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Our STORY
It all started with a simple conversation with a young girl and her amazement at her ability to say no.
MISSION & HISTORY.
From class to club to a MOVEMENT.
In my journey as a martial arts instructor at Maine Kyokushin Karate and through teaching karate in public school programs, I've witnessed the transformative power of martial arts firsthand.
One student, "Jane," encapsulates this transformation perfectly. Jane was the quiet, introspective type, rarely raising her voice in class. However, one day she approached me with a gleam in her eye, proudly exclaiming, "Sensei, I said NO to a boy today!" I commended her bravery, but the incident left me pondering.
If Jane could barely speak up about a piece of paper, how could she ever speak up when it matters most?
This reflection sparked a realization: there was more I could do. In 2018, motivated by Jane's courage, I established the first All-Girl Karate Club, an initiative aimed at empowering young girls through karate. This club was just the beginning. Witnessing the impact of these empowerment programs on hundreds of children, helping them discover their voices and courage, just like Jane, has been one of my most rewarding experiences.
By 2022, the evolution of these efforts led to the creation of the first All-Women's Self-Defense Club. This initiative wasn't just about physical defense; it was about cultivating the confidence to speak up in all facets of life. From the dojo to daily interactions, the goal is to empower individuals to stand firm, voice their truths, and protect their well-being with the same fervor they would defend their physical space.
Through these programs, my mission extends beyond teaching martial arts techniques. It's about fostering an environment where individuals, especially women and girls, feel empowered to assert themselves, echoing the bravery of students like Jane in every aspect of their lives
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Dr. Liesha Petrovich, DBA, MHEd
Doctor, Sensei, or Professor. Liesha answers to them all.
Liesha Petrovich, founder of Maine Kyokushin Karate, has dedicated her life to teaching more than just karate techniques. After inspiring a shy girl to stand up for herself, Liesha questioned how we can empower voices in moments of true consequence. This reflection birthed the pioneering All-Girl Karate Club, which focused on empowerment through martial arts and evolved into the transformative All-Women's Self-Defense Club in 2022.
Beyond the dojo, Liesha embodies resilience. Her journey through personal trials - from confronting sexual harassment and systemic challenges in the military and martial arts communities to navigating personal hardships like family addiction, health battles, and personal loss - has forged her unyielding spirit. Liesha's life is a testament to turning adversity into advocacy.
With 30 years of martial arts expertise, Liesha's mission transcends traditional self-defense training. It's about cultivating an environment where women can fortify their voices and assert their power in all aspects of life. Liesha's approach is deeply personal, driven by a resolve to not just survive, but to thrive by fiercely guarding our mental sanctuary as diligently as we protect our physical selves