A couple of years ago, I wrote a #saturdayff about my previous experience in the '90s as a self-defense instructor for Bay Area Model Mugging (now called Impact Self Defense). - http://friendfeed.com/zeigen...
Jan 10, 2015
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When my friend Kyrie invited me to her graduation from a five-day BAMM class, I didn't know what to expect. That first class I observed was taught by a woman named Cori and a man named Stu. When I later became an instructor, those same two led the instructor training.
- Stephen Mack
That instructor training was two weeks, and was very intense. It combined physical training with emotional training, including crisis counseling. Cori led off each session with a check-in, and was very inventive in how she approached teaching the difficult work.
- Stephen Mack
Not long after I became an instructor, the original founder of BAMM, Sheryl, retired, and Cori took over as Director.
- Stephen Mack
Cori was a wise and canny leader, and instituted new programs to get the word out, including starting classes held at schools and businesses. She also formally transformed BAMM into a non-profit business.
- Stephen Mack
In addition to being an outspoken advocate for gay rights, Cori had a wonderful sense of humor, a huge heart, and she was a skilled potter.
- Stephen Mack
She and her partner Faith had a beautiful home in Oakland where she had a pottery studio. She had also worked as a farmer in her early life, and I remember distinctly one day her teaching us how to tell a good cantaloupe from a bad one (knocking on it to hear an echo, looking for a good variation of color and separation between the surface veins and the skin).
- Stephen Mack
I lost track of Cori when I retired from Model Mugging in 2001. But for a while prior, I would enjoy attending game nights with her and some of the other instructors. She was a brave, wonderful woman. When Cori retired from BAMM, she returned to her farming roots -- small-scale and part-time. Here's a picture of her at the Oakland farmer's market: https://www.flickr.com/photos...
- Stephen Mack
I learned this week that Cori died Tuesday of brain cancer. RIP, Cori. You taught me a lot, and I will miss you. Thank you for your wisdom and guidance.
- Stephen Mack
I'm sorry, Stephen.
- Katy S
Thanks, Katy.
- Stephen Mack
:( *hugs* and so sorry
- Sir Shuping is just sir
I'm sorry, Stephen. This is a lovely tribute.
- Starmama
Aw, man. :(
- Spidra Webster
Sorry Stephen. <3
- The Other Yvonne
What a thoughtful tribute, Stephen
- MoTO Boychick Devil
Sorry for your loss. Her spirit lives in in you.
- Gabrielle
I'm so very sorry.
- Galadriel C.
Aww, that was lovely. *hugs*
- Jaclyn aka spamgirl
I'm sorry, Stephen. I'm glad you had each other in your lives.
- vicster.
Wonderful story. **hugs**
- Zulema ❧ spicy cocoa tart
Sorry for your loss, Stephen. Sounds like a wonderful person.
- Stephan Planken
I'm sorry for your loss. *hugs*
- Tamara J. B.
RIP, Cori. (((Stephen)))
- Jenny H.
Thank you, everyone.
- Stephen Mack