Instructors  

(559) 323-1702 - Shinzen Dojo-Aikido of Clovis, Clovis, Fresno

(209) 658-2407- Peaceful Warrior Aikido, Los Banos

Tammy Lee Anderson

Anderson Sensei has been teaching Aikido and Self Defense classes at California State University, Fresno since 1999, as well as teaching women's personal safety and rape prevention seminars for companies and private parties in the California Central Valley. In 2002 she opened Shinzen Dojo, Clovis Aikido and Meditation Center in Clovis, California and in 2003 affiliated with the Aikikai Hombu dojo through the Pacific Aikido Federation under the direction of Hideki Shiohira, Shihan. She was awarded San Dan (3rd degree blackbelt) by Shiohira Sensei. Anderson Sensei began her Aikido training in 1982, first studying under Nobu Iseri, Shihan while a student at Ventura College; she continued her studies with Norio Mamura, Shihan of Milwaukee in 1989, and in 1992 began 9 years of practice with Swingle Sensei of New School Aikido, Fresno. Anderson Sensei also practices Hakko Denshin Ryo Ju Jutsu under Wilson Sensei and is also a personal student of Sabutai Musashi, Shihan in Ninkage Ryu Bujutsu. She also maintains a private practice as a Kinesiologist and Rolf practitioner in Clovis, California.

Steven Macillas

Macillas Sensei has a combined experience of over 26 years in various forms of martial arts, among them: Tae-kwon-do, Chinese Street Fighting, and Aikido.  He has 14 years teaching experience and has taught Peaceful Warrior Aikido in Los Banos, California for 6 years.  He is also a professional magician and sometimes magically dissapears on the training mat. Sensei Macillas passion and Love for the art of Aikido is only surpassed by the love he has for his students. He shares his peaceful warrior spirit and kind heart with all those he meets.

Anderson Sensei brings to her Aikido practice a vast educational background, and holds two masters degrees, with an M.A. in Kinesiology , and a M.S. in Marriage and Family Counseling, both of which were earned at California State University, Fresno. Her undergraduate work earned her a B.A. in Theology and Philosophy from Loyola Marymount University, in Los Angeles California. She embraces a holistic philosophy of integrating body, mind, and spirit, both personally and professionally. For Anderson Sensei practicing the way of Aiki is a life path, a path filled with personal discovery and self transformation. Her teaching philosophy is to facilitate each students personal journey helping them discover the beauty and magnificence within and realizing personal empowerment through Aikido movement. Once asked by one of her students about the magic of Aikido, she replied, “the magic is seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary, seeing the beauty in all life, in the simple every day interaction.

While street robberies and assaults happen year around, they peak during certain periods, such as the holidays. Criminals prey on distracted shoppers, carrying money and gifts. Don't be an easy target. Here are some crime prevention tips to help protect you and your property through this holiday season. Remember the predator has a plan - so should you.

The best self defense technique against a predators is: Prevention, Awareness, and Trusting your Instinct
· Deter pickpocketers and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages. You may need to be able to react quickly. Leave your purse at home or carry your purse close to your body so it's not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.

· If your wallet or purse is stolen. Cancel your credit cards immediately. Make a list or photocopies (front and back) of everything in your wallet before something happens and store it in a safe place.

· Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with friends. There is safety in numbers. Park in well-lit, populated areas and avoid remote areas. If shopping alone, exit the store with other shoppers and/or ask security to escort you to your car if you are uncomfortable.

· Always lock your car and close the windows. You should always lock your car and close the windows even if you are only gone for a few minutes.

· Don't be distracted. Attackers look for people who look vulnerable or distracted. They are looking for easy targets - Make yourself a difficult target - Don't be distracted by talking on your cell phone. The person on the other end cannot help you if you are being mugged.

· Be Aware. Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you. Look inside your car and around it as you approach. Have your keys in your hand before you go to your car. Don't be shy about asking mall or store security for an escort. Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" or attackers may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money, belongings, or hurting you.

· Walk briskly and confidently through the parking lot. Turn your head and look around every five steps. Stay aware and have your keys in hand. When you get to your car, keep looking around as you load your packages. After getting into your car, lock all your doors immediately before you start your car.

· Watch for people who may be following you. If you suspect someone is following you, you should switch directions, back towards the store. Do not continue towards your car. Return to the store and ask for security to escort you back to your car.

· TRUST your instincts. If it feels wrong or suspicious it probably is. Trust what you feel - do something. If you see something you feel is not right or feel uncomfortable about it, you should get away from that situation. Tell someone about it as soon as possible and call the police to report the incident.

· Remember the Predator doesn't always look bad. It is important to understand that strangers are not necessarily scary looking. They look like ordinary people and can be young or old. Basically, they are anyone you do not know. If a stranger approaches and tries to talk to you, you should say, "I'm sorry but I can't help you," and walk away. Stay aware of where that person is and do not put your head down or look away.

· If you are threatened by violence. Give up material things. They can be replaced. Your life cannot. If an attacker attempts to take you - do not allow yourself to be taken to another location. Fight with everything you've got- scream, make noise. If the attacker has a weapon and you are not under his control, run. The probability of hitting a running target is 4 in 100. And even then, it most likely will not be a vital organ. Run towards safety in a zig-zag pattern and make lots of noise. Get away quickly as possible. Get a description and write down the license # in your cell phone and call the police.

*These safety tips are brought to you by Tammy Lee Anderson, 3rd degree black belt, personal safety specialist, and lecturer in the Department of Kinesiology at California State University, Fresno.

For more information or to share this information with family and friends, please visit the following Web sites:
www.healing-wellness.com
Or call Shinzen Dojo @ (559) 323-1702