I am so excited to be a guest blogger on StephenKHayes.com. For those of you who regularly read the Densho, you know what a high quality blog An-Shu maintains. It is a huge honor to be on the blog and share my thoughts on the national forum. My blog "A Feminine Perspective on Fighting" is filled with insights into my martial path. If you've ever wondered why I started on this path or why I continue, check out my story.

Labels: ninjutsu, Stephen K. Hayes, To-Shin Do

Boulder Quest had an awesome graduation tonight. Kim Speek did her demo, one of her requirements for Brown Black. Both Kim and Jenn Zuko Boughn did some free response against armed attackers. Every tester from White belts to Brown Belts did an incredible job. Check out the Boulder Quest group on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/group.php?gid=45564007476&ref=ts and share your pictures with us. Also, please post your answer to the question: What was your favorite part of the test?

Labels: To-Shin Do

Rather than print out color copies of our 12 page Green Guide (which would have been convenient and ironic), I am emailing you a copy. The health of the planet is important to us, especially when we look at the dynamics of planetary health and self defense.
http://www.greenandsave.com/pdfs/Family_Guide_to_Going_Green_2009.php

Some facts you might not know about the Boulder Quest Center:
1. We are wind powered.
2. Our carpets are made from recycled tires.
3. Our paints were hand-rolled and low-VOC to lessen impact.
4. We stained the existing concrete rather than pouring new concrete.
5. Our floors and wainscoting are bamboo, which is a sustainable grass.
6. Our cups are compostable corn.
7. We recycle paper and mixed containers. We offer recycling and composting in the public areas.

If you have any suggestions about further ways we can green the dojo, please contact me at mary@boulderquest.com.

Happy Earth Day!
Mary Aitoshi

Labels: Earth Day, Green dojo

There are six major stalking types found in the United States and it's no longer just celebrities who need to worry about them. As American females our conditioned responses can often lead us astray in effectively countering a stalker. In April's Women's Magazine , I discuss the stalker types and how to effectively protect yourself (without having to engage in hand-to-hand combat). For more information on training in the most effective self defense (To-Shin Do), visit Stephen K. Hayes Quest Network for a list of schools. In the Boulder, CO area, you can train with me at the Boulder Quest Center.
View the article

Labels: self defense, stalker, Stephen K. Hayes, To-Shin Do

I always love to see our students blogging about classes and seminars. It is such a strong testament to our community that folks take the time to share with everyone. I hope you'll check out Boulder Quest's own, Jenn Zuko Boughn sharing her enlightenments from the Stephen K. Hayes seminar. While your there, why not follow her blog too?
~Aitoshi

Labels: ninjutsu, SKH, Stephen K. Hayes, To-Shin Do

Mary Aitoshi has won round trip airfare to NYC to attend the Running the Make Mine a Million $ Business event at the American Express headquarters. Woo-Whoo!

When it comes to the wallet health of female entrepreneurs, the very best organization I've found to support and drive growth is Make Mine a Million $ Business. Founded by powerhouse Nell Merlino, the M3 RACE is a year-long drive for runners to push themselves to new heights and revenues. At the upcoming event, I will learn techniques to clarify my vision, pitch my business, and learn from other entrepreneurs. As a Sam Walton Emerging Entrepreneur, I am already benefiting from the Make Mine a Million $ Business organization. My business coach has done more for my bottom line than four years of struggling to get it right. I don't know where the magic comes from but I've been studying martial arts long enough to recognize when I've found the right path to success. The M3 RACE is motivation and implementation in an excellent package. If you are a woman business owner, I hope you'll join me in the race.

Labels: entrepreneurship, M3 RACE, wealth