Karen Sheperd

Karen Sheperd (born November 12, 1961) is an American actress, martial artist and keynote speaker with an extensive career in film, theatre and television. In 1979, Sheperd was the first woman to hold the title of #1 Women's Black Belt Forms Champion for the ″Karate Illustrated″ ratings, a title she retained again in 1980. Sheperd was also the first woman to be rated #1 Women's Black Belt Forms competitor in the "STAR System″ ratings in 1980. She is considered a martial arts legend and pioneer for advancing recognition for female martial artists worldwide. Career Acting During her reign as the #1 Women's Black Belt forms champion, Sheperd received an offer from Tadashi Yamashita to star in The Shinobi Ninja. She retired from competition to accept this offer, becoming the first American female martial artist to become an action film star.