became a lesson; to remember others all year long and not only during the holi-days. I would like to wish you good health and prosperity in 2012See you in March at the conference.(Picture – just a small portion of what was collected)

From Our Financial Director, Sifu Barbara Feldman

The 2011 Conference Raffle & Silent Auction raised nearly $1,000 for scholarships that are enabling several women who otherwise would not be able, to attend this year’s confer-ence. Please remember to bring your “portable” items to donate for this year. As many of your know, the bidding process has been known to get quite exciting on our Silent Auction items. Seems our members love to compete, go figure!

While in Japan last month for the holidays, I trained twice with my granddaughter and my son who received his black belt in November. Pictured here with their Sensei and me.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

CORRECTION: We apologize that in our last issue we announced that Sifu Sonya Richardson received the Pacific Association of Women Martial Artists’ Member of the Year Award. Sifu Richardson actually received PAWMA’s Martial Artist of the Year Award. Congratulations!

CONGRATULATIONS to AWMAI members Sensei Joanne Factor and Sabunim Cathy Chapaty upon re-ceiving the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation 2011 Member of the Year Award, respectively.

CONGRATULATIONS to Sabunim Cathy Chapaty on her recent award presented by Korean Ambassador Han Duk-soo in Washington, D.C. In her own words, “I won an award in an essay contest sponsored by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the USA! Today, I’m grateful for the gifts of martial arts and writing. Most of all, I’m grateful to Ian D., a kid with ADHD who, through Taekwondo, developed (1) the focus to notice when his little sister was drowning in a friend’s pool, (2) the courage to act quickly as he dove down to the bottom of the pool, and (3) the physical strength to grab his sister and pull her to safety. I’m excited about the award, but it doesn’t come close to trumping Ian’s heroic actions.”

CONGRATULATIONS to Shifu/Sensei Kore’ Grate upon the Grand Opening of her new school Five Ele-ment Martial Arts & Healing Center in Minneapolis, MN, on November 14, 2011. We all wish you the best of everything in your new space!

CONGRATULATIONS to Sifu Sonya Richardson selected to be honored by Flyaway Productions in 2011 as one of the ten women urban activists in Bay Area cities, who effect change through civic engagement, and through the arts. A well deserved award!

Our Martial Arts Journey, by Cyndie Eutsler O’Bleness & Opal Harbert

Cyndie writes, “After many years of training in an oppressive martial arts environment, with few like-minded women as training partners, I found AWMAI. At the spring conference, I had several enlightening experiences, which led me to create Elements Martial Arts, Inc., a non-profit organization supporting empowerment of women and children through martial arts and self-defense training. A central focus of the organization is to make martial arts accessible to women and children. To ensure accessibility, the school is located on a bus route, offers sliding tuition scales, provides childcare during class, and collaborates with Kansas City area domestic violence resource centers to run programs for those in shelter and in outreach.

I could not have imagined that, just weeks before the grand opening of a facility with social responsibility at the heart of its vision, my Grandmaster, who had fully supported my work with women and children with domestic violence histories, would denounce his support of my school. Although I listened to the stories of other women at AWMAI, I did not believe my situation was the same. I already had my Grandmaster’s approval to teach, to be of service in the community, and ultimately, should the need arise, to take my students to test under him. But, in fact, there were many similarities that I shared with my AWMAI sisters who had traveled this path before me. I decided to hone in on the one that would support my path to success: we persevere with indomitable spirit.

Amidst the betrayal and grief I felt at the time, I knew that I had to find another way. I knew that I was capable of teaching, but I didn’t know how to create a “legitimate” school; who would test my students? One of the presenters at AWMAI said, “It’s your gig, man!” So I set forth to make it my very own gig, searching online and calling those who claimed to offer belt rank promotion – for a fee. I decided that I could accept a fee, but struggled with what that meant to me and for my students. Were we buying our belts? What if someone asked how I, the chief instructor, advance rank; who gave me “permission” to teach? I resolved to find an association that allowed me to answer any of those questions with integrity.

Finding an organization or association that met the criteria I had set forth for, “my gig” was a difficult task. I didn’t want to teach from a book. I wanted to teach what I knew, from my experience and from women I had met who knew something about how women feel, move and train. I didn’t need or want a judge for my students. I wanted my students to feel safe and empowered, not criticized. And as I searched the Internet for these aspects of an as-sociation, I returned to one repeatedly. So, on a Sunday afternoon, I called Master Jason Thomas of the Kom Do Kwan Martial Arts Association. After a very long talk, I was certain we were a match. Due to the politics of my situation, Master Thomas was not as sure. He very much wanted Elements as a member school, but was conflicted because he feared it might cause additional strife for me. I assured him that I had already negotiated the transition from the previous association to none, a process that brought forth a range of emotions. I was in a much better place and ready to make rational decisions.

The next day, I sent my payment for membership to the Kom Do Kwan Association. Within the next month, I received black belt certificates for me and for my children. It was an emo-tional moment for all of us, as we were not provided these at our previous school. Then, we opened packages sent by Master Thomas, which included NEW black belts and black belt cards; mine was an instructor card. As Elements’ relationship with Kom Do Kwan and its member schools evolved over the summer and fall months, we began to arrange a seminar. It was to be just a weekend with Master Thomas, so that I could begin learning the curriculum to advance rank. With each email, the list grew longer, as we planned for more attendees and additional instruction. What took place was a three day martial experience that was enjoyed by my students, friends and family, and three Kom Do Kwan instructors, including another AWMAI sister who also found solace with the association, Opal Harbert. To my surprise, at the Elements class session, Master Thomas presented me with the 2011 Kom Do Kwan Perseverance award. I cannot recall his entire speech, but felt the meaning of his words deep in my heart. In that moment, I knew that I had found the right place for me and for my students. I was now grateful for the separation from my previous school, for had that circumstance not occurred, I would not have the honor of training with such courteous, respectful individuals. I was humbled.

As this newsletter goes to print, I have accepted the role as the Kom Do Kwan Women’s Liaison, working closely with Master Thomas to enhance understanding of women’s issues within the Association. I will serve as an ambassador for Kom Do Kwan, promoting its sup-port of women in the martial arts to women’s schools and female students who may wish to become members of the Association.

As for “my gig,” well, it’s now made stronger by my membership with Kom Do Kwan, and as always, AWMAI. I share the honor and meaning of the Perseverance award with all who carried me in spirit, until I could walk next to you all courageously. www.elements4women.org”

Harbert writes, “As a female martial artist I often times find myself in an environment where the odds seem to be against me. I know many of you have felt the same way, just as I know that many have also faced the difficult decision of having to part ways with a school you loved when the politics stole the joy from your art. I came to this junction in my path about a year ago and found myself feeling isolated. I hold a second dan in Taekwondo and it took me this long to face the controlling and manipulative nature of my instructor and the mas-ter of our system. While I know that there are some wonderful schools in the world, I have also experienced those based more on ego, and after sharing stories with some incredible women at the AWMAI conference this past spring I see that many have shared in this ex-perience.

The Kom Do Kwan, or ‘Bear Way School’ derived its name from the Korean creation myth of bear as the feminine creature. I loved the idea. In this male dominated arena, the bear

helps to bring balance to what we practice and believe. She is a voice for the powerful wom-en who have as much to contribute as the men whose voices often are heard more loudly. The goal of the Kom Do Kwan is to empower the instructor to bring value to the students. By helping to make the instructor a better martial artist, those qualities are passed on to the students. Grand Master Thomas, along with regional directors and other members of the Kom Do Kwan, work together in a cooperative environment with those seeking guidance in order to make choices that benefit both the instructor and the students. The idea is to create a bond which is helpful to all involved versus a set in stone “how to” system. Each individual has equal value whether, he/she has one student or one hundred and when the instructor is a member, everyone is a member.

It is an incredible feeling to finally be a part of a group of martial artists with a philosophy that in working together and supporting each other each person can find the path that is best for them, thus maximizing their own potential. I am thankful to the Kom Do Kwan, to Grand Master Thomas, and to the others in this martial arts family who are willing to recognize that there are those of us who need some help, to empower us to reach for our goals, and to provide us with the extra tools we need to accomplish those goals, www.komdokwan.com.”

PHOTOS submitted by Cyndie O’Bleness

SEEKING NEW AWMAI EVENTS DIRECTOR

Dear Members,

The Board of Directors has been functioning with only four out of five positions filled. This is putting an unusually high workload on all of us. Although plans for the 2012 conference have been taken care of, we would really like to go into the conference with a new Events Director in place. If you care about this orga-nization, please consider volunteering your time and skills.

The AWMAI Events Director should be a detail-oriented person with strong organizational skills. The position offers the chance to interact with people from all different aspects of the AWMAI organization, including hotel management, instructors teaching at the conference, attendees, local contacts, and the Board of Directors. This position is especially rewarding because of the influence the Events Director has on shaping our key-stone event and strengthening our organization.

The following is a summary of the position duties:

• · Annual Conference: Organize and negotiate the location, secure necessary equipment, meals and other aspects, including signing location contracts. Work with the city’s Chamber of Com-merce and local businesses. Keep members current on upcoming issues, such as spa specials, menus, shuttles, etc. Work to resolve any problems.

· Participate in all Board conference calls, vote on all Board matters, and maintain an open line of communication with other Board members

• · Contribute newsletter articles and updates.

• · Help other Board members who may need assistance with their workloads.

If YOU are interested, PLEASE contact me at zgorbaty@gmail.com.Thanks, Zosia

“Upcoming Events”

Camp Danzan Ryu, May 18-20, 2012, Mt Cross Camp in Ben Lomond, Ca. www.alamedajujitsu.org

National Women’s Martial Arts Federation, Women’s Martial Arts Conference, July 25-29, 2012, Oberlin College, Ohio, www.nwmaf.org

Pacific Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors Camp, Summer 2012, Bay area, www.pawma.org

National Women’s Martial Arts Federation’s Women's Martial Arts Conference

Special Training Martial Arts Camp Self-Defense Instructors' Conference It’s About the Training!

5 days of Self-Defense Instructor Classes

Martial Arts Training Healing Arts Classes Self-Defense Classes

Self-Defense Instructors' Conference Early Program

Wednesday July 25 - Thursday July 26

Women's Martial Arts Special Training and Self-Defense Instructors' Conference

Thursday July 26 - Sunday July 29

Oberlin College in Oberlin Ohio www.NWMAF.org

It’s about mothers and daughters training together. It’s about teachers

and students training for a demo. It’s about peers sharing their

training in a skill swap. It’s about training weapons. It’s about

training IN soft styles that are hard. It’s about the focus that comes

while training. It’s about taking someone to the training mat, and

both of you loving it. It’s about eating snacks after training. It’s about

training with intensity. It’s about girls training with girls their own

age. It’s about girls and women training together. It’s about training

with an instructor one-on-one. It’s about training using the bodies we

have right now. It’s about flying high while training. It’s about the calm

that comes from folding a hakima after training. It’s about eating for

training (and Oberlin has some good eats!). It’s about training with

friends. It’s about making friends through training. It’s about learning

healing arts so that training the next day is not so painful. It’s about

sharing our training. It’s about training in the classroom. It’s about

training that applies to your life.

If you are looking for training you will find it at NWMAF’s Women’s Martial Arts Conference!