Judy Durkin

Kudan (9th Degree Black Belt)

Judan Candidate of 2024

Judy Durkin began her study of Uechiryu in 1971 at the Mattson Academy of Karate in Boston, MA. She has maintained her practice through the years and is considered a true pioneer among women in the martial arts. She now holds the rank of 9th Degree Black Belt. Her list of firsts includes:

  • Being the second woman ever to travel to Okinawa for the express purpose of training with Uechi Kanei Sensei (10th Dan Joan Neide was the first)

  • First woman to lead a demonstration at the All Okinawan Karate Championships in Okinawa

  • First Woman to ever to be promoted to master ranking (6th Dan) in Uechi Karate history

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