|
|
||
|
|
Master Sandra Strong That "ladies first" statement is one that Sandra is uncomfortable with when it comes to Isshin-ryu. She has always wanted to be recognized and treated according to merit, not gender. I don’t know any one who has earned their rank and place any more than Sandra. I have mentioned people at our Nashville/ Fairview/ Lebanon/ Anderson, dojo’s that I consider a cut above just tough. Sandra could be anyone’s best pick for the toughest. She has endured some of the physically toughest Sensei’s on the planet. She has made it through the old days of no mercy to the present days of very little. I have been personally involved with her in two incidences that convinced me of her competitiveness and character. I was not Sandra’s Sensei. I would have enjoyed the honor but that credit belongs to Phil McElroy, Butch Hill, but more than anyone David Gabbard. I point this out because it reflects on mine and Sandra’s relationship and the first incidence. Sandra had just lost (one of the few times) her match at a tournament. She was upset with the call and outcome and had stormed out of the ring. I was watching and called to her to come back. I told her to take off her black belt, that she was busted. She, through teary eyes and clenched teeth took it off and handed to me. I was not her sensei. I was living in Anderson and had done nothing for her. She could have waited until I went back to Anderson and Talked to Phil or David. Instead she came back and apologized to me. I have accepted apologies before without giving belts back, but this time was different. I saw how Sandra was different and why everyone was so sold on her. She had a warrior’s heart and great humility at the same time. That was some 15 years ago. The second incident was about three years ago. We were having a shiai in Nashville. On the fourth round I drew Sandra. When I said she is as good as most men I’ve fought and better than most I had a reason for saying that. Gabbard warned me about the back kick she throws that hooks up into the groin. It is for Guys that try to lord over this 5’1 105 pound woman. Toward the end of the match she let go with it. Luckily I blocked it, but with both knees together. It knocked my legs out from under me. Off the matt Sandra will give you all the respect due you. On the matt she will also give you what is due to you. Sandra’s career has been all upward and onward. Tournament wise she has won some 170 trophies. She has fought professional full contact and at one time was rated 9th. She has fought in New York at Trump Towers and won national championships from Florida to New Jersey. Sandra presently serves on the IIKA board and has made some in-roads for separate women’s divisions and women’s grand champion divisions. Sandra is a fantastic example of how to become your own person in a predominately male atmosphere. She is a tireless worker and organizer. At any event you can count on Sandra to do more than her share. She holds down a full time job and has recently bought the Fairview Dojo from David Gabbard. She also organizes and hosts the annual "ladies of Isshin-ryu" seminar. I know that Sandra is a sure Hall Of Famer in the near future. That would give our Nashville group six. I could give you a strong argument why she may be the best of the group. So saying "Ladies first" to Sandra may some day just be acknowledging her place in Isshin-ryu.
Denny Shaffer, Ku-Dan |
