Smile At Strangers

March 18, 2013
Schorn lived a life of anxiety and fear until age 30, when she began training at the Austin, Tex., Sun Dragon dojo in Kyokushin, a “full-contact” form of karate. While detailing her journey from white belt to double black belt, she candidly examines the fear of harassment that many women deal with on a daily basis, and she dismisses frequently proffered advice that regards women as “feeble-minded children” and blames victims for supposedly failing to exercise caution. In its place, Schorn provides a slew of strategies for managing tense situations—she encourages women to make purposeful eye contact and get comfortable with saying “no,” and she runs through de-escalation and intervention tactics (as well as actual Kyokushin combat techniques). Schorn credits the philosophy and discipline of her martial art with helping her cope with everything from her sister’s cancer diagnosis, a particularly taxing home renovation, and parenting unruly children. Considering the gravity of the topics at hand, Schorn manages a lot of levity—she describes the melee in which she earned her first black belt as “like getting married, except you have to fight all the bridesmaids.” The tale of her journey to empowerment is an engrossing and inspirational read. Agent: Brettne Bloom, Kneerim, Williams and Bloom.

April 15, 2013
One woman's journey to overcome fear through martial arts. Two-time black belt Schorn didn't always feel confident in her surroundings. In fact, before she discovered karate, she was often immobilized by either fear or anger. "I was angry at the way fear constrained my life; angry at the world for failing to obviate my fear," she writes. "I was angry that society seemed to think women should just get used to seeing themselves as victims. I was angry that a lot of women seemed to agree." When a colleague invited her to an all-female dojo, Schorn was able to vent her frustration and overcome her fears while "hitting things and yelling." Using karate as the background, the author shows readers how she overcame her anxieties and demonstrates how they can overcome their own fears: of the dark, of saying "no," of feeling like a victim. Schorn couples detailed descriptions of Kyokushin karate moves with statements that will build women's confidence and empower them to resist and reject the common perception that they are weaker and more vulnerable than men. She also discusses how looking down instead of at someone shows passivity and how finding one's center works in both karate and life. Some of the occasionally cliched but often true axioms include, "parenthood is the most terrifying ordeal you will ever undergo, enjoy it," and "push yourself past your limits; then let your friends push you further." Although karate may not be the right discipline for some people, Schorn's experiences encourage women to stand up and fight for what they believe in, despite the odds, and to smile and enjoy the process while doing so. Useful, perceptive advice on life found through the practice of karate.

COPYRIGHT(2013) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

June 1, 2013

Schorn, who holds black belts in Kyokushin and Seido karate, addresses women who are tired of being afraid. She uses kowas (Japanese proverbs) as chapter headings that dispense advice, e.g., "Fall down seven times, get up eight." A substantial portion of her book is devoted to self-defense, but she also doles out tips for navigating family issues and taking control of one's career. VERDICT Only for those with a keen interest in karate.

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.