The Martial Arts Woman Podcast

Jane and I became friends a few years ago after she invited me to be a co-host on her podcast, The Java Buzz Morning Talk Show. Since then, I learned that Jane is a true friend to many. She is selfless in many ways and reaches out to those who need encouragement, a smile or just a quick hello. Aside from this, she is an accomplished martial artist, a business owner, and a positivity enthusiast. Her down to earth personality is a shining light in a difficult world and I truly admire her for always striving to make a positive difference. Today, Jane shares the ups and downs of her childhood, her martial art training and accomplishments, her unique work history (some cool jobs!) and her side businesses. Most of all, she will inspire you with her personality and wisdom on this episode of The Martial Arts Woman Podcast.

Jane's Links and Info:

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Dr. Jean Kanakogi is an amazing positive force not only in martial arts but in all that she does. She holds a B.S. and M.S in Criminal Justice/Protection

Besides her experience in executing search and arrest warrants, she connects with people through her expertise in resilience, emotional intelligence, deception detection, interrogation skills, firearms/martial arts tactics, and humor – she keeps it real. Dr. Jean holds a 6th degree in Judo and is a sought-after speaker and presenter in corporate, law enforcement, and mental health arenas because she is...well... a relatable badass! 

Listen in as Dr. Jean shares how she was nearly born on the Judo mat, her experiences as a federal agent and public speaker, and how she celebrates her mother, Rusty Kanakogi, “the mother of women’s judo,” in her book, Get Up and Fight.

See links and info below!

Website: https://www.rustykanokogi.com/ You can purchase her book, Get Up & Fight, the memoir of Rusty Kanokogi, and learn more about Dr. Jean here.

Instagram: @therealrustykanokogi

Website: https://www.rustykanokogi.com/dr-jean-k

Andrea's Links and Info:

*New* The Martial Arts Woman Branded Merch: https://www.amazon.com/shop/andreaharkins/list/22BXER332IMZZ?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d

Andrea's books: https://www.amazon.com/shop/andreaharkins/list/RVRX8POF02XD?ref_=aip_sf_list_spv_ons_mixed_d

Andrea's blog: www.themartialartswoman.com

Sabotage. Sexualization. Misplaced loyalty. At what point do you realize your martial art experience is not what it should be and how do you change that? Lisa shares how she ended up in a dojang that demeaned her and diminished her ability to achieve her black belt after the appropriate amount of training. Yet, she eventually found her way through this negative experience to the other - and more promising side - of martial arts.

If something doesn't feel right at your martial art school, leave. There is no room for inappropriate behavior and no excuses. As in all professions, there are good and bad people. Always trust your gut and your reasoning and move on. There are mostly great schools out there willing to encourage and motivate you to be your personal best.

Thank you to Lisa for explaining her scenario and how martial arts has it share of bullies and bad apples, too.

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Rachelle's lifelong ambition of becoming a school teacher came to an abrupt stop early on in her career when she was attacked in the hallway of a public school by a male teenage student who "lifted her off the floor by her throat." When she complained to the Principal, he called her melodramatic and he told her to just calm down. She wasn't a martial artist then...not yet, and this was not even the catalyst for her seeking training. The true catalyst was being bullied and threatened by a family member who was a police officer. That is when she knew for sure that self-defense was the answer. As an adult, she also struggled with anger, hurt and fear from childhood traumas because her mother was often in abusive relationships. This is no sob story, though. Rachelle found a new and different career, learned martial arts and today owns her own school and also works private security jobs. She claims that martial arts did more for her than eight therapists combined! Her succinct storytelling will capture your interest as she shares how she overcame all, became successful, and why she fervently believes that “everything is martial arts.”

Rachelle's Links and Info: 

Andrea's Links and Info: 

Joelle White has been an online friend of mine for years. The one thing I always enjoy about her is her sense of perseverance from her journey from white belt to black belt in martial arts to her unwavering desire to overcome the hardships she faces in her life. I'm happy that she began her blog so many years ago after reading her eloquent responses to my blog. I knew immediately that she needed to share her story more than she needed to respond to mine. Joelle is a beautiful soul, a hard worker, and the kind of martial artist who is truly excited about her martial art practice. She has, in so many ways, inspired me to be a thankful and thoughtful person. One of her most difficult struggles has been financial. She openly shares her story of facing devastating financial obstacles head on and how she eventually pulled out from beneath the weight of them. Her overarching theme is that, no matter what, you must strive to reach your limits. If you love stories that are genuine, real, and enthusiastic, the kind of stories that remind you that your vulnerabilities can one day be your strengths, then you will love listening to Joelle's story on this segment of The Martial Arts Woman Podcast.

Joelle's links: 

Blog:  A Beginner's Journey: http://abeginnersjourney.azurewebsites.net/author/karatemama/

Andrea's Links and Info: 

The Martial Arts Woman book:https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213

Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone book: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Everyone-Andrea-Harkins/dp/150297830X

How to Start Your Own Martial Art Program book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Start-Your-Martial-Program/dp/1511795263

The Martial Arts Woman blog: www.themartialartswoman.com

Martial art woman, Emily Darlage, has been an online friend of mine for a long time. She is a beautiful person with a warrior spirit who teaches martial arts at her school. Emily's positivity and kindness always warms my heart and in this interview these very traits shine through as she shares her martial art background and love for teaching. As we know, even the most kind people face struggles, obstacles and devastation. Emily starting noticing some unusual conditions in her walking and after seeking treatment, she was eventually diagnosed with ALS. As a martial artist, she now prepares herself for battle. She seeks other types of treatment other than traditional. She uses a walker for short distances and a wheelchair for longer distances. She stays hopeful. How would you cope? Would you use a martial art spirit and positivity like Emily? This is a must listen podcast for everyone because while warriorship is valid in good times, it is more necessary when you must face and overcome the unexpected. Emily knows her life has purpose and she shares in this interview her thoughts on why surrounding yourself with the right people for support, the people who love you, makes all the difference in the world. 

Emily's links and info: 

Andrea's links and info: 

A child to Holocaust survivors, Zosia Gorbaty candidly shares the story of how her parents survived the most bleak and hopeless times of their lives. They were literally walking to their deaths at a death camp and somehow miraculously found each other thanks to her father's whistling of a few notes of a familiar song. They were able to escape. The story is amazing. 

Zosia's father was a concert pianist and her mother was a linguist who spoke many languages. Not surprisingly, Zosia trained in piano as a young girl and also learned to play the Obo in school. After she graduated from college, she traveled Europe by herself where she realized how many freedoms and privileges women in the United States had compared to these other countries. On her journeys, she experienced a devastating incident  in Greece which she explains further in the podcast.

Zosia shares her commitment to martial arts, her instructors and styles practiced, and how she met and fell in love with her husband of more than 40 years, GM Zulu. Today, she is a 9th degree in Zujitsu Ryu. Along with her expertise in martial arts, she holds a master's degree in Physical Education from NYU as well as numerous fitness certifications and a yoga practice. She worked as a Rape Crisis Advocate at Mt. Sinai Hospital. She conducts many self-defense and creative martial art seminars. 

At 73 years old, Zosia is a vibrant martial artist who practices martial arts daily with her husband, including her favorite weapons - a wooden short staff, a walking cane, and a stone bead necklace that she created herself. She enjoys gardening and Chinese brush painting and she and her husband cherish their dog, aptly named Sifu Silverfoot ("Sifu"), who brings them so much joy.

Don't miss this fascinating podcast from a truly passionate and personable martial art woman, Zosia Gorbaty.

Ariel Farley ("Arley") is a vibrant martial art woman. She lives in the smoky mountains of Tennessee and practices Krav Maga as well as Tai Chi and self-defense. In some ways, she is a beginner as she began practicing Krav Maga in 2019. However, she has come a long way in her training and is an assistant instructor at her school now, also. She understands the important benefits martial arts offers her and other women. For instance, her confidence improved and she now effectively manages most of her anxiety and stress. Arley hopes to remind other women that they do not need to "make themselves small" or try to fit into a box. She also teaches martial arts to teen girls and mentors them on life lessons and some of the issues they face in their daily lives. She remembers all too well being bullied intensely in elementary and middle school and now she strives to help these young women overcome their difficult moments. One day, Arley aspires to  open her own school, but in the meantime she will focus on learning, exploring the history of martial arts, and networking. She considers the practice of martial arts an uplifting experience, and that is the only time I've ever heard martial arts described that way! On a side note, this martial art woman’s charm and endearing personality will capture your heart. Enjoy. 

Arley's Links:

Smoky Mountain Self Defense: https://www.nmvfoundation.org/

No More Victims Foundation (non-profit side of the school): https://www.nmvfoundation.org/ 

Andrea's Links: 

"We can all grow together and be stronger for it." - Sabrina Bliem.  Today's interviewee, Sabrina Bliem, a/k/a The Karate Shrimp, highlights how martial arts changed her life, improved her mindset, provided unexpected opportunities and allowed her to heal through difficult personal situations. This exuberant YouTuber and blogger shares vulnerable moments as a woman who was harassed by one of her martial art students. She tearfully shares the implications of this situation that occurred around the same time as her divorce and her mother's illness and subsequent passing. Sabrina's insights on why women must learn martial arts are compelling and she provides encouragement to those interested in taking their first step into the dojo. This martial art woman finds balance in her life and success as an engaging Youtuber,  mother of two, and an expert and teacher in health and wellness.  She is a prime example of how martial arts are as much for healing as they are for fighting. Yes, we can all become stronger for it!

Sabrina's Links: 

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Abbey Rickman is an inspiring woman with an amazing martial art mindset who overcame several life challenges. She tore her ACL not once, but twice. The initial one caused a  disappointing honorable discharge from the military where she dreamed of being a military police officer (security forces). Somehow, she landed exactly where she needed to be and found happiness in her current career as a criminal paralegal in the district attorney's office.  As a trial paralegal, Abbey shares her insights on why reporting sexual assault to the police is cathartic for many women, even though it can be a difficult process. She explains why plea deals sometimes occur and how they still ensure some justice is done. Abbey is a 4th degree master in Tang Soo Do. She candidly shares how she once had to use martial arts for physical defense (ouch for that guy!). We chat about why practicing in heels for women is more important than you think, why martial arts are important for women, and how women can get started in training if they are interested but are unsure about getting started. Abbey's insights and experiences, personally and professionally, remind us that overcoming is the greatest power we have. 

Andrea's Info: