I locked my purple Schwinn Stingray to the bike rack outside Thrifty’s Drug Store, went inside for a 5 cent scoop of chocolate ice cream, and then headed over to the karate studio a few doors down to watch the boys take their lesson. This had become a Saturday afternoon ritual for me. I really wanted to take lessons myself but like so many times before that, I was told girls weren’t allowed.
I loved Caine... his humble confidence, his non-aggression and complete calm in the face of danger, the flashbacks to his childhood in the monastery and the pearls of spiritual wisdom that he received from his teachers.
If you haven't seen the original 1984 version of The Karate Kid starring Ralph Macchio, you must! It's what inspired me to finally sign up for karate lessons.
But my happy little bubble burst when my new teacher bragged about training South American mercenaries. Huh?!?! Where was wise and spiritual Mr. Miyagi? I quit shortly after that. But as the years passed, every time I’d drive by a dojo, I’d wish I was taking lessons.
In an odd way, my wish was granted when a little over eleven years ago, a neighbor began stalking me. I’d walk my dog, he’d drive by and let out a cat call. I’d go to the library to return a book, and so would he. I’d run over to the grocery store, and there he was. It was time to take some action.
I didn’t care about the style they taught, or their philosophy. My only immediate requirement was getting some sort of self-defense training.
It turned out to be a perfect match for me. They taught traditional Shaolin Kempo with an emphasis on self-defense techniques. I fell in love with it. I also signed up for my first model mugging class around the same time, and became very acquainted with women’s self-defense issues.
I drastically changed my daily routine, and noticed that my creepy neighbor just faded away. Maybe he followed me to the karate studio one day and it turned him off. Who knows. But I’m actually very grateful for his appearance in my life because without him, I might have never started on this incredible journey.
Training has become a lifestyle for me. I love it.
As my self-defense skills improved, my overall anxiety levels dropped.
I'd been carrying around a lot of fear and anxiety for most of my life, not just during the stalking incident.
Learning self-defense has changed my whole life. My confidence and self-esteem have improved enormously, as well as my physical fitness. I'm a much more content and happier human being.
I am filled with gratitude for all the positive changes that have occured in my life, and it's become infectious.
I feel privileged to be passing my knowledge along to other women.
— Patty