Finding Balance and Purpose: Jeanne Misha Carter Takes the Stage on ‘Crank Up The Volume’
The Pop-Up! Presents: Crank Up The Volume host Alicia Crank recently sat down with martial artist, reporter, and photography Jeanne Misha Carter in the Black Media Matters Studio. Carter discussed her multithreaded life journey, spanning over five decades of martial arts, local community journalism, creative publishing, and a commitment to empowering marginalized voices.
A Decades-Long Journey in Martial Arts
Carter’s martial arts journey began far from typical beginnings, starting 53 years ago during a family summer in Anchorage, Alaska. Reflecting on the underrepresentation of Black women in martial arts, Carter said that Black women account for only about 1 to 2 percent of martial artists across the United States.
Despite these barriers, martial arts became an irreplaceable anchor in Carter's personal life and mental well-being.
"When my mom died, I worked out. When my dad died, my brother died from COVID a couple years ago, I worked out, because I realized that when I don't have that movement in me, my heart and my soul and my spirit are not connected and I just have to move,” she said.
Through the Heart Self-Defense
Carter teaches out of Haven Dance Academy in Lynnwood, Washington, where she has instructed students ranging from ages 4 to 70 for two decades. Over time, she stepped away from rigid, traditional testing to form her own curriculum: Through the Heart Self-Defense.
Rather than focusing on aggressive competition or high-stress testing, Carter designs her instruction around peace and individuality.
"I just looked at the whole picture and I said, 'The way the world is right now... I need to get through.' Especially to my kids... They're looking for a peaceful way. Our youngsters are looking for a peaceful way,” she said.
In her studio, students memorize an empowering dojo creed:
"I am strong. I am powerful. I am honest. I think for myself. I am me."
Carter emphasized adapting her coaching to each individual student rather than forcing them into a rigid mold.
"You figure out what style the student learns from and you adapt to them. It shouldn't be the other way around. It takes a little bit more work, but to me, I learn, they learn,” she said.
A Multi-Hyphenate Storyteller: Journalism, Books, and Greeting Cards
In addition to martial arts, Carter has spent many years working with the My Neighborhood News Network, covering local events across Edmonds, Lynnwood, and Mountlake Terrace, Washington. She highlighted that her favorite journalism pieces center around transformation, capturing individuals going from one place in life to where they truly want to be.
Her creative efforts also extend into original publishing:
Greeting Card Line: Sparked by dismissive comments that Black women don't engage in spaces like yoga or nature, Carter launched a line of greeting cards placing Black women in mystical and natural landscapes. "Black women do everything," Carter said.
The Criminal Color: Available on Amazon, this book tackles the raw realities of racism in America through direct, unedited accounts paired with uplifting affirmations. Carter shared a story from the book regarding her mother, who was once turned away from a hospital after a miscarriage and pointed down the road toward a "colored hospital."
A Live Demonstration and Final Wisdom
During the show's "Show and Tell" segment, Carter took to the floor barefoot to demonstrate a kata, a series of pre-arranged self-defense movements meant to unify the mind, body, and spirit.
When asked about the vocal sound (kiai) emitted during the performance, Carter clarified its true purpose.
"They used to say that it was there to scare your opponent... but it's not. It's there for you to bring everything together,” she said. “So when you kiai, it's like Bruce Lee in the movies... What he was doing was channeling and getting all the parts working together."
Carter left viewers with a reminder to claim their own space and purpose.
"I want people to know that you have a purpose in this life... Find your own way. Find a way to stand on your own. Be who you are... Follow the creed. Be strong. Be powerful. Be honest. Be peaceful. Think for yourself. And be you,” she said.
Stay up to date on Carter’s work on My Edmonds News.
Catch The Pop-Up! Presents: Catch Crank Up The Volume Wednesday nights live at 7 p.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
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