Debra Roy is currently a master level Black belt in the AKS and is the first female to hold this rank since the AKS was created in 1973 by Ernest H. Lieb.

Deb's story starts with high school, where she participated in Gymnastics, Track and Field, and was a Varsity Cheerleader. In 1975, she married her high school sweet heart, Jim Roy, and joined him in Tacoma, Washington where he was stationed in the Army. After her husband was discharged from the military, she moved back to Muskegon, Michigan where she raised three children.

In 1997, Deb attended Baker College in Muskegon and earned a Certificate in Statistical Process Control/Quality Improvement, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She started her career as a Quality Launch Coordinator at Grand Haven Stamp Products. Deb retired June 1st, 2023 as a Quality Tech / Quality Supervisor at West Michigan Molding in Grand Haven, Michigan.

Deb has been with the AKS since 1987 and holds a master Black belt. She has won many medals and trophies in kata and sparring over the years; often having to compete against male competitors. She began her karate career with her husband, Jim, and 3 children (Robert, Lisa, and Kevin) after visiting one of Mr. Lieb's classes at the Omni Club. The kids asked if they could take karate classes, so we decided we would all try it as a family.

There are currently 3 generations of Roy's actively training in the AKS. The Roy family has participated in many class demonstrations at local schools and malls and has traveled to participate in regional seminars in multiple states.

Over the years, Deb, along with her husband, Jim, has hosted many "free" women's self-defense seminars. Deb continues to teach women's self-defense classes in coordination with LOVE INC. They are held three times a year, and each session is 8 weeks long.

Deb is currently an assistant instructor with the American Karate Club in Muskegon, Michigan under AKS Chief Instructor, Mr. Dave Thomas 9th Dan. She is a two time winner of the black belt of the year award - 1992 & 2010. Deb has 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren with the hopes of having 4 generations active in the Martial Arts.

It' a Family Thing

Jim and Debra Roy

• 1st Dan  American Karate System - October 1991
• 2nd Dan  American Karate System - March 1994
• 3rd Dan  American Karate System - December 2008
• 4th Dan  American Karate System - July 2012
• 5th Dan  American Karate System - June 2016
• 6th Dan  American Karate System - Master Level, August 2022

• 2010 - AKS Black Belt of the Year
• 1992 - AKS Black Belt of the Year