Fighter’s Perspective: Raising the next generation of martial artists

“Coach Roxanne, can I choke you, please?”

I look down. There, beautiful dark-haired Aleena stares up at me. Her eyes sparking with love and anticipation. Her head only comes up to my hip. “Of course!” I say, kneeling down. Aleena positions herself behind me, snaps on a killer rear-naked choke, and squeezes. My hand is already raising to tap the second she starts. Whew. Having successfully strangulated her teacher, she skips off to play tag with the other seven-year-olds before class starts.

In order to put a stop to sneak attacks – children suddenly throwing themselves on me without warning (knocking off my glasses or poking me in the eye) – I’ve made a deal with them: I will ALWAYS let them choke me.