References

Reginald James

As superintendent of Gadsden County Schools in Florida from 2004 to 2016, the A Better Body Programs were an outstanding addition to our in school and after school curriculum. The UPKUDO karate classes taught our students responsibility and discipline and the REAL Essentials Life Skills classes provided our students lessons on citizenship and employability.

The newest program ABB 4Me combines the two outstanding programs into one. In tracking these programs we found that students who attended the A Better Body Programs showed marked improvements in their academics as well as in school behavior.

A major part of the success of these programs can be attributed to their instructor Ms. Anne Radke, whose energy, passion, professionalism and dedication to her students was exceeded by no one. I believe her ability to excel as an instructor in these unique programs, which have positively impacted the lives of students, makes her an excellent candidate for this grant award.

Reginald James
Superintendent of Gadsden County Schools
2004-2016

Course Teaches Life Skills - Nov 21, 2018

Gadsden County Times
By Anne Radke
November 21, 2018

As part of the REAL Essentials Life Skills course, students at Crossroad Academy located in Quincy recently learned about distracted driving.

FHP Lt. Derrick Rahming recently visited the school and talked to students about drowsy, distracted, and impaired driving.

The students were given the opportunity to wear Fatal Vision (DUI) goggles, which simulate how a person’s balance, vision, judgement, and reaction time are impaired by the influence of alcohol and drugs. Impaired driving is simply not worth the risk of losing your life or the lives of others.

The students also participated in a demonstration with Anne Radke. The activity involved doing simple tasks such as putting on a shirt or walking to get to their vehicle while impaired, allowing students to feel the confusion, lack of control and poor judgement caused by being under the influence.

In a separate class the students met with several professionals simulating mock job interviews. Each interviewer asked students questions and offered advice on how they could enter in the job market.

The REAL Essentials course was approved by the Gadsden County School Board for Anne Radke and Geremy Gerald to teach in Gadsden Schools. More than 250 students have graduated the course over the past five years, building character, learning how to make better decisions, how to set goals, overcome obstacles, make better choices and prepare for a career or continuing education.

The course does not cost the county, schools or parents anything sing it is a nonprofit program of A Better Body located in Havana. For more on how you can enroll your teen in the course, contact Anne Radke at 850-566-4544 or 850-566-4544 at A Better Body in Havana.

Difference Maker: Anne Radke - Oct 11, 2018

The Herald
By Judy Conlin
October 11, 2018

Anne Radke has lived four miles outside of Havana for 31 years and has two grown children. Since 1999, she has owned and operated a karate school at 1412 Florida-Georgia Highway, just southeast of Havana, which she said she named "Alpha" as a testament that she "puts God first" in every aspect of her life. Radke is known around town as "Master Anne," as she is both chief instructor and a sixth level dan black belt (the "dan" is a traditional ranking system used by many Japanese and Korean-based martial arts organizations). She will soon be testing for level seven. In 2008, Radke founded a nonprofit called "A Better Body" to educate those who need health and safety training. She takes this program into Gadsden County schools, raising the money it takes to do so herself. Radke receives no school board or county funding but believes her mission to help students "not be victims, but victors" is so important, she feels compelled to persevere in the face of challenges. Radke has trained thousands of students in self-defense and bullying prevention, and she has programs available for all ages. "Gadsden County residents have lots of potential and lots of talent," she said, adding most of her school's competition winners have been from Gadsden County.

What is the difference between your karate school and your "A Better Body" organization?
The school teaches the techniques of karate and enters students into competitive events. Students pay for the training. A few students who can't afford tuition receive scholarships from A Better Body to attend the [karate] school. The nonprofit is an educational program. Students do not pay for these services. Donations really help. Bullying prevention is a major area of education. I developed a "Can Do" program for those with body limitations to overcome those limitations and be successful in life. We work in public high schools to change the mindset of students-to change their view of themselves and to set goals. As previously stated, we want them to be "victors, not victims." We also do demonstrations for the public. We will be having a demo at The Pumpkin Festival in Havana October 13 at 11 a.m.

How long have you been teaching?
27 years.

What type of education or certifications prepared you for this work?
There are so many. I am certified as a Master Fitness Trainer, Real Essential Life Coach Instructor, Senior Fitness Specialist, Youth Fitness Instructor, Sports Nutritionist, Aqua Zumba Instructor and Group Fitness Instructor. I completed courses in personality development and trained with the Department of Children and Families for attachment difficulties, childhood trauma and reactive attachment disorder.

Tell me what honors in martial arts you have received.
Again, there are many. I've been inducted into the Martial Arts Grand Master's International Council. In 2000, I was Instructor of the Year at the Kung Fu Hall of Fame and Woman of the Year at the American Federation of Martial Arts Hall of Fame. In 2001, I received a Life Achievement Award at the World Christian Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the Spirit Award for Dedication to Martial Arts at the 2001 Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Fame. In 2002, I received the Excellence in Martial Arts Award at the 2002 Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Fame. In 2004, I was Woman of the Year at the Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame. In 2006, I was Instructor of the Year in the Florida Cosmopolitan Hall of Fame. I also won Business of the Year from the Chamber of Commerce in Tallahassee three years in a row. However, I feel my greatest achievement is being able to help others succeed.

Any honors in community service?
I have gotten many letters of commendation for my work in the community such as from the Gadsden County School Board, the Governor, House of Representatives, Alan Williams, Department of Health, Gadsden Health Council and many others.

How have your students done?
I'm so glad you asked. They say the proof is in the pudding, and the students have done amazingly well. They have earned 4,064 victories in competition. Our school is full of trophies. They are going to Alabama October 6 and October 27 to compete, so keep your fingers crossed. Over 100 students have graduated from the Real Essentials Life Skills Course in the schools and that is a really big deal. The students are awesome.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?
Yes, I'd like to teach Essential Life Skills in Middle School. I think the younger you can get to children and get them to think positively about themselves, the better. I have difficulty just raising funds for those in high school. If there could be additional donations or some type of funding for middle school it would be a tremendous help. I can be contacted at 850-514-4334.

Deanna Mims

"I've know Anne for a long time, since early back in my association days and although I've not been a student of hers, I feel like if Anne's into something, so is all her effort, expertise, talent and attention."
 

Deanna Mims
Marketing Management Director
MarketDone

Edie Stewart

"Wow! I really enjoyed the training. Empowering is the best word I can come up with."
 

Edie Stewart
Secretary to
Michael P. Horan and Edmund S. Whitson, III
Akerman Senterfitt

Grace H. Yang

"What a wonderful and empowering seminar you taught! I hope that I will never have to use the skills that you taught, but I feel better knowing that I am a little more prepared after your class. You are an inspiring role model and excellent teacher."
 

Grace H. Yang
Hillsborough Association for Women Lawyers

The Florida Bar

(Click here to read the Florida Bar's article)

Rebecca Pruett

"Our staff really enjoyed the personal safety training. Master Anne made it fun and staff greatly benefitted from learning about strategies for self defense."
 

Rebecca Pruett, M.Ed, Director
FSU Early Head Start Program
Tallahassee Florida

Alicia Steffen

"I was attacked a while back and in a very mentally abusive relationship and carried much anger and scaredness inside of me when I first came to Alpha Upkudo, as many people I did not know how to deal with it so I just tried to keep it inside not realizing that it was affecting me in every way. However, after attending kickboxing and a safety seminar with Master Anne Radke she taught me that I am NOT a victim that I have the tools, taught by her, to overcome these fears and obstacles. As my mind is a powerful tool the most powerful tool we have. There are only limitations we set for ourselves out of fear, but that I am strong and in control. Since being at Alpha Upkudo and attending kickboxing I am no longer angry or scared I am strong and happy and I do not allow people to have control over my emotions or reactions. Master Anne has helped me and taught me so many wonderful things and lessons to overcome many obstacles through her words and teachings. She truly is an inspirational Instructor and absolutely WONDERFUL person."
 

Alicia Steffen

Clarence and Patricia Tennell

"My husband and I have been training with Anne for one year. This has been and is a great training experience. I am stronger and more energetic. I am healthier at this point , which was my ultimate goal. For example when tracking my numbers, my LDL cholesterol has decreased at least 50 points. My HDL has increased 20 points. My A1c has changed from 6.8 to 5.8, which is amazing.
Anne stresses the full mind and body experience , as well as a change in attitude for exercise and diet. She knows the anatomy and physiology of the human body and therefore able to work with any body type , age and condition. She is always encouraging , organized and detailed. We highly recommend Anne for any training needs."
-Dr. Patricia Tennell
 

Clarence and Patricia Tennell
722 west king street
Quincy, Fl.32351
To whom it may concern:
Re: Anne Radke

Cindy Milner

"Master Anne is conscientious and professional. She goes above and beyond the call of duty as a leader in her field. I would recommend anyone to join her "family" team. She is a very caring person and it shows in her students."
 

Cindy Milner
Aramark Accountant

Glenna Parramore

"Most individuals in society makes mistakes, but regardless of the mistakes, in Master Anne Radke's class, those judgments are a part of the past. She teaches us, not to judge anyone by their actions, but to understand why they made the choices in which they made, and take that individuals experience, and make it into a positive one. There will be certain situations in which we can walk away from, and some situations in which we the student has to defend out persons with physical force. If we cannot walk away from the situation/ physical altercation, she teaches us to always use the same amount of force against the attacker as the attacker is making toward us personally. We are taught to never use excessive force on any individual where that force is not justified for handling certain situations.
"There are many woman, and children that have been abused physically, and mentally at some point in their life. Sometimes, the psychological effects from the abuse can effect a person from being able to find themselves again. Through these courses Master Anne teaches, different types of techniques are taught to overcome certain obstacles, maintain a fair and loving relationship with Christ, with ourselves and others.
"Master Anne will instill in each individual good behavior, respect, love, courtesy, courage, self-defense, and motivation to always do what's right. I would recommend Master Anne for her ability to teach, and to reach out to any student regardless of the student's history, ability or age."
 

Glenn Parramore
Criminal Justice Student

Bess S. Dickson

"I would like to personally thank you for the Personal Safety Defense Seminar you presented to our group. I had requested that you limit the presentation to one hour. Honestly, I wish I had requested two hours. You could have kept the attention of that group of ladies for hours. I was amazed at the interest you generated, not to mention the awareness you stressed for each of us to be more observant. As an attendee for the session and having attended many safety programs in the past, I think I benefited most from the refresher and the hands-on demonstrations we did. It was a tremendous help to have your two students assisting also. Thank you again for sharing your expertise with our group. This Personal Safety Defense Seminar certainly enlightened awareness for everyone in the group."
 

Bess S. Dickson
President
Sopchoppy United Methodist Women

Mrs. Gerald

"Master Anne,

Thank you very much for taking the time to teach the community how to apply simple techniques to defend ourselves with and without disabilities! It is a big challenge for me to "remember" what to do and which techniques to apply but I'm praying the Lord will bring them back to my remembrance if the need ever arises. Very well done Master Anne and most of all, thanks for not inundating us with information. I know you probably wanted to teach us more but the Lord knows that more would have been too much for us to remember...What you taught was just perfect! Thank you again, I know I truly appreciate it very much and I'm sure the community did as well! Have a blessed day!"
 

Mrs. Gerald

Heather Gallagher

My journey with UPKUDO began just over a year ago while in search of an athletic activity for my daughters. I instantly felt a sense of welcome and began discovering firsthand the true spirit of UPKUDO and so I joined them. The great people of UPKUDO have become a part of my extended family. I have grown to love and respect each of my Dojo brothers and sisters for their unique qualities. Master Anne, the strongest and most sincere woman I have ever met, she is my Master, my friend, and genuinely cares about everyone around her. Sensei Debbie Tully, I absolutely cannot take my eyes off her during Kata or sparring, her technique is sharp, precise and powerful, everything I aspire to be some day. Sensei Liz Tatum, she has the patience of a Saint, so very caring, great at communicating and giving practical application of a technique to ensure that is fully understood. Mr. Jacob and Mr. Geremy, so young yet so mature, responsible and respectful; I sincerely believe that many of their stellar traits can be attributed to the UPKUDO system.
I was raised in a rural community on an 87 acre farm by a very large, hardworking and traditional family. We were given responsibilities and the expectation was to get it done, without the need for someone constantly watching over your shoulder. I grew up next door to, and spending time, with my grandparents and my great grandmother, it was always instilled in me to care for and respect those who have lived life beyond your own years.
Having been enlisted in the Navy, I've traveled the world, lived in and experienced the people and cultures of Japan and Italy, so eye opening to see how differently other countries live and how over indulgent, self-entitled and unappreciative we in America can be. I had heard what I thought to be rumor, that there was the possibility for certain military specialties to serve White House duty. I was informed that the White House Communications Agency was coming to Naples, Italy for a recruiting assignment and that my name was on the list to be interviewed. Out of the 200 individuals interviewed in Naples that year, only 4 of us made the final selection. And so I served under President George W Bush. What a wealth of unique experiences in those years; direct tech support to the pilots of Air Force One and Marine One, the doctors, staff and Military Aids. The White House Communications Agency is a military entity in direct support of all Presidential travel.
The single most important thing in my life is to ensure that my children are raised to be kind, respectful, considerate and productive members of society. I thoroughly believe that the most defining traits you develop as person are gained from watching the behaviors of those around you. Explaining to a child the difference between right and wrong is not enough; you must walk the walk and consistently lead by example because they are always watching. The same is true for respect, this is something earned, not given.
The Navy also aided in molding my work ethic. Do your best and give it your all, because I took well to this philosophy and the philosophy of UPKUDO I advanced in rank and responsibility very quickly, often placed in positions of leadership and authority.

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