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Honors and Awards

We recognize and honor women, transgender or non-binary, martial artists who have distinguished themselves in their practice and in their community.

Award of Excellence
Coleen Gragen Award of Inspiration
Founders Award

Current members can nominate someone for the NWMAF Award of Excellence, Coleen Gragen Award of Inspiration, Founders Award, or Member Spotlight.

Nominations due January 31st

Nomination Form

Award of Excellence

For those possessing technical expertise, a remarkable teaching career, inspirational leadership, and meaningful contributions to the community.

2020

Grandmaster Sunny Graff

2016

Sensei Jamie Leno Zimron

2016

Shihan Darlene DeFour

Sensei Jaye Spiro

2015

Sensei Jaye Spiro

2013

Sensei Barb Christensen

2016

Master Wasentha Young

Sensei Jaye Spiro

2010

Shihan Linda Ranson

2007

Master Su Zifang

2016

Master Bow Sim Mark

Sensei Jaye Spiro

2002

Professor Coleen Gragen*

2001

Sensei Wendi Dragonfire

1998

Professor Helen Carollo*

Sensei Jaye Spiro

1995

Sensei Bobbi Snyder

1993

Master Wen Mei Yu

1991

Professor Wang Ju Rong*

Sensei Jaye Spiro

1986

Sensei Keiko Fukuda*

Coleen Gragen Award of Inspiration

For NWMAF members who have inspired others in the martial arts. This award was created in 2001 and formally named in 2002 to honor Professor Coleen Gragen.

  • Minimum of 5 years of training
  • Currently training and/or teaching
  • NWMAF member for at least 5 years
  • Current NWMAF member
Sensei Jaye Spiro

2016

Sensei Yudit Sidikman

2013

Sensei/Sifu Barbara Feldman

2012

Sensei Molly Sacco Hale

Sensei Jaye Spiro

2010

Shihan Linda Ranson

2003

Sensei Karen Brown

2002

Professor Coleen Gragen*

Founders Award

Honors those whose contribution is foundational to the spirit and vision of the NWMAF, and who have given that contribution over a significant period of time.

  • Contribution to the spirit and vision of NWMAF over an extended period of time
Sensei Jaye Spiro

2016

Shinshii Janet Aalfs

Peg Strain

2013

Peg Strain

Sensei Jaye Spiro

2012

Grandmaster Jaye Spiro

Sensei Jaye Spiro

2010

Nadia Telsey

Award Nominations are due January 31 each year.

Current members can nominate someone for the NWMAF Award of Excellence, Coleen Gragen Award of Inspiration, Founders Award, or Member Spotlight.

Nomination Form

*Deceased