|
 Biography
Maria
began to study karate at age 35 after many years of interest in the art. Once
she began, she knew she was there for the long haul.
Just after starting karate, she found out she was pregnant and continued
to study until she was 5 months pregnant and couldn't get out of her own way!
To everyone's surprise, she returned to karate just 2 months after her
son was born and has been studying ever since.
Her children are a big part of why Maria studies, seeing herself as the
primary person who will protect them against the world. Maria is intrigued
with how the learning of karate unfolds, noting that with each new rank, she
discovers how much more she has to learn. She
credits her fellow students and teacher for their patience and the confidence
they’ve instilled in her. With this trip to
Okinawa
, Maria looks forward to the opportunity to bond with women around the
world who have an interest in karate. Maria
says that studying karate has been one of the wisest decisions of her life,
identifying that as a result of her study she
has no fear in her heart, but rather a
serene calmness.
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Personal Information
Current occupation or profession:
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Other
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Children and Ages:
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2 daughters, 16 and 18; one son, 14
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Hobbies, special interests or skills:
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I love music – listening to all kinds, playing piano and singing
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Karate Information
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Current
Rank: |
Godan |
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Total
years of study: |
Years |
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Current
style: |
Shohei
Ryu |
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Current
dojo: |
Okinawan
Karate Club |
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Dojo
location: |
Stoughton, MA |
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Current
instructor: |
Steve
Banchick |
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Association
affiliation: |
Okikukai/Shohei
Ryu |
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Karate
and other martial training and years attended: |
Aug
1998 - training with Takara, Inada, Nakahodo
Aug
1999 - training with Higa, Takamiyaga
Aug
2001 - training with Izumi, Takara
Aug
2002 - training with Nakamatsu |
Karate Promotions
| Rank |
Certificate Number |
Date of Issue |
Location of Promotion |
| shodan |
4882 |
November 16, 1997 |
Framingham, MA |
| Nidan |
2456 |
December 6, 1999 |
No. Attleboro, MA |
| Sandan |
1271 |
May 19, 2002 |
No. Attleboro, MA |
| Yondan |
730 |
November 6, 2005 |
Quincy, MA |
| Godan |
469 |
May 16, 2010 |
Peabody, MA |
Educational
Background
| College/University/Vocational
School: |
Holyoke
Community College, Holyoke, MA
Bentley College, Waltham, MA |
| College
Degrees: |
Associates
in Arts, Bachelor of Science |
Questions:
At what age did you begin to study karate?
I began to study karate at age 35 after many years of interest in the art. I guess it took courage and encouragement to finally become involved and dedicated to study.
Why did you choose to study karate?
I wanted to study karate to have the ability of not being placed in a compromising position in any time of my life because of my gender. Also, I was solely responsible for raising three young children and I was, and still will be their only line of defense in case of emergency.
Was there a reason why you chose to study Uechi Ryu?
Many people in my local area recommended that if I was serious about karate, the only instructor and style to consider was Ed DeCosta in North Attleboro, MA. I did not want to be involved with any money making school not dedicated to the art. Ed's reputation precedes him and is well respected.
What does this tour to Okinawa mean to you?
I am in awe of the Okinawan culture and karate. I would like to see the origin of the style of karate that I study and learn more about the people of Okinawa. I hope to be inspired (as I always am by the Okinawans) to continue to study and to be more proficient at something I love to learn.
How has your martial arts study affected or changed your life?
Martial arts has made me more confident and a secure person. It definitely gives me a sense of balance in my life.
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Women’s Friendship Tour association, inc. Marguerite
Hess, 3576
N.E.Skyline Drive,
Jensen Beach,
Florida
34957
Telephone: (772)
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