International Women's Day

This year was FEMA's first appearance at International Women's Day. Women of all ages and cultures were there. Many interested people came to our booth and inquired about our programs (and of course there were a few who had even taken classes at FEMA in the past). Also, many other girls & women's rights organizations took our brochures and were interested in self-defense classes, or even partnering with us.

All in all, it was quite a refreshing event. The keynote speaker, Robin Morgan, was awesome. I was reminded that women started the peace movement and we are the majority of the human species yet still not respected as we should be. I also learned that in many African languages, the word for woman is the same word as farmer. And until the 1940's genital mutilation was legal in the United States-- any woman who was caught masturbating or was thought to be in a romantic relationship with another woman was at risk!

I am really glad I went, it was good networking for our school as well as informative. Thank you to Shimei's Chrissy and Airn for helping out in the afternoon. To quote Robin's closing remarks, "We will be post-feminism when we are post-patriarchy."

- Shanna Swanson

One of the reasons why I appreciate FEMA so much recently came to light when I was at a bridal shower for a relative of mine. We were sitting at a table eating cake and all of the women around me were talking about how “fat” they were and how they “can’t” do ____________ (fill in the blank with whatever activity you want) because of their weight. This was even talk coming from the 18-19 year olds who were 90 pounds soaking wet.
There was a point in my life where I would have joined into this negative talk and shrugged it off as completely normal. But this time, I just sat there in stunned silence and counted my blessings for finding a school where no body type is considered in a negative light and words like “can’t” will earn you extra pushups.
While I have my own body issues (even though intellectually, I know I have no reason to), since coming to FEMA to train, I have more good days than bad. Training here has given me much more confidence to say “So what?” to the popular idea that women have to be thin as rails, and preferably under 5’6”.


- Megan Treziok

20th Anniversary Celebration for Grandmaster Wen Mei Yu

Our dear GRANDMASTER WEN MEI YU'S 20th Anniversary of teaching in the United States was celebrated this last February in Los Angeles with Sifu Debbie Leung, Jian Mei Branch Sister from Olympia, Washington and myself traveling to share in the gala which happened over the weekend of February 23-24, 2008. Sifu Doria Cook-Nelson (GM Yu's top student), Debbie and I visited with G.Master Yu on Saturday at her home in Corona. We went over details in the Liangong Series and clarified a few things. She was very happy to see us! She is getting better slowly but surely, and having everyone who loves her so much around truly helped her spirits! Ella and John (more wonderful students) offered their home in Monrovia, Calif. and hosted a "High Tea" with delicious snacks and a special mango cake on Sunday afternoon, followed by everyone going out to a scrumptious Shanghai-style Chinese dinner at a nearby restaurant. Over thirty people attended the events. G.Master Yu awed us with a special calligraphy demonstration at the High Tea.

Everyone cried when Doria read what Annabelle wrote about how much G.Master Yu has given to her students and friends over the last twenty years here in America.
G.Master Yu is a very special person, and an incredible teacher. We are so lucky to be a branch of such a Grand and Beautiful Tree!

- Shifu Kore Grate