MARTIALFORCE.COM
PRESENTS
AN INTERVIEW WITH
SENSEI JENNIE T. LOUIE
Interview by Lydia Alicea
Martialforce.com
She had just arrived on the “red eye” from San Francisco this morning, and met us promptly at 9:30 AM at Gold’s Gym in Brooklyn, New York just as we agreed on for the interview.
She stood tall, poised and strikingly attractive in a tailored red suit and heels. Yes, this must be Jennie Louie.
Instantly, her huge bright smile and sparkling eyes greeted us. Would you believe she apologized for being a bit off due to a toothache that was giving her hell throughout her flight? Without skipping a beat, she quickly transformed herself from the executive mode into the no nonsense martial artist she is, ready to show us what she’s made of.
Grand Master William Louie stood in the background conducting his class, one eye focused on his students and the other observing his daughter filled with a gleam of pride .
Our interview of martial artist Jennie Louie was a diversion from the “typical” or standard form of artist readers of martial arts magazines have grown accustomed to seeing inside glossy covers. We can all identify amongst the many who we have read about , and this is in no way a negative reflection of the norm. Rather, here we have an artist with a different spin and who though may not conger instant recognition in the minds of most readership, is certainly deserving of the opportunity to be discussed about. She is quite talented and serious minded about her commitment and love of the art she represents. Her story offers us yet another example for the young and the up coming martial artists, particularly to the female artists out there, to learn that it is not all about brawn and size. Rather, you validate your devotion to the art chosen by doing it, knowing it is hard work but the rewards are worth it.
Let us learn about Jennie Louie.
M.Force.com: “Where does your nickname come from?”
J.Louie: “My nickname, “Jade Tigress” has a lot of meaning to me. It is special because it represents both of my parents. Jade, my mother’s first name is also a precious gemstone believed to have healing powers. Tigress is the female version of my father who was born in the year of the Tiger, known to be fierce, ferocious and poised. I am most fortunate to possess the qualities of both and how they intermingle and define who I am.”
M.Force.com: “What led you to begin training in the martial arts?”
J.Louie: “I grew up in very ethnically mixed neighborhoods of Woodside and Sunnyside, Queens. I sometimes encountered difficulties “fitting in” among the neighborhood kids. After all, here I was, this thin Chinese kid (not too many Chinese folks back then), who stood out. I was different to them and was often teased by girls twice my size. My day of reckoning came when I was involved in a fight at school. Although I won that fight, it was a wake up call for me to respond to a need to defend myself correctly and no longer be allowed to be seen as a target. It was time to learn self defense, I was ready to begin training in the martial arts.”
M.Force.com: “Can you tell us when and with whom did you begin your training?”
J.Louie: “I began training at the age of 14 with my father, Grandmaster Bill Louie, a 10th Dan in, and founder of Chinese American Goju Ryu Karate.”
M.Force.com: “Which style do you practice today?”
J.Louie: “I continue to train in Chinese American Goju Ryu Karate. “
M.Force.com: Did you compete in open tournaments? Do you believe they are beneficial to students? Why?”
J.Louie: “Yes, I began competing at the age of 16. My competitive spirit and insatiable appetite to be successful has won me over 300 local and national open karate tournaments in form and fighting. Of course, all students should compete regardless of level, but only when their sensei believes they are truly ready. Competition has incredible spirit and motivation students can draw from. It builds character and teaches students to push themselves to grow, not only as martial artists, but also as individuals outside the dojo. Lastly, competition is another extension of endorsement to the art they represent.
I became very competitive at the age of 16. My skills developed as a result of hard work and the determination to just do it better. It was never easy. however, my skills backed me with the confidence to walk into the ring strong and walk out with the feeling of accomplishment. The adrenaline rush was awesome and still is. That was the reward for me and the added bonuses were the trophies. I owe special thanks to Shihan Joseph Craig who
motivated me and helped perfect my form.”
M.Force.com: “There are those who say that kata is a worthless practice. What do you think about that statement?”
J.Louie: “I would say that there are some who don’t understand what a kata is and what it does. They think it is just a karate dance of some sort. When correctly taught, kata (forms) is a sequence of moves, which becomes a combination of acquired skills that the artist learns he or she can use against an opponent in a combat situation. It is quite simple.
Everyone knows that part of being a good boxer is knowing their punching combinations and when and how to use them effectively. It is the same for kata combinations. Understanding this, along with consistent and solid practice will eventually become instinctual skill and extremely useful should the need for self defense ever arise.”
M.Force.com: “What are your feelings about women in karate and competing in tournaments?”
J.Louie: “What you’re really asking is what are my feelings about women in a male-dominated karate world? Firstly, I truly believe that people in general have a jaded impression of women in the martial art that is unfortunate. Some men and women have been impressed upon as thinking that the martial arts are for males only and therefore all female martial artists are considered “masculine”.
Women need to remove that “masculine” image of the martial arts from their minds and see what it really is. Women certainly have a place in the martial arts that needs to be encouraged. After 20+ years of competing and winning US Championship tournaments, I am saddened to say that there are less women competing now than in previous years. The competition just is not as fierce as it used to be. I remember the women being strong and fearless. In the ring we fought tough and hard, and when we stepped out we were ourselves including being feminine and soft-spoken.
Today women are taking physical fitness seriously, no? They are studying aerobics; spin and step classes, cardio kickboxing and this is all great. What they are not seeing is that you will get the same workout of toning and cardio from karate with self-defense skills to boot. When we can get past the stereotypes and see the martial arts for what they are, perhaps more women will study and eventually compete as well.”
M.Force.com: “What do you consider important about your karate training?”
J.Louie: “What I have gained over the years has been valuable. Learning to defend myself is certainly a given. The rewards are confidence, persistence, discipline, respect, courage, and a sense of self-accomplishment. I have found myself in humiliating moments but they have taught me to acknowledge and deal with some of my shortcomings. Studying and training in karate has more to offer than most realize. There are its spiritual aspects which in my opinion are powerful.”
M.Force.com: “Describe your typical workout.”
JL: “My workouts vary depending on the day but I usually start out on the floor stretching to warm up my muscles. I then practice my basic stances, blocks and punching really concentrating on my form. I follow it up with ippons (technique combinations) and kata (forms). I complete my workout with some breathing techniques and meditation. Otherwise, I do a general workout of stretching, bike riding for cardio and some light lifting for muscle toning.”
M.Force.com: : “You like the combination of Goju Ryu, soft/hard. Can you describe its appeal?”
J.Louie: “Goju Ryu employs a variety of techniques with circular and linear movements. It offers hand techniques for strikes that are interchangeable and equally as effective. I enjoy its flow and how you can go from the hard to the soft and vice versa. ”
M.Force.com: “This is an interesting direction you took: promoting events. How did this come about?”
J.Louie: “Back in 1992, I began working for former World Kickboxing Champion, Louis Neglia. As an assistant, he taught me the inner workings of pulling together a live World Champion Kickboxing events. Quickly I learned and it was not long until I was coordinating events, their operations, bookkeeping functions, scheduling the participants’ itineraries and even their public relations work.
The larger televised events were held at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City and at the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. It was a lot of work but I enjoyed it and made many friends.”
M.Force.com: “Are there any events coming up you feel are worth mentioning?””
J.Louie: “Yes! June 10, 2005, “Combat at Capitale" in New York City, championship kickboxing and Muay Thai bouts. For more information, please go to website: http://www.louneglia.com/upcoming_recent.shtmL
M.Force.com: “What exposure have you gotten as a result of your martial arts training?”
J.Louie: Actually, a fortunate outcome has been in front of the camera. I recently completed filming and co-producing a martial arts movie, entitled, “Dragon’s Realm.” It is a story based on the search for the forgotten art. I played the role of “Benkei”, who is the highest warrior of my clan, though good in nature. She is also the supporting character to the leader of the American providence.
How did you fall into this? My father was about to begin filming on the movie and he asked me to come to the set and observe. He introduced me to the director and writer, Joseph Angel, of JAL Reign Productions. Mr. Angel and I had an in depth discussion about my martial arts training. Next thing I knew I was auditioning for a part and got it! Actually, I had taken acting classes many years ago at the HB Studios in New York City, but never pursued a career. The movie has recently been submitted to the Tribeca Film Festival where we await confirmation of acceptance and hope it will be picked up for distribution soon. Mr. Angel is currently writing on his next film where I will have a leading role.”
M.Force.com: “On the subject of films, how do you feel the current martial arts films compare to those of the 1970s, 1980s?”
J.Louie: “Speaking for myself, I personally prefer the older martial arts movies. Though from a story point, they were simple, from a martial arts perspective, they were more realistic. Their choreography, techniques and tactical moves illustrated the arts with a traditional sense. You felt the punches and kicks exactly as you learned them, or at the very least, how they are intended.
Though the special effects are dazzling and spectacular, today’s American martial arts movies have a sci-fi feel to them that’s not tangible. That is not real. People do not fly. Surely it can be entertaining, but unfortunately it doesn’t give a true depiction of the martial arts.”
M.Force.com: “In a general sense, do you feel women shy away from martial arts training and turn to “soft” sports like yoga? Because of perception?”
J.Louie: “Yes, I do. Although I do not view Yoga as a “sport”, rather as spiritual discipline with body conditioning, I understand your comparison. I think that Yoga can be perceived as easier and more feminine, fitness conscious and appropriate, therefore more appealing to women. I consider myself to be feminine but I prefer the challenge of training in something like the martial arts which does requires a “tougher” sense approach.”
M.Force.com: “Lastly, Grand Master William Louie. A few words?”
J.Louie: “My father is a great instructor and has achieved so much thus far in the martial arts world. Founder of Chinese American Goju Ryu Karate, a kata champion, inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame, films, written about in countless magazine articles. He has helped numerous talented students, and is respected and loved by so many over the years.
One day I hope to be his successor. Most importantly, I hope he and the rest of my family will be as proud of me as I am of him.”
M.Force.com: Thank you Jennie Louie.
