A New Class on the Schedule!

In the years leading up to the founding of the Independent Martial Arts School, a large group of female black belts built a Women’s Self Defense program from the ground up.  The new program addressed the actual concerns of women and girls. The program was vetted by Kenpo masters, medical professionals, and first responders in Merrimack and Nashua.  The course is taught by certified instructors, all of them women with years of experience. The course teaches best practices purely from a female perspective. We now offer the course to organizations.  You can find more information HERE.

In the 1980s through the early 2000s, we also had a class specifically to teach young girls Kenpo.  The class and its curriculum gave young girls the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors in a place of inclusiveness and belonging.  

It is time for that tradition to return.  

The women black belts of the dojo have come together to offer the best of both to all IMAS students.  On the first Saturday of every month, from 10:20-11:20 am, they will hold a class for all female students.  All ranks and ages are welcomed. The class will be taught exclusively by our female black belts.

What should we call this class?  We had many ideas, but in the end, our own Hannah St. George struck upon an idea: Tomoe Gozen (pronounced “Toh-MOH-ay”.)

Tomoe Gozen was involved in the Genpei War and the conflict that eventually led to the establishment of the first Shogunate of Japan. She led 300 samurai against a force of 2,000 warriors and won. She also escaped capture, and went on to be regarded as a high ranking general during her career.

In Hannah’s own words,  “I feel it's important to reflect on history, especially when women's achievements are so often overlooked or forgotten. We should begin this journey by inspiring these students with fierce, powerful role models who've made a difference, and use that inspiration to bring forth strength and confidence within our female students.”

 To this end, let us name the class after Tomoe Gozen.

Written by Hanshi Marsh