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Punch and Kick Your Way to Inner Peace
~ Women in Martial Arts
When Chinese film star Michelle Yeoh picked off opponents in the James Bond flick Tomorrow Never Dies; women suddenly gained a new role-model, and martial arts a new contingent of students.

It wasn't just Yeoh's flashy sideways kicks that eclipsed the machismo of Pierce "Bond" Brosnan. It was her ability to conquer overpowering stereotypes. "More women are practicing martial arts than ever before," says Sensei John Mirrione, a karate teacher at New York City's Reebok Sports Club. "They're not here just for self defense, they want to feel equal in the workplace and in life."

Mind and Body Healing
In addition to fending off potential attackers, Eastern disciplines have long been known to provide powerful mind-body benefits. Mirrione believes that karate movements allow women to reverse negative childhood patterns that affect self-esteem and health. "People come in here a mess — unstable, emotional, unhappy," says Mirrione, "But as they change inside, their outside changes as well. One student recently lost 60 pounds in six months, just by applying the philosophy of karate to her daily like."

Selecting the Right Dojo
With so many so-called martial arts masters out there, how do you know which one is right for you? It's similar to searching for the perfect doctor, lawyer or mentor. "Talk to as many as you can before making a decision," Mirrione recommends. "The good ones use martial arts as a vehicle for their own growth. Look for someone who is selflessly interested in transmitting this [personal growth] to others."

The Physical Workout
My first day in the dojo was the tip-off. This wasn't going to be one of those mindless aerobics classes that I tumbled into after work. After a rapid-fire succession of jumping jacks, jumping squats, sit-ups, bicycle kicks, splits, and jogging in place, my karate teacher or sensei, John P. Mirrione, barked out: "On the floor for one-arm push-ups." Everyone dropped to the mat.

Still breathless, I tried to obey. Lift, I told myself. Nothing happened. Trying to straighten my arm was like attempting to lift a bag of cement with a twig.

Glancing around the dojo — what martial arts types call a training hall — I confirmed I was the only one still collapsed on the floor. Everyone else, with at least a year of training under their belts, was pumping up and down, albeit amidst grunts and heaves.

I tried again. My puny arm still wouldn't cooperate- and my mind wasn't helping. This is not how I want to spend my evenings or precious workout time, I whined inwardly. At that moment, Sensei John turned in my direction. "Let's see those push-ups, Laurie," he said. "I can't," I cried out, hoping he would cut me a break as a new student and a woman. Instead, he responded with the verbal equivalent of a rap across the knuckles: "Can't is not a word we use in this dojo."

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