Kasumi Mountain Martial Arts launches collaborative women’s self defense program

From Kasumi Mountain Martial Arts:

Kasumi Mountain Strengthens Community With Women’s Self Defense Program

Asheville, N.C. September 15, 2016 — Kasumi Mountain Martial Arts is known for its collaborative approach to martial arts training. This fall, they’re fueling a movement that brings local businesses and other martial arts schools together to increase women’s safety in Asheville. “As crimes against women spiked in this city over the summer, I kept thinking, I know there is more we can be doing here,” says Nesta Kennedy, who owns and runs the school with her husband, Sean. “That’s when we decided to start the Kunoichi Game.” 

Kunoichi (Koo-no-Eechy) is a term that describes a female ninja warrior, but it also holds a symbolic meaning of transformation. The program is breaking down barriers that sometimes divide martial arts schools and encouraging women to join in self defense training from any school that works for them. As they come to classes — and bring friends — they can earn gifts donated by local businesses. “This is much more than a game,” explains Kennedy. “It’s about our community coming together in solidarity to support women’s safety, wellbeing and empowerment.”

The movement appears to be set for success. Several businesses have already come forward to donate prizes, including L’eau de Vie Spa, LaZoom Bus Tours, and the West Village Market. Currently, six schools are participating in the Kunoichi Game, all of which are listed at AshevilleNinjas.com. Alana Johnson, co-owner of Blue Ridge Tae Kwon Do, explains she joined the movement because, “I think self-defense training is important for a woman. It helps build a sense of her own inherent strength, and can help her tap into tremendous amounts of power that lie within.”  Johnson offers self defense classes for women throughout the year. 

Kasumi Mountain’s own women’s course was a collaborative effort developed by 4 different instructors together. Kennedy and her husband joined forces with Beth Stewart, who also leads the self defense classes at AB-Tech, and Steve Ledford, who runs Asheville Combatives, a prominent Krav Maga studio that also hosts its own women’s classes. The collaborative course at Kasumi Mountain this fall filled to capacity and they plan to hold another session next year. They also have a self defense series open to men and women starting Thursday, October 27. 

“Many of the women in our current series are planning to continue on with that one, says Kennedy. “What I love about the Kunoichi Game is that it frames women’s self defense training as an ongoing process. Every class at our school and partnering schools will give you a new perspective on safety, self defense and personal empowerment. The important thing is to get out there, bring some friends, and train!”

Interested participants can learn more about the Kunoichi Game and self defense courses around Asheville at AshevilleNinjas.com.