Journey to Japan
In the 70’s I lived in Japan for three years. It was a time that changed my life and in many ways set me on the path of Martial Arts. Japan is a land with an amazing history and culture. It is also the birthplace of many great martial arts.

I was teaching English and Drama in Japan. Like many people at that time I was exploring the world and exploring myself. After a few months of working I developed a sore back. 

A Change is Needed
I knew it was a sign that I had to make a change in my life, but I didn’t know what it was. A friend of mine heard about my back and said to me "Well, it's quite obvious, you don't get any exercise". I knew that my back ache was more than physical, but I took her advice and tried some different physical activities

I started walking a lot in Tokyo and at home I was dancing to music on tape. I also began taking a yoga class and doing some jogging.  Later I heard about a karate class that was being offered in my neighborhood. Something in me propelled me to check it out.

Discovery of Inner Power
My first time in a martial arts class affected me very deeply. Right from the start I saw that this was something that would show me I was more powerful than I knew, and I was right. My teacher was wonderful and I learned to access hidden strengths and abilities. I learned that my gender and my size did not equal weakness!

I never imagined that I would take martial arts, but I was delighted to find that this dojo was based on achieving your own "personal best". It was not about competition and there was very little ego involved.

First Impressions
It was having this good first experience that kept me involved in martial arts. Often women are turned off by a bad or uncomfortable experience. That is why in my classes I’ve created an atmosphere that is conducive to safety and comfort while still learning a powerful martial art.

In this karate dojo, fitness and forms were emphasized. I enjoyed all aspects of the training, especially the yelling (kiai). We developed the ability to do a “power shout” from deep within our bellies. When you practice this and get it just right you can feel the power flowing through you. In this way I became accustomed to fighting the invisible attacker.

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Power comes from within

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Ninjutsu embraces flow and natural body movement

Size Doesn’t Matter!
Some years later when I was nearing my black belt test an instructor began teaching what we considered "self defense" at our school. This was called that "hand to hand combat stuff" by the students. Two students would face each other and one would attack the other in a slowed down prescribed way. The defender was taught to evade the attack and counter by grabbing and creating pain in the attacker's wrist. Joint pain as self defense! I was impressed. Something a small person could do effectively to a large attacker!

Seeking a Feminine Experience
After obtaining a black belt in karate I had a desire to find a martial art that embraced more feminine elements. Elements such as flow, natural movement, less aggression and creative problem solving. My research led me to seek out Ninjutsu. 

This art had everything. It combined a truly natural approach with an attention to mental/emotional development and spiritual balance that I had not seen anywhere else. After my first class I felt as if I had “come home”.

My first formal experience in the art of Ninjutsu was at a local workshop with the great teacher Doron Navon. I was "wowed" to say the least and I have trained in Ninjutsu since. 

Training With The Greats
I have been fortunate enough to train with such notables as Grandmaster Hatsumi Masaaki and Shiraishi Sensei of Japan, Stephen K. Hayes and Rumiko Hayes, and Bud and Bonnie Malstrom of the U.S.A. and Doron Navon of Israel. Going back to train in Japan is a very special treat. The master teachers there have been studying the art for 50 years or more! 

I have been active both as an instructor and an organizer of Ontario Women in Martial Arts. I hold a forth degree black belt in Ninjutsu and have my own special Kunoichi (women) class in Toronto. I continue to do workshops to welcome women into martial arts.

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Hatsumi Sensei
The Grandmaster of Ninjutsu