Awakening The Warrior Within

Thirty years ago I was helping to teach a woman’s self defense workshop, AWAKENING THE WARRIOR WITHIN, taught by a four foot ten human dynamo named Dawn Callan. I’d seen her perform miracles of transformation, taking women from fear to power in just two days, and had been honored to be asked to help with the training. I’d never seen anything like what she did…it combined the practicality of Model Mugging with the spiritual dynamics of a meditation workshop.

Frankly, I didn’t know how she did it. Moreover, the women who graduated from her workshop reported back that the training affected them on EVERY level…not just the physical, but mental and emotional as well, improving their relationships, careers, stress management, and physical health. I didn’t know how. But on this day, I was about to glimpse a piece of the answer.

So Dawn had the students learn about six simple techniques, and wired them in with countless high-energy repetitions. We were working on a side-kick, and I was holding the striking pad. One lady was totally incapable of striking the pads. She was, frankly, a weeping mess, shivering with fear and blubbering that she just COULDN’T.

The other assistant instructor pleaded with her, and begged and cajoled…but couldn’t help her. So… the lady, who we’ll call “Gloria”, was brought over to me. Perhaps, they thought, I could help. Maybe I volunteered. I honestly don’t remember.

Anyway, I enjoyed the challenge. I saw inside her a strong, healthy, dynamic woman. I just needed a…