By Amanda Taylor Photo courtesy of JuLayne Shiflett

JuLayne and Joey Shiflett

Twenty years ago, JuLayne Shiflett was finishing high school and being introduced to the world of karate.

Twenty years later, Shiflett, who is now a PE teacher and athletic trainer at Heathwood Hall, is winning big in karate championships. She won the 2004 and 2005 world titles in the World Sport Karate Federation in her division and won two world titles in 2004 in the National Blackbelt League.

As prizes, Shiflett has won trophies, rings, belts, and cash awards. But her favorite part of competing is “the camaraderie of the people,” she said. “Each tournament is like a kind of reunion.”

The type of karate in which Shiflett competes is sparring. In sparring, two fighters battle it out in a two–minute round. The competitors have to hit each other but not hard enough for the knockout. They are given points for things like form and technique, and the person with the most points wins the round.

Shiflett trains at East West Karate on Garners Ferry Road with her husband, Joey, who is also a world champion in karate. “We met through karate,” Shiflett said, “and Joey has actually won more titles than I have.”

Besides karate and working with her students, Shiflett has one other major passion. For many years, she has been the director of Camp Sunshine, a summer camp for special needs children of all ages and disabilities. Shiflett said, “This summer camp experience gives kids a chance to do everything that a kid should do.” Shiflett added emphatically, “I’ve planned my wedding around that camp. I’ve planned tournaments around that camp. I wouldn’t miss going for the world.”