Aloha, and mahalo for being here!

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I was born on O'ahu and spent my early years on the Big Island of Hawai'i.

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I was swimming before I could walk -- taught at just three months old by Helen Moses, Hawai'i's legendary first female Olympic swimmer and pro surfer. My underwater baby photos made the cover of a magazine, and once hung proudly on our wall. The ocean is in my blood. It centers my soul. It always brings balance.

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When I was little, my mom worked three jobs to support us. Like many fellow Gen Xers, I mostly raised myself. If I wanted to go to the beach or climb a plumeria tree to pick flowers for leis as a toddler and beyond, I'd stick my hand up in the air and start walking. Often, a kind stranger or aunty took my hand and walked with me, through the spirit of 'ohana (family).

 

That's how Ohana Self-Defense was born.

 

It honors a beautiful time and place in my childhood, growing up on the Hawaiian Islands, when everything felt safe, full of wonder, and a magical place where dreams came true every day I woke up.

 

Through ʻOhana, I’ve recreated that same spirit of aloha (love, joy), kuleana (responsibility to ourselves, our community, and each other), and sense of belonging through our chosen 'ohana.

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This is my gift to you.

Mahalo for virtually holding my hand as we blaze a new trail into the future.

Our stories are just beginning.
I’m so glad you’re here. 🌺

 

With aloha, 

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Wendy Bukoski (she / her)

Founder, 'Ohana Self-Defense