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Martial Arts with an Injury, Elizabeth Windover
Taken from a letter to potential clients dated summer 2012:
"... While handing out flyers in your neighbourhood, I had the privilege of meeting you. You expressed an interest in the martial arts based fitness classes that I offer; however, you mentioned that you and your husband have physical barriers to participating in fitness. I pointed out that one of the great things about my fitness classes is that there is no physical contact between participants, and briefly explained that I am able to modify exercises to accommodate the physical limitations of participants.
I wish to share with you a bit of my own personal story and how I had to overcome physical injury.
I started martial arts in 1991 at the age of nine. My brother wanted to take Karate as his first step towards becoming a police officer. My parents felt that it would be best, for my safety, that we both join together as he is four years older than me. We drove into the nearest city, London, and watched a TaeKwonDo class that had been suggested to my dad. There we met Master Doug Gagel.
My parents were looking for practical self defence training in a family environment with an instructor who emphasized personal growth rather than public competition. After listening to their concerns, Master Gagel directed us to Seikido self defence classes at Victoria Hospital. There Master Zeke Petkovic teaches a combination of TaeKwonDo and Aikido with an emphasis on harmony in the traditional ‘do’ or ‘way of the art’. My parents decided that this was the right approach for our family. Master Zeke and Master Gagel have been life mentors of mine ever since.
A friendly college outing that resulted in an injury to my ankle changed my life, not only how I execute martial arts movements. I realized that I would never be able to have the implanted pins removed and therefore would never have the same ability with that ankle. I was in my physical prime, had already been a martial artist for over 12 years, and had earned a second degree black belt. I decided to retrain myself to do martial arts footwork with two metal pins in my ankle. Despite this injury I have continued to participate and compete and have obtained 3rd and 4th degree black belt as well as won tournament trophies in self defence, pattern and weapons. The only area in which I no longer participate is aggressive sparring due to the high risk of further damage.
Active Abundance offers a variety of fitness and wellness services. Special fitness classes offer a martial arts tone and real martial arts moves, without the worry of one on one contact. I was able to develop these classes partially because, as a Master Instructor, I show other World Seikido instructors how to teach moves so that they are easier for students to learn. The knowledge that I acquired through the program at Everest College and the certifications from CanFitPro, has expanded my capability to adapt activities to fit the personal ability of each participant. Small class sizes ensure personal attention.
This spring my World Seikido black belt was combined with my recently acquired CanFitPro Fitness Instructor Specialist (FIS) certification to lead martial arts based classes at June Rose Callwood Public School. I was able to modify exercises specifically for those whose physical limitation or injury prevented them from comfortably performing what the rest of the class was doing. The same degree of modification was not necessary each class since individual ability varies from day to day. Classes will be offered again in the fall.
A series of one-on-one sessions within your own home may be an alternative to the group setting that fitness classes provide. As a certified CanFitPro Personal Trainer Specialist (PTS), I am able to offer you this service. There are multiple options available depending on: time commitment, including length and frequency of sessions; degree of observation; and available funds. As a certified CanFitPro Nutrition & Wellness Specialist (NWS), I am able to offer additional support. Seminars will be highly informative for families, couples, and individuals.
I understand that you have a need, and desire, for exercises to be tailored to your specific abilities, including a broken wrist and other ailments that reduce the physical capability of the body. Having the impression that we can no longer participate and interact with people in the same manner can make any of us feel isolated and alone. There are many individuals that are willing and able to help others overcome those feelings in a variety of ways. Some of the benefits of fitness include: increased energy; better muscle and joint ability as well as blood flow and oxygen consumption; improved metabolism and body composition; and encourages positive self image/self esteem. Just getting outside for a walk will do wonders for the body, mind, and spirit.
Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to set-up a personal interview, either individually or as a couple, at no cost to discuss what options best suit your current needs. ..."
"... While handing out flyers in your neighbourhood, I had the privilege of meeting you. You expressed an interest in the martial arts based fitness classes that I offer; however, you mentioned that you and your husband have physical barriers to participating in fitness. I pointed out that one of the great things about my fitness classes is that there is no physical contact between participants, and briefly explained that I am able to modify exercises to accommodate the physical limitations of participants.
I wish to share with you a bit of my own personal story and how I had to overcome physical injury.
I started martial arts in 1991 at the age of nine. My brother wanted to take Karate as his first step towards becoming a police officer. My parents felt that it would be best, for my safety, that we both join together as he is four years older than me. We drove into the nearest city, London, and watched a TaeKwonDo class that had been suggested to my dad. There we met Master Doug Gagel.
My parents were looking for practical self defence training in a family environment with an instructor who emphasized personal growth rather than public competition. After listening to their concerns, Master Gagel directed us to Seikido self defence classes at Victoria Hospital. There Master Zeke Petkovic teaches a combination of TaeKwonDo and Aikido with an emphasis on harmony in the traditional ‘do’ or ‘way of the art’. My parents decided that this was the right approach for our family. Master Zeke and Master Gagel have been life mentors of mine ever since.
A friendly college outing that resulted in an injury to my ankle changed my life, not only how I execute martial arts movements. I realized that I would never be able to have the implanted pins removed and therefore would never have the same ability with that ankle. I was in my physical prime, had already been a martial artist for over 12 years, and had earned a second degree black belt. I decided to retrain myself to do martial arts footwork with two metal pins in my ankle. Despite this injury I have continued to participate and compete and have obtained 3rd and 4th degree black belt as well as won tournament trophies in self defence, pattern and weapons. The only area in which I no longer participate is aggressive sparring due to the high risk of further damage.
Active Abundance offers a variety of fitness and wellness services. Special fitness classes offer a martial arts tone and real martial arts moves, without the worry of one on one contact. I was able to develop these classes partially because, as a Master Instructor, I show other World Seikido instructors how to teach moves so that they are easier for students to learn. The knowledge that I acquired through the program at Everest College and the certifications from CanFitPro, has expanded my capability to adapt activities to fit the personal ability of each participant. Small class sizes ensure personal attention.
This spring my World Seikido black belt was combined with my recently acquired CanFitPro Fitness Instructor Specialist (FIS) certification to lead martial arts based classes at June Rose Callwood Public School. I was able to modify exercises specifically for those whose physical limitation or injury prevented them from comfortably performing what the rest of the class was doing. The same degree of modification was not necessary each class since individual ability varies from day to day. Classes will be offered again in the fall.
A series of one-on-one sessions within your own home may be an alternative to the group setting that fitness classes provide. As a certified CanFitPro Personal Trainer Specialist (PTS), I am able to offer you this service. There are multiple options available depending on: time commitment, including length and frequency of sessions; degree of observation; and available funds. As a certified CanFitPro Nutrition & Wellness Specialist (NWS), I am able to offer additional support. Seminars will be highly informative for families, couples, and individuals.
I understand that you have a need, and desire, for exercises to be tailored to your specific abilities, including a broken wrist and other ailments that reduce the physical capability of the body. Having the impression that we can no longer participate and interact with people in the same manner can make any of us feel isolated and alone. There are many individuals that are willing and able to help others overcome those feelings in a variety of ways. Some of the benefits of fitness include: increased energy; better muscle and joint ability as well as blood flow and oxygen consumption; improved metabolism and body composition; and encourages positive self image/self esteem. Just getting outside for a walk will do wonders for the body, mind, and spirit.
Please feel free to contact me at your convenience to set-up a personal interview, either individually or as a couple, at no cost to discuss what options best suit your current needs. ..."
Active Abundance takes great satisfaction in providing unique services
~ martial arts based fitness and nutrition based wellness ~
that improve the health and wellbeing of participants
~ martial arts based fitness and nutrition based wellness ~
that improve the health and wellbeing of participants
