Summer brings so much inspiration–warm weather, sunshine, flowers blooming in the garden, long, slow days. Lately I feel inspired to make art, and I’m making art, but it doesn’t necessarily feel cohesive or like a collection in any way. And yet, I think perhaps the fact that its my art is cohesion enough. I’ve beenContinue reading “Looking Artfully”
Category Archives: Physical Practice
What Am I Teaching?
A few weeks ago as I was leading my martial arts class in a local park, one of my students said to me, “I just saw a friend walk by and I know he’s going to ask me later what I was doing here. I’m not sure what I should tell him. What are weContinue reading “What Am I Teaching?”
Creating Safer Training Spaces
I recently experienced a violation of my physical boundaries in a martial arts training space. The incident was gross and humiliating, and the resolution process has been challenging. But the event has shined a light on how important it is to actively create safe and respectful training spaces. This is especially true for women, genderContinue reading “Creating Safer Training Spaces”
Planning for Femm Fighting 2
Hi friends! Last week my friend Jaydra and I met to talk about our ongoing vision for Femm Fighting, the twice-yearly event we are creating for women and genderqueer martial artists in Portland, Oregon. Our next two event dates are Saturday, May 17th, and Saturday, October 4th, 2025. Both events will be held at SouthwestContinue reading “Planning for Femm Fighting 2”
Standing Meditation
Wuji standing meditation is the foundation of the martial arts and healing system I teach. “Standing is everything,” my teacher Sana will say, over and over. When we stand we aim to release tension in the body and connect deeply with the earth. Being in tension limits our possible movements– if the arm is fullContinue reading “Standing Meditation”
Michelle Folk Johnson 