Martial Arts and Zen Living

My first exposure to Martial Arts goes all the way back to Egypt at a German School, in my English class, no less. Mr. Zappe, a very special English teacher gave me a book about Japanese culture including Martial Arts. The book made such an impression on me that I wanted to take Karate lessons immediately. For a 12 year old girl in Cairo some years ago, this was not as easy as it sounded. After much research, my father found a country club which offered girls the opportunity to practice traditional Japanese martial arts, probably the only place in Egypt at that time.

Hoda Hidaya, our wonderful Arabic-Japanese teacher led a very discplined class. We trained in extreme heat, aching feet, back pain, mosquitos and other discomforts, but our spirits and emotions stayed positive. Together we were the first women to practice Karate in Egypt. We went to international Kata competitions, ate together in Japanese restaurants and studied Japanese culture. She was married to a film producer and distributor who was even able to get all the new martial arts, including Bruce Lee, films for us to watch.

After moving from Egypt, I have continued studying martial arts, including Kendo (the art of Japanese Samurai Swordsmanship). Through Kendo I made my first pilgrimage to Japan. It was an extraordinary experience, full of wonderful people, insightful teachings and beautiful art. While I was modeling in Japane, I lived in a Kendo school and got to train in one of the oldest Kendo Dojos in Tokyo.

The classical discipline, importance of respect and Eastern spiritual foundations from my teenage years have stayed with me all my life. I really admire the Zen approach to everyday life and it has been an immense value to me and my relationships. It has been a real honor and privlege to have met so many wonderful Masters and I will be forever grateful for everything they have done for me. Thank You.