Eiko Sheperd is a Judo Instructor for youth and adults and her largest class is held at the James J. Eagan Center.
She has become only the third female in the world ever to be promoted to the 8th Degree in black belt Judo. Please see the attached Post-Dispatch article from this past Sunday edition of the Post. Please use this link where we can without infringing on the Post etc.
Eiko inspires good citizenship through the traditions and discipline of the Martial Arts which she has an unparalleled passion for. She has accompanied me to the secondary schools in our area to share her story of growing up in post war Japan where females were still discouraged to seek equal opportunities as a result of centuries of male dominated traditions in Japanese society. Eiko became the first woman to many things judo in her home country and became a world class competitor. Eiko’s contributions to mold good citizens through her passion for Judo benefit the youth who she touches and is another example of the many benefits that we enjoy in Florissant.