MARTIALFORCE.COM
PRESENTS
Master Doreen Cogliandro
“An Endless Summer”
By Lydia Alicea
Martialforce.Com
§ 8th Degree Black Belt in Ed Parker’s Karate Kenpo
§ Member of the International Kenpo Karate Association (IKKA) World Alliance
§ Director for the International Karate Championships (IKC)
§ Member of the Atlantic National Karate Team
§ New England Sparring Champion
§ Advisory Board Member of the Whipping Willow Society
A badge of courage, a tour de force, an accomplished fighting competitor,
An old school hard-core martial artist.
Master Cogliandro is recognized throughout the world as the highest-ranking female martial artist in the IKKA/Ed Parker’s American Kenpo. In the martial arts, she is known by many, respected by all and with good reasons. Although we mentioned in the opening to our interview some of her accomplishments, her list runs much longer. Achievement is not measured by just a title, rank, or even an abbreviation after a name; it comes from perseverance with blood, sweat and tears.
As I learned of her journey, her “Endless Summer”, I concluded that her strengths, both physical and spiritually, are stringently intertwined in the artist and the individual, Doreen Cogliandro. She is an accomplished, seasoned and spirited martial artist. If that were not enough, she is a mother of two sons, a teacher in the public school system, a tournament promoter and a graduate student about to complete her Master’s Degree in Physical Education.
Like the experiences of other martial artists, her path has had its share of uphill and downward turns, twists, and stumbling blocks along the way, for sure, but never enough to deter her from reaching her goals. She is certainly an inspiration regardless of whether one is a practicing martial artist or not. Master Cogliandro is an individual of boundless drive and determination, devoted to the art she has embraced and compassionate in the manner in which she teaches her students.
Those whom have studied with, competed against, worked along side or have been taught by her know that the key to her success lies in the fact that Doreen Cogliandro has not been judged by the standards of a female martial artist, but by the standards of a martial artist.
Master Cogliandro would not have wanted it any other way. To continue in the spirit and tradition as Ed Parker gave Kenpo to Master Cogliandro, she continues to carry on by holding her students to those same standards and principles.
For Doreen, it was not just the hard-core training that helped her find the “Magic” it was her total embracement of the art of Kenpo.
Interview with Master Doreen Cogliandro
M.Force: Master Cogliandro, please tell us where were you born and raised?
DC: “I was born May 3, 1956 in Everett, Massachusetts. I grew up in Revere, Massachusetts where I still live today.”
M.Force: You began training in the martial arts while in high school. Why the martial arts? Were you influenced by the experiences of someone, or was there a need such as for self-defense purposes?
DC: “I decided to train in a martial art in order to stay in shape between, softball and basketball seasons.
Originally my intention was to train just through the summer and stop once school began. As it turned out it became an “Endless Summer” because I am still training 34 years later.
During my first class I remember experiencing a feeling inside that was hard to describe. Years later, as I think back I came to the conclusion that it must have been an awakening of some kind, deep in my soul telling me that this was it, you must do this.
My desire to train was not for self-defense purposes. I loved the aspects of training, its intensity, focus and most importantly, the challenges it presented. At that time my motivation for training was not to prepare me reach black belt status but simply because it made me feel amazing.”
M.Force: The first style you studied was “Karazenpo Goshinjutsu.” Describe how it varies from other forms of Kenpo.
DC: “The styles could not have been any more different. Although “Karazenpo Goshinjutsu.” was the name on George Pesare’s patch, it was much different from the forms I saw Grand Master Gascon’s students performing. It is hard to say exactly where George Pesare’s forms came from.
Ed Parker’s Kenpo is a combination of scientific principles and self-defense tactics. It is designed to present theories of motion in a systemized and organized way. Students follow a set syllabus for the purpose of education, which should ultimately lead each individual to developing a personal style. However, there is a vast difference between education and application.”
M.Force: Tell us your early impressions of your first instructor and whether his approach to teaching was instrumental in building the confidence you needed to stay with it.
DC: “My first instructor was John “Dee” Di Calogero, a Black Belt under George Pesare. He was an accomplished fighter, so you can imagine that the bulk of our training involved a lot of conditioning and sparring. He was very forceful and his approach to teaching was similar to his instructor’s, brutal with a lot of yelling and hitting. It was hard-core.
I remember losing pieces of my teeth and having to hide other bruises from my parents, who would have stopped me from training if they had known. There was a time where I actually considered quitting because I was the only girl in my school and a constant target of ridicule. One night my instructor hit me so hard, I thought I was going to pass out. I waited for him after class and as he walked to the parking lot, I handed him my green belt and said, “I don’t need this anymore. I am trying as hard as I can and you are constantly yelling, making fun of me and hitting me too hard.” He responded,” If I did not care, I would not pay any attention to you at all. Besides, you’re the best female student I ever had.”
Actually, I was his only female student, but I was sixteen years old, what did I know? At any rate, he convinced me not to quit. Those early years of training had a positive impact on me as a student and later as a teacher. With all his insane methods, his level of expectations really brought out the best in me.
Later as an instructor, I wanted to bring those same standards to my students without crushing their spirits. I realized that it is possible to accomplish this goal without the brutality by insisting that your students always follow protocol, and allow them to reach their highest level of proficiency. Most important, never compromising on the standards, ever! I am very tough on my students, but my intent is not to hurt their spirit but rather to help strengthen it.”
M.Force: As you began training, and watched fellow students being kicked, punched and thrown, felt their pain and perhaps feared what you were about to face, how did you prepare and psych yourself to get through it?
DC: “I was very athletic and loved the physical challenge training placed on us. As I watched I knew I could do it. Something about the training just pulled me, difficult to put into words, a very intense gut feeling. The more I trained the stronger my interest grew. Often I would stay after my class ended just to watch the advanced group.”
M.Force: Some may consider that being the only female student in a class would be somewhat intimidating. Was this the case for you and if so, what did you need to do to gain “acceptance” from the other students?
DC: “Actually, I never saw myself as the “female student” in our class. Yes, I acknowledged being the only female in class. I chose to place my focus on the instruction and not my gender in relation to my fellow students. As a natural athlete, the forms and techniques came very easy to me. I learned them quicker than most of my classmates. In fact, as I watched the advanced forms I learned them before I was actually required to know them.
I believe I reached the point of acceptance by my fellow “male” students after I made green belt. Perhaps the guys realized I was not just eye candy, but serious about what I was doing. My test for green belt was extremely difficult. No other female had reached that level.
Many of the newer students actually asked for my help with their forms. Sure, there were times when some of the male students made an issue about having a female in the class, but I did not allow their drama to intimidate me.
During the early 1970's, the entry of women in sports, let alone the martial arts, was not as accepted as it is today. I realize now that I must have had an incredible spirit to withstand the challenges faced by not allowing them to deter me. Actually, the training was easier than the rest of the stuff that went with it.”
M.Force: During your early training years, what did you gain from the art and how did it help you outside the dojo?
DC: “As a teenager I lacked a lot of self confidence and although I always felt at home in the gym, or at the dojo, in social settings I always felt intimidated. An incident took place that changed all that.
One day in history class the teacher had asked us a question, which I answered very thoroughly. As the teacher praised me, a boy in the class decided he wanted to make a joke of me to everyone. He asked loudly, “You think you’re smart or something?” He turned towards everyone and began laughing at me. Up until that day I would have remained quiet, but a thought kept coming to me, “If I can train and spar with guys at the karate studio who are 10 times stronger than him, why the heck was I allowing this kid to intimate me?
So, I turned towards him and said, “Well, I don’t know if I’m really smart, but I know I’m a whole lot smarter than you!” I nearly fell down from the look of shock on his face. He was speechless. I am not sure if it was the words or my tone, but I have to tell you, it felt great! I had tapped into my confidence, which I attributed to my training. From that moment I realized I had it, now, go use it!”
M.Force: Please tell us about your promotion to Shodan.
DC: “I made Black Belt in 4 ½ years after I began my instruction. Although it became extremely difficult to stick with training once I began college, I stayed with it. What struck me most after reaching Black Belt was a feeling of not knowing what to do from that point, a feeling of, now what do I do?
Once a student decides to strive towards black belt level, the focus of training becomes more directed. I needed to think things through to realize what my true and attainable goals were.
Over the years, as an instructor I have sensed similar feelings in my students. Although requirements for 2nd degree and higher levels help set their paths in directing their efforts, students must be taught that their work cannot be just about learning more techniques and forms.
A very important need becomes clear: one must consider their own direction and goals beyond the sphere of the art. I believe teachers have an important responsibility by helping their students in determining life goals.
After reaching Black Belt, I accomplished the goals I had set: completing college, receiving my BS in Physical Education, and seven months later, opening my karate studio.”
M.Force: Describe your introduction to Ed Parker and American Kenpo Karate.
DC: “My initial introduction to EPKK, Ed Parker’s Karate Kenpo, is actually a funny story. I had just learned I was 2 months pregnant with my 2nd child. Mr. Parker was visiting the East Coast for the first time in many years and all Kenpoist were invited to attend. With a 6-month-old son in hand and another one on the way, the idea of going to a seminar didn’t seem so appealing at the time! Well, despite not being able to wrap my belt all the way around, I said, “What the heck let me go.”
I remember standing at the doorway entrance just as Mr. Parker passed through. His energy was like a magnet and I was immediately drawn towards him. He looked at me, extended his hand and said, “Hi! I’m Ed Parker.”
What struck me most about him was that he never once referred to himself as “Master Parker”; it was simply, Ed Parker. He was a kind and genuine gentleman. While all the Black Belts went off to tend to their politicking, I stayed and watched the seminar for the white through green belts. I was absolutely blown away! I had never seen anything quite like it in my life. I knew then and there that I had to learn more about what he spoke about, which at that time seemed like a foreign language. He accepted me as a student that day and I have never looked back.”
M.Force: What are the specific elements of American Kenpo, which made the art attractive to you then and still today?
DC: “As discussed earlier, the physical portions of the training came relatively easy to me. What I loved about American Kenpo was its’ scientific approach to the training. Mr. Parker created a system that included a “Vocabulary of Motion” that enabled one to learn a style of karate that is systemized and duplicable. As a teacher, its language allows me to accurately communicate the concepts and principals of our art. Our forms and techniques are education and science based. Sparring puts the knowledge into action and allows the students to develop spontaneity. Additionally, EPKK’s strong foundation enables its’ students to plug into many other forms of martial arts to compliment and enhance our training.”
M.Force: You have been practicing EPKK for years. Do you feel that the art, for the most part, is still being taught and competed in with the same forms and standards developed by Ed Parker or has there been considerable departures. If so, why?
DC: “There are many practitioners of EPKK that completely follow the system and others that have altered the instruction to various degrees. The standards from one school to another are also diverse. This is not just in EPKK, but in other art forms as well. These are questions I have pondered over at great lengths.
There are schools that teach martial arts and there are schools that are developing martial artists. This has happened due in part to economic considerations. In order for “commercial” schools to survive, they have altered the level of expectation or standards in order to keep the masses training and coming back. I believe this is actually a good thing. Some karate students do eventually become phenomenal martial artists. As well, having students who are interested in recreational training is not a bad idea. For example, when we consider a serious issue such as the obesity epidemic taking place in our country, providing programs where children as well as adults can get some level of regular exercise must be seen as a positive option.”
M.Force: What is the presence of American Kenpo Karate throughout the world?
DC: “EPKK continues to grow worldwide. There are many organizations and associations still following Mr. Parker’s system, as there are many forms of martial arts that were influenced by Mr. Parker. I believe his presence is greater than ever.”
M.Force: What was it like being a private student of Ed Parker?
DC: “Having been a private student of Ed Parker was an honor that cannot be adequately described in words. He had students all over the world and the time that he had taken to teach me was the ultimate compliment.
Most of my questions about Kenpo came up while I was training and practicing. Since it was not possible for my lessons to be as frequent as I would have liked, (I lived in Boston) I prepared myself by always keeping a folder on my desk available to write down questions that came up while I was training. As you can imagine the list often became quite long in between Mr. Parker’s visits. I remember during one lesson, he stopped talking and began to stare at me with a big grin on his face. He said, “I love how you are always prepared for your lessons with me.” Mr. Parker’s smile was the best part of the lesson that day.
During another lesson where he was explaining circular and linear adjustments, he chose to demonstrate a technique on me. As he executed it, I flew across the room towards my office and landed on top of my desk. Just at that moment, one of my black belt students was entering and saw me being thrown across the room. As he raced towards me, I could tell by the look on his face that he thought I was in the middle of a fight. He came into the room ready to do battle but saw it was Mr. Parker who had thrown me. The sigh of relief and the expression on his face were priceless!
Although I loved the instruction sessions with Ed Parker, what I appreciated most were the lessons off the mat. He and I would talk about life, family, and the many challenges we had to face each day to survive. I believe that the best lessons were those that did not involve any kicking or punching at all.
After giving birth to my second child, Mr. Parker was in town to host several seminars. He insisted on meeting my new son. As I watched him holding my son in his arms, I was overcome by the look of joy in his eyes. He held both my boys and said, “Come and sit with your Grandpa Parker.”
M.Force: What syllabus or curriculum do you use in teaching Kenpo?
DC: “Today, our primary curriculum is Ed Parker’s Kenpo Karate. We have incorporated other systems to enhance our training, but our primary focus is on Kenpo.”
M.Force: At what age did you begin competing in tournaments?
DC: “I was 17 years old when I competed in my first tournament.”
M.Force: For female martial artists taking that mighty leap into tournament competition, it is important to learn about the experiences of others before you, pioneers such as yourself, who were doing it when there were very few women out there. Tell us in your own words what that was like for you, competing against female martial artists in a male dominated arena.
DC: “First, the tournaments then were very different than they are today. There was one division for women, no matter the age or rank, all were placed in the same category. The first time I competed I was really scared because I didn’t know what to expect. I was a white belt being matched up against a brown belt.
When we lined up and the referee said go, I moved forward and remember feeling her bare fist against my nose and then a trickle of blood running down my face. Someone wiped my face and said to keep going. Although there was not supposed to be any contact, she got a point. It was the craziest thing, I had lost the match, but I could not wait to go at it again.
The women of that era (early 1970's) were much tougher competitors although I do think the female martial artists of today are more skilled and talented. We fought and trained with men largely because there were no women to train with. As far as competing in a male dominated sport, that was not a huge factor for me. The training was much harder than the competition.”
M.Force: Which were some of the most important tournaments that you participated in?
DC: “This is a tough question to answer. I have competed in so many and most events have had an impact on me. One event that does stand out was in 1980. I entered a tournament in Connecticut that was hosted by the Mas Oyama Association. I walked into the gym and noticed that everyone was wearing a white uniform except for me. Needless to say, I stood out like a sore thumb. The women’s division was huge and I had 5 matches that day. Each fight was a battle, and although you only needed 2 points to win, the judges were very reluctant to award any points, not just to me, but also to anyone.
The match before the final round went into triple overtime. I had thrown so many punches that my hand swelled up for a week (remember no protective gear at that time). In the final match, I competed against their top female. It was a good match but I ended up losing it. You might think I complained and said something like, all the judges were from her association, or they weren’t going to let an outsider win, or I got ripped off. Honestly, I felt a true sense of victory, because I knew that what I had accomplished was no small task. To walk into an arena where I was not necessarily welcomed and walk out with four fights won was pretty amazing. I still have that trophy on my shelf as a reminder of the hardest tournament I ever fought in.
I also liked competing in the Long Beach Internationals. That event attracted competitors from all over the world. The level of competition was as amazing as was the number of competitors. The tournaments began at 8:00AM and at times did not end until 1:00 AM! Many famous martial artists launched their careers there like Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Billy Blanks and so many others.”
M.Force: There was a time during your pregnancy where you needed to stop competing altogether. Soon thereafter, you jumped right back in with guns blazing. What was your driving force?
DC: “It’s a funny thing but I always felt I got to be the best at fighting while I was pregnant! My children were born 12 months and 2 weeks apart, but who’s counting.
For two straight years I was side lined from training or competing. All I could do was sit and watch. Yet, doing so gave me a totally different perspective by allowing me to observe from a third person’s point of view. I saw openings and timings that you really cannot see while you are fighting. I even began to point these out to my students. It was not until I was training again that I was able to put these ideas into action.
I began competing again six months after I delivered. I did ok although I still needed to lose all of the weight gained during the pregnancies. I knew I needed to challenge myself so I started training intensely. The weight just came right off, so much so that for a while, I actually lost my balance as a fighter. Once I got it back it was tournament competition every weekend. I entered so many events it was hard to keep count. During this period in my career I was approached by Chuck Merriman about joining the Atlantic World Karate Team.”
M.Force: Your introduction to Chuck Merriman was pivotal. Please discuss how this union came about, and your entry into the Atlantic National Karate Team.
DC: “I had known Master Merriman years prior to the formation of the Atlantic Team. He had seen me fight for many years. It was an unforgettable day when he called me to ask if I would consider being on the Atlantic Team. I almost went into shock!
I asked Master Merriman two questions. The first,”Is this for real or are you just joking?” He answered, “No, this is for real.” My second question was, “Why me?” He replied, “Because I have seen you fight for many years and know you have what it takes to compete on a national circuit.”
Those two years of travel and training were the best of my martial arts competition years. I gave me the opportunity to train and compete with some of the most amazing martial artists in the world, Billy Blanks, Kevin Thompson, Chip Wright, Terry Creamer, Richard Plowden, Christine Bannon, Nicole Quist, Keith Hirayabashi and so many others.”
M.Force: The years you have dedicated to American Kenpo Karate has developed your art to the level that has earned you the recognition and respect of many. What does your standing in American Kenpo Karate mean to you personally?
DC: “I feel deeply honored to be recognized and respected by so many prominent and accomplished martial artists. It is a tremendous privilege to have my Kenpo history published along with the senior martial artists in the book entitled, “The Journey” written by Joe Hyams.”
M.Force: How did your entry into tournament promoting come about?
DC: “I was always involved with bringing students to tournaments so I decided to take a chance at hosting one. Trust me, it was much easier competing then promoting.”
M.Force: What would you compare tournament promoting to outside of the martial arts world?
DC: “This is in no way an attempt to say that it’s easy because it is not. You have to run tournament promoting just like any business from start to finish. From marketing, financing, organizing, staffing, location, timing, to obtaining local permits, insurance, ordinances, etc. It is quite a major undertaking. In addition, it is imperative that you have a risk management plan in place in the event of an emergency situation. We do live in a litigation happy society.”
M.Force: What are the key components of a successful tournament and the support systems that are essential in your opinion?
DC: “It is essential to belong to a network of schools and promoters that will help you run the event and support the event with participants. There are many organizations that also provide rating services that help to draw competitors, and therefore beneficial to be sanctioned by one or several of them. (NASKA, NBL, KRANE etc.) Lastly, and certainly not the least important, you must have a great plan of action for the event to insure that it will run smoothly and timely.”
M.Force: The demands are great. How do you balance them in relation to all the other important facets of your life, such as being a parent, a teacher, and a role model?
DC: “I think the secret to balancing it all is to always plan ahead. I schedule my time very wisely and carefully. I make time for my friends, family, and my work as a schoolteacher, the karate studio and graduate school.
One thing I have learned is to not forget scheduling time to rest. I realized the hard way that going 90 miles an hour does not necessarily mean you will accomplish more. In fact it will slow you down. I always felt I needed to be doing something, then I figured out that “resting” is a verb, thus I am actually doing “something”.
M.Force: Tell us your outlook on the direction of martial arts tournaments.
DC: “Today, tournaments are definitely moving in a much different direction. They are increasingly geared towards showmanship and sport rather than art. Not that that is a bad thing it’s just different. Although they do provide venues for traditional competitors, there seems to be an element missing from tournaments in the past.”
DC: “One of the proudest moments in my life aside from the birth of my children was when I was chosen to carry the Olympic Torch for the 2002 Winter Games. It was the most incredible feeling I ever experienced. One of my karate students had nominated me for the honor. She called and asked if I would mind and I silently thought to myself I had a better chance at hitting the lottery than being selected. I told my student how grateful I was that she had thought of me in that way and that the true honor was her picking me as a nominee.
Needless to say that when the package arrived from Salt Lake City notifying me I had been chosen I nearly fell off my seat. I was still a bit leery when I was posted on the Torch Bearers’ website, but when the Olympic running suit arrived, I knew it was for real. We hired 2 buses to bring about 100 friends, family and students to see the event. I remember my Dad running along side me yelling to everyone, “that’s my daughter, that’s my daughter!” I felt that for all the times I had gotten laughed at as a young girl because of my involvement in sports, all the times I wished and dreamed of being an Olympic athlete, all the kicks and punches I had practiced and for all the years of dedication, I was awarded this honor.”
DC: “I am currently completely my Masters in Physical Education, and wish to pursue other degrees. I know that as long as God gives me breath and strength I will be teaching Kenpo Karate for a very long time.
I do hope to write books someday. I also look forward to becoming a grandmother somewhere down the road, but I will have to leave that one up to my sons.”
Thank you Master Cogliandro!