Janelle Gabriel shares how Krav Maga prepared her to face an unexpected assailant who harassed her and her husband while they were on vacation. Her heightened awareness and mental preparedness gave her the confidence and advantage she needed to protect herself. She opens up about what first drew her to Krav Maga and how her dedication to the discipline helped her grow from a student into a lead instructor. Finally, she offers her powerful perspective on why martial arts training is especially important for women. Don't miss this inspiring and thoughtful episode!

Check out Andrea's books here: Amazon.com: Andrea Harkins: books, biography, latest update

Darlene Quinn was enrolled in a karate class at an early age—around five years old—as a way for her mother to manage her rebelliousness. However, her childhood karate training was abruptly interrupted when she was hit by a car while walking home from class one day.

Even at such a young age, karate had a lasting impact on her. She learned a deep lesson about respect that positively influenced her life moving forward.

Over time, Darlene’s fascination with martial arts and combat sports continued to grow. Her father had been a boxer, and she became enthralled by the mental discipline required in boxing, combat, and self-defense sports. She pursued her passion for boxing by becoming a women’s boxing promoter, helping to foster higher pay and greater respect for women in combat sports.

Unfortunately, Darlene’s initial car accident as a child was not the only one. In total, she was involved in three auto accidents that, over time, left her unable to pursue her own martial arts dreams and robbed her of her health for many years.

By the time she was 55, Darlene described herself as “feeble” and depleted. She was also experiencing something she felt was “stealing her life force”—menopause. She was in survival mode: she had no strength, lived in constant pain, and couldn’t even get out of bed for extended periods of time—until she discovered something that eventually healed her and helped her recover from the inside out.

This personal discovery restored her health in every way. Today, she is healthier and more vibrant than ever.

She lived much of her life in pain until she finally found her power. Darlene is a true delight and shares poignant—and even funny—stories in this episode of The Martial Arts Woman Podcast.

Haley Walden is a copywriter, brand voice strategist, fantasy author, and martial artist with a background in Korean martial arts. At age 14, she discovered Tang Soo Do and a love for both traditional and creative forms. After a 12-year hiatus, she returned to martial arts. In 2021. She earned her first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

As a multi-passionate geek, she has many obsessions, including music, history, pop culture, and musical theatre. Haley shares why everyone should learn a martial art and reminds us all...to step into our power. #martialarts #martialartpodcast

Haley's links and info:

⁠https://haleywalden.com⁠ - author

⁠https://www.authorhaleywalden.com⁠ - books

Andrea's links and info:

The Martial Arts Woman (book):⁠https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213⁠

Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone (book): ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Everyone-Andrea-Harkins/dp/150297830X⁠

How to Start Your Own Martial Art Program (book): ⁠https://www.amazon.com/How-Start-Your-Martial-Program/dp/1511795263⁠

Write Amazing Wedding Vows (book): ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Write-Amazing-Wedding-Step-Step/dp/172339484X⁠

When Cristine was 14 years old, she suffered an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) hemorrhage in her brain. To save her life, the neurosurgeon removed 6 cm of her motor cortex. She was not supposed to survive. The doctors told her family she would be bedridden and probably never walk or talk again.

Fast forward to today. How did Cristine go from that devastating diagnosis to becoming a martial art champion? It’s a story you need to hear. It will inspire you to see your own life in a new light. Listen in to Cristine's story and be inspired to overcome the obstacles that stand in your way, whatever they may be.

Denise leads by example! Her Kenpo training began in 1994 at the Boise Kenpo Karate school. Today, she holds a 6th-degree black belt. Her 1st-degree rank was significant, as she was the first woman to be promoted to a black belt in a Kenpo organization in the state of Idaho at that time. She later took over this school, which she operated for many years until a promotion at her day job at the Veterans Health Administration required extensive travel. Denise retired from the V.A. after a 37 year long career serving mostly in upper management positions. She shares about her initially difficult transition to retirement until she began to fill her time with what she loves - martial arts, family, and even pickleball. She is active in the Kenpo Women's Symposium, where she promotes women in martial arts. We discuss extensively all the benefits of martial arts outside the physical practice, including communication and learning to overcome failure. If you're looking for a role model and someone who leads by example, you will find it in Denise. Denise's info and links:

International Women of Kempo (formerly the Kempo Women's Symposium: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kenpowomenssymposium

Andrea's info and links:

www.themartialartswoman.com (blog and book info here)

Thank you for listening! xoxo

Barbara White, a long time martial art woman, shares about her martial art journey and her loving relationship with her husband, Bob White, who recently passed away. He was her husband and best friend as well as a well-known martial artist in the martial art community. I also learned that Barbara has been a nurse for 40 years which allowed her to care for her husband! What a giver! Barbara is the creator of a beautiful martial art symposium for martial art woman and gives back back in many ways including a yearly martial art camp for abused children. She is warm, loving, and caring. Most of all, she is truly a blessing beyond imagination.

Barbara's links and Info: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kenpowomenssymposium

Andrea's links and Info:

www.themartialartswoman.com

https://themartialartswoman.com/inspiring-books/

Audrey Hussey is a super fit conscientious high achiever type martial artist! That's a mouthful, but I think when you hear her talk about her martial art journey you will agree that she has a spunk and spirit that outshines many. From learning a martial art alongside some of her kids (and she has 6 kids, btw), to coming to a near screeching halt when she saw the perfect and affordable location for her martial art school, you get the sense that Audrey does not easily give up. Personally, she exudes commitment and dedication to excellence in martial arts. Her previous experiences in body building and powerlifting contribute to her strong physicality and mindset. Plan to be be inspired as Audrey walks you through her martial art journeys and milestones and shares how she turned an empty space connected to a gas station into a successful martial art school. Today, at 57 years old, Audrey strives to be the absolute best that she can be. Trust me, she is fierce in her commitment to martial arts but what truly propels her forward is her tenacity and ability to push through difficult moments knowing that she will find a solution somewhere, somehow.

Audrey's links and info:

• Village Martial Arts - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/villagemartialartstsd
• Village Martial Arts - Website: https://www.villagetsd.com/

Andrea's links and info:

• The Martial Arts Woman book:https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213
• Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone book: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Everyone-Andrea-Harkins/dp/150297830X
• How to Start Your Own Martial Art Program book: https://www.amazon.com/How-Start-Your-Martial-Program/dp/1511795263
• The Martial Arts Woman Podcast (on any major podcast platform and here): https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/andrea-harkins

This exceptional woman, Stephanie Dunham, faced childhood trauma and torment for years, but today finds healing in martial arts. She is a black belt who teaches her own program a couple of times a week, and on the side, helps other women heal from their tragedies and is involved in a ministry to combat sex trafficking. Amazing, right? She is a reminder that we can all make a positive difference in the world through our words, thoughts and actions. She decided to not be a victim, but instead, a leader of positive change. We should all aspire to do the same!

Stephanie's Links & Info:

• Self-Defense Company: https://kintsugicompany.com/
• Martial Arts: https://yaokimartialarts.com/
• Sex Trafficking Ministry: https://zoe-delaware.org/

Andrea's Links & Info:

• Blog: www.themartialartswoman.com -
• Cool merch (limited time): https://amzn.to/3Ny9r98
• Books: http://themartialartswoman.com/inspiring-books/

(or on amazon)