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Master Anne Radke
Chief Instructor
6th Dan Black Belt

Master Anne's Biography in PDF Form

     Master Anne is a private student of Grand Master Baker. She is one the few women who has built her own school. Since its inception almost 10 years ago, Alpha UPKUDO has expanded to oversee four other UPKUDO schools. Master Anne named her school "Alpha" as a testimony that she puts God first in every aspect of her life.

Master Anne and daughter Sensei Lisa at the 2004 Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame

     In 2003 she developed the Alpha UPKUDO Fit Kids After School Program and in 2006 started the ABetterBody.us personal training program to help persons with obesity issues and fitness problems. Her program has trained thousands to win competition victories, perform deomonstrations and promote the importance of discipline, respect, having a positive attitude and always doing your personal best. She currently holds the position of Executive Director of A Better Body and 6th Degree Black Belt Master in UPKUDO. In 2004 she was appointed President of the UPKUDO International Karate Federation by Grand Master Gary Lee Baker, the founder of UPKUDO. In 2008, she developed the system CANE-DO for persons with disabilities and seniors.
     Master Anne is a Certified Master which involves working with persons with physical challenges. She is also a Certified Senior Fitness Specialist, Certified Pilates Instructor, and Certified Youth Fitness Instructor, which specializes in childhood fitness and obesity. Additionally, she's a Certified Sports Nutritionist and Zumba Fitness Instructor and Aqua Zumba Instructor. She conducts seminars for private corporations, churches, and law firms in self-defense for men and women. In addition to teaching karate and self defense, Master Anne also teaches kickboxing and Cane-Do self defense seminars for seniors and persons with disabilities at various locations. Her teaching experience spans over 20 years. Her UPKUDO competition team, formed in 2000, has won over 2,000 trophies and 200 division titles in sparring, kata, and weapons and one World Title in sparring. Personal and professional references are available upon request.
     Master Anne's honors in Martial Arts include:
masteranne@upkudo.com / mastertrainer@abetterbody.us
Cell: (850) 566-4544 / Work: (850) 514-4334
(Left) Daughter of Master Anne and 2 time Hall of Fame Inductee and North Florida Martial Arts Grand Champion in Black Belt Fighting and Kata,Sensei Lisa, with North Florida Martial Arts Black Belt Champion in Fighting and Kata, Brittney, grand daughter of Master Anne who is the 6 time Hall of Fame Inductee. Master Anne's competition team has won over 1,350 trophies in competition since 2000.
(Right) Sensie Liz, Sensei Debbie, Master Anne, Grandmaster Baker, Maria

 



Sensei Lisa with Husband Brent

Sensei Lisa Roddenberry
3rd Dan Black Belt

     Sensei, who has been training for nearly 10 years, is the daughter of Master Anne. She she teaches not only the children and adults at Alpha, but also teaches kickboxing at Alpha as well. Sensei Lisa has been awarded the 2006 Sensei of the Year at the Florida Cosmopolitan Hall of fame, Alpha UPKUDO's 2004 Instructor Award and The 2004 Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame Outstanding Dedication to Martial Arts Award. She is the NFMA Champion Black Belt Female Fighter of 2001 and placed 3rd in the US Open Female Fighter Division and also in kata at the 2003 US Open Karate Tournament. Sensei Lisa is a Certified Personal Fitness Trainer (CFT), License#71212569 certified by AMFPT.
     "Since receiving my title as a black belt in the UPKUDO system, I have learned many things. The most important that comes to mind is, you represent. Not just your school or your system, but you as a person. I know that people see your attitude, your determination, your strengths, and weaknesses. People look up to you, so being a black belt is more than a belt and technique.
     "No more tears, its time to suck up and be tough. There is no more surviving, only conquering. If you let people beat you in the ring, then life will beat you. I love being a black belt. Even though I may be small and petite, there is a warrior inside. You face challenges that no one can fix for you and there is no time for excuses. Excuses are for the weak. If you set your mind to it then you can do or be anything you want to be.
     "No matter what shape, size, rank or color, we all are equal. Anyone who thinks that we don't need our instructor is not normal. Becoming black belt does not complete us, it is a new beginning.
     "I have to say that being a black belt has made me a stronger and more powerful woman than I have ever imagined being. Life relates to karate so much its unbelievable. The world doesn't give you anything, you have to earn it.
     "Teaching gives me a sense of joy in my heart. I love encouraging others and taking their negative attitude and making it a positive. At the end of the class have them walk away saying, 'That was great.' I am proud to be in UPKUDO. We respect, love, and represent and we are all winners in this family."





Sensei Anthony Reeves
2nd Dan Black Belt

     Sensei Reeves is the proud student of Master ANNE RADKE, President, UPKUDO INTERNATIONAL KARATE FEDERATION (UIKF). Sensei Reeves has been under her continuous and private instruction for 5 years. In addition to his responsibilities as an instructor, Sensei Reeves serves as General Counsel of the UPKUDO International Karate Federation. Sensei Reeves reports directly to the President of UIKF regarding all legal matters affecting the UIKF and it's affiliated schools.

Even though Sensei Reeves has trained in a previous martial arts system, Sensei Reeves has attained his greatest successes through his UPKUDO experience.

"The lesson that I've learned is a good black belt strives to improve himself or herself, but a great black belt strives to improve those around him or her.

"I didn't realize it until now but it is selfish, unfair and not being an UPKUDO black belt for me to only absorb all of the lessons I've learned and not share. I didn't realize that all of the lessons that I've learned from watching other students, listening to Master Anne and listening to Grandmaster, I should be passing on to my dojo brothers and sisters."

Sensei Anthony
Reeves, Esq.
and his wife, Carol


Sensei Anthony poses with Master Anne, Sensei Dillon, & the World Cup.
Successes Include:

2000
NORTH FLORIDA MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATION
Men's Heavy Weight Black Belt District Fighting Champion

2001
GAINESVILLE CHALLENGE
1st Place, Men's Heavyweight Black Belt Fighting
1st Runner Up, Overall Grand Champion Fighting Finals

2004
UPKUDO INTERNATIONAL KARATE FEDERATION
Instructor Award

UNIVERSAL MARTIAL ARTS HALL OF FAME
First Place Heavyweight Sparring
World Champion Ultimate Sparring

Co-Champions Sensei Anthony and Sensei Dillon:
Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame Ultimate Sparring World Champions




Sensie Liz & Husband Brinson


Sensei and Brinson's daughter.

Sensei Elizabeth Tatum
3rd Dan Black Belt

     Sensei Elizabeth Tatum has been training in UPKUDO since October 1999. She took UPKUDO because she wanted to learn to protect herself and gain confidence. Her favorite part is "learning something new which happens every class... I have learned so much about myself. UPKUDO has helped every aspect of my life."
     "Some of the best lessons I have learned are from mistakes. While I hope not to make mistakes, it is part of life and learning. I think it is important to admit and correct those mistakes, especially in a respected position such as Kelegion Kai. Striving for excellence sends out a tremendous message.
     "UPKUDO is more than just a style of karate, but a way to successfully live life. I am excited and amazed at how quickly everyone grows in my dojo. I feel that I can help others in my dojo to learn technique and the spirit of UPKUDO. I know that it was important to me to feel accepted and have someone teach me in a way that I could learn solid technique. Different people learn in different ways.
"UPKUDO has taught me a great deal about myself and who I want to be. I am bursting with love and pride, and I am sure that it is evident in my smile and in my actions."
Inducted into the 2006 Florida Cosmopolitan Hall of Fame for Dedication to Martial Arts



Sensei Debbie Tully
3rd Dan Black Belt


     Debbie Tully has been practicing UPKUDO since August 1999. She joined our dojo in order to gain self-confidence and control. In competition she holds the title of North Fl. Martial Arts Champion in Greenbelt Women Fighting. In her own words since joining, she has "found myself and realize how unique each person is as an individual".
     "To me being a black belt means that you have trained and studied to earn that rank and you are just beginning your training. Now is the time to train my mind and body to become one. I must carry myself dress and speak with the utmost of professionalism at all times and never shrug my responsibilities.
     "Master is always telling us that our training in karate will help us in our everyday life and I could not count the number of times that I have seen that statement come true. I teach exactly the way it was taught to me by Master Anne and she was taught by her teacher Grand Master Baker. I do not foresee a time when I will not need my teacher. My favorite part of UPKUDO is sparring but in order to be a well rounded student I must train in every aspect in order to be a great fighter and teacher. If you beleive in yourself enough you can endure any situation. Grand Master says "no matter how hard you train you will never be perfect" It wasn't until working with my students I realized the truth of that statement. The clarity, sharpness, control used with the technique are all important when teaching and doing the techniques.
     "I live by Grand Master's two philosophies of "love always wins and Positive input is positive output" and will remain dedicated and true to my style UPKUDO."
 
Ryan stretches his legs and toes just
like his grandmother Sensei Debbie
 
Inducted into the 2006 Florida Cosmopolitan Hall of Fame for Dedication to Martial Arts

Sensei Barnie Ross
2nd Dan Black Belt

Gadsden County Times Article about Sensei Barnie Ross

     "'Why karate?' I have been asked this question many. Many times and my answer is always the same, 'Because I Want to.' The reason I chose Alpha Upkudo Karate a little over two years ago was for very selfish reasons. I wanted to be closer to my daughter and grandchildren and Alpha Upkudo would do that for me because they were also studying under Master Anne. Another reason was that i wanted to lose some weight, and I have accomplished that goal to some degree. I also felt That studying karate would enhance my life, and it has. Karate has become one of the most Interesting aspects of my life. Every day, I find myself wanting to work out to keep up my strength and agility. I desperately want to increase my ability to raise my legs higher, to increase my ability to kick. I'm sure I will accomplish this in time. Again, these are very selfish reasons for studying karate.
     "But over and above my own selfish Reasons for studying karate, I have found something I didn't know i was looking for. I have found a purpose and reason for my life. I have found a family of people who care about one another. A family who love and respect each other. A family where no one is above another no matter what color belt they might wear. A family that looks to the needs of all it's members.
     "I have also found that i love to work with people, to be able to pass on knowledge I have been fortunate enough to glean from others. To see the look of understanding on the face of someone you are trying to help is a surge of pure joy beyond anything I have ever felt before. I feel extremely lucky to have been chosen to help teach as a trainee instructor since this gives me the opportunity to work with the regular teachers. Because most of the people we work with are children, who are so full of life, I find myself feeling more alive, more capable of coping with the everyday happenings of my life. I find myself more tolerant of others and the things they might do.
     "And so, as you can see, karate Has become so much more for me than the selfish reasons for which I first started. It has taught me that no matter who you are or at what stage in your life you are, it is a force that will sustain you for many years to come. "To me, this is what karate has become and will always be. I thank Master Anne, for everything she have taught me about karate, but even more, about myself."


 

Brittney Roddenberry
Black Belt

     "What is important of being a Black Belt of UPKUDO is always do your best and never, ever give up."
     "When I grow up, I want to be a teacher at UPKUDO."
     "When I first walked in the door I see a family who loves you very much. UPKUDO's love always stays in the dojo."

John McMichael
Black Belt

     Some of the things I have learned are that wisdom is more important than technique, love always wins, “timing” determines the outcome of the battle, and respect for others is very important. This is not only important in karate but in life also. If I remember these things, success will follow me.
     I am learning that even I can be a teacher. I have learned something from everyone in my UPKUDO family. Master Anne has inspired me through tough times and I wouldn’t have gotten this far without her. She always supported me with love, kindness, and strict discipline when needed. The Black Belts of UPKUDO are a good example for me to follow. They always respect others, show patience when they teach and demonstrate self-discipline. My fellow Red Belts have helped me to get to where I am now by cooperating as a partner in testing and sparring, and teaching me how to be a part of the team.
     I have stayed with the UPKUDO system because I have a burning passion for the martial arts. Whenever I think of a reason to quit, I find two reasons to stay. The support of my UPKUDO family has kept me going. I hope that one day I can teach the UPKUDO way of life because I want to let others have the same wonderful experience that I have had."

Kaylin Mcguffey
Black Belt

Kaylin and brother Kyle

Kaylin with her proud grandmother and father.

Kaylin and her grandparents, the Watsons,
who have always supported her training.

Kenzie Kilbourn
Black Belt

Kenzie, step-dad Craig, mother, Abby

Kenzie and dad Chuck

Mr. Brandon Keefer
Black Belt

     I train with Mr. Jeremy Whatley and Master Anne Radke.They both are extremely inspirational to me. It feels great being part of such a loveing dojo family.

     I have won the divisional champion title in both fighting and kata I became hooked on competing from the first event. In the past I have been a fitness club manager and a certified personal trainer. I have also coached many city league sports. I feel extremely comfortable in front of groups of people both young and old. I feel it is extremely important to lead by example and I truely enjoy mentoring our areas youth.

     I know that I can make a difference in peoples lives by assisting in teaching your Upkudo system and also teaching the importance of haveing a strong physical body, mind, and spirit. I know that I can bring strong leadership qualities to the community.

Sawyer Dove
Black Belt
     What it means to me to get a Black Belt is to achieve an important goal in life. Also, to become a leader and an example. To know I am becoming one of the best but not the best. I’ve learned if I try harder I can do many things.
     I will do these things as a Black Belt. Help teach classes when I’m needed. Continue classes as a Black Belt to keep learning. Become better at everything. Learn more katas and practice them and get better at those. Also, become faster in my technique and use them more in the ring.
     Next, instructor to have my own class and teach them the way I was taught, and do the same as my Senseis.
     Last, at demo’s I love to show what I have learned to people. That makes them want to come in so then I can train with them too. Also, I’m performing with my dojo family. At competition I like to be judged and see how they like my performance.