Karen is certified as a Continental Level Judo Coach by USA Judo, making her the highest level Judo coach as well as the highest ranked black belt in the Siouxland area.  

Karen began studying judo nearly 40 years ago at the American Judo Club under Frankie Williams, a well known local instructor.  She was his first student to earn a black belt and his most successful  competitor.  Williams Sensei retired in 1984.  When his school closed,  Karen formed the Sioux City Judo.  In 1986, Williams Sensei came out of retirement and the two clubs worked together towards the development of judo in the Siouxland area.

Karen competed for 18 years, placing in numerous national and international level competitions. In 1991, Karen was the alternate to the World Championships in the +72 kg. division for the U.S. She retired from competition in 1991 in order to attend law school.

Karen was awarded the United States Judo Federation's President's Award in 1996.  She was inducted into the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995.  In 2008, Karen was named a Woman of Excellence by Women Aware.

Karen was President of Iowa Judo, Inc. for 20 years.  She has been a member of the USJF Women's Committee for 30 years.  She currently serves on the USA Judo Nominating, Ethics, Coach Screening and Judicial Committees.  She is also a member of the USJF Standards Committee and the USJF Law and Legislation Committee.

Karen is an attorney and is the Executive Director of the Sioux City Human Rights Commission.  She is an enrolled member of the Santee Sioux Tribe of Nebraska and is a member of the Iowa Commission on Native American Affairs. 

Karen's family was active in judo for decades.  Her mother, Louise, was a 4th degree black belt and was an active volunteer for USA Judo.  Her father, John Sr., was a 1st degree black belt and studied ju jutsu in his twenties.  Her brother, John Jr., competed nationally as a junior.

Click here to view Karen's Judo CV.

Gail Stolzenburg, Dr. Kei Narimatsu, Karen Mackey and Sgt. Maj. Mayfield  

Ryan began his judo journey when he was eight at the Wakaishu Judo Club in Louisville, Kentucky under the instruction of Sensei’s Erroyl Cheatham and Sharon Vance.

A former Kentucky state champion, Ryan took a fifteen year break from actively participating in the sport while attending college and beginning his teaching career. After moving to Sioux City in late 2009, Ryan was convinced by his older brother, Jason, a Nidan, to get back to his roots and return to judo.

In early 2010, Ryan joined the Sioux City Judo Club and resumed his life as a judoka. Ryan’s an Assistant Professor in English and Writing at Briar Cliff University and the Director of BCU’s Writing Center.