By Joelle Prokupek

“Add a rear leg fake, front leg front kick to that and land in a back stance knife hand guarding block,” said Karri, Chief Instructor of Quantum Martial Arts.

I could feel the sweat dripping down my back as I listened to the string of techniques that she described too quickly to visualize or practice in my head. She shouted a kihap.

No time to worry about what I knew or didn’t. Luckily, my body knew what to do.

Belt tests are always fun like that. Jude Vesavrut, who was testing for their Blue Belt, and I tested for our belts on February 16. I was testing for my Green Belt, so I’ve participated in a handful of tests and watched a few since 2015.

This one was special for me because I’m also half way through my first pregnancy. However, this is nothing particularly special in Quantum. In fact, it’s almost a tradition.

You might be thinking, What?! You sparred and got punched while pregnant? Not at all. Quantum worked with me to keep me safe during the test. My sparring rounds were no contact, and I took particular care not to fall during any parts of the test.

That does not mean it was easy. The most surprising thing for me was that I was able to make it through about four hours of physical activity without much issue at all. I’ve been consistently told that exercising while pregnant is good, but I need to take it easy, to baby myself.

But nothing has really changed at all. Quantum taught me to listen to my body and to know my limits. Body awareness, beyond just hand-eye coordination, is an important focus in the curriculum. Yes, the goal is always to touch your toes during warm-ups, do that perfect back stance or round kick, or get a really low horse stance, but we modify our stretches, calisthenics, and techniques without shame and are still able to obtain intention and intensity.

We practice Quantum Martial Arts so that we know our bodies and can trust them. I can’t wait to pass this practice on to my son.

Quantum Martial Arts held a November 2018 belt test for its members. Congratulation to Tony, Eliza, Chris and Leah! What an amazing performance by everyone! Tony is the third ever second don black belt in our school. Eliza is our newest black belt. Chris with his amazing spirit becomes a blue belt. Leah will proudly wear her green belt.

Master Evans was in attendance to administer the test for Eliza and Tony’s black belt level drill and technique sections. It was a day full of fun and martial arts. Many of our members brought snacks to keep us going as the test ran from 11 am to 8 pm. 

All are welcome to attend and watch our belt tests. It’s a chance for Quantum members to show what they’ve learned. If you have a question about the next belt test, check the announcements or contact us with your question. 

Quantum Martial Arts Seattle was proud to work with Giddens School and Camp Ten Trees in our 2018 summer programs. We brought martial arts and self-defense to students and youth in our community. 

We taught a 5-day fun-packed day camp for 25 children ages 5-8 years old at Giddens School in Seattle’s Summer Blast Camp. The kids enjoyed a Jedi day where they made their own lightsabers out of pool noodles. They moved creatively in animal movements day. And they learned about friendship and trust in ninja day, which was complete with costumes and an obstacle course. 

At Camp Ten Trees we taught 4 classes of martial arts and self-defense to 8-17 year-old youths who either identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or are youth from non-traditional families. The campers learned verbal drills to defend against known and unknown attackers. Then they practiced physical drills with shield and kick targets. At the end of each session, the campers were invited to break boards. What energy and enthusiasm!   

Check out our ongoing youth and outreach programs to learn more. Do know of a group in your community that would benefit from martial arts, contact us today with your outreach ideas.