Shihan Colleen LeMay is a 7th-Degree Black Belt who started her training in Judo at the age of ten. In 1984, she started training more seriously in Isshin-Ryu karate while living in Buffalo, New York. In 1988, she moved to Boston and started studying Kenpo karate under the guidance of Shihan Rocky DiRico while also training in Kobudo with Master Brian Ricci and sparring with Anthony “Mafia” Holloway. At this point she loved to compete but her true passion was teaching.

In 1991, Shihan LeMay experienced what she said was one of the greatest honors of her tournament career. She was inducted into Professor Nick Cerio’s International Martial Arts Hall of Fame three times, as Adult Kata Competitor of the Year, Adult Female Competitor of the Year and Female Fighter of the Year. In 1995, LeMay followed her passion and opened the “New Generation Martial Arts” karate school in Lexington, Massachusetts. Her school follows old traditions as well as adapting them for today’s generation of students.

Shihan LeMay is always searching for ways to improve her teaching style and skills,as well as being an essential part of her community.