I first took Wen-Do at the age of sixteen, and it’s no exaggeration to say that the course changed my life. I had never felt strong or athletic, so it was incredibly empowering to realize I could physically defend myself; but just as importantly, I realized I didn’t have to be nice to somebody if they kept making me feel uncomfortable—rather, I had every right to insist that my boundaries be respected. After over twenty years as a Wen-Do instructor, my passion for teaching is still fuelled by the memory of that transformation.
