Name: Joanne Fujita
Age: 42
Occupation: Interior Designer and Writer


What motivated you to start training?

"I was taking a Tae-Bo-style class and I was unhappy with how long it took to get results. Tae-Bo isn't very different from aerobics, and I wanted more."



How long have you been training at HMC?

"About a year-and-a-half."



What do you enjoy most about your training?

"Kickboxing and the other classes here train you aerobically, increase your strength and flexibility, and improve your balance and timing - so there is no training more complete for total fitness. I love the results."



What are your goals?

"My doctor told me in order to stay young, train with someone ten years younger and keep up with him. Here at the Chokushinkai, I can always stay young, even if I'm 42."



How has your training helped you to develop physically, mentally, or otherwise (i.e. in your line of work)?

"Martial arts training is a great confidence booster. Not only do you get strong and fit - you learn how to spar - so you have more practical self-defense training than if you took a Tae-Bo class. All of the classes here are very mentally stimulating because they teach defense and strategy."



Why train under Haru Shimanishi?

"Haru has made a dojo with a great family spirit - where everyone feels welcome, no matter what their level. There are lots of elite athletes and fighters, but never any bad attitudes. The whole emphasis is on learning and development - not on causing damage."



What sets HMC apart from the rest?

"This is the only place where you can get great fighters training, learn good fighting technique AND have a friendly atmosphere all at the same time. It's the only place worth training at."


Back to The Interviews