ABOUT CLARA E MINOR

Master Instructor-Trainer at MINORSAN Self-Defense & Fitness

I received my certification to teach the system of LIMALAMA Arts of Self-Defense by Mr. Tino Tuiolosega, Grandmaster and Founder of LimaLama Arts of Self-Defense, in 1988. The name Kemposilama was granted to me many years ago. It differentiated my Studio from the other Black Belts' studios in the community (all had different names).

My teacher, Mr Tino, was a man of 'varying moods.' He was most definitely a challenge (insert crazy-face emoji). Lots of people quit (our group started out with approximately 40 people), simply because they weren't up for the challenge.

At the end of our 12-year stint with him, it had become a team of four students. The four of us worked hard because he wouldn't accept anything less. He challenged us in different ways because he wanted us to be good—not even good, he wanted great.

Why did I stay?

I stuck it out because I wanted to learn the magnificence of what I was experiencing, and to learn it well. Experiencing a strong body was my ultimate goal, while at the same time, earning a Black Belt Degree.

As the only woman in a team of six, and eventually, a team of four, we worked out hard with each other...and sweat...and pounded. We just did it—because Mr Tino ('Pop' to us) wanted nothing less. And he wanted us to succeed.

Mr Tino also wanted to give each of his Instructors our own unique name at each of our schools, hence the name Kemposilama to me (and my former partner).

Since then I have transitioned the name into MANOLAMA (the hand of wisdom). My teacher was Samoan, and in his language, LIMALAMA translated to 'the Hand of Wisdom.'

I'm half Mexican, so I used the Spanish language version 'MANO' 'hand,' to create MANOLAMA, the Hand of Wisdom, Spanish version.

What does this personal info do for you?

This personal information gives you a background of my experience, and gives me a palette to work from when I'm teaching Women. It allows me to help you achieve your most powerful badass body ever, and in the process, to find your happiness and freedom.

The Rest of My Training Background

The following martial arts are in my background: LimaLama (with a heavy dose of American Boxing), Shito-Ryu Karate, American Kenpo, Sil-Lum Kung Fu, Chi-Gung, Wing Chun, and Aikido.

I took classes and trainings in Women's Self-Defense from different groups in the Greater Bay Area, LA, and TX. Several of these were Women's Martial Arts camps put on by P.A.W.M.A (Pacific Association of Women Martial Artists). Cabrillo College offered semester-long classes (16 weeks/3 hours per class), taught by Gail Groves. Weekend workshops were also a part of my training.

Thru all this training, I developed what I teach today. My joy comes from seeing smiling faces, sweaty bodies, and happy people, at the end of every class. I've learned that Self-Defense is one of the most powerful ways to bring out each Woman's BadassCourage.