1. How long have you been training?
I have been training in the martial arts for almost 19 years.
2. What martial arts have you studied?
I started in Aiki Ju Jutsu before I started training with Sensei Harp. The style (Kaze Arashi Ryu) was very rough. I was sore for 2 straight years! When I started with Harp, it was a new deal....the same art without the extreme pain in every class. I have studied and trained in Aikido, when I was living in Florida for a couple of years. I enjoyed it and learned a different perspective on the Aiki arts. The intent is totally different than Aiki Ju Do. I also have taken a few classes (when I was visiting my very good friend in Philadelphia) in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Those guys were crazy!! It was all about hurting the other guy and winning. They wouldn't tap.
3. What do you love most about the martial arts?
Martial arts has given me strength, resolve and discipline. The ability to defend myself and those I love is just another added benefit that thankfully I have never had to use. It has taught me how not to get into bad situations as well.
4. What do you think is special about Harp Karate compared to other schools?
The people I have trained with are what makes Harp so special. Our Dojo seems to attract the best of the best. We all care about each other on and off the training floor.
5. How did you first become involved in the martial arts?
I had wanted to take up the martial arts since I was about 17, but after a severe knee injury when I was 18, I didn't think it was possible. But after my second knee operation at the age of 39, it felt good so I went for it!! I went to about 5 or 6 schools. When I watched Aiki being executed, I said "that's so cool!" so I started and have never stopped.
6. What is your proudest moment in the dojo?
Although receiving my first Black Belt was a very proud moment, I think I was even more proud when a couple of people that I helped to train for their Black Belts received theirs. And receiving my 2nd degree in Aiki and my 1st degree in Ken Jutsu when I was physically in sub-standard health really made me feel good about myself.
7. Who in the martial arts has inspired you?
Of course, watching Bruce Lee in the movies was the first inspiration for me. Another person who received his Black Belt in Aiki at the age of 63 or so, made me realize I could keep training for a long time. And of course, Sensei Terry with her 1000 day Seigan after some trying times in her life made me keep going when I wasn't sure I could.
8. Where do you see your training going in the next five years?
I am looking forward to working on improvement in my Aiki techniques and continue with my Ken Jutsu training. I love Ken Jutsu. The feeling of the sword in my hand has become so comfortable and satisfying.
9. What is your favorite technique, kata, or other activity in the dojo?
I would have to say that although I love Aiki and Ken Jutsu, the involvement with the exceptional people I train with is my favorite part.
10. How have the martial arts changed who you are?
It has given me confidence, humility and a feeling of strength that I did not know I had in me. It has made me realize that there really isn't anything you cannot do if you set your mind to it.
I have been training in the martial arts for almost 19 years.
2. What martial arts have you studied?
I started in Aiki Ju Jutsu before I started training with Sensei Harp. The style (Kaze Arashi Ryu) was very rough. I was sore for 2 straight years! When I started with Harp, it was a new deal....the same art without the extreme pain in every class. I have studied and trained in Aikido, when I was living in Florida for a couple of years. I enjoyed it and learned a different perspective on the Aiki arts. The intent is totally different than Aiki Ju Do. I also have taken a few classes (when I was visiting my very good friend in Philadelphia) in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Those guys were crazy!! It was all about hurting the other guy and winning. They wouldn't tap.
3. What do you love most about the martial arts?
Martial arts has given me strength, resolve and discipline. The ability to defend myself and those I love is just another added benefit that thankfully I have never had to use. It has taught me how not to get into bad situations as well.
4. What do you think is special about Harp Karate compared to other schools?
The people I have trained with are what makes Harp so special. Our Dojo seems to attract the best of the best. We all care about each other on and off the training floor.
5. How did you first become involved in the martial arts?
I had wanted to take up the martial arts since I was about 17, but after a severe knee injury when I was 18, I didn't think it was possible. But after my second knee operation at the age of 39, it felt good so I went for it!! I went to about 5 or 6 schools. When I watched Aiki being executed, I said "that's so cool!" so I started and have never stopped.
6. What is your proudest moment in the dojo?
Although receiving my first Black Belt was a very proud moment, I think I was even more proud when a couple of people that I helped to train for their Black Belts received theirs. And receiving my 2nd degree in Aiki and my 1st degree in Ken Jutsu when I was physically in sub-standard health really made me feel good about myself.
7. Who in the martial arts has inspired you?
Of course, watching Bruce Lee in the movies was the first inspiration for me. Another person who received his Black Belt in Aiki at the age of 63 or so, made me realize I could keep training for a long time. And of course, Sensei Terry with her 1000 day Seigan after some trying times in her life made me keep going when I wasn't sure I could.
8. Where do you see your training going in the next five years?
I am looking forward to working on improvement in my Aiki techniques and continue with my Ken Jutsu training. I love Ken Jutsu. The feeling of the sword in my hand has become so comfortable and satisfying.
9. What is your favorite technique, kata, or other activity in the dojo?
I would have to say that although I love Aiki and Ken Jutsu, the involvement with the exceptional people I train with is my favorite part.
10. How have the martial arts changed who you are?
It has given me confidence, humility and a feeling of strength that I did not know I had in me. It has made me realize that there really isn't anything you cannot do if you set your mind to it.
Photo By: Ken Smith
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