What is your name and how long have you been training Enshin?
I’m Laura Marsh and I’ve been training Enshin for a little under 3 years.
What do you love most about Enshin?
I love that Enshin is a community and a way of life, and that when you train and fight in Enshin, it is not to prove that you are better than your opponent, but rather so that both of you can become better than yourselves.
How has your intention changed from when you started until now?
When I started, I was very focused on the physical challenge of Enshin. I joined because I was looking for a sport to channel my energy and to be more active. However, the deeper I got into Enshin, the more I started to see it as a way of life rather than a sport, and to realize the importance of the mental and emotional side of it. Now, my intention is not only to continue to grow as a person through Enshin, but also to share this with others through teaching. I will be taking my black belt test next month, which will be the next major step in my journey toward becoming the role model and teacher that I would like to be.
Which females inspired you in your journey in Enshin?
When I started Enshin, there weren’t any other women fighters or senpais in the Lima dojos. So a lot of my inspiration came from strong female role models from my past, such as my ballet teacher, Beth Barry, who always encouraged us to push our limits. Then, when I met senseis Diana, Klew, and Dani in Costa Rica at the Sabaki Camp in 2017, they made me want to continue my journey in Enshin and aspire to their level. Seeing them as women leaders helped me to gain confidence in my own abilities and potential.
How have the principles of Enshin/Sabaki helped you in other areas of life?
I truly believe that the principles in the dojo Kun are key to succeeding in all areas of life. They have helped me to see all challenges, whether in my work or in my personal relationships, as opportunities for growth, and have helped me to become more empathetic and achieve more rewarding relationships with people who see things differently than I do. I have long struggled with severe anxiety, and the concepts of continuous self-understanding and self-betterment present in Enshin, as well as the need to understand and connect with others to perform Sabaki, has enabled me to overcome my psychological blockages in many ways.
It is well known history that the origins of karate came from white crane in Fujian, China. The founder of that style was a woman named Fāng Qīnián. What message do you want the next generation of female martial artists to receive from your experience?
Even though sometimes it may feel like you are all alone in your struggle, don’t give up no matter how tempting it may be, because if you keep going strong, other women will see your fight and sooner or later join you. If you can inspire even one girl to pursue her dream, it means it was worth it.
What does it mean to be a female warrior?
Being a female warrior means not only rising to the challenge in physical combat but also rising to the challenge of fighting the limitations society sets for you as a female. It means not accepting what other people tell you is or isn’t possible, and helping other women to realize their own potential despite all the obstacles thrown their way.