Belle has a deep passion for the transformative powers available to girls, both old and young, in the practice of martial arts. While her primary focus over the last decade has been in the Japanese style of karate known as Shotokan, Belle's 20+ years of martial arts experience includes formal training in Muay Thai with cross training in Krav Maga, Boxing, and Jiu Jitsu. Early martial arts experiences include several years of Tae Kwon Do, as well. Belle competed in karate, winning over six U. S. AAU national titles in fighting and forms competitions, and won a World Championship in fighting in the 2009 WKC Karate Championships in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Belle has also been trained in the women’s self defense program called Fight Like a Girl (FLAG), and has studied predator and victim behaviors as they relate to violence against women and children. She continues her learning and training, and is overjoyed to put her knowledge to use with GTP. Along with her martial arts, Belle has 20+ years of business development and marketing experience for small to medium B2B organizations. In her capacity as Executive Director, Belle is responsible for the growth and development of Green Tara Project.