‘I see other moms who struggle and think that everything is supposed to be easy. Heck, I was one of them. But it’s not all chocolates and roses. Life is hard. And we can find the strength to hit back when life tries to take us down.’ – Jenni Nather
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Do you ever feel like you’re juggling a million things at once, from keeping the family ship afloat to squeezing in a bit of ‘me time’?
Moms need support. We need to know that we aren’t the only mom on the planet who struggles with things that should be natural. None of it is natural. That’s why this book is here-to remind you that you’re not alone in the chaos of motherhood.
Modern Moms of Martial Arts is a kick-butt collection of stories from moms just like you, who also happen to be kicking it on the dojo floor. These are the tales of laundry warriors and kitchen ninjas who’ve found their sanctuary in the world of martial arts.
Within these pages, you’ll meet moms who defy the odds, finding time for training amidst the chaos of motherhood. They share laughs, sweat, and victories not just with each other but with their kiddos and grand-kiddos, too. From mastering new moves alongside their little ones to cheering them on as they conquer their own challenges, these moms (and grandmoms!) are the ultimate multitaskers.
But hey, it’s not all kicks and giggles. Contributing moms get real about the struggles too – dealing with the occasional ‘mom guilt, ‘ facing personal battles head-on, and balancing the demands of family life with their own needs. But here’s the beauty of it all: they’ve got each other’s backs, no judgments, just support and solidarity.
So, if you’ve ever felt like you’re alone in the mom hustle, think again. We are your tribe, your cheer squad, your reminder that it’s okay to put yourself first sometimes. Dive into these stories, soak up the wisdom, and let the warrior mama within you rise!
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You don’t stop being a martial artist when you step off the mats, just like you don’t stop being a mom when you step on the mats. You have been doing it all and making it work, but let’s work together to lift each other up.
Inhoudsopgave
Introduction
The Martial Art of Motherhood: A Kung Fu by Donna French Mc Ardle
Karate Journey by Jennifer Luna
Never Give Up on Your Journey by Nathalie Mackerer
You Never Know by Cara Crisafulli
Martial Arts (Grand)Mom by Denise Mc Quade
Participation Medal Leads to Participation by Alisson Donnelly
Modern TKD Mom by Sylvie Henley
‘It’s About Being Your Best’ by Jenni Siu
From Cars to Karate by Martha Long
My Journey From Smelly Kellie to Master Kellie by Kellie Thomas
Feeding My Soul by Karen Guarino
Black Belt Grandmom Barbara Wood, interviewed by Angela Belassie
Balancing Act by Sarabeth South
Mom, Can I Take Karate? by Valerie Carroll
Not-Quite-Middle-Aged Shorter-Than-Average Ninja Mama by Jenni Nather
Over de auteur
Jenni Nather began training later in life at a non-traditional age of 32. She is a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Pilsung Moo Do, a blend of Korean martial art styles including Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do, and Hapkido. Today, she is helping her husband run their martial arts school, MNSA Martial Arts in Newtown Square, PA. In addition to training, this mom of four enjoys yoga, reading, baking, and cooking in her spare time. Jenni is a proud member of Team whistlekick as the Director of the Book Division as well as the Event Coordinator for Free Training Day Mid-Atlantic.