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from the August, 2013 issue of Kiai!
Stories from Special Training
I feel like a kid in a candy store at Special Training, the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation’s annual camp for women and girls. I first went in 1986, and I keep going year after year because I learn so much that informs my teaching and deepens my personal practice. The conference was recently held in our own backyard, at North Central College in Naperville, and Thousand Waves was there en masse. I asked three TW members to share their experiences in hopes that more Kiai readers will be inspired to join us at camp next year. — Sei Shihan Nancy
Ana Gore, age 11, who attended the Young Martial Artists program
Eric Francque, who attended the Super Saturday classes that were open to male allies
Kate Webster, who taught a 6-session Self-Defense & Empowerment Course, required for all those seeking NWMAF Instructor Certification
A Young Martial Artist’s Impressions of Special Training
By Senpai Ana Gore
Junior Black Belt
When I first heard about Special Training I wasn’t really excited. I thought I’d be the only kid there. When we got to registration I was really nervous. By the first class I noticed just how many girls there were. There were almost 20 girls. They had a whole program just for us called Young Martial Artists, so we took classes together and got to know each other. By the time we got to our dorm I was saying: “This is so cool! This is going to be so much fun!”
I had no idea what classes would be like. To tell the truth I was actually kind of nervous. Most of the classes I took were with the Young Martial Artists group. For example, we learned Arnis stick art, agility games, and we prepared a performance for the final demo. Some kids also did “Walk like a Ninja” and some took a sparring class with Olympic champion Lynnette Love. We had about ten instructors working with us.
Some of the adult classes also allowed kids in them and I got the chance to take a class with Master Su. That was my favorite class. Master Su is an amazing martial artist with 50 years of experience. The class I took with Master Su was called The Sword. I had no idea what to expect but it was a lot of fun! We learned what I guess you could call a Sword Kata.
I became friends with a bunch of girls from Detroit, Michigan. They train at Turn of the Tide Martial Arts. They were really nice and super cool. When I first met them I didn’t know what to say. But after one class with all the Young Martial Artists I felt like these girls were all my friends.
By the last day I didn’t want to leave. I never thought I would think it, but on the last day I thought: “I’m gonna miss waking up at 6:30am, sleeping in a uncomfortable bed, etc.” I also thought something I knew I’d think: “I like hanging out with these people. I really hope I can come back next year.”
Also, this year during ST there was Super Saturday where our “male allies” could train for an amazing day at ST. I thought it was really cool because the guys had never been allowed to come before and this is an opportunity to train with masters in different styles. I also kept thinking how the other girls at TW would enjoy this experience and wished more of us had come.
The point is:
To the Girls: This is the most amazing experience. You can meet girls from across the country and we all share the fact that we train in Martial Arts.
To the Parents: This is a chance for your kids to take their training to the next level. Your kids can train in arts that they’ve never done and learn a lot from it while meeting new friends.
To the Women: This is so much fun.
To the Boys and Men: I hope they offer Super Saturday next year for your sake. I don’t think there is any other event where you get to train with different masters in different martial disciplines all in one day!
I am really looking forward to doing this again!
A Male Student’s Impressions of Super Saturday at Special Training 2013
By Senpai Eric Francque
Third Degree Black Belt
This summer, I had the privilege of attending one day, “Super Saturday,” of the National Women’s Martial Arts Federation (NWMAF) Special Training Camp in Naperville, IL. For only the second time in the NWMAF’s history, men and boys from affiliated dojos were invited to join in the fun and I jumped at the chance.
The training began with a warm welcome and brief orientation by longtime NWMAF champion Sensei Jaye Spiro. Each Saturday-only attendee had the opportunity to introduce him or herself, his or her martial art style and experience level.
We were too busy training at Special Training to take a photo of Senpai Eric, so here he is during the Spirit Challenge boot camp with Senpai Denise (left) and Kenji (right).
My second session was “Wushu Basics”, taught by the venerable Master Su Zifang, the 4th generation descendant of Bagua Grandmaster Sha Guozheng and Wushu Great Grandmaster He Fusheng. After a brief lecture of the principles of her art, Master Su taught a short—but incredibly complicated—wushu form. While challenging to hear her verbal instructions due to the size of the group, her ability to demonstrate and teach the form in digestible pieces to over 100 practitioners of various backgrounds was nothing short of amazing.
Master Su is adept at teaching large groups of students.
My third and final class—“Padded Arnis Stick Sparring”—was taught by Punong Laura Holmes, a traditional Filipino martial artist of Arnis/Kali/Escrima. This session was really fun—and safe, given the context of fighting with actual weapons! After learning how to properly hold and wield our padded arnis sticks, we partnered up and sparred with each other in both timed and point system rounds.
I am so grateful to have attended Special Training 2013 and to have been so warmly welcomed by other participants. Not only did I connect in meaningful ways with my Thousand Waves family, it was wonderful to meet men, women and children from different parts of the country who truly love martial arts and self-defense. I am also honored that men and boys were invited by NWMAF organizers to participate this year and believe it is testament to the organization’s commitment to growth and inclusivity. Finally, I am especially proud of the respectful nature of the Thousand Waves men and boys at Special Training; I know this speaks to the open-hearted and respectful energy that Sei Shihan Nancy and Jun Shihan Sarah model at Thousand Waves on a regular basis. For anyone interested in attending an upcoming NWMAF special training, I highly recommend it.
Self-Defense Instructors’ Conference and TW’s 5 Fingers of Self-Defense
By Senpai Kate Webster
Third Degree Black Belt and Director of Violence Prevention
Ever since attending my first Self-Defense Instructor’s Conference at the National Women’s Martial Arts Special Training in DeKalb IL, I have wanted to teach the empowerment-based self-defense course and highlight Thousand Waves’ Five Fingers of Self-Defense model. Seven years later I was finally ready to apply, and with the support of Thousand Waves, Susan Barney and I submitted a comprehensive proposal to teach six sessions and it was accepted.
I enjoyed the collaborative process of preparing the curriculum, creating the PowerPoint presentations, and fine tuning our teaching skills.
I was excited, yet nervous to see how our model measured up to national standards. Before the first session, my nervousness increased when I realized that both individuals looking to be certified along with veteran self-defense instructors would be taking our sessions. I have learned much from these veteran instructors in past conferences and hoped we would provide them with some new skills and information, along with a sneak peak at what TW has been up to. It would be the first time our curriculum would be showcased in such an in-depth manner.
The good news is that Susan and I provided a strong curriculum that clearly highlighted TW’s sequenced and skill building curriculum. Participants, new and veteran, appreciated all the solid organization embedded within each presentation, clear instruction, and insightful tips and tools. We really enjoyed the open mind and hearts of everyone stepping into a student role and asking insightful questions. At the final session, several participants, with tears in their eyes, lamented that the supportive self-defense community was disbanding. In response, a Facebook group was formed and Susan and I have received many supportive compliments! Here’s what some had to say:
“Thank you again for the incredible classes. I knew I would learn a lot but didn't expect to learn so much about myself. I have completely rethought a few of my classes and have started planning and expanded program at the YMCA, where I currently just teach a kids' class.”
“I am taking with me refound confidence and motivation, as well as a new approach with my sister including sharing with her the empowerment model.”
“Kate and Susan were inspiring, encouraging, and passionate in the classes they led. Thanks so much!”
“Thank you Kate and Susan for a really comprehensive model course. It’s a gift knowing all the prep that went into it!”
Susan Barney (front left) and Kate Webster (front right) taught the "Five Fingers of Self-Defense" model to many venerable self-defense teachers at the SDIC conference.