Overcoming a religious cult for the first ten years of her life, Rebecca Knight found a promising future in martial arts. Read Rebecca's full bio here: www.themartialartswoman.com
Rebecca's Story: My childhood was difficult at best. I grew up in a religious cult (in Mexico) and endured physical, mental/emotional and sexual abuse for the first 10 years of my life. After moving back to the states when I was 10 years old, I found that it was nearly impossible for me to trust anyone, including myself. I struggled with self esteem, and confidence in every situation and doubted that I could ever recover from the trauma that I had gone through. I attended my first Kenpo lesson in 1996, and immediately felt something that I had never felt before - a small and delicate sense of worth, which grew over they years to an overwhelming feeling of confidence and strength. That feeling that was cultivated in me is why I train, and why I teach…to see that bloom in the hearts of the student that I teach, to show each and every one of them what they are truly capable of - and that is ANYTHING they put their mind and heart into!!!
Rebecca Knight, the martial art instructor: I teach because……I have the ability to encourage positive change; I have room for creativity; I am challenged; I can see improvement in myself and others; I can encourage respect and discipline; I can share my passion for the martial arts with others.
I am proud to have been included on the Kenpo Compendium (by Amy Long) on 2008, I was featured on the Kenpo Women Website (http://www.kenpowomen.com/2012/08/06/rebecca-knight/) in 2012, and am most humbled by my inclusion as an honoree in Tom Bleecker’s The Journey - Book 3 2019.
My husband and I own and Operate the American Institute of Kenpo in Tucson Arizona, and will be celebrating our school’s 20th Anniversary next September!!! We are grateful for our Master Council Members that guide us in the martial arts, business and in our daily lives; Sigung Stephen LaBounty, Bob White, John Sepulveda, Lee Wedlake and Mike Winkeljohn along with our business partner and fellow AIK School owner Mr. Andrew Pilch.
Links & Info:
http://www.kenpowomen.com/2012/08/06/rebecca-knight/
https://www.americaninstituteofkenpo.com/
Andrea's motivational books:
The Martial Arts Women Book: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Arts-Woman-Motivational-Stories/dp/1544916213 (or contact me for signed copies)
Martial Art Inspirations for Everyone Book: https://www.amazon.com/Martial-Inspirations-Everyone-Andrea-Harkins/dp/150297830X
