Sensei Maria was first introduced to karate by her husband and briefly trained in Shorin-Ryu Karate with Sensei Richard Rabago. After moving to Tennessee, and enrolling her children into Isshinryu Karate with Sensei Darren Reed. She decided she wanted to join too. The date was September 27, 2010.
Since then, she has fallen in love with the art, and enjoys teaching and spreading her love of the art with others.
She was awarded her black belt by Sensei Reed on December 12th, 2015. Sensei Maria currently holds the rank of Nidan (2nd Degree).