I started training in the martial arts in 1987. In 1992 I tested and earned my 1st Dan Black Belt in Hapkido under Grandmaster Ki Duke Lee in the U.S. Hapkido Association. While my first love will always be Hapkido, I have also trained extensively in Jujitsu. I prefer the martial arts that employ grappling and throws as well as punches and kicks. Both Hapkido and Jujitsu are very practical for streetwise self-defense.

People often ask me if I have ever used my training, and my only reply is, "Yes, every day." Training in the martial arts was the single best thing I have ever done for myself. I gained confidence and strength, as well as an awareness of the world around me.

But, of course, what people really mean when they want to know if I've ever used it, is have I ever gotten into a fight--have I ever "kicked some ass". That's a harder question to answer. I think first I need to list The Diana's rules of self-defense:

Rule number One: Avoid the situation. (Don't walk through the ghetto at night.)
Rule number Two: If you can't avoid the situation, then Run Like Hell.
Rule number Three: If you can't run, then give them your money, and anything else that is not as valuable as your life.
Rule number Four: If all of the above rules fail, then go for the kill.

Now, I know that there are people who will have a problem with these rules, especially number four. Well, tough. They're my rules. So far I have been lucky enough to never need to go beyond rule Three. Have I ever "kicked ass"? No, not in a down-and-dirty-on-the-street sense. Has martial arts ever saved my butt? Well, I'm still here, aren't I?

This is a picture of me about five minutes after receiving my black belt--exhausted, SORE, and elated.