Frequently Asked Questions
Instructional DVD on the art of
Karatedo,
(the way of empty hand.)
Ability first: Disability second!
What is karate?
Karate is the ultimate system
of unarmed self defense. "Karate" means "empty
hand"; without a weapon. As a method of self defense
Karate specializes in striking blows, such as kicking, punching,
chopping, slashing, clawing, stabbing and gouging techniques. It
also includes a number of locking, throwing and choking
techniques which are used in special cases, where these
techniques are more practical than a strike.
There are mental rewards such as; self confidence, pride
and patience. Patience and
inner peace are found in training and performance of the art.
For one to truly learn Karate,
patience, pure motives and an attitude of serene determination
and humbleness must be developed.
Who is Shihan Donna Judge?
Shihan Donna Judge began her karate career in 1973 at the age of
17 and is the school founder and senior Instructor of Suncoast
karate Dojo in Sarasota, Florida. She opened her first dojo in
1976. As a direct student of Hanshi John Pachivas, 10th Dan,
Shuri Ryu, Ms. Judge offers Shuri Ryu knowledge with
authenticity and experience. Her instruction is a classic
example of traditional training in keeping with the highest
traditions of Okinawan Shuri-Ryu Karate-do. She is one of the
most respected instructors in Karate today and is a certified
International instructor of the International Shuri-te
Yudanshakai. Shihan
Judge feels incredibly fortunate to have been instructed by
Hanshi Pachivas whom she first met in 1974. This relationship
enabled her to travel, meet and train with those she considers
the top instructors in the country.
These instructors included the late Grandmaster Trias, Hanshi
Robert Bowles, Kyoshi Ridgely Abele and Shihan Dale Benson.
Throughout
the years, Shihan Judge has achieved national and international
recognition in karate tournament competitions.
She has won the following 11 titles:
Light Contact Women’s Fighting Champion 1982, 1983, 1988,
1989, 1990, 1991 and 1992; Team Semi-Contact Fighting Champion 1987,
1988; Individual Semi-Contact Fighting Champion 1988, 1989.
In 1987, Ms. Judge was honored by grandmaster Robert Trias when
asked to become Team Captain for the women's USKA team. This team
fought in the Japan Goodwill Karate Championships, and under Shihan
Judge's leadership, the team brought home the gold medal.
Ms. Judge has earned many other high honors over the years
including:
1981 Florida Sportswoman of the Year
1981 Florida Top Female Fighter of the Year
1982 Florida Black Belt Woman of the Year
1982 Florida Sportswoman of the Year
1982 Florida Top Black Belt Female Fighter
1983 Florida Black Belt Association Outstanding Woman of the Year
1983 Florida Black Belt Association Outstanding Female Black Belt of
the Year
1983 Florida Outstanding Martial Arts Contributor of the Year
1987 and 1989 Sarasota County Mayoral Citation
1992 World Martial Arts Hall of Fame Female Fighter of the Year
1992 World Martial Arts Hall of Fame Woman of the Year
1995 Sarasota County School Board Employee of the Year
1995 Inducted into the Florida Black Belt Hall of Fame
2001 Superior Martial Artists Leadership Award
2003 Living Legends Sport Karate Award
2005 Meijin Award
2006 Martial Arts Ambassador of the Year
Training and sharing her karate knowledge with the community has always been a prime concern of Shihan Judge. She maintains an active role in her community, works as a security aide at Sarasota High School, holds annual karate tournaments and mentors children and adults every day at her dojo. Along with the obvious benefits associated with any physical activity, Shihan believes her students will also gain self-confidence, self-control and self-discipline. She now has Shuri Ryu Karate being taught by her black belts at two of the high schools in Sarasota as a credited physical education class.
What is modified Shuri Te?
A
modified version of Shuri-te Karate (a traditional Karate
style), Handi-Capable
Karate is custom-tailored for three different types of
disabilities. Offered as video lessons on
Is this right for me?
That is a question that you have to look inside of you to answer. Do you have a desire to learn the martial arts. If yes then it's right for you. We have had all types of people train in the martial arts. We believe that Master Gichin Funakoshi said it the best, "The ultimate aim of the art of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants."
How often should I train?
The average student trains at a dojo(school) usually twice a week for about an hour. There is no shortcut to learning the required info faster. Simply put practice makes perfect. Depending on your limitations you should try to work on your requirements two to three times a week.
?
Under construction