-- I would like to honor and thank my Instructors Great Great Grandmaster Villari and Grandmaster Steve Shover. Without them I would not be who I am today. Oss
-- It takes just one! Who would have thought that little Laurie Cousino (now Laurie Shover Duffy) in 1975, 15 1/2 years old , 5’’7 115 lb. girl from Bristol Vermont would persevere in a male-dominated industry and become the second-highes
t ranked woman (in an organization of twenty-five thousand students) as well as standing in the top fifteen Judan (Judan, holding the rank of 10th degree) masters. With the aid of her instructor, her friend / brother David, and brother Lou, they were able to coach her and prevent her from quitting. She found her drive and passion to ascend to one of the most successful female martial artists in the world. She has lead kids, teens, adults, both men and women since 1979 ,She has built a formidable reputation of honor, respect, and most of all compassion. She has a following of too many to count. She has guided hundreds of students to the rank of Black Belt and has over 20 master instructors under her tutelage. By her side is her student Darrel Duffy, a 8th degree black belt, chief master instructor, and business partner. He credits all his success to what she and her teachers - have taught him. They are both very proud of their daughter, Taylor, for her accomplishments as well; now a 5th degree black belt she helps run the family dojo, instructs and mentors kids as young as four years old, and facilitates their leadership program of twenty-eight kids and teens...on top of being a full-time student at southern university of New Hampshire , studying psychology, she also works at compass chiropractic Center in Richmond !She has been in the dojo since birth! Now at 23 she thrives! This has been an incredible journey of honors and recognition for Judan Master Laurie Shover. she received her master's certification in Chi Kung (Qigong) healing arts, followed by her induction into the Kempo Martial Arts Hall of Fame, �she tested and was promoted to 10th degree Judan. Under the legendary, Frederick, J Villari! The Villari's community is very proud of her accomplishments, and she wants to share her story and message to every young girl and woman to know that no matter how difficult life may seem with hardships and obstacles, both external and from within, reaching your goal is worth every challenge. “It only takes one,” she says to make the difference. “Be that one!”�
