Karen is a martial artist and actress.

She was the first woman to hold the title of #1 Women’s Black Belt Forms Champion for the
Karate Illustrated Rankings, a title she held again the next year.

She was also the first woman to be rated #1 Women’s Black Belt Forms Competitor in the STAR System ratings. She was the first woman to win Grand Champion at the US Open.

She is credited with historic contributions to the martial arts, specifically for women. Before she fought to
make changes, Karate Illustrated rated men and women together.

She retired from competition after winning The Diamond Nationals by defeating Cynthia Rothrock, Belinda Davis & Lori Clapper

She then moved into Hollywood and has been seen in such moves as: Shinobi Ninja, Above The Law (with Cynthia Rothrock), Cyborg 2 and in tv series like Hercules: The Legend Continues, V.I.P. and Criminal Minds to name a few.

She currently holds the rank of Professor, an 8th Degree Black Belt in Wun Hup Kuen Do under
Senior Grand Master Al Dacascos.

Please enjoy her story.

Karen Sheperd – IMDb

Hall of Fame Series: Karen Sheperd – YouTube