VIDEO BLOG! How it all began and how I expanded The Martial Arts Woman as my nickname, to The Martial Arts Woman as a brand, mindset, and positive philosophy on life for everyone.
Enjoy a five minute video about how I began in martial arts, and how I ended up where I am today as a writer, motivator, and martial artist. If you feel so inspired, make sure to pick up a copy of my books, The Martial Arts Woman (https://goo.gl/rTSaJA) or Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone (https://goo.gl/Yco5GF). They are a huge part of my positivity mission!
Thank you for your support and encouragement over the years. It’s been a fascinating journey so far. Let’s all keep working together to make the world a better place.
Oh…and always remember, if I can achieve my goals and dreams, so can you!
xoxo
Andrea
Andrea, I am becoming a martial artist–hoping to earn my black belt this fall, at the age of 64. I am also honored to be an instructor in our 4-7 year old classes. Everything you have written has resonated with me, both in why I am pursuing martial arts at this late date in my life, and why I teach it. Martial arts are not about the hitting/kicking/katas/board breaks–they are the tools which allow us to reach beyond our presupposed limitations and become more than we ever imagined we could be. Thank you so much for expressing so articulately the bigger and female picture of martial arts. I know you are going through some personal upheavals in your life–please find a way to continue to inspire us rough your blog.
First of all, that’s fantastic! Martial arts are the tools for powerful living. I could not agree more. I am so happy for you to continue in your journey. And, no worries. Not much stops me from sharing my mission of positivity and martial arts. Best Wishes and keep me posted on your journey.
To Andrea Harkins
Fr Ewoud Voor in ‘t holt
Good day to you.
I would like to say that I enjoyed your book “The martiale arts woman” and the posts and comments which are presented on your site.
I also study martiale arts. The first nine years judo, and the last twenty years Pencack Silat. Nusantara style.
I feel encouraged by your comments and remarks. The way you view and discribe martiale arts is a welcome and refresing way. Wich can open up martial arts to a more wide group of practitioners.
Best regards form Alkmaar Netherlands.
(Now at sea with my vessel MV Sardius, and stil trying to practice my solo’s (kata)
Thank you for your comments from the Netherlands! I am glad you enjoyed the book as well as my posts. I hope you continue to find them inspiring and refreshing!
Such a beautiful sharing of your journey, Andrea. I find there’s an absence of female voices in the wider martial arts, and yours is an inspirational one for so many women as well as men. Beyond the practicalities of self-defense, the core teaching across so many martial arts is training to become a better version of ourselves, and then making a worthwhile contribution to society. Perhaps what differentiates martial artists from others on a transformation path is the understanding that difficulty and discomfort are inevitable companions of the path, and the various philosophies that underpin the practice. Keep up your fantastic work, and may your path continue to unfold beautifully for you!
Claire, you have been a wonderful friend and supporter of all that I do and I so very much appreciate it. You are making a difference in the world in your own way, too, and that is what I mean by we can all do our part to make this world a better place. Thank you so much for your friendship and kindness. You are a positive, bright, shining light for me.