At 63 years old, life has taught me that obstacles are inevitable. I’ve faced my share of challenges and disappointments, and I’ve learned that it’s not about avoiding the storms, but about how we weather them. For many years, I watched the world around me, seeing communities torn apart by natural disasters, poverty, and hardship. I realized that while I had lived a good life, it was time to stop being a bystander, to stop shaking my fist at the screen, and to start being a part of the solution.
I grew up in a time when I was fortunate enough to have access to music, physical fitness, and art programs, all of which sustained my energetic, hyperactive self. With the support of a music scholarship and federal grants, I graduated from Butler University with only minimal debt. My career has been as varied as it has been rewarding: I’ve been a Pre-K teacher, an after-school program director, a graphic artist, a writer, a case manager, and a life skills clinician working with cognitively impaired individuals. Art has also been a constant in my life—so much so that I completed a year-long art challenge that culminated in my one-woman exhibit, “Twixt and Between,” despite all the demands life placed on me, from work to caring for my elderly mother.
But through all of my endeavors over the past 40 years, one thing has remained constant—my practice of Shorei Goju Ryu, a traditional martial art. Karate has been more than just a form of physical activity for me; it has been a way of life, shaping my character and teaching me resilience, discipline, and grace. Today, I am honored to share that practice with others, from youth to aging population in the inner city through my work at the Fierce Center. The ladies at the center cared for my mother with such love and devotion, and with their support, I have embraced the opportunity to give back by teaching martial arts with a focus on physical fitness, emotional resilience, and mindfulness.
I believe that martial arts and yoga have the power to transform not just our bodies, but our minds and spirits. At Atomic Practice Martial Arts, my goal is to help students—whether they are youth or seniors—develop focus, self-confidence, respect, and better life skills, including anger management and emotional rebound techniques. Together, we will work on improving physical fitness through meditation and self-defense, while also nurturing the strength within to navigate life’s challenges.
I leave you with a quote from Gichin Funakoshi, a master of traditional martial arts:
“The ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.”
Let’s embark on this journey of self-improvement, not just for our bodies but for our spirits.
