Heather Lipin

Heather Lipin

Maryland, USA

Biography

Heather Lipin has had a life-long interest in Asian culture and traditional arts. While completing her international studies degree with a special emphasis in Japan, she trained with her college’s karate club. After college she worked with a Japanese Government office in Washington, DC on policy issues and at the same time began training in Uechi-Ryu. Heather’s interest expanded from the martial arts to the healing arts and she left her job to pursue a Master’s in Acupuncture. Heather is currently in private practice as a board certified acupuncturist in Bethesda, Maryland. She has also recently begun training in traditional Chinese qi gong. Heather’s hope is for everyone to lead a life full of joy and possibility while seeking personal growth. She is thrilled to be a part of this tour and to be able to visit so many great teachers with such a wonderful group of women!

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Personal Information

Current occupation or profession	`Acupuncturist`
Marital Status	`Married`
Children and Ages:
Hobbies, special interest or skills	Horseback Riding, Reiki and Cooking
Age	33

Karate Information

Current Rank	Sandan
Total years of study	8 years
Current Dojo	Washington Karate Academy
Current style	Uechi Ryu
Dojo location	Washington, D.C.
Current Instructor	Robert A. Kaiser
Association affiliation	Okikukai/ Shohei Ryu
Karate Training and Years attended	1988-1992 - Kenyon College Karate Club (Shito-ryu and Juijitsu) 1990-1991 - Shotokan Karate Club, Waseda University, Tokyo 1990-1991 - Aikido Club, Waseda University, Tokyo 2000-2003 - George Mattson’s Summer Camp of the Tiger, Crane, & Dragon 1996-2003 - Mid-Atlantic Regional Workouts 2002 - FAST Defense (Fear Adrenal Stress Training)– basics & ground training 2002 - DC Self-Defense Society – Women’s Self Defense Seminar 1999-2003 - James Thompson Technique Seminars 1996, 1998, 2000 - Peggy Hess – Visiting Instructor Seminar 1996, 2002 - Frank Gorman – Visiting Instructor Seminar 1996, 2000, 2001 - Ken Nakamatsu – Visiting Instructor Seminar 2002 - Raffi Derderian – Visiting Instructor Seminar (Filipino Martial Arts) 1997 - Robert Campbell – Visiting Instructor Seminar

Karate Promotions

Rank	Certificate Number	Date of Issue	Location of Promotion
Shodan	5139	April 10, 1999	Washington, D.C.
Nidan	2509	July 30, 2000	Washington, D.C.
Sandan	TBA	December 13, 2003	Washington, D.C.

Educational Background

College / University / Vocational School :

Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, B.A. International Studies – Asian Area Concentration Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan (Junior Year Abroad)

Post Graduate Work:

Traditional Acupuncture Institute (TAI Sophia), Columbia, MD
Masters of Acupuncture, Board Certified
Certified Reiki Level II Practitioner

Questions:

At what age did you begin to study karate?

17 years old.

Why did you choose to study karate?

I was going to college and on my own for the first time. I wanted to find a way to build my self-confidence and at the same time meet people and get a good workout.

Was there a reason why you chose to study Uechi Ryu?

I liked the uprightness of the style. Sanchin kata intrigued me. The students I observed in class moved well from their center and had powerful techniques. The teacher I observed threw strong techniques at his women students and they were able to effectively counter them.

What does this tour to Okinawa mean to you?

This tour is an amazing opportunity to meet and workout with lifelong practitioners of Uechi and meet a group of women as passionate about martial arts as I am.

How has your martial arts study affected or changed you life?

Before I started martial arts I was petrified of public speaking. Through training I have gained confidence in myself and in my abilities. I have learned to be in the present and make the most of each moment.

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