Karen Frost, sandan (3rd degree black belt), is the leader and senior instructor of Emerald Isle Shotokan Karate Dojo. She began her practice with SKA in 2009. Karen received her 3rd degree black belt in 2023 directly from SKA’s shihan (chief instructor) John Teramoto after a five-day special training in Missouri. She has competed three times at SKA’s Nisei Week tournament as part of the East Coast team and twice in the women’s individual tournament, taking silver and gold. She has also competed for SKA in two international tournaments. In 2026, she led SKA’s East Coast Summer Special Training.

In addition to practicing shotokan karate, Karen is also a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at CXBJJ in Hubert, North Carolina.