Q&A with Emma Lynds of Element Academy of Martial Arts

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April 30, 2010 by Karina | Comments (0)

Emma Lynds is the type of woman you would want by your side when you find yourself walking a dark, secluded street. But rather than depending on others for protection, this CRAVE girl wants women to learn how they can protect and defend themselves. Emma is the proprietor of the Element Academy of Martial Arts, a school offering a range of martial arts styles as well as personal training for adults and kids. The academy also holds women-only sessions and will be holding a special seminar on Saturday, May 8 to instruct women on the practice of self-defense. The afternoon has been designed to meet the real needs of women: women on their way to work; women out enjoying Vancouver’s open spaces; women waiting for a taxi or a  bus home. In other words: all women. To further prove her commitment to empowering women, Emma will be personally matching 10% of the class’s proceeds to the Big Sisters of Canada. Here, Emma talks about her courageous move into entrepreneurship, and her recommendations to beginners in the martial arts.

What inspired you to open your own business?

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and I felt that reward and success would only come with a career I was fully invested in.  The trick was in finding a viable business that would have potential for success and growth, and at the same time, fulfill the drive and passion in me to pursue something I loved. I had been studying and training in the martial arts since I was a teenager, and it was one thing that I was truly invested in with my whole being.  Martial arts changed my life and was my constant source of strength, growth, and development.  It seemed like the most natural thing in the world to use my own learning to teach others.

What advice do you have for women who have never done martial arts before?

My best suggestion is to really do your research on what kind of club or facility will be the best fit for you.  You should ask yourself why you want to take martial arts, what you hope to learn most, what type of instruction you respond best to. From there, you can create a short list of clubs/facilities close to your home or work. I believe that it’s really important for women to take martial arts and I think most women would be surprised and delighted at how fun, positive, inspiring, and empowering they will find it.  Plus, you’ll learn something new, be in great shape, and have a really good idea of how to defend yourself.

Are there any pre-requisites?

A good attitude, willingness to try new things, work hard, and be open minded to a whole new set of possibilities for yourself.  Martial Arts is for everybody – keep that in mind!  I’ve seen students from age 4 to 80, so anything is possible!

Save the Date!
What: Women’s Self-Defense Seminar, Website: Element Academy of Martial Arts
Where: 4465 Dunbar Street, Vancouver
When: Saturday, May 8th; 3-5 PM
To register: Email info@elementsacademy.com

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