Jun Shihan Susie | 6th Dan

Jun Shihan Susie Marples has been training in Seido karate since 1990. She taught as an assistant instructor in the ‘90s before taking a few breaks, then started teaching peewee classes and yoga following her return in 2014. She now teaches yoga and a white belt class.

From the time she was a yellow belt, Jun Shihan Susie participated in Seido’s inter-dojo and Anniversary & Benefit Tournaments despite how nervous competing made her. Her nerves lessened over time, and she realized the discomfort had been worth it in exchange for the benefits that participating had on her training and the chance it gave her to bond with other students.

Jun Shihan Susie regularly reminds her students that we were all beginners at some point, so there is no reason to be embarrassed or feel bad if they don't know something or can't do something correctly right away. She often talks about having a beginner's mind with her white belt students so they understand the value of being open to new ideas. 

During her time teaching, Jun Shihan Susie has learned that connecting with students by sharing her own experiences and using humor helps her build a rapport with them. It also creates a better learning environment for them than just telling them the right way to do something.

Jun Shihan Susie teaches yoga outside of the dojo and works at the Columbia School of Journalism in the Professional Prizes Office. When she’s not working or at the dojo, she enjoys reading, gardening, and watching dark Scandinavian mystery series on TV. Her favorite kata is Kanku.