pawma news

Courtesy of Judith Pile

PAWMA News Uniting and empowering a diverse community of

women and girls in the martial arts.

Vol. 33 No. 4 Fall 2010

My Camp Experience 2010 The Experience From a First Time Camp Attendee

Judith Pile - Seattle, WA

One of my best moments during camp was unscheduled. I had been inside watching movies: one about PAWMA camp and one about women martial artists. It was dark when I left but not late, and I saw some women in the parking lot so I wandered over. There were a couple of women from my school along with several others I'd seen, but not met. Some were friends from previous camps, and they were showing each other different forms, both empty hand and with sticks. I got drafted into one of the form demos. There was something magical about hanging out on a warm, dark evening playing with each other and comparing notes.

I hadn't been to camp since I was a kid, and now I have a new appreciation for what camp provides. In addition to the remembered feeling of camaraderie and the fun of learning new things, there was the thrill of having things taken care of - no cooking, no cleaning, no

PAWMA News • Vol. 33 No. 4 • Fall 2010 2

Pacific Association of Women Martial Artists

responsibilities beyond getting to the cafeteria and the classes you choose at the right times. As an adult (or someone who masquerades as one) that felt so luxurious. Menlo College, a business college in Menlo Park, CA, is a pretty little campus. Okay, the dorm rooms are plain and a little depressing, but the cafeteria food was actually good - plentiful, varied and tasty. And it was a wonderful place to be trying new things.

On arrival Friday, I got a booklet describing the classes that were to be offered and the instructors, along with a schedule cheat sheet that would help me remember when and where the classes were offered. There was one before breakfast class, two morning classes and two afternoon classes. There was an event each evening that brought us back together. None of the evening events lasted late, and while some slept, others partied.

Except for the early morning, every session gave four choices. Talk about variety! I was awed by the biographies. In addition I knew many advanced martial artists attending who were not teaching, so I was impressed, but also a little apprehensive that a beginner, like me might feel out of place. Not so.

I've only been training for a little over a year, and although most everyone at my school is wonderful and encouraging, I regularly do silly things and feel foolish. But then, that's how it is when you're a beginner. And at camp, it was fun to realize that in many cases, the other students in classes are also beginners - at least in the subject area being taught in that class.

Many teachers had a progression of two or three classes that built upon one another, which of course you didn't have to attend, but many did. Because of this, I found there were some teachers I didn't get to experience at all. But on Saturday night we were back in the gym for a demo, and I got to see some of what I was missing. There were individual demonstrations, demos from teams of two, and some groups showing off what they had learned in classes. Many demos had to do with the classes we were taking, but some were individuals showing forms from various disciplines that weren't in the camp lineup. The variety was great, but what I enjoyed most was seeing the joy everyone showed in the demos, both those on the floor and those in the stands.

Friday night there was an opening ceremony in the gym. There was an opening ceremony, where Zosia Gorbaty led us through some exercises. Some challenged us individually and some were a sort of martial arts-meets-mixer. These were aided by drumming, where we took turns accompanying the proceedings with drums supplied by the taiko teacher, Ikuyo Conant. It was exhilarating and fun.

Sunday night was the bazaar and dance, along with a hastily arranged taiko demo. I was in that one. We had spent a little over an hour learning a routine, and we were so proud of ourselves. One woman said it must be because of our martial arts training that we learned a complicated pattern so quickly and well. But Ikuyo burst our bubble when she told us that this was the routine she taught to third-graders.



I felt lucky that there were eleven women there from my school, and I did get to know some of them better. But I also met women from other cities and other schools and styles, and enjoyed that a lot. Everyone was happy to be there, and seemed equally pleased in trying new things as in showing the skills she already had.

There was obviously so much work and love poured into making camp happen. Here's to: the women who came to camp with open minds and hearts; the women who taught classes; and most of all to those who spent so much time and energy planning, organizing and generally making it possible for the rest of us not to have to worry about anything but learning and having fun.

New Fiction from PAWMA's own Magdalena Zschokke

Magdalena lives in Santa Cruz, CA. She discovered and joined PAWMA last year and attended Camp again this year, where she was kind enough to volunteer to teach a class called At the Edge: Where Martial Arts Meets Self-Defense in which she donned a "fist suit" and allowed students to punch and kick her at full force. She is also an accomplished sea captain and author.

Her new book, My Beautiful Parasite, is being released this month. It will be available from all online sellers, as well as from her own website www.magdalenazschokke.com and the publisher's site www.fastpencil.com. This novel promises to be a great read. It is the story of a martial arts dojo and the literary study of vampires. Here is a brief synopsis from the back cover:

"Barbara's world is falling apart -- her relationship is dissolving, her martial arts school is in uproar, and the characters in her book are refusing to conform to her theories. Laura's arrival exacerbates the simmering tensions until everyone is caught up in a conflagration that illuminates weaknesses as well as unexpected strengths."

http://www.magdalenazschokke.com/�

http://www.fastpencil.com/�



Danzan Ryu Jujitsu: An Introduction Delina Fuchs, godan, & Nerissa Freeman, yodan

Photo by Karen Fayeth. Danzan Ryu (DZR) Jujitsu is a classical system of jujitsu, developed by Master Henry Seishiro Okazaki, a Japanese native living in Hawaii in the early 20th century. It is studied today by thousands of practitioners, and focuses on the martial and self-defense aspects of jujitsu. It also has significant emphasis on the healing arts. However, the primary focus of studying DZR, according to Master Okazaki, is to complete one's character and develop a generous, honest, and kind attitude.

Okazaki (1890-1951) emigrated to Hawaii from Japan in 1906. In 1909, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and regained his health after vigorous study of Yoshin-Ryu jujitsu. This convinced him to continue his training and he made the study of jujitsu, the martial arts, and healing arts a major part of his life. He eventually traveled back to Japan and is said to have learned 675 techniques, even being awarded the high rank of sandan (3rd degree black belt) from the Kodokan in Japan. He also learned techniques from the native Hawaiian martial art of Lua, Filipino knife techniques, kung fu, and Chinese hand techniques. After returning to Hawaii, Master Okazaki became very well known for his martial skills. He later became famous for his skills as a healer, even surpassing his formidable ability as a martial artist.

Master Okazaki developed his own system of jujitsu he called Danzan Ryu, or Hawaiian Island System. It includes joint locks, throws, grappling techniques, self-defense, and combination techniques. He included techniques from throughout his training, including those from various



jujitsu systems, Okinawan Karate, Lua, and what he liked best from other Chinese and Japanese systems he studied. Master Okazaki organized his techniques into a progressive system, where a student learns techniques in a specific order. He taught thousands of students, including women and Caucasians. At that time, this made him unpopular with the conservative Japanese community. Master Okazaki persevered, however, and around 1930, opened his jujitsu dojo, the Kodenkan, in Honolulu.

Photo by Amy Stephenson.

Today, students learn DZR in much the same order as Okazaki's original students. The array of techniques represented by DZR is endless, and although each sensei might introduce the individual kata in different order, the curriculum has a very prescribed order. The first day on the mat, a student generally learns a basic front roll (Mae Kaiten) and escapes from grabs (Hazushi). In other words, DZR jujitsu starts with stand up techniques like hand escapes and joint locks while the student becomes proficient at rolling and falling. Once s/he can roll and perform a basic fall safely, takedowns and sweeps are then added to the student's repertoire.

The Shoden, or beginning level, of the system starts with Yawara, the hand technique course containing escapes from grabs and chokes, joint locking, and defenses against reaches and punches. As rolling and falling become more proficient, the student is introduced to the Nage no Kata, or throwing course. This list has many of the standard sweeps and throws found in Judo-such as hip throws, winding and dropping throws, and one-legged and scissor throws. It is at this time that Shime no Kata, or constriction forms are introduced. These are standard grappling techniques that most modern students associate with jujitsu in the post UFC/MMA fighting era. Okazaki's system differs in that the Shoden ends with the ground instead of starting there.

The Chuden, or middle level, is associated with the brown belt levels. This portion of study includes combination techniques (Oku no Kata); self-defense (Goshin Jitsu); and a variety of weapons usage and defense; and the formal blocking, striking, and kicking kata-all in the Kiai no Maki course, or literally "scroll of the united spirit."




Finally, at the black belt levels, or Okuden, literally translated as "deeper level," are the advanced combinations, strategies, striking, and healing portions of the Danzan Ryu Jujitsu curriculum. What is most interesting to newcomers of DZR is this emphasis on massage and restorative techniques. That is because at the same time that Master Okazaki was developing his system of jujitsu, he developed his own methods of massage and healing techniques. He organized his techniques into a specific order and format, much like his system of jujitsu, introducing students to the basics of massage which were practiced regularly on each other on the mat at the end of jujitsu classes. In fact, he opened an office in 1929 which allowed him to treat patients and teach students the healing methods that he had learned and developed.

Danzan Ryu as it is taught today consists of both the martial and healing techniques. It is possible to spend a lifetime studying the intricacies of the system, learning the techniques and principles in greater and greater depth, and continuing to improve one's physical, mental, and emotional abilities.

If you would like more information about Danzan Ryu, please contact Sensei Fuchs and Sensei Freeman.

Sensei Delina Fuchs Chico Kodenkan 254 East 1st Street Chico, Ca. 95928 530-343-6551 (dojo) 530-514-7493 (cell) www.chicokodenkan.com

Sensei Nerissa Freeman Makoto Kai 443 First Street Woodland, CA. 95695 530-662-5662 www.makotokaihealingarts.com

http://www.chicokodenkan.com/�

http://www.makotokaihealingarts.com/�



First Camp Marcia Nice - Port Orchard, WA

Courtesy of Marcia Nice. It wasn't until I got off the train that I realized that I had somehow failed to bring my only contact's phone number with me. But it was only three blocks, right? I set out, picking a direction at random, and almost immediately ran into a group of women in kung fu t-shirts. I was going the wrong way, but they set me straight.

That was in many ways all of PAWMA Camp, right there. Strangers really were just friends I didn't know yet. We were all in this together, whether it was standing on your partner's hips, getting that arm bar right, or going to find the ice cream shop.

Of course, there were also all the opportunities to learn new things. I primarily study a hard style of karate, so I spent the weekend on softer style classes. Of course, my favorite was San Ts'ai Chien Sword Form because I'm a sucker for swords, but I can't think of a class where I didn't learn and didn't have fun. The biggest problem was more that I wanted to be in all the classes, all the time.

After camp, one of my new friends asked if it had been hard to come by myself. I had to admit that it wasn't. It was amazingly easy to come to camp by myself, and by the time camp was over I wasn't there by myself at all.



WomenStrength & GirlStrength: Training in Self-Defense Options

Sara, Portland OR

Before you read more about the programs, WomenStrength and GirlStrenght, that I am involved in, I was asked to first tell a little more about myself. I am the one at camp 2010 that was so excited about learning choke hold escapes, that you could have found me practicing with my new friends outside our dorm room until midnight! I was the one who could not stop smiling at every new technique, friend and experience I had at camp. My passion for self-defense was not founded until I trained to become a WomenStrength self-defense instructor. I was able to turn the most rewarding volunteer experience into my career. I have had the privilege of running the WomenStrength program since 2005. I have been able to pursuing my true passion of teaching women important safety & prevention skills to keep them safe, and I have greatly enjoyed teaching women of all walks of life & abilities how to be empowered, strong and confident. Here is a little more about WomenStrength & GirlStrength!

WomenStrength & GirlStrength are programs of the Portland Police Bureau that offer free holistic self-defense classes and workshops to girls and women.

Since 1979, WomenStrength has provided free self-defense classes and personal safety workshops to people around the Portland area. WomenStrength has taught self-defense skills to approximately 26,000 women and teenage girls, and personal safety workshops to over 75,000 women and men.

The unique program structure that has kept WomenStrength so successful includes:

• Free self-defense classes and workshops • Classes that are nine hours in length (taught in three

Our First PAWMA Camp

From the WomenStrength & GirlStrength Perspective

Sara, Porland, OR

I have been a member of PAWMA for several years and was so excited to see the self-defense track offered in 2010. We knew we needed to be there!

What an experience! I was accompanied by Carolyne Haycraft, the coordinator of GirlStrength, and Nicole Morris, who is a volunteer instructor who teaches for both WomenStrength and GirlStrength. From entering the camp on Friday, to leaving on Monday, we were impressed with the openness, warmth and energy from the other women in attendance… we felt welcome!

I must admit that I had some trepidation about being amongst many talented martial artists. In our group, only Carolyne has an extensive



3hr sessions) • Introductory level self-defense skills for women of

all abilities • Classes that are taught by trained volunteer

instructors • A class environment that is both emotionally &

physically safe for all students including survivors of violence

• The practice of team teaching with an all female staff

• Holistic self-defense classes that include verbal assertiveness practice, discussions on sexual assault and domestic violence prevention, confidence building activities as well as physical self-defense skills.

Since WomenStrength is only offered to girls 13 years and above, there was a real need in the Portland community to create a GirlStrength program for younger girls.

One of the major strengths of the 9 hour program is that women have the opportunity to transform. Women who start the program feeling passive or quiet and have difficulty setting boundaries, often leave feeling empowered, more confident, and stronger emotionally, psychologically and physically. Many participants have told us that WomenStrength has helped them to find their voice and power as a woman. GirlStrength shares the same program structure as WomenStrength and is designed to meet the needs of middle school girls. GirlStrength is one of the few programs in the country that focuses on providing free holistic self-defense for girls 10-14 years of age, putting the Portland Police Bureau on the cutting edge of preventing and reducing sexual assault, dating violence, gang involvement and human trafficking in the Portland communities.

background in martial arts. As self-defense instructors, we found the training to be extremely beneficial, energizing & interesting and gained knowledge from many different forms of martial arts.

• Some of the highlights for us were: The demonstrations of all the forms,

• The cane kata with Anne Nepsky,

• Rolling & falling with Delina Fuchs & Nerissa Freeman,

• Car defense with Sherry MacGregor,

• Grappling with Nicola Simith,

• And drumming with Ikuyo,

• Meeting new friends, • Dancing the night

away, • And of course, the

camaraderie & intensity of so many talented women.

We hope there continues to be a self-defense track at PAWMA camp because we plan to be back in 2011!

GirlStrength's mission is to foster awareness, demystify fear and empower girls to be strong and confident. We achieve this mission through storytelling, discussions, journaling, hands on learning techniques such as role play, analyzing media images as well as facts and myths surrounding sexual assault and by practicing physical and verbal self defense skills.

GirlStrength provides girls with the opportunity to cognitively, physically, and emotionally engage with topics surrounding self-defense. GirlStrength topics include:



• Assertiveness (internal, physical and verbal) • Bullying and the importance of being an ally • Safety planning and prevention • Healthy relationships • Strategies used by attackers (strangers and non-strangers) • The role of intuition and confidence in protecting oneself • When and how to use physical skills • Gender and how our history impacts being a girl

GirlStrength is currently privately funded by Olive Bridge Fund, a 3 year development fund that ends November, 2011. Since its inception in 2008 GirlStrength has taught self-defense skills to approximately 800 girls!

About Sara, WomenStrength director & GirlStrength Founder

Sara became the director of WomenStrength in 2005 and had been a WomenStrength volunteer instructor since 2001. Her background is in violence prevention education and training. In her current role as the Director of WomenStrength, Sara supervises 30 volunteer instructors, writes curriculum as continues to teach self-defense classes and lead safety workshops. She has led workshops and trainings on personal safety, street smarts, sexual assault and dating violence for organizations including corporations, schools, community outreach organizations and women's shelters. She has her BA in Communication Arts from Marymount Manhattan College and currently trains in Krav Maga, a self-defense system that utilizes contact combat

About Carolyne, GirlStrength Coordinator

Carolyne became the GirlStrength Coordinator in 2008 and is also a WomenStrength instructor. Carolyne's background and formal education is in martial arts and theatre and her passion is to help all children be successful. In her current role as the GirlStrength coordinator, Carolyne teaches programs and workshops, supervises 20 volunteer staff, writes policies and procedures, and oversees the development of the curriculum while also focusing on community outreach to schools, community centers and organizations that work with youth. She has an Master's Degree in Theatre from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and has spent the last 15 years using drama and theatre as tool to explore social justice issues with children and adults. She holds a first degree black belt in Taekwon-do through the Universal Taekwon-do Federation and is currently preparing to take her black belt test in Shotokan Karate.

Photo by Karen Fayeth.



PAWMA Financial Update Jennifer Sweigert, PAWMA treasurer

As those of you who attended the member meeting at Camp are aware, PAWMA is currently in an economically difficult position. For those who were not there, Camp attendance this year was far lower than projected. Membership is down as well.

PAWMA has 283 recorded contacts (members, former members, non-member Camp attendees, or trainers who did not become members). However, only 109 are active members, with currently paid up membership fees. Camp 2010 drew 79 campers total, including commuters, one-day attendees, full attendees, and trainers. (By contrast, Camp 2009 drew 119.) Simply put, Camp fees did not cover the cost of Camp. Instead of Camp income being partially used to fund PAWMA's year-round overhead and replenish the scholarship fund, PAWMA had to cut into its reserves.

To begin to minimize our losses, the PAWMA Board adopted numerous cost-cutting measures. We received several donations, including teachers donating back their fees. The cost of insurance turned out to be less than projected. And we made $1,214 on the raffle and silent auction - thanks to all who participated!

Here are the final numbers on Camp:

Total cost of Camp: $19,831.91

Facility (Menlo College): $15,561.00 Teacher fees/travel: $3,332.23 Postcards, postage, printing etc.: $556.18 Insurance: $362.50 Raffle fee: $20.00

Total Camp income: $18,894.00

Camp fees: $17,180.001 Raffle: $972.00 Silent auction: $242.00 Donations*: $500

* This donation amount does not include the teachers who donated their fees. Those donations are gratefully reflected in the lower cost of teacher fees/travel.

While PAWMA still took a loss on camp this year, it was only $937.91, rather than the several thousand initially projected. Our current assets post-Camp are $11,150.31. The projected costs of keeping PAWMA up and running until the end of the year are $2,450. Our projected assets at the end of this calendar year are $8,700.31. With that money, plus your membership renewals, PAWMA will need to operate through the first half of 2011 and prepare for camp next year.

The main consequence of our financial status is that PAWMA simply does not have the money to put down a deposit on a facility such as Menlo College or last year's Stampfer Center. (For



example, this year, we paid $9,000 in deposits before Camp.) Therefore, we are looking into alternate ways of organizing Camp 2011 that will not require such a great initial outlay of funds.

Volunteers of time and labor, whether skilled or unskilled are welcome, as are donations, as we seek to negotiate a difficult time for everyone. Rest assured your PAWMA board is working hard to ensure PAWMA Camp will continue to be a great experience for the next generation of women martial artists.

As a New PAWMA Member Cindy Miguel - Milwaukie, OR


As a new PAWMA member, I scarcely know how to begin to say thank you to so many new friends, sisters, and martial artists for making my first PAWMA camp a wonderful experience that I'll never forget. It is important to note that without the work-study scholarship, I would have missed one of the most significant times in my martial arts journey.

As a foster parent, I truly needed the time away from my daily chaos to train and regroup. With six children to feed and clothe, every dollar is carefully budgeted and like many moms, I get the "left-overs".

Having only studied Tae Kwon Do for a little over 3 years and just earning my black belt last December, I have not had the exposure of so many other amazing hard and soft martial arts. I was surrounded by teachers who have tremendous passion for their art, while maintaining the



greatest empathy for those of us less experienced. Like Nikki Smith so aptly stated, "It gives us all the chance to be white belts!

One of the treasures of the camp experience is the incredible diversity of women of all backgrounds, ages, and arts, all together to share their journey with one another. I am no longer a single student in my little school. I am one of many students in a very large training environment that spans as wide as my questions.

Camp provided an environment of safety. We could be vulnerable and respected as we each practiced new and somewhat intimidating lessons. I was able to "brave the mat" in Judo and the falling and rolling class, while later working on the grace, breathing and balance of Pigua Zhang. I felt empowered in the Taiko drumming, and learned so much in the economy and efficiency of Wing Chun. I have been able to share some of my experience at home in my dojang and have seen positive effects show up in my sparring.

I was so inspired by my last class, the Hawaiian Lua class, that when I got home I had to make my own Ku'eku'e weapon from one of my broken boards. I greatly appreciated this class because, like traditional Tae Kwon Do, there is great focus and respect for history - every move and weapon reflecting the culture. My newly made weapon, besides being very cool, represents my personal culture, my natural surroundings, and serves as a wonderful reminder of my tremendous PAWMA camp experience.

My first PAWMA Camp Ever… Chanda Dharap

When I was asked to write my bio about my arts and my first PAWMA experience, I said, "Me? I'm just a newbie! And truth be told, my idea of an action plan if I ever came across an approaching knife would be to throw down my wallet, yell and run the other way! But I guess that was until I attended PAWMA camp. Now I find myself fantasizing about the best knife disarming twist, a blood curling yell, a bear claw to the face and a judo throw that has them pinned to the floor in a deathly choke hold!

My Bio I've come to the martial arts following a long meandering path that is rooted in healing energies. I began as a kid, reluctantly learning yoga postures from Courtesy of Chanda Dharap.



my dad. Later as life got complex, as it tends to do, I sought balance in meditation, in good old yoga, and in simply watching my breath. One thing led to another and besides my day job as a software engineer, I have trained in Reiki, Pranic Healing and Healing Touch. I also have a smallish practice on the side using simple balancing techniques to facilitate the body's natural healing abilities. Working with energy has been an amazing experience, as I have observed how energy becomes form and interestingly enough, how form opens the door to energy flow. Naturally this led me to the martial arts. Martial arts is one science where form meets energy.

As I said before, I'm new to martial arts and have studied the Tai-chi Chen style for the last year with Master Shu Dong Li. It might be simplistic to say I love it, but I do love it. The centering at the Dan Tien, the pulsing of the field, and the energy that spirals as I do the forms feels like art in motion. As I finished my first year I was ready to understand more about the applications of martial arts, and so when Leslie, a friend and a long time PAWMA member, told me about camp, it was too good to pass up. Besides it was literally in my backyard, how could I refuse!

First Camp Experience My PAWMA experience was very interesting, and I am thankful that PAWMA is open to first-timers. There were a myriad varieties of martial arts to experience, some with weapons, some without. My first session was Bagua basics from Sifu Valerie Lee and Sifu Susan Margulies. The first twenty minutes were very twisty as we twisted and turned in dizzying circles. But then I got the hang of the blocks and how the twists could be used to coil and uncoil power. I was lucky to be the odd one out without a partner and had to pair with Sifu Susan, who taught and corrected with great patience. I think by far the lessons I learned in this class stuck with me all through the next sessions.

I also attempted Judo for the first time, admittedly with some hesitation at first, afraid of being slammed and choked. The grin on the face of my partner as she quickly but strongly pinned me down was gentle and amused, and took away all my fear of being thrown about like a sack of potatoes.

There are so many things about PAWMA camp that stand out as lessons learned. Power drumming the Taiko with Ikuyo Conant taught me that drumming is about more than just music. It is about the centering, grounding, and raising of my Chi. I know I have so much to learn about drumming!

At times at PAWMA it was the instructors that made your experience, and at times it was whom you partnered with. Luck was on my side as I partnered with my friend Leslie Lippard at the defense against knife class. She corrected my non-existent technique at disarming and taught me two simple tricks that had me disarming the knife relatively easily. Best was that she let me practice with her even though I'm sure it was all baby stuff for her.



Then there was Zosia Gorbaty's drumming circle that energized my body, and the Straight Sword form that made me go back in time and become a soldier in an army long past. The teachings from Pati An, so mysteriously on target and yet so subtle, have taken me a couple of days to uncover the real lesson wrapped in the Roots, Wings class.

As a new member I look forward to what the PAWMA has to offer. Having seen the power and strength of the women at camp, I have high expectations from the PAWMA community, from the PAWMA website and the Facebook group. As I grow in my arts, with softness and strength, I look forward to finding a continuous PAWMA experience year round.

Learning Verbal Self Defense Sunny - Salt Lake City, Utah

I tend to believe that I have a pretty good grasp on defending myself and could defend myself if I was ever attacked. I also think I have a good basis of knowledge on mental self defense and avoiding and diffusing physical altercations before they start. However, like all good martial

artists, I am always learning. Susannah held a great class at PAWMA Camp 2010 about how to verbally defend and stand up for oneself. I have often struggled with verbally expressing my thoughts and in an argument. My first instinct is to fight with my fists rather than with my words. However, my martial arts training taught me not to physically fight or act abusively towards others. The downside to this is I always felt like I was left without tools to use when defending myself verbally. I asked Susannah's permission and would like share some basics of what I learned in her class.

"I think. I feel. I want. Most women have no problem expressing "I want, but many of us, including myself, have trouble expressing "I feel and "I think. Susannah explained that a simple way to deal with verbal confrontation is to use those three expressions. Now, I had been told in the past to use "I statements to defuse Courtesy of Sunny. Edited by Marty Springer.



situations and communicate feelings, but I could never really figure out exactly how to do this. The light bulb came on with "I think, "I feel, I want."

Ironically, I was able to use this technique within days of returning home from camp. Without getting into too much unpleasant detail, I have two close family members who are going through a divorce and were trying to put me in the middle. I decided to write a polite email to both of them telling them that: (1) I felt like I was being put in the middle, (2) I thought they needed someone besides me to discuss the matter with, and (3) I didn't want to hear about the details of the divorce. To my amazement, it helped. Since then, I have had to re-express those statements on a couple of different occasions, but each time when I tell them what "I think, I feel, I want, they immediately stop and apologize. Most importantly, this technique has helped remove me from an uncomfortable situation.

If you are like me and struggle with what to say when you need to verbally stick up for yourself, but you don't want to be rude, tactless, or unprofessional (in some situations), then I recommend you give this technique a try. You never know - it might work better than you ever expected.

Sacramento Area Women's Martial Arts (SAWMA) Nikki Smith, Judo Nidan - Sacramento, CA

Silke Schulz and I created SAWMA a couple of years ago because we are both fans of martial arts, but specifically women's martial arts. Silke had trained in the Bay Area with the East Bay Women's Black Belt group a couple of times and she enjoyed cross training with other strong and experienced female martial artists. Unfortunately their training was mid week and a little hard for me to get to after work. So Silke and I decided to put our own group together, with some changes.

We were given the opportunity to use the Dojo where I teach Judo, Dragon Fire Martial Arts, for free. That meant we had no overhead costs, so the group could be free. Lois Skidmore is the head instructor of the martial

Photo by Rebecca Smith.



arts school and she has been very supportive of the group from the beginning. We have most of our training sessions there, but we are open to traveling or training in other schools. We meet once a month on a Saturday afternoon for 2 hour long classes.

We opened the group up to non black belts after the first couple of meetings due to requests from female martial artists we knew who hadn't yet made it to the senior ranks. Though most often our classes are primarily senior practitioners, we have had some white belts practice with us when it was safe to do so. Our rule is that any woman over the age of 16 can attend a training session, even if she has no martial arts experience, as long as the instructor agrees. We are very flexible in how the classes are run, safety and fun are the main concerns.

Our instructors are all black belts, or black belt equivalents in their own arts. We decide on what we want to do each month depending on who is available and on what people would like to study. Each of us has taught at least once, for some women it was the first time they were given the opportunity to teach. Some classes are about a specific martial art, for example we just had a Danzan Ryu Jujitsu class. Other classes are about a specific issue, for example knife defense, where a Hapkido instructor lead the session. Additionally, each person is encouraged to share a defense from their own art. We have also gone on a field trip to San Francisco to the Asian History Museum to see the Samurai exhibit last year. There have also been a couple of experimental classes where we had a co-ed class where male martial artists who were individually invited to attend. We also had a class where we invited women from the community to attend a self defense seminar. Some other classes that we have held include Judo, TaeKwonDo, Hapkido, Brazilian JiuJitsu, Danzan Ryu JiuJitsu, Karate, Bushido, Cho Hwa Mo Yang Do, Mixed Martial Arts, Muai Thai Boxing and Eskrima. Also Self defense and free sparring are popular.

Our goal is to promote women's martial arts in our community. To enjoy cross training in one another's arts in a fun and safe environment while supporting one another's personal training. We often will get together after training to have dinner and discuss issues that female martial artists face in our society today, and we discuss issues important to women leading their own class or schools. Although I do most of the organizing for SAWMA, all decisions are made by the group, there is no official leader however. Most of our communication is through a facebook page. Each member takes it upon herself to promote the group to other female martial artists.

We encourage other women in other areas to try something similar, and we are available to discuss the issues we face or to give support to anyone who wants to start their own group.

Contact through Facebook, www.sacwomenmartialarts.com, www.dragonfiremartialarts.net, or at [email protected].

http://www.sacwomenmartialarts.com/�

http://www.dragonfiremartialarts.net/�

mailto:[email protected]�



Memories From Camp PAWMA Camp 2010 was held at Menlo College in Atherton, CA. There was a wonderful mix of martial arts styles, music, friendship, sharing, and fun. There were wonderful teachers, both new and returning, who gave so much of themselves. A great group of participants came together to share information, build connections, and reform and revitalize our women's martial arts community. Traditionally, the first newsletter after camp each year provides an opportunity to hear from some of the newer members of our community, and we are delighted to introduce you to some of them in this issue.

Photos by Rebecca Smith.





Photo by Rebecca Smith.




Changes on the PAWMA Board of Directors Keldyn West, who served on the PAWMA board of directors for nearly 3 years, including as president for the past two years, has resigned in advance of the end of her board term in January 2011. Keldyn has done a remarkable job of bringing order to the organization at a challenging time. The board regrets that Keldyn has decided to end her board tenure a few months early, and invites the whole of the membership to join us in thanking Keldyn for her years of dedication and hard work on behalf of PAWMA.

Tracy Reith, vice president, will fill the role of board president until we hold officer elections in January.

Keta Tom and Susannah MacKaye, past vice president, will also end their three-year terms in January 2010. The board thanks them both for their service and dedication to PAWMA. In addition to Tracy, board members continuing their terms are Aarin Burch, Elaine Powell, and Jennifer Sweigert.

At the annual membership meeting at this year's PAWMA training camp, the membership elected four new board members: Rosanne Boudreau, Nikia Fenlin, Patty O'linger, and Silke Schulz. In addition, the board voted to add Helen Yee as a new board member. This brings the total number of board members to nine, the maximum number of people on the board, in accordance with PAWMA's bylaws. The board welcomes all five new board members, who will start their three-year terms in January 2011.



National Martial Arts Events

California

Hand to Hand Kajukenbo Self Defense Center 5680 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland, CA www.handtohandkajukenbo.com

Women's Self Defense Series--Starting Sept. 13, 2010, Mondays 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Six weeks.

New Beginners Series (all genders)--Starting Oct. 5, 2010.

Friday Fight Night--Open sparring jointly hosted by Hand to Hand and Oakland Kajukenbo. Third Friday of each month 6:30-8:00p.m. (Sept. 17, Oct. 15, Nov. 19, Dec. 17, 2010). Open to community martial artists of all styles. Space for upright matches as well as a mat room for judo and jujitsu. If you like, bring your sticks for Arnis or Escrima partner-work.

Sacramento Area Women's Martial Arts (SAWMA) http://www.sacwomenmartialarts.com/

Open Training Second Saturday of every month from 1-3 p.m. Dragon Fire Martial Arts 5728 Folsom Blvd, Sacramento, CA. All female martial artists over the age of 16 with a basic knowledge of any martial art are welcome. The group is free to join and there is no cost to train. Some of the arts we practice are: Judo, TaeKwonDo, Hapkido, Brazilian JiuJitsu, Danzan Ryu JiuJitsu, Karate, Bushido, Cho Hwa Mo Yang Do, Moo Duk Kwan, Yudo, Mixed Martial Arts, Muai Thai Boxing, Eskrima and Aikido. Black belts or advanced practitioners are asked to offer their expertise and teach a class but it is not mandatory. Each month one of the black belts is selected to teach a class on a topic the group has selected in advance.

http://www.handtohandkajukenbo.com/�

http://www.sacwomenmartialarts.com/�



Minnesota

Feminist Eclectic Martial Arts

21st Anniversary Seminar With Master Su Zi Fang, Sifu Sonya Richardson and Shifu/Sensei Koré Nov. 12-15, 2010 Minneapolis, MN Register online at www.femamartialarts.org. Questions - email [email protected]

New York

National Women's Martial Arts Federation

Self-Defense Instructors' Conference and Special Training 2011 July 21, 2011 - July 24, 2011 College at Brockport NY Join us for an awesome lineup of workshops, workouts, networking and fun! Something for everyone, including:

• Sessions for self-defense instructors

• Martial arts workouts - many styles represented

• Self-defense strategies and techniques

• Classes especially for young martial artists

• Exceptional women trainers

Early registration starts in January and trainer applications are being accepted now at www.nwmaf.org

http://www.femamartialarts.org/�


http://www.nwmaf.org/�



Nevada

Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors (AWMAI)

Annual Conference 2011 - "Sharing our Knowledge with the World" March 4-6, 2011 Alexis Resort, Las Vegas, NV Join us at the Alexis Park Resort, a non-gaming, all-suite oasis of peace and luxury just steps away from the famous Las Vegas Strip. Don't 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. Register now at www.awmai.org. Early Registration ends October 31st. Save $50!

Virginia

National Women's Martial Arts Federation

Regional Training in Virginia October 2-3 263 Garrisonville Rd Stafford, Virginia 22554 Year after year, Special Training offers a spectacular week of training for women and girls. Now, a regional training camp to keep you motivated! Check out the classes being offered! Highlights include Tai Chi, Jujitsu, Intro to Push Hands, Kung Fu Broad sword, Kicking Drills. For more information, visit www.nwmaf.org or contact the Regional Training organizers at 540-720-1988 or [email protected].

Washington

Seven Star Women's Kung Fu

Fall Fundraiser Monday, Oct. 18th at 7pm At Central Cinema on Capitol Hill in Seattle

http://www.awmai.org/�

http://www.nwmaf.org/�




Featuring the movie Wing Chun, starring Michelle Yeoh, a Demonstration, and a Silent Auction. Drinks and snacks too! Cost $8 in advance and $10 at the door Contact Seven Star for tickets: www.7starwomenskungfu.org 206-720-1046

Seven Star Women's Kung Fu 525 21st Ave., Seattle, WA 98122-5919 www.7starwomenskungfu.org

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 [email protected]. The next submission deadline is November 1, 2010. Also, PAWMA is looking for Assistant Editors to help develop content. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Newsletter Editor at [email protected] for more information.

http://www.7starwomenskungfu.org/�





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