So We’re in the Park…
When Raz Chen and I co-write, we often spar or hit pads in the park while working out the details. Raz insists this is because it helps him think better. I believe the sight of his students loafing is offensive to him and he derives personal pleasure from making us work hard. (If you read this article written by another student, you will know who is correct)
Raz likes training in the park, so he is used to having people watch, and even approach to ask questions. One time was especially special. When Raz had me turn to practice chokes from behind, I heard the distinct sound of applause and cheering as I broke the choke. I turned and saw a gaggle of adorable little girls, cheering me on.
I curtsied slightly to them, basking in the glow for a brief second before Raz attacked again. Being a good sport, he allowed me to show off my defensive skills to my adoring audience by allowing me to defend against chokes, bear hugs, and even fake knife attacks. “Get him!” my adoring audience cheered, “Fight!”
I am not sure why they enjoyed seeing my instructor defeated but I was happy to mark strikes and give them a show.
Becoming Sailor Moon
I admit that as I sparred, I was gleefully living out my childhood dream. In fact, I whispered “Moon prism power” , mentally becoming Sailor Moon – the pretty guardian whose likeness graces my office wall. When I was a little girl, I had dreamed of being Princess Serenity, fighting for love and for justice in the name of the Moon. I wanted to feel noble and powerful like her, someone who could fight and win against evil.
Now, my dream had come true. True, I hadn’t magically transformed into a beautiful but impractical magical heroine. I wasn’t even fighting monsters, only sparring with a friend but that roaring applause made it feel magical.
After my new fans went off to get snacks, Raz asked if I was enjoying myself. As I watched them, my cheer melted away. These beautiful young girls were entering into one of the most trying periods of their lives, and they had no idea. 
Back to Reality
First, they were likely to face bullying. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, 2019, 20.2% of students report being bullied. Maybe some of them would be bullies themselves. The online world is harsh and cruel, and it frightens me to think of growing up in this age of social media, where online harassment is endemic.
As young women around ten years old, they also face other horrors. According to the Department of Justice, girls between the ages of ages 12-34 are at the highest risk years for rape and sexual assault. Statistics on rape are extremely hard to find as the crime is underreported, but one statistic said more than 20% of women in the US have experienced completed or attempted rape during their lifetime.
Raz and I are both passionate about the need for better women’s safety and how unfair life can be. These young women were so happy and carefree and, hopefully, all of them will enjoy wonderful, safe lives. But, unfortunately, there are so many dangers in the world that will target them. “Every woman was assaulted or knows someone who has,” I said sadly. I hoped that watching me gave them hope that women don’t have to be quiet victims. I hope it inspired them to fight back and protect themselves fiercely. Sailor Moon had inspired me but saying “Moon Prism Power” wouldn’t rescue me from predators. That would require real-world training.
This passion for better safety has made motivated me to write about martial arts. Young girls need to see role models of women who fight back. As a relative beginner, I’m hardly worthy to serve in that capacity. I am, however, very grateful to have met one such person who I feel is worthy, Ori, my new assistant instructor. Despite being only fifteen, she’s an extraordinary young lady who conducts herself with poise and confidence. She is someone who has been taught how to assert herself and, if needed, defend herself.
Young Inspiration, A Real Life Sailor Moon
Ori is also a major motivator. As incredible as Raz is, he is a former infantryman. But seeing a slender fifteen-year-old girl kicking butt reminds me that I don’t have to be a six-foot tall infantryman to be effective in self-defense. I don’t even need a special magical sequence but rather just train hard so that I can employ strategies that will keep me safe.
I already respect her father, Adir, for being a fantastic instructor. But he also inspires me in what it means to be a good parental figure. Teaching Ori the art of Krav Maga is an act of love from a father who wants her to be empowered in a world that is often so cruel to young women. He is training her to be confident enough to stand in front of a class of people twice her age and command attention. And he is teaching her to be strong enough to set boundaries and defend herself. Although I know he wishes he could protect her from the world, he is making sure she can protect herself.
I believe more parents need to take the same approach. They need to take an active step to have their daughters (and sons, of course) gain that confidence and training that will allow them to face the evils of the world and push back.
I still think of those little girls cheering me on, so happy and carefree. By providing them with self-defense education, we can extend that joyous period even longer. And I’m so happy that there are real-life Sailor Moons like Ori to inspire them along the way.
Note: Ori is working on her own article and I’m so excited for you to all read it once it’s ready.
Off the mat, Elke is a real estate attorney and blogger, with degrees in urban planning, law, and history. She has worked in both the non-profit and profit sectors, has been awarded numerous fellowships, including serving as the Biodiversity Fellow at the Israeli Ministry of Environmental Protection. She’s proud to serve on the Board of Debate for Peace, which she insists counts as verbal sparring practice.
- Be Willing to Say No - December 13, 2022
- Finding a Real Life Sailor Moon - July 29, 2022
- Happy Mother’s Day Isn’t An Insult - June 28, 2022
Love reading your articles Elke! I also enjoy training outside, mostly because I am an outdoors person in general, but also as mentioned in your article, I like the possibility that it may inspire others who might never walk in to a martial arts gym. In my suburban community it is seniors who often walk by and show interest. And they all love learning a few basic techniques such as defense and stability against a push or arm grab. Thanks for all you do to spread awareness!