Santa Cruz Sentinel

Santa Cruz Style

Subscribe

Our family loves to kick, punch, strike and throw each other around.

I’m not talking about domestic violence, which is sadly far too common. Nor is this a metaphor for a violent form of communication.

What I am referring to is an inter-generational love of martial arts, a love of learning how to defend oneself and others, while simultaneously strengthening and calming our body, hearts and minds.

When I was a young man (about 200 years ago), I was lucky enough to discover a martial arts school in my hometown that taught judo and jujitsu. The head teacher (sensei) was a woman named Jane Carr.

The reason I say "lucky" is because I could have innocently become involved with a so-called teacher who had not been well trained, whose only concerns were fighting, winning competitions and making money — one who cared more about power, control and prestige then self-control, honor and respect.

Professor Carr was different.

She was a teacher, warrior, mother, counselor, non-violent activist and friend all rolled up into one.

She expected all her students to work hard to improve themselves in all aspects of their lives, in and out of the dojo (practice hall).

She commanded respect, not because of her fighting skills (which are formidable), but because she showed respect for others and would settle for nothing less in herself. Her presence demonstrated and invited those around her to discover their own inner strengths and character.

When I moved to Santa Cruz, I took up tai chi chuan, which is a slow-moving series of Chinese exercises that can also be used for other means.

I studied for a short time with Dale Strawhacker (a local acupuncturist and tai chi instructor) and continue to practice at home every morning.

My oldest son took tae kwon do (Korean karate) with Master Song at Song’s Martial Arts Institute.

We had checked out a number of schools to make sure this was a place of learning and respect. I wanted him to have a positive experience, like I had as a teen.

After six months our son’s coordination, strength and self-confidence had increased 10-fold.

Nine months ago our 9-year-old son started taking gung fu (often called kung fu) at the Black Tiger Academy in Watsonville.

After months of sitting on the sidelines watching, my wife decided it would be more fun to join in. Now she’s throwing her hands and feet around with controlled precision.

In many respects the sifus (teachers) at Black Tiger Academy remind me of my teacher, Professor Carr, and her instructors. They train and practice passionately and have attracted students that do likewise in all aspects of their lives.

It seems that people rolling, jumping, falling, moving and breathing their way to health and vitality have surrounded us.

Our oldest son’s friend is practicing the Brazilian art of copoeira. A number of our children’s friends have taken aikido (a Japanese martial art) or karate, and many of our adult friends seem to be thrilled with qi kung (a separate or combined art of Chinese gung fu).

A colleague of mine at work says her entire family works out together, and their daughter has gone to the national championships in tae kwon do.

We are fortunate in Santa Cruz County to have such a variety and depth of knowledge, traditions and practices to choose from. We have martial arts from Brazil, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea and Okinawa.

There are schools that focus on self-defense, competition, physical health, or all three. Some emphasize having fun. Others prioritize meditative practices, aerobics and rhythm or creating community.

Qualified teachers, of whatever backgrounds or style, will have your and your children’s well being as their priority. They will practice what they preach by paying attention to their words and actions, but not focusing on themselves. They will instill confidence, support and compassion, not fear, dominance or adoration.

Consider what qualities you want in a teacher before you choose a particular style or school. Visit different classes and practice halls before you decide where to spend your money and time. Ask questions about the instructors’ backgrounds, their philosophy and approach to learning. Talk to their students.

In the meantime, my family will keep stretching, kicking and punching the bags until their legs and arms ache; practicing the silum (a long form of offensive and defensive movements) until they’re doing them in their sleep or my wife accidentally (?) kicks me out of bed while she’s dreaming.

Gabriel Constans is a Santa Cruz writer, author of "Beyond One’s Own: Healing Humanity in the Wake of Personal Tragedy." Contact him at constans@gogabriel.com

Subscribe