Christy Padigimus is a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Ultimate Impact American Kenpo Alliance (UIAKA) and a dedicated educator in special education. She is also an Ambassador for Paxtial Arts, the creator of the Kidzinmotion program, and an instructor at Ultimate Impact American Kenpo Karate. Currently, she provides occupational therapy services to children and adults with Downs syndrome.
Christy began her martial arts journey in 2016 alongside her sons, quickly discovering a passion for Kenpo. Drawing from her background in a wrestling family, she set a goal to achieve her Black Belt by the age of 50, a goal she successfully attained. Now, as a mother of six and grandmother, she continues to pursue martial arts as a lifelong passion.
Christy studies under her husband, Master Herb Padigimus Sr., a 9th Degree Black Belt in UIAKA, who trained under American Kenpo founders Grand Masters Ed Parker Sr. and Paul Mills. Together, they operate a martial arts studio, camps, and tournaments in Blackfoot, Idaho.
Christy is passionate about unifying martial arts and fostering an inclusive environment where individuals of all ages, genders, sizes, and abilities can train and share ideas. She is also an Ambassador for Ed and Baer Parker Jr.’s Paxtial Arts, contributing to the creation of a community of peacemakers. Additionally, she has recently begun training in Vietnamese Tai Chi under Frederic Piveteau.
Her mission is to empower others through movement, embodied in her motto, “No days off certain things to feel 100%!”