Birth Year: 1985
Height: 5’2
Weight: 114 lbs
Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii
Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
Residence: Honolulu, Hawaii
High School: Mid Pacific Institute
Undergraduate Education: Family Resources
Occupation: Paraprofessional, Counselor, Student
Began Karate: 6 years old
Dojo Affiliation: International Karate Federation
Training Location: University Dojo
Sensei: Sensei(s) Kotaka, Mari, George, Maile, John
Years on Junior and Senior National Team: 12 years
Events: -55 kg Kumite, and Team Kumite
Facts of Interest:
Shannon was a very hyper rascal child. She grew up watching Bruce Lee and Van Damme movies, and hence, begged her parents to let her join karate (she thought she was a ninja). They finally gave in and she never looked back. Karate has taught her life lessons as well as discipline, respect, passion, motivation and most of all it taught her perseverance and character. Growing up, Shannon played all sports in high school ie., varsity basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball. During college, she went on to play for the University of Hawaii Wahine Basketball team. Her athletic career was always plagued by injuries. She has had 4 ACL surgeries and been in and out of competition due to them.
Shannon’s mother is the coolest woman she’ll ever know. Her dad looks intimidating but is secretly a big teddy bear, and her brother Chad is her best friend and biggest supporter in the entire world, and he is soon to be Doctor Chad. Shannon’s fiancé KP makes her feel like she hit the jackpot, “He completes me”. Their son Bandit, is a furry happy little guy, whose tail never stops wagging. She is grateful for the unconditional support from family and friends back home. She also greatly appreciates her IKF family.
Biggest competitive moment: All of them- not the destination but the journey! Three major rules she follows in life: LIVE, LOVE, LAUGH!
International Results:
1995 All Japan Championships, Kumite (Open) – Japan, 3rd
1996 Jr. World Cup, Kumite (Open Weight) - Hungary, 1st
1996 Jr. World Cup, Kata - Hungary, 1st
1996 Jr. World Championships, Kumite (OpenWeight) - South Africa, 2nd
1996 Jr. World Championships, Kata - South Africa, 1st
1997 Japan Tournament, Kumite (Open Weight M & F) - Japan, 1st
1999 All Japan Championships, Kumite (Open Weight) - Japan, 1st
1999 Jr. Pan American Championships, Kumite (light weight) - Brazil, 1st
1999 Jr. Pan American Championships, Kata - Brazil, 1st
2004 Jr. Pan American Championships, Kumite (light weight)- Chile, 1st
2004 Jr. Pan American Championships, Kata - Chile, 1st
2004 WKC Jr. World Championships, Kumite (light weight) - Germany, 1st
2004 WKC Jr. World Championships, Kata - Germany, 1st
2004 WKF World Championships, Kumite (-53 kg) - Mexico, 3rd
2006 US Open, (Open Kumite) – Las Vegas, 1st
2007 Pan American Championships, Kumite (-53kg) – Mexico, 1st
2010 US Open, Kumite (-55kg) – Las Vegas, 2nd
2010 US Open, Kumite (Team) - Las Vegas, 3rd
2010 WKF World Championships, Kumite (-55kg) – Serbia, 3rd
2010 WKF World Championships, Kumite (Team) – Serbia, 3rd
2011 Pan American Championships, Kumite (-55 kg) – Mexico, 3rd
2011 North American Cup, Kumite (Team) – Canada, 1st
National Results:
15 x AAU National Champion - Kumite
12 x AAU National Champion - Kata
12 x NKF National Champion - Kumite
8 x NKF National Champion - Kata