Karate Girl Power!

‘Train with us and the boys will treat you like a Goddess!’

So I did and I was, in a punchy kicky kind of way and with great care and respect!

The fine words quoted above came from our beloved Shihan JJ Burnel, 7th Dan, Instructor and Branch Chief of Shidokan GB, who, along with the other Shidokan members, kindly welcomed me to my new martial art family-I was finally home!

It had seemed like an age since I had been well treated or felt safe.

Being bullied by other adults was familiar, it had become my normal but nothing could have prepared me for what was next.

There is a sad start to this story but it moves swiftly on to enlightenment, the rebuilding of confidence and the replenishing of mental and physical strength and being kicked in the legs a lot, which has proven to be a very good treatment for cellulite!

Unfortunately, I had been randomly targeted by a man who I did not know personally, who was fixated with the notion of harming me. Despite this person being known by the local authorities to be a risk to himself and others, a lengthy and exhausting case ensued in order to protect my own safety and for him, the perpetrator, to receive the care and support he clearly needed. Finally, he was moved away.

However, the extreme nature of the harassment, stalking and relentless death threats had over time left me traumatised.

Through this awful experience, I now had insight into why some bullied children, in tragic cases take permanent and irreversible decisions to end the torment.

Bullying can only end when one party is removed from the equation such as changing schools, jobs, the closing down of a social media account (cyber bullying) or to confront it head on.

Indeed, our own Shihan JJ had experienced bullying at school.

After another fight had taken place in the playground, controversial action had been taken by the school in the form of a boxing match in the gym between the tormentor and (our future Shihan) a school boy bullied for his French origin and name ‘Jean Jacque’ (JJ.)

Let’s just say it didn’t end well for the bully, who JJ chased all round the gym floor! From that day, life changed for Shihan JJ who went above and beyond his challenging past to remarkable success and achievements in both his music career and martial art world, this is the stuff of legends!

I too, needed to take evasive action from my previous ordeal and I made a vow to myself that no one would ever make me feel that afraid again.

I had not been able to defend myself mentally or physically, it had been necessary to ask myself the question; what was I doing before I was fearful?

In my younger years, I was inspired by my twin brother, who was a dedicated martial artist in Shorinji Kempo. I felt that was too strong for me so I trained in the elegant defensive Art of Aikido and Sword training (Iaido.) I had also drawn at many dojos (training venues.) The only way forward was to return to martial arts, beginning again through drawing.

In my search for training locations, I came across Shidokan. I had not heard of this, so I checked the Shidokan GB website and read The Dojokun; the affirmation recited at the beginning and end of the class. It resonated with me and I knew that this was where I was meant to be.

I began tentatively, by first feeling what it was like to be back in the dojo and I studied Shidokan Karate through sketching the Karateka (practitioners of Karate) training.

After the impossible to turn down amazing invitation to join, I began training one week before my birthday, this was to be the finest gift I could ever give to myself...one of enlightenment!

The first thing I noticed was the incredible dojo etiquette with the emphasis on safety and respect.

Each week I was astounded by the abilities of the instructors and the empowering techniques they taught us. Furthermore I was astounding myself for simply being there!

Training alongside the great men and women of Shidokan has helped transform my life; physically; in my strength, resilience and mentally, in the vast improvement in my confidence and self esteem.

I am now more courageous and have been able to experience and achieve things that I could not have believed possible.

• I feel valued, accepted and cared for which in turn has enlightened and assisted me out there in the world
• I understand that I do have a choice and a say in the way I am treated
• I can recognise when I’m being bullied and do not have to tolerate it
• I am now my own protector
• I realise I can make adjustments to be around people who make me feel happy and inspired...surprising things can happen from there

I am now in the position to reciprocate through my involvement with a new initiative:

The Shidokan Anti Bullying Campaign lead by Sensei Nicole Michaels, the only 1st Dan female practitioner of Shidokan GB in Britain.

If you have been affected by any of the issues mentioned above or would like to learn an effective self defence system in a safe environment, you are most welcome to join us.

We wish for you to also feel strong, content and empowered and become part of our Shidokan World Karate Family.

Osu!

Please contact Sensei Nicole for more information.

Email: NicLem99@gmail.com