what people say about us

Tricia Partyka

When Gillian started at IMA I was surprised at how much physical contact there was between the teachers and students and guys with girls I had to work through why I was uncomfortable and make a decision to continue or withdraw At our church we have many children who come in for various activities and the adults who work with them must take a class and sign an agreement about how they may interact with children Men are never to work in the nurseries allow children on their laps touch any child below the shoulders or initiate any embrace etc The class rooms are always windowed and men are never to be in a room with a child without others present Women may work in the nurseries but teens must have an adult to work with them They also are asked to follow the rules for men but the rule is not as strictly applied So when the Sensei’s were wrapping their arms around Gillian and teaching her to submit to the same from other students both male and female it was a shock What I also saw though was that kids were openly loving toward Buck running across the room to say hi and get a bear hug I saw Junior kids able to interact without any self-consciousness about their bodies or worry about being other than themselves I realized that the physical touch is a good thing that will probably help her to not seek out inappropriate touch before she is ready for marriage and also to fight off advances if she feels pressured because she will be able to recognize them for what they are After sharing my feelings with my husband I have allowed myself to trust you and your Sensei’s and not discourage Gillian at all with any concerns I may have Sincerely