We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bella Mokover. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bella below.
Hi Bella, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
Teaching Martial arts is a grea way to develop your self esteem and keep confidence up. From very early days of practicing on the mat something that to my initial view was not “lady-like” created an internal struggle. Eventually this became my way to dominate my fear of unknown, and helped to grow as a human being. Teaching self defense, martial arts, swords and archery is a wonderful way to learn to navigate life situations and understand my emotions. Having my own business in a male dominated environment also teaches me how to be strong, assertive and self-reliant.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I teach Chinese Martial and Healing Arts at my own school in North Hollywood for over 20 years. I love practicing what I teach just as much, actually the reason I opened my school is to invite my teacher to come, as he lives 80 miles away. He still comes and shares his knowledge with me and many others, I love teaching, seeing people grow and improve. My students are adults of all ages and walks of life. Some come for self defense, some to have fun with archery and swords, some for physical/psycho- therapy. Yes, Martial arts and Tai chi are excellent ways to improve ones psychological health, I have seen it in hundreds of students over the years. We also teach kids martial arts, archery and swords and it is amazing to see them grow and change into confident, strong individuals. I travel all over the world to teach my students who move away, as well as welcome anyone who would like to practice on many favorable conditions. We started offering online classes a few years back and it really caught on with people who live far, for example we teach archery class and at the same time students in Argentina participates in it.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Perseverance, Enthusiasm, Discipline. We teach in our classes that there are at least eight ways to look at any situation, so I learned to develop strength to persevere through obstacles in different approaches. I wake up every morning and think of who am I going to wow today. I know if I do not practice, eat well or skip sleep I will not be able to teach with integrity, this help to be disciplined. I know my weaknesses and pay special attention to work with some daily.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I train instructors at my school, many of them went on to become strong Black Belts in Martial Arts, Chinese Yoga, Tai Chi and Archery, several opened their own Schools nearby or in other cities and countries. I always look for enthusiastic individuals who ar willing to learn and have an entrepreneurial spirit. The beauty of the art I teach is it could be practiced by anyone, no matter teh age, physical condition and experience. I have Instructors who are 70-80 years old and teenagers teaching their peers. Everyone benefits form teaching.
Contact Info:
- Website: pakuahealth.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterbella/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaKuaHealthNorthHollywood
- Youtube: @pakuahealth
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/world-pa-kua-martial-arts-and-health-north-hollywood
