Kathy Crane and her husband, of Washington Township, traveled to Japan earlier this year as they were promoted to seventh degree black belts.
Kathy Crane (right) and her husband run Aikido Agatsu Dojo in Washington Township. (Matt Cosentino | For NJ.com) WASHINGTON TWP. -- Kathy Crane looked on with pride Thursday night as a local woman she had just met a few hours earlier walked out of the Aikido Agatsu Dojo with her head held high.
She had come for Crane's special presentation on self-defense for women, based on the Japanese martial art of aikido. Crane -- the sensei who runs the dojo along with her husband Richard -- couldn't help but beam as she talked about the progress the woman made in just one night.
"She did awesome," Crane said. "I didn't know her at all and I always give people credit just for coming. To see her feel the way she did when she left, that's what I do this for.
"Whether it's a younger person who has been bullied or a woman who has been threatened, when they see themselves doing something like this, it really changes their perspective. They see that they can do it themselves."
Crane is passionate about the benefits of aikido, which was founded in Japan in the early 20th century by Ueshiba Morihei. Aikido is based on the principles of redirection of force, using the force of the attacker for an effective resolution without aggression. Its techniques can be applied against a bigger and stronger attacker, which is why Crane thinks it's very useful for women looking to develop safety skills while at work or school.
"There are certainly other programs that will teach women how to defend themselves and they can get tips," she said. "But I feel like you have to go with the nature of the person, and if you're not a violent person, I don't want to try to trigger violence. Aikido does not trigger violence; it's a pure self-defense (martial art). You're moving and protecting yourself, and I'm not asking you to become aggressive."
Crane opened Thursday's presentation by explaining the principles of aikido and then gave practical tips on being aware of your surroundings, the dangers of getting too focused on a cell phone while alone and the importance of changing up your daily routines.
From there she demonstrated several techniques that can be used to ward off an attack, including how to break free when someone grabs your arm or neck, as well as knife defense. Participants paired up with her students and practiced each technique themselves.
"I take this very seriously," Crane said. "I want the program to be enjoyable, but mostly I want them to remember. If they can come away with a few things and remember them when they're in a situation, they're going to feel empowered."
Crane and her husband were introduced to aikido more than 40 years ago and have been proponents ever since. Aikido Agatsu Dojos is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year; they've been in Washington Township for 20 years and also have locations in Stratford and Moorestown.
Both Cranes traveled to Japan earlier this year as they were promoted to seventh degree black belts.
"We received the promotion from the founder's grandson and it was a true privilege," Crane said. "We were able to go to Japan and bring some of our students. So that was very exciting."
In addition to teaching regular classes, Crane keeps busy by giving presentations throughout South Jersey. She has programs about anti-bullying and getting children involved in aikido along with self-defense for women.
She will be speaking at Rowan University at several events this month; has presentations scheduled for May at the Moorestown Library and Margaret E. Heggan Library; and offers a summer program for kids in conjunction with Washington Township Parks and Recreation.
Crane just wants to share her message with as many people as possible, especially women who may have been attacked.
"The main thing is for people to take that first step, like that woman did tonight," she said. "Visit the dojo and find out what aikido is. It's not karate. There's not a lot of pressure and we have a lot of sincere people here.
"Even people who may not be physically adept or have limitations physically, they come to the program and love it. There's no reason for women who may have had something happen to feel like they can't go out and they can't do anything. They need to use knowledge and face life."