Sensei Amanda Christine Kaufman
Godan (5th Degree Black Belt), Okinawan Shuri-Ryu Karate-Do
Tachi (3rd Degree Black Belt) Okinawan Kobudo - Weaponry

At the age of 5 years old, Sensei Kaufman began her training in the Martial Art Style of Okinawan Shuri-Ryu Karate-do. Now, years old, she holds the degree of Godan, Fifth Degree Black Belt in Karate and Tachi, Third Degree Black Belt in Okinawan Kobudo - the art of Weaponry

Sensei Kaufman trains under O'Sensei Robert Bowles, Hanshi, 10th Degree Black Belt, Grandmaster — Okinawan Shuri-Ryu Karate-Do.

Sensei Kaufman is a Lifetime Member of the ISA, International Shuri-Ryu Association since 2007. Awarded to Sensei Kaufman by the late Hanshi Ridgely Abele were a 2008 - "Sensei of Merit Award", a 2009 "Superior Leadership Award", and a 2009 "National Dojo Instructor's License" through the International Kokusai Shurite Yudansha-Kai. This National Dojo Instructor's License is issued, "with the corresponding responsibilities to continue the History and Traditions of this authentic traditional Martial Art," according to ideals set forth by Hanshi Robert Trias (founder of Shuri-Ryu Karate-Do, known as the "Father of Karate in America").

In 2008 Advancing Karate, Ltd. joined the ISA, International Shuri-Ryu Association, and continues to be a Dojo (Karate School) in good standing to date.

Sensei Kaufman yearly attends: ISA Seminar (Ft. Wayne, IN — March), IMAS (Columbia, SC — October), and ISA Kobudo Seminar (Ft. Wayne, IN — November). These training opportunities are essential to the personal development of a martial artist as a person, martial artist and teacher, as growth is only fostered by continued study.

Sensei Kaufman has competed in tournaments throughout the U.S. including: kumite, kata, and weapons divisions of the 2003 Aloha State Games in Oahu, Hawaii; the 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 International Shuri-Ryu Association Shuri Cup Kata Competitions; and the 2009 International Martial Art Symposium Kata Competition.

Sensei's passion of Karate goes beyond that of personal enrichment to the joy of teaching others. Since 2001 Sensei Kaufman has taught Karate and is the current Head Instructor at the Ft. Meigs YMCA Center for Health Promotion, Perrysburg, Ohio. She hosts an annual Summer Shuri-Ryu Standards & Weapons training for her students featuring O'Sensei Robert Bowles, Hanshi. Past seminars and workshops have featured guest instructors including: O'Sensei Robert Bowles Hanshi, Tashi Troy Price, Sensei Joseph Hurtsellers, and Sensei Leo Holguin. Sensei Kaufman works with amazing organizations within our community, including: presenting and demonstrating at Frank Elementary's "Cheers for Career" Day (May 26, 2010), walking with students in the annual Harrison Rally Day Parade (since 2011), and volunteering time teaching Self-Defiense to seventh-graders at Perrysburg Junior High School as a section of their Physical Education curriculum.

Sensei Kaufman maintains certification in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), AED (Automated External Defibrillator), and First Aid — all through the American Heart Association; she was certified in Coaches Assistant Training at the Wood County Hospital, Bowling Green, Ohio. Sensei Kaufman is a certified instructor in "r.a.d.KIDS®" since 2005.