YUDANSHA SHANNON MCKENIZE

Yudansha Shannon McKenzie, a black belt holder in Taekwondo, was born at Wurtsmith AFB in Oscoda, Michigan. She spent her childhood in diverse locations, including Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Crete, Greece; Great Falls, Montana; and Naples, Italy. Her martial arts journey has been shaped by several distinguished instructors, including Soke Bobby Briggs (10th Degree), Grandmaster Barry Partridge (9th Degree), Master Joe Coleman (6th Degree), and Master Edward G. Robinson (4th Degree).

Shannon’s major achievements reflect a balance of academic, professional, and personal accomplishments. She earned a double Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance and Music Education from UNC Greensboro in 1995.  She also became a certified PADI Divemaster in 2009 and completed a Master’s in Health Law & Policy from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2022. In Taekwondo, she progressed through the ranks, achieving her 1st Degree Black Belt in December 1998, 2nd Degree in September 2008, and 3rd Degree in November 2015.  Additionally, Yudansha holds a 1st Degree Brown Belt in Kidokime-ryu Karate-do and is working diligently toward her 1st Degree Black Belt in that style.  

From a young age, Shannon was drawn to martial arts after watching action films and reading magazines featuring icons such as Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Cynthia Rothrock, and Bill Wallace. Inspired particularly by Lee, Norris, and Rothrock, she developed a strong desire to learn self-defense and cultivate the same level of skill and discipline they demonstrated on screen. This early motivation has fueled her continued dedication to martial arts throughout her life.

BELT RANKS

• 3rd Degree Black Belt - Taekwondo - 2015
• 2nd Degree Black Belt - Taekwondo - 2008
• 1st Degree Black Belt - Taekwondo - 1998
• 1st Degree Brown Belt - Kidokime-ryu Karate-do - 2026

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

• Advocate Health
• AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders)
• PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors)
• Mu Phi Epsilon, Alpha Xi Chapter (a co-ed international professional music fraternity)
• USA Taekwondo

PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

• Winner of the 1994 NCMENC Concerto Competition
• Greensboro Symphony (1990 - 1999)
• Philharmonia of Greensboro (1992 - 1994)
• Symphony Pro Musica in Hudson, MA (2010)