This episode is a positive message about finding success in your life by taking risks, accepting challenges, and following your heart. Martial arts gave me the confidence and tools that I needed to become a writer, motivator, and podcaster and reach my personal goals. What's holding you back? Listen in to an inspirational message that will motivate you to take the risks that can finally lead you to success. 

If you would like more inspiration: 

he Martial Arts Woman: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/193788418X

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

Free Blog: www.themartialartswoman.com

I'm thrilled to have my long-time social media friend, Restita DeJesus, to the show. Restita was born and raised in Seattle, Washington and began her martial arts study in 1978. She currently holds certifications in Karate, Eskrima/Kali, Filipino arts, Wushu, and Tai Chi and others. She is a former 3-time USAWKF National Champion and World Champion Tai Chi forms competitor. She owns Seattle Wushu Center in Seattle, Washington and teaches with my other guest today, Kathy Long!

As many of you know, Kathy Long is a retired Kickboxer, Boxer, Mixed Martial arts fighter and actress. She was raised in California and has trained in Aikido, Kung Fu, Kali, and Brazilian JuJitsu. Kathy attained a mega 5 world champion titles (amazing!!!)in her kickboxing career! Kathy's film career includes:  The Stranger, Knights, Under the Gun, Art of submission,Santa's Summer house and more. As mentioned earlier, she currently  resides in Seattle, Washington where she teaches with Restita DeJesus and co-hosts the Dynamic Dojo Radio Podcast. 

This interview is a tag-team event with two amazing and accomplished martial art women. Both are former champions and both are career martial artists and passionate about their work. Listen to Restita's discussion about why she became a martial artist (Kung Fu TV?) and how she overcame a debilitating injury by practicing Tai Chi. Kathy Long shares why she decided to become a kickboxer and a fighter, what it's like to be in movies, and if being a woman fighter brought her obstacles...or opportunities.  Finally, listen in to Restita and Kathy's inspiring advice to all martial art women! 

On an added note in today's Podcast, listen to what a few Facebook martial art friends have to say about the martial art mindset - Joelle White, Johnny Hunter, Benjamin Barrett, Rog Domaschuk, and Dave Farley.

Links & Info:

Want to learn Kung Fu San Soo or KICKBOXING with Kathy Long? Contact her here: [email protected] 

Want to learn Escrima or Tai Chi with Restita DeJesus? Contact her here:  [email protected]

Watch the Dynamic Dojo TV Martial Art Podcast typically on Sunday nights at 6 PM Pacific on Facebook. 

Andrea's inspirational books:  The Martial Arts Woman: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213

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

Blog: http://themartialartswoman.com/

Shannon Henry is a 4th Degree Black Belt, school owner, and homeschool mom of four. Find out Shannon's views about the challenges women in martial arts face as martial artists and role models. She was recently on the local news explaining why martial art schools are essential during COVID-19 times.  Can you believe that she drove herself to the hospital when she was in labor with one of her children? Now that's using a martial art woman mindset! We discuss the challenges, triumphs, and opportunities that martial art women face.  And, you won't believe how similar we are in so many ways! Shannon's dynamic personality and martial art insights touch us all in some way. Be inspired and motivated to share your own genuine stories about being a martial art woman right here on The Martial Arts Woman Podcast.  For fun, Find the quick blooper in the podcast about Shannon's ringtone on her school's phone! It's something everyone is doing!  Be inspired and motivated to share your own genuine stories about being a martial art woman right here on The Martial Arts Woman Podcast.   

Shannon's school: https://dongskaratemhc.com/ 

Shannon's school Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/DongsKarateMHC/ 

Andrea's inspirational books and blog:  The Martial Arts Woman: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213 

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

Blog: http://themartialartswoman.com/ 

Chrissie's fascinating journey includes a 15 year stint as a police officer and prison guard in the UK where she honed her skills in control and restraint training. Her story begins as a youngster who eventually overcame severe shyness. As a young adult woman training in the early 1980's, Chrissie acheived her black belt, 2nd and 3rd dans between the age of 15 and 23.  She often won competitions, but her strive for perfection, even when a winner, was an obstacle that was difficult to overcome. During competitions, her nerves "flooded her soul." Chrissie's perseverence allowed her to make a martial art comeback in training and competitions. At age 45, she earns her 4th dan. Chrissie overcomes all the difficulties to finally achieve her dream of owning a martial art school.   Most importantly, Chrissie is truly a compassionate martial art woman. Don't miss her honest and inspiring message to all women!  Be inspired and motivated to share your own genuine stories about being a martial art woman right here on The Martial Arts Woman Podcast.   #martialarts #woman #perfection #competition #shyness #overcome #persevere #brave #karate #taekwondo #training #blackbelt #difficulties #achievement #success #inspiration #motivation    

Chrissie's "Ladies Only" online event for a charity taking place on June 24 for FREE UK time: https://www.facebook.com/events/1301985256676494/  

Chrissie's Karate Club Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dojotime/   

Andrea's inspirational books and blog:   

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

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

 Blog:  http://themartialartswoman.com/  

Meet 83 year old Pam Neil currently training for her 5th degree black belt test in January, 2021. Have you ever wondered if age matters in martial arts? Pam Neil is your answer! She also actively trains in Krav Maga. Pam began martial arts 20 years ago in her 60's. When asked what it is like to train with men, we both laughed when she mentioned that the men in class don't punch her hard enough! Martial arts are the base for her personal success, fitness, and how she is aging amazingly gracefully (most think she is in here 60's)! Here you will discover why martial art training is beneficial in a multitude of positive and energizing ways. She says, "This is the goal I want now. Yes. Is to be fit and get my 5th degree. And after my 5th degree, I will set another goal." Don't miss this one! It is super enjoyable and inspiring. She practices and teaches at National Karate Schools of Chicago. 

#karate #kravmaga #training #woman #martialarts #age #mindset #inspiration #motivation #perseverence #blackbelt #effort #fitness #wellness #volunteer #achievement #encouragement #teach #confidence #selfdiscipline 

Be inspired and motivated to share your own genuine stories about being a martial art woman right here on The Martial Arts Woman Podcast.

Check out this blog: Age is not a number. It's a choice. http://themartialartswoman.com/age-is-not-a-number-its-a-choice/

Where Pam trains:  https://www.nationalkarate.com/

Andrea's inspirational books and blog:

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

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

Blog: http://themartialartswoman.com/

Andrea's social media: 

https://www.facebook.com/themartialartswomanpodcast/

http://www.themartialartswoman.com

https://www.facebook.com/andrea.harkins.75

https://www.linkedin.com/in/themartialartswoman

https://twitter.com/aharkins1

This episode  is jam packed with information, advice, and inspiration. 

Find me here:  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrea.harkins.75

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themartialartswoman/

Books: 

The Martial Arts Woman (on Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213

Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone (on Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Everyone-Andrea-Harkins/dp/150297830X