Magic Movements was created as an attempt to feminize martial arts so that it became more appealing to women. The founder wanted to give women of all ages, sizes, linguistic diversity and special needs the chance to engage in activity which empowered them physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Martial arts improves self-esteem so that respect from others is a natural expectation. Eventhough,  women now engage in martial arts, there are many that do not want to deal with the physically demanding training,  masculine hierachical structure and formality. Magic Movements is casual yet it maintains standards of self discipline and effectiveness in technique.

The founder

Anita Carcour

As A child I was always apt to sport and physical activity. I wanted to engage in martial arts when Judo was becoming popular in Aust (late 60's ) My cultural background prevented me from commencing as it was not seen as an activity girl /females should undertake by my father. When I ventured from my family home and began to travel, I needed to learn skills in self defence.
Goju Kai with Tino Cebrano was the first dojo I attended. I found it easy to adapt to techniques and physical exertion. The grace of the movement was a powerful expression which made me feel invinsible. The self discipline, focus and inner calmness were added benefits of training.

In the early 1980's I travelled to Central Australia where Tae Kwondo was available and I trained casual classes. In Indonesia I was introduced to Punchat Silat and began to realise that each Asian nation has their own combat systems.

Punchat Silat
Indonesia

Upon my return to Melbourne, I discovered Aikikai Aikido. The grace of the movement with tumbles and rolls immediately appealled to me. Having to rise and fall to the ground alleviated my fear of hitting the earth. The wrist locks worked on a motor cycle injury I had and preventented calcification of the wrists.

I left Melbourne for 5 years and trained Perisidiri in Ambon, Indonesia and Aikido in Osaka, Japan. The dojo in Osaka was lead by 2 sisters and I was informed, upon my return, that it was a sister dojo to my training place in Clifton Hill, Melbourne.

Before returning to Melbourne, I lived in Darwin for 18 months. It was here that I discovered Wing Chun (Jim Fung style). For many years I considered Wing Chun my second Art. I enjoyed the forms and it was different to Karate, yet still street combat orientated. The concepts of working in a straight, direct line and centreline for stability and strength increased my understanding of energy, power and force. It complemented the Aikido idea of centre point and working with circular body movement.

I continued my Wing Chun studies in Melb. I attended William Cheong school for 2-3years but unfortunately felt a discrimination and left. I was also training Aikikai at this time and was offended when they failed me at a 4th kuy. Again I felt a discrimination and decided to try different styles of Aikido. I joined Shudokan Aikido in Thornbury.

I had created Magic Movements by this stage with a realization that I knew more about self defence for women than most people who were my trainers. I qualified as a fitness trainer at Victoria University to improve my knowledge in physiology and exercise perscription. Whilst at Victoria university I trained Tomiki aikido and Judo. I still engage in 6 month training of Judo at Western Academy.

When I re-enrolled at Melbourne University for a post-graduate in History,  I trained as many martial arts styles I could manage. These included Wu Shu, Wing Chun(Barry Pang), Fenching, Aikikai Aikido. After my student status, I also trained Wing Chun(Chinese Boxing) at Coburg Leisure Centre.

Jodo is a staff (long stick) art which I engaged in for 2 years.

Krav Maga, an Israel Martial Art came to my awareness and I have managed an intense training course and workshops. I have found their techniques very effective in women's self defence probably because the trainers are women.

Russian Systema is my most recent art. It is geared for street fighting and security work but has a different way of conceptualising energy transfer from an external strike through the body to transmission of force.

Yoga