Meet Senpai Donna Bouchard

Having been bullied most of my childhood, it wasn't until I became a parent that I realized how much of an effect it had on me. When my oldest son fell victim to a bully in the fourth grade, I enrolled us both in karate to boost his self-respect, self-control and confidence. Little did I know it would have an equal or greater impact on me, as well.

Karate not only gave me the confidence I never had as a child, it also instilled in me a renewed focus on life, and set me on a quest to eventually earn my Black Belt in July 2005.

I have since opened Bouchard’s Karate Academy in South Paris, Maine, specializing in Okinawan Kenpo Kobudo Karate. While teaching, I will continue to learn and grow at Pelletier’s Karate Academy in Lewiston, Maine. Shihan Rich Pelletier has carefully guided me through his magnificent teaching methods, which I am glad to share with my own students. At Bouchard's Karate Academy, we pride ourselves on creating a safe, fun environment where children and adults alike can learn the true values of Karate.

In November 2004, I was selected to represent the USA in the World Open Karate Championships where I placed 9th in the Female Lightweight Division. When I’m not practicing martial arts, I work full-time as an insurance agent at a family-owned agency in Lewiston, Maine. I reside in South Paris, Maine, with my husband and two sons.

Professional Affiliations:
Martial Art's Teacher's Association (MATA)
The Sidekick Foundation