Kathrin Franke started judo at the age of 16. After a few years, when it was possible after the fall of the wall in the German Democratic Republic, she started her career in Shotokan karate. Katherin’s first master lived in Berlin, and she lived far enough away that she only had the opportunity to acquire new knowledge 3-4 times a year. Because of this, she undertook her own training as a yellow belt, not only teaching herself, but also leading the training of others. It was difficult but very rewarding.
In 1999, Kathrin found her way in martial arts to American Kenpo, which she supplemented with Taiji and Qi Gong. She is very inquisitive and likes to learn, finding herself inspired by martial arts of various kinds. She says she is infinitely grateful for so many great encounters with masters around the world.
In recent years Kathrin has found a teacher in Matt Snell, head instructor and 7th Degree Senior Professor from the Flaming Fist British Kenpo Karate Academy. She currently holds the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt in American Kenpo Karate. For 30 years she has been managing the Pulsnitzer association “Asia Budo Club Bushido e.V.” and teaching American Kenpo Karate, Taiji, and dance there. She is also a teacher of Qi Gong.
According to Kathrin, her hobbies combine very well with her work as a therapist in a psychosomatic rehabilitation clinic. She says that martial arts has given her stability in many traumatic situations in her life, both mentally and physically.