Shirley Bendell Inducted Into Martial Arts Hall of Fame

Dec 17, 2009 in General

We often read about people gaining a lot from getting involved in the martial arts. Such was the case with Shirley Bendell, a recent inductee into the International Karate and Kickboxing Hall of Fame. Bendell, a victim of both gang and acquaintance rape that lost her sister to an unsolved murder began participating in the martial arts back in 1980. She believes that the move helped her to become a victor, not a victim. Today, she holds a Fifth-Degree Black Belt in Song Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do, Freestyle Karate, Shitu Jujitsu and Shitu Judo.

However, Bendell has done more than just take from the martial arts; she has also given to them. You see, over the past 18 years she’s taught more than 1,300 women and girls in a special sexual-assault prevention class. She has also instructed many in regular classes and thinks of those she works with like extended family.

Bendell received the Hall of Fame honor from her husband, Don, for these reasons and more, making them the first husband-wife team to be inducted. In fact, Bendell had no idea that she was even the guest of honor at the annual Bendell Karate Awards Banquet at Shrine Hall in Pueblo West, instead believing she was going to receive a surprise visit from one of her famous friends.

“I cannot believe this,” Bendell said following the presentation. “This is one of the best days of my life. Thank you so, so much.”

Congratulations to someone who clearly deserves the honor that was bestowed upon her.

Reference

Canon City Daily Record

Shirley Bendell Inducted Into Martial Arts Hall of Fame originally appeared on About.com Martial Arts on Wednesday, December 16th, 2009 at 15:29:28.