The Centurion

  It is no secret that an active lifestyle has positive benefits to your physical health. Experts also say that getting a good workout can help your mental health. If you’re feeling low, whether it be from depression, anxiety or general stress and a bad mood, there are ways that you can fight back!  

  When Alec Brown was born, his parents noticed his legs bent oddly. Even when he began to walk, when he would stand he kept his legs bent at the knees as though crouching. It became apparent that he almost could not physically straighten them. When he was four years old, Shriners Hospitals for Children in St. Louis diagnosed Brown with cerebral palsy, a condition that affects the brain’s ability to control muscles.  

  Tori Lynn Andreozzi earned her black belt in karate at the age of 12.  One of the highlights of her competitive career came when she was only nine years old, at the Quebec Open. She was excited to compete and mingle with other martial artists. When she was the first to present out of 52 in her division, she expected to be forgotten by the judges. It didn’t dim her attitude, though – she was just happy to be there.

  I frequently find myself inspired by other martial artists. There are so many amazing individuals out there, who are using their talents to make the world a better place. At a Century video shoot, I had the chance to meet another incredible martial artist who is improving lives in our community in Oklahoma City. Sensei Jennifer Allman is a teacher at Harding Fine Arts Academy in OKC, out of which she runs her Firehawk Martial Arts program. She is using her karate background and teaching abilities to bring martial arts to kids who might not otherwise have had access – and it’s changing the entire school! During a break from shooting, I had the chance to interview Allman.

  Training Mr. Miyagi   In 1984, one of the most acclaimed martial arts movies, The Karate Kid, introduced the world to an equally iconic character. Mr. Miyagi, played by Pat Morita, epitomizes the standard of wisdom, patience, and pure skill anyone should be so lucky to find in a teacher. The performance netted Morita an Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor. There is no doubt that he was a great actor, but, ironically, the man who would play a karate master had no martial arts training prior to taking his famous role.

  Here at The Centurion, we usually try to put a positive spin on martial arts and training. Clearly, this one-sided approach is problematic, as it doesn’t cover the many downsides of martial arts training. So today, I’m going to play the devil’s advocate and let you know exactly why you and your loved ones should steer clear of the scourge that is martial arts:  

    There are dozens of different martial arts, found all throughout the world. Within those arts, there can be further variations, for example, the different animal styles of Kung Fu, or the different styles of the Thai “muay” arts (muay thai, muay boran, etc.). Karate is one of the most popular arts to train worldwide, and there are four main styles within this art. Here, we take a quick look at them, and what makes them unique!  

  When I was a sophomore in college, my roommate Natalie had a poster: “15 Chuck Norris Facts.” She hung it in the living room, and among the four of us roommates, it was probably the best-read piece of literature in the apartment. “Chuck Norris was once bitten by a cobra. After five days of excruciating pain, the cobra died.” “Chuck Norris doesn’t wear a watch. He decides what time it is.”

  If you train in martial arts, and have gotten to experience the benefits (physical and mental) that come with involvement, and get to be a part of the community (a colorful assortment of people who use the phrase, “Hey, check out my bruises,” far more than any other segment of the population), you probably consider yourself pretty lucky (I know I do). If your S.O. trains with you – or in any art, for that matter – and you get to share that part of your life with them, you’re doubly lucky!

  Mackensi Emory is a 59-time sport karate world champion and member of Team Paul Mitchell Karate. A student of Kyoshi Dave Kovar at Kovar’s Satori Academy, she also has a strong traditional martial arts background – something that she says is more common in sport karate athletes that people realize. She stopped by Century Martial Arts HQ recently, and The Centurion managed to steal time for a quick interview with Kensi, about her current career, plans for the future and signature series kama line plus a few fun questions as always!