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Elaine Harshman-"Sensei"/Karate |
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Mrs. Elaine Harshman holds a BS in Exercise and Sports Science from the University of Utah with an emphasis in fitness leadership. Her rank in Matsubayashi - Shorin-Ryu Karate–Do is Yondan, or 4^th degree black belt. Harshman –/Sensei/ has been studying karate since 1975 and has been teaching since 1985. She is a licensed, professional instructor and is affiliated with the International Okinawan Karate Kobudo Association whose members dedicate themselves to maintaining, cultivating and promoting the ancient martial arts of Okinawa, the birthplace of Karate-Do. In addition to her formal training, Ms. Harshman has experience as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist and fitness trainer since 1995.
Mrs. Harshman began her study of traditional martial arts as a young child in her father’s /dojo/ (karate school), literally growing up training in the ways of karate (empty hand) and kobudo (weapons training). In 1985 she launched the childrens’ martial arts program at the Shorin-Ryu Karate Dojo in Albuquerque, NM. At that time, the “Karate Kid” movies were influencing many youngsters to begin what had been primarily a practice for adults in most dojo. The program was a huge success as Elaine incorporated innovative training methods to the repetitive nature of traditional practice more suited to the adult attention span. She recalls drawing on her experiences as a young child in the dojo in order to make a connection with her young students. The most satisfying thing is to see the transformation that can occur in a young person with over 5 or 6 years of study. The techniques literally transform the motor make-up of the individual and transfer to every other thing they do in life, whether it be balance and coordination, or mental focus and discipline. The most remarkable students are a handful of kids who began at age 5 or 6 and continue practicing karate beyond age 20!
Karate is not only for young adults and children, but also, for adults of mature ages who wish to challenge their nervous systems and way of thinking with something completely new, but also completely attainable. More recently, Elaine has focused her adult instruction on parents and children together in a “family class” setting. This style of teaching has brought tremendous insight into the family relationship. At times the children are helping their parents to learn skills that come so quickly to them. The family dynamic changes when everyone simply becomes a “student” in the dojo. Having three young children of her own, this has become one of Elaine’s favorite classes to teach.
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