Hi everyone! My name is Laura Eckert. I’m 54 years and I live in New Bedford, Massachusetts. By day, I’m a critical care and cardiac cath lab nurse at my local hospital. By night I study kenpo at Dan D’Onfro’s World-Class Kenpo Karate Academy in Dartmouth, Massachusetts (pronounced “Daahhtmuth” by the locals….and Dan Meck). My kenpo journey began as a “karate mom” in 2013.
l signed my kindergartner, Sam, up for lessons with “Mr. Dan”. I realized quickly we were at a great school. I happily watched as Sam learned the techniques, learned how to move, and saw him develop week after week. It wasn’t until a few years later that I took a women’s self-defense class offered by the school and actually got out on the mat, a move that would change my life (thank you Donna Bosworth for that invite!).
I had never been an athlete and was never involved with any kind of sports when I was young. I am a violinist and grew up surrounded by music. My brother-in-law owns a martial arts school in California, so I had been intrigued at the idea of it, but it still came as a bit of a surprise to me at how much I enjoyed kicking and punching. My immediate thought was “sign me up!”.
At my first class, I learned to step back with an inward block, front kick, outward hand sword, and I was hooked. I learned as much as I could as fast as I could. Eight years later I have a second-degree black belt and am one of the instructors at my school which is a joy in itself. It doesn’t take much more than a 7-year-old with a missing tooth, smiling up at me saying “thanks Miss Laura” to melt my heart.
Along the way, I became a member of the International Brotherhood of America Kenpo, and Kenpo International. In addition to attending seminars, I have competed at the Boston IKC in 2018, the New York IKC in 2023, and for the last 3 years at the Long Beach Internationals, as well as a few regional competitions.
Even though I have gotten a late start, here I am. My life has definitely and absolutely been enriched by kenpo and I am grateful. Not only have I learned to defend myself and keep this body moving, but I have met some really amazing people that inspire me and motivate me to be better. With each new event, my kenpo family gets bigger and better. I love it. Plus kenpo is just really freaking cool.
I want to thank Denise Plowman and the Women’s Symposium for the opportunity to tell my story. Reflecting on this journey has really put a smile on my face and a glow in my heart. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next. See you all out on the mat! Oss!