WORKING -- SANDRA WIGHT

-- Story by Torus Tammer, photo by XXXXX

SHE IS

A first-degree black belt who has been in training for five years

MARTIAL MOTHER

Wight’s training came about by way of serendipity.In 1995, her son,

Brandon, then 5, was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome -- a

high-functioning type of autism. As a form of treatment, Wight’s doctor

suggested the boy participate in an interactive endeavor, such as the

martial arts. So with trepidation, Wight agreed to take classes too, so

she could monitor her son.

That’s when she started with Stephen J. Amsler’s Martial Arts Center

in Fountain Valley -- first as a student and today as an instructor.

OMINOUS START

At first, Wight was apprehensive about taking on such a challenge.

“I always wanted to learn martial arts,” she said. “But when I was

growing up, girls did ballet or tap -- not martial arts.”

Fortunately for Wight, she found Stephen Amsler, a teacher she

discovered to be accommodating with her and with children.

“I needed a lot of positive affirmation and encouragement, and that is

what I got,” Wight said. “I eventually chose this studio because of

master Stephen Amsler’s demeanor.”

CALIFORNIA BOUND

Originally from Arizona, Wight was once headed down a different career

path. At 12, she was a horse jockey. By 18, she turned professional. But

years of wear and tear eventually took a toll on her knees, which gave

out when she was 20, ending her career.

So in 1984, she came to California and settled in Fountain Valley.

While here, she has settled and participated in everything from riding

dressage horses to taking a proactive stance for horses’ rights.

PROSPEROUS TIMES

Her son is now 10 and has managed to earn a blue belt. Wight is

training for her second-degree black belt. Wight is taking on the

challenge of being an instructor for a new method of defense called

“compliance defense takedown.” Described as a non-deadly force system,

the defense takedown method is something that Wight is certified in and

will begin to teach next month.

“The way to describe CDT is as a low-level force system that is used

to subdue someone without hurting them,” she said. “The way it works is

by applying pressure to the nervous system in order to stop an attacker.”

PRIORITIES

But what remains of utmost importance to Wight is her son and dealing

with his affliction.

“I was working at Disneyland at the time a doctor suggested martial

arts classes might help,” Wight said. “And we have both been taking

classes ever since.”

REWARDING WORK

Wight quickly moved from novice student to helper, and ultimately

became a full-time employee. Here, she has the best of both worlds --

earning a living while spending time with her son and continuing to learn

about her newly discovered love for the art form.

“It has been very rewarding to work and train here because it’s a

great environment,” Wight said. “We have a great group of parents and

kids that are amazing; and seeing the kids grow in confidence makes the

job for me.”

AND NOW...

Wight said she is happy continuing to become a rounded individual. She

loves assisting in the day-to-day running of the studio and will continue

her dedication to the art.