From Karate Enthusiast to E-Learning Advocate: My Journey of Empowering Professionals through Online Education
Discover how a serendipitous encounter with a Danish magazine led me on to a transformative odyssey, enabling professionals worldwide to craft engaging and profitable online courses that foster learning and growth.
In the crisp autumn of 2006, I stumbled upon an article in a Danish psychology magazine. Little did I know that this chance encounter would ignite a lifelong passion that would not only transform my own life but also enable me to help countless others on their journey to success. The article spoke of Karate, but it was more than just the physical mastery; it was the fusion of physical artistry and the Zen-like state of mind that left an indelible mark on my soul.
As I closed the magazine, I couldn't help but think, "This is what I've been searching for all my life." It was a revelation that would change the course of my destiny forever.
Without wasting a moment, I embarked on a mission to find my path. I dialed every Karate studio in my town, starting with the Shotokan schools mentioned in the article. However, my enthusiasm was met with disappointment as each one turned me away, stating, "We don't accept students mid-term. Call back in January." Yet, my spirit remained undeterred, and I continued down the list.
Finally, a glimmer of hope emerged when I reached Mr. Jorn Brandt. His words, "Sure, you can come by tomorrow. I will give you an introductory lesson," were music to my ears. The next day, I stepped into his White Tiger Karate studio in Odense, Denmark, and from the very first moment, I knew this was the martial art I had been seeking.
That was the inception of my remarkable journey with American Kenpo Karate. The appeal of this combination of physical art and mastery was irresistible. I soon found myself participating in tournaments, and with each medal I won, my passion for learning and traveling to connect with Kenpo enthusiasts around the world grew stronger. One unforgettable milestone was my participation in the IKC in Las Vegas in October 2010, where I, a brown belt, secured gold with my freestyle Bo staff form.
Here, I was privileged to attend a seminar with Mr. Frank Trejo, a true inspiration who revealed how the slightest movement could mean the difference between safety and vulnerability.
In October 2011, I achieved my first-degree black belt under the guidance of Mr. Jorn Brandt, a mentor who would sadly depart this world shortly after that.
In search of fresh inspiration, I began actively participating in tournaments and seminars across Europe. It was during one of these encounters in 2015, at the IKC in Dublin, that I had my first meeting with Mr. Scott Higgins. His unique approach to Kenpo, which focused on the "why" rather than the "what," intrigued me deeply.
Our paths crossed again in 2016 at an IKKA event on the Island of Jersey and once more at the IKC in Lisbon in April 2017, where I received the honor of being promoted to a 3rd-degree black belt by Mr. Richard Matthews. Later that year, Mr. Higgins honored Denmark with a visit, along with Mr. Ro Gilliot and his school of Kenpoists from Holland, for yet another enlightening seminar.
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Little did I know that this would be the beginning of a remarkable love story between Mr. Higgins and me.
My journey with American Kenpo Karate was no longer a solitary one; it had become a shared adventure with my beloved husband, Scott. Together, we explored the depths of this art across Europe and the United States, ultimately making our home in Kalihi, Hawaii, the very place where the legendary Mr. Parker was born.
Recently, I reached a new height in my Kenpo journey, as I was promoted to a 4th-degree black belt Senior Instructor under the guidance of my husband, Scott, and Grand Master Mr. Mohamed Tabatabai. This achievement was particularly special as I stood alongside Master Rick Jeffcoat and my husband, both of whom had earned their 9th-degree black belts through years of dedicated training, teaching, and unwavering commitment to Senior Grand Master Edmond Kealoa Parker's art of American Kenpo Karate.
As I stand at this crossroads, I am filled with excitement, eager to continue this extraordinary journey of living and sharing the art of American Kenpo Karate with the world. Just as this martial art has shaped me, I aspire to help individuals and businesses learn and grow through my passion for empowering professionals to create meaningful and profitable online courses, bridging the world of physical mastery and mental clarity to achieve remarkable success. My journey is far from over; it's a boundless adventure, and I invite you to be a part of it.
Are you ready to embark on your journey of online course creation? Take the first step today!
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Digital Marketing and Sales Funnel Expert || I help coaches and business owners triple their sales through a high converting sales funnels and email automation with workflows to manage their businesses efficiently
1yWhat an inspiring journey, Sophie! From Karate enthusiast to e-learning advocate, your story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Your transition from martial arts to online education is truly remarkable, and your dedication to empowering professionals to create meaningful online courses is commendable. Sophie Higgins MA, MBA, MBC
CEO Acuity Risk Management | Strategic Technology Leader | Cross-Functional Expertise | Scaling High-Growth Businesses
1yAll the best! Sophie Higgins MA, MBA, MBC