Preferred Title: Shihan

Began training: 1977

Styles/Arts:

Seido Karate, 7th dan, 2022

Kajukenbo, 2nd dan, 2002

ESD Certifications, NWMAF (2003); Assn of ESD Professionals (2023); PAVE Prevention (2024)

Hall of Fame Award:

2025 - 40 years

Other Awards:

Email:

Location:

Dojo:

Website:

Biography:

Nancy Lanoue discovered martial arts and self-defense at the Women’s Martial Arts Center in New York City in 1977. She holds a 7th dan in Seido karate, her primary art, and a 2nd dan in Kajukenbo, which she learned from her partner in life and work, Sarah Ludden. Together, they co-directed the non-profit Thousand Waves Martial Arts & Self-Defense Center in Chicago for more than three decades. Now semi-retired, Lanoue continues to teach martial arts part- time as a volunteer at Thousand Waves. She oversees the Center’s Empowerment Self- Defense team, with a focus on mentoring the next generation of teachers.

Nancy is also enjoying a new collaborative connection with Arlene Limas’ PAVE Prevention and is in the process of being trained as a facilitator for PAVE’s innovative workplace violence prevention programs.