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| Cathy Chapaty |
Cathy Chapaty, founder of Tao of Texas Martial Arts in Austin, worked on The Ranger and The Fourth Write before leaving the college to attend The University of Texas, where she earned her degree in 1986.
Chapaty has written extensively about martial arts and working with children and her book, "No Pouting in the Dojo," is currently doing well in sales. On Aug. 16, she was honored as Leading Martial Arts Book Author of the Year by the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Founder of Tao of Texas Martial Arts in Austin, she is respected as an empowering, positive teacher with a knack for helping children of all ages and abilities learn Taekwondo and self-defense.
A 21-year martial arts veteran, she ran her own studio for five years before moving her character development-focused program to a YMCA on the poorest side of town. She has taught hundreds of children in her 14-year career, many with ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome and other challenges. Chapaty has written dozens of essays for a variety of media on topics as varied as integrity in sports, anger management, and mentorship through martial arts. In 2012, she was honored by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea for her work.