Karen Koyanagi began training in Seido Karate in January 2017. She earned her Nidan (2nd Degree Black Belt) in March of 2024, and has been leading classes for PeeWees and Juniors since 2020. She also conducts stretch/balance/flexibility classes for adults at the dojo. Her professional background includes more than three decades of teaching dance to students of all ages in the public schools, at the university level, and in private studios across New York State.

Karen holds a bachelor's degree in Marine Biology and teaching certification from the University of British Columbia, as well as a bachelor of fine arts degree in Dance from York University in Toronto. She holds New York State Teaching Certifications in Science and Dance, as well as SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life) fitness certification. In addition to her teaching at the dojo, she works as a fitness instructor at Lifelong in Ithaca, and continues her work as a professional dancer, dance teacher, and choreographer.