Is it Possible for a Middle-Aged Single Mom to Become a Warrior – Even Though She's Blind?

- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

Is it Possible for a Middle-Aged Single Mom to Become a Warrior – Even Though She's Blind?

Blinded by diabetes and living in a small town with her young daughter, Susan felt afraid and helpless. In desperation she sought to learn what everyone thought was impossible – how to fight. But before she could learn to fight, she had to learn how to be a Zen Warrior. Drawing from ancient exercises, Susan would learn new ways of sensing, moving, and thinking. She learned to use her proprioception to move and stay balanced. She learned how to listen and identify not only sounds but also the lack of sound. She learned how to navigate her small town by her sense of smell, and to know an attacker's intention based on the slightest touch. By adopting the warrior ethos, Susan conquered her fears and developed a trust in her other hidden senses – her instinct and intuition.

Blind Zen A case Study in Sensory Enhancement for the Blind and Vision Impaired, a new book by Stefan Verstappen, tells the story of how a blind woman's efforts to learn self-defense led to a unique experiment to adapt martial arts and eastern philosophy to develop new skills and increase self-confidence.

This book is guide written for the blind, vision impaired and the people that live and work with them, but also for martial arts instructors and sports trainers to provide insights and ideas for developing athletic programs for the bind in their communities.

This book includes descriptions and scientific explanations of the unique Zen inspired exercises that anyone can learn and provides a new approach and exciting possibilities to improve the quality of life of the vision impaired.

" The chapters on posture, training exercises for posture, physical fitness, balance, training methods for balance, sensory enhancement training, perception, hearing, olfaction, walking lessons, breathing, muscle relaxation, fear, and touch sensitivity are all key components of our educational and practical training. This is an important book.'
Tom Attebery, Orientation & Mobility Specialist, Halifax, Nova Scotia

"I found it to be a good read and your innovative approach to teaching Susan was excellent. You have done a pretty fine job!"
Ms Kathy Fela, Client Liaison, Royal Blind Society Sydney, Australia

"Your manuscript was a delight to read. It is well written, and I liked your inclusion of Zen wisdom, and teachings. You give a very thorough account of the technicalities of using the other senses in the absence of sight."
Rowena Jitts, BCA, Sydney, Australia

For more info on the book see website at: http://www.chinastrategies.com/blind.htm

About the Author
Stefan Verstappen is a writer and martial arts instructor with over twenty-five year's experience. He spent four years studying martial arts throughout Asia and writes and lectures about his experiences. Verstappen is also the author of, The Thirty-Six Strategies of Ancient China, The Little Warriors Street Safety Manual, and The Art Of Urban Self Defense. He has also written for a number of publications including Black Belt, Inside Kung Fu, and Jade Dragon magazines.

Blind Zen A case Study in Sensory Enhancement for the Blind and Vision Impaired
Size: 7.5" X 9.25" Trade Paperback high gloss soft cover
165 pages, Over 85 Illustrations
Includes Bibliography, End Notes, and References.
ISBN 1-891688-03-0
Library of Congress Control Number: 2004095543
Red Mansion Pub, SF, 2004


# # #