Heather Pearson
When I was a kid, my neighbor’s entire family was involved in Judo. Every now and then I was allowed on the mats with them at their dojo & I had no idea what I was doing! But I was intrigued by their confidence and swift moves. My neighbor (and best friend) taught me how to sweep & throw someone to the ground (safely)! It was our favorite move at elementary recess!
Fast forward 25 years, my spouse and I adopted 2 beautiful girls & moved to a rural area north of Spokane. We drove past a “cool” karate sign weekly, until we summoned up the courage to call and find out what it was all about.
We started our then 4 year old at Mrs Mylisa Chrisp Creekside Kenpo Karate, while my 2 year old and I sat on the sideline imitating the star-block and horse stance as they were learning. One day, Mrs Chrisp called me into her office and said…”you know I teach an adult class too. I can see it on your face, you’re ready to join us!” How could I deny that? I signed some papers then and there & showed up to class the next night.
I started this journey in my 30s and I don’t move quite the way I used to. But I am persistent and competitive and couldn’t wait to learn more! I feel healthier mentally and physically than I have felt in years. I’m learning to take time for Kenpo to reset my mental well-being. At first, I think it was the accountability of the classmates that kept me returning, but now, things are starting to flow more smoothly and I’m eager to learn more about my own motion & power & the intellectual side of Kenpo.
The kenpo family was our first introduction to the amazing people that live “up north”. In 4 years, we have made so many lifelong friends and I have been inspired by so many moms before me. Both of my girls participate now & we love traveling to tournaments as a family, sparring and grappling at home, and pretending to be each others judges for our “own forms.”
We spend time at our karate school with our kenpo family, just laughing and being together. I know I’m in this journey for the long haul, and I’m trying to savor every moment with my instructors, black belts, peers and daughters.