Musical Movement

My inspirational instructor gave me the nickname Uma, two weeks ago while he was teaching me how to use a bamboo sword and wood bow. He is teaching me martial arts skills, which include an assortment of punches, blocks, kicks and kata. I am hoping to have a body like Uma Thurman's in Kill Bill by June. I want to be longer and leaner and a little bit bad--or maybe just less pathetic.

Fighting is completely against my nature. There is nothing intimidating about me. My "tough girl" face tends to elicit giggles rather than intimidation when I am trying to discipline my children or be taken seriously during a disagreement. I seem to have the same effect on my teacher. I was never really interested in martial arts or boxing sort of stuff. However, I have done a lot of kickboxing workouts.

After a free workshop given by Bally’s handsome new personal trainer, Dennis, I decided that learning self defense techniques was fun and interesting. I was bored with my exercise routine, so I decided to “kick it up a notch”—to steal a phrase from the adorable chef Emeril Lagasse.

This week, Dennis began teaching me a complex kata, which he put together from an awesome library of pretty, but deadly moves. His agile dance changes tempo, as he strikes imaginary pressure sensitive points. His focus creates a storm of sharp, smooth and sexy rhythms. His body becomes an expression of the art of war. His gorgeous athletic ability is breathtaking and a little intimidating. However, he motivates me through the choreography with patient repetition and a warm smile.

Dennis is the kind of guy who offers friendship along with sharing his knowledge of black belt martial arts. He is a kind Karate Master—and he is fantastic!