About the AWMAI - board members

Executive Coordinator, Sherry Mcgregor

Sherry McgregorSherry McGregor is one of the highest-ranking female martial artists in the world and is recognized by many as the best female fighter in traditional martial arts. She is one of only a handful of women to be awarded the rank of tenth degree in a traditional Okinawan / Japanese martial art. Sherry currently serves as headmaster of McGregor’s Martial Arts, the division head for Shorin-Ryu Karate for Juko-Kai, the Executive Coordinator for the Association of Women Marital Arts Instructors (AWMAI), the International Director of the women’s division of Pachivas Pankration, and travels worldwide for appearances on television programs, talk shows, and at martial arts and sports clinics and corporate seminars. She now has over thirty four years experience in the martial arts and holds the rank of fourth degree or higher in fifteen different traditional styles of martial arts.

Sherry is a personal student of Dr. Rod Sacharnoski, Soke and founder of Juko-Kai International, the most prestigious traditional Okinawan / Japanese martial arts association in America. Her martial arts career began at the age of seven when she joined a self-defense class at her elementary school and has continued uninterrupted throughout her life. She has been recognized numerous times for her skills and contributions to the martial arts. They include:

  • Executive Coordinator of the Association of Women Martial Arts Instructors
  • Chosen to represent the United States in the World Karate Organization (WKO) world championships against 38 countries (One of eight women chosen)
  • Awarded silver and bronze medals in fighting at the 1998 WKO World championships
  • Inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in the “Female Fighter” category 1991
  • Martial Arts Hall of Fame Master Instructor category 2006
  • CDT master tactical instructor 2001
  • AAU certified Coach and Referee
  • Awarded the honorable title of “Professor of the Martial Arts” by Juko-Kai 1997
  • Chosen to represent Athletes Against Alcohol & Drugs Abuse by Truth of Youth 1984
  • Four-time Florida State Women’s Lightweight fighting Champion
  • Two-time U.S. Open Women’s fighting Champion
  • Named Instructor of the Year by Juko-Kai 1994
  • Shihan (Master Instructor) appointment awarded by Juko-Kai International 1991
  • Nominated for Instructor of the Year 1985 by the Professional Karate Association
  • Awarded the Black Belt Honor for bringing unity & excellence to the Martial Arts award 1989
  • Member of Soke Sacharnoski’s international Ki Demonstration Team. The first and only female on the team.

Sherry has been featured on The Discovery Channel’s show “Way of the Warrior”, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Univison’s show “Control”, the Learning Channel in “The Top 10 Martial Arts” show, in People Magazine, and many other television and radio talk-shows, and several other news, television and print media.

Sherry holds membership in the AWMAI, NWMAF, E-Women’s Network, AAU, Juko-Kai, IOMAU, and is a personal trainer

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