VWMA/HAVPS: 30 Years to Infinity

DOJO - place of the way

The Three Jewels

Sangha - Community
Dharma - Learning and Practice
Buddha - Enlightenment and Transcendence

September 1977

VWMA first located on Masonic Street in Northampton (now Bela's Restaurant) under the direction of Sensei Wendi Drangonfire. There was a large painting of Olive Oyl on the outside lavender wall of the small building. She was dressed in a white karate uniform, wore a black belt, held a can of spinach in her upraised fist and shouted "Spinach is a crutch!" (Of course, spinach is also a delicious food, and a crutch can be used as an everyday self-protection item). The building belonged to the Common Womon Restaurant located next door when Sensei Beth Holt was one of the chefs.

September 1978

VWMA relocated to Bridge Street in downtown Springfield, a 2nd floor space above a rug store whose owners were friendly and kind.

1981

Grandmaster Remy Presas brings Modern Arnis to VWMA.

Summer 1982

VWMA's classes were held outdoors at the Smith playing fields and on Hospital Hill. These are major areas of what was known as Nonotuck, settled and developed by indigenous people for some 12,000 years. Makes the 350th anniversary of Northampton in 2004 seem link a blink, and VWMA's 30th, will , like about a 10th of a blink!

Autumn 1982

VWMA held classes in a studio above Fitzwilly's, then opened in a full-time space on the 3rd floor of Thornes Market in downtown Northampton.

August 1984

VWMA moved to One Cottage Street in Easthampton, the space we now occupy. In this former elastics factory building owned by Riverside industries, a not-for-profit organization that serves people with disabilities, our Dojo is a bridge with a river running below. This portion of the building was washed out by the flood of 1955 and subsequently rebuilt. Look for the new bricks, windows and iron beams.

Several years ago, Sensei janet Aalfs coined the name Institute for Healing and Violence Prevention Strategies (HAVPS - "have peace") for our community education programs. The school has been using the full title ever since. VWMA/HAVPS has networked with numerous local, national and international organizations over the years. This includes groups involved in arts, sports, education, health, women's and family services, cultural activism etc. Our school participates in thriving movements for peace, health , and transformation - with an awareness of how important it is to work together.

1993

Grandmaster Wen Mei Yu brings Chinese Internal Martial Arts to VWMA.