For the past 14 years, Monique C. Martin has practiced the Okinawan Shorin-Ryu discipline.  She has attained the rank of Nidan (2nd degree Black Belt) under the guidance of Shihan Steven Eisman.  Other styles that she has been privileged to study are: Japanese Shotokan, Okinawan Goju-Ryu, and American Kat-Sho-Du.  Currently, she is enhancing her knowledge of weapons under Kancho Howard Karyim Moore.

 Karate Accomplishments

• For the past 11 yearly rating periods (1996-Present), Ms. Martin has won the Maryland State Championship in Weapons, Kata, and Sparring within the Promoters Plus rating system.  Within that same interval of time, she has also been appointed to Team America.

• 1996: Recipient of the "Outstanding Student" Award from Welch's Okinawan Karate-Do

• 1997-Present: Member of Team CJB under Master Leroy Taylor (Baltimore, Maryland).

• January 1999: Recipient of awards from Masters Leroy Taylor and Jae Kim for academic and Karate excellence.

• June 12, 1999: Induction into the North American Black Belt Hall of Fame as the "All Around Competitor of the Year".

• June 30, 1999: Promoted to Shodan by Shihan Steven Eisman.

• November 1999: Recipient of "Competitor of the Year" honors from Kyoshi Robert Everhart.

• November 1999: Induction into the Eastern International Black Belt Hall of Fame as the "Female Competitor of the Year".

• 2000: Recipient of the "Martial Arts Dedication" award from Master Diane Jones.

• March 25, 2000: Recipient of the "Master of the New Millennium" award from Kyoshi Robert Everhart.

• From the years 2000 to 2003, Ms. Martin earned Maryland State Champion honors for Weapons, Forms, and Sparring within the Baltimore Karate Circuit.

• Attended seminars held by Kyoshi Frank Hargrove, Kyoshi Bill Hayes, Steve "Nasty" Anderson (residing in Canada), Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, and Hanshi Shuguro Nakazato (residing in Okinawa, Japan).

• June 2001: Recognized as the "Most Outstanding Competitor on the East Coast" by Kyoshi Robert Everhart and fellow members of the Promoters Plus Organization.

• 2004: Presented with the "Lead by Example" award from Dr. Cliff Thomas.

• November 13, 2004: Promoted to Nidan by Shihan Steven Eisman.

• November 13, 2004: Induction into the Eastern International Black Belt Hall of Fame as the "Female Black Belt of the Year".

• May 2005: Recipient of the "Rising Star" Award from Master James Wyatt.

• September 2005: Induction into Legends Martial Arts Hall of Fame as the "Outstanding Competitor of the Year".

• November 2005: Induction into United States Head of Family Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame as "Woman of Honor (Okinawan Karate)".

• November 2006: Induction into United States Head of Family Martial Arts Association Hall of Fame as "Female Warrior of Honor".

• May 12, 2007: Induction into the 1st Worldwide Hall of Fame as the "Shorin-Ryu Black Belt of the Year".

• Over the past 14 years, Ms. Martin has accumulated over 850 trophies, 157 Grand Championships, 8 World Titles, and numerous national championships.

               As a martial arts practitioner, Ms. Martins' intent is to establish a martial arts dojo by which prospective students will learn methods of self-defense and, in turn, foster inner discipline.  Specifically, the true element of martial arts isn't just the physical application.  Being aware of your individuality in terms of focus as well as having a set goal versus the alternative - just proceeding through life without a set foundation - is key to prosperity and success.

              Ms. Martin believes that any goal in life that you set for yourself can be achieved with proper guidance as well as self esteem and a good attitude.  She loves working with people, especially children, and wants to pass down the knowledge that she has acquired over the past 14 years in the martial arts, to others who exemplify dedication and have the desire to be successful.  Furthermore, she is inspired when she believes that she can make a difference.  If there is a lesson in life that she considers to be most valuable, dedication is sure to follow with hard work.  This dedication leads to success which in turn, results in all-around achievements.  Ms. Martins' intention is to help children avoid the detriments that society has to offer by fostering and nurturing their self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-respect through teaching them self-defense.  In the end, her expectations are met because not only are they learning methods of self defense, but they also learn ways of avoiding unnecessary disputes.  Ms. Martin wants to help them be less afraid of expressing themselves, and making their ideas/feelings known.