This autobiographical book describes a woman who has practiced Shotokan and Wado Ryu karate for over 55 years. She has also coached and still teaches karate. One day in 1989 she decided to become a referee and judge for karate competitions at the continental and international (World Karate Federation; WKF) levels. She had no idea of the mountains of -isms she would have to face and the daunting public and private humiliation she suffered during the 30 years she participated in WKF events. Nonetheless, she triumphed and became the first woman to become a WKF-qualified referee (fights) and judge (forms) for male and female performances. Women in hierarchical martial arts, sports, and life-now and in history-have untold stories. It is time their voices were heard. All women should read this book and avoid being sidelined or slighted. Our world still contains many who cheer themselves up by knocking others down, and this is not healthy. This book has no parallel; such a work that places a life in context-for better or worse-within a passion for a martial art has not yet been published. But I hope that this book will inspire women to share their stories. Through the path of karate, Norma has been fortunate to meet and become lifelong friends with people on all five continents. They have supported her in a journey through life in Scotland, the USA, Canada, and Japan that continues. They have also ensured that Norma remains... well... just a girl who started training in karate, liked it, and hoped to achieve a yellow belt one day. (She is presently teaching and training to attempt the 8th-degree black-belt examination for the sixth time next year in Japan.)
