LINDA SUDALL, KARATE TEACHER PAYS IT FORWARD
By Rachel Slaughter

When little Haley Osment pondered his class project in Pay Forward, he was puzzled by the concept of being graded for kindness. "Are you saying that you will flunk us if we don't change the world?" Haley said.

Linda Sudall, Shotokan instructor for the Yeadon Shotokan Club follows the pay it forward motto as often as she can.

"When I started as a white belt in Shotokan, people took time to help me advance."

Linda has been instructing students in Shotokan for over three years. She began her training 18 years ago at the Lansdowne YMCA. Later, when the club moved to the Oak Avenue YMCA, Linda continued to train. In May 2007, she received her black belt in Shotokan. It was at that time that she dedicated her life to teaching young people in the art.

Linda teaches at least 4 hours per week without thought of compensation.

"It is beyond my scope to think of being compensated for this work. I love it so much," Linda said. At the end of the business day of working a full time job, Linda travels several miles to the Yeadon Shotokan Dojo in Lansdowne to train young kids.

"I feel such a reward when I am teaching," she said. "I am mostly inspired by Mr. Pat Dolly, another Shotokan instructor."

Over the years, Linda says she is pleased to see the progress the children make under her instruction. There are days, she says, where the student population is down, but she doesn't mind. "I don't care who shows up. I just love to watch their faces as they learn. It is really amazing to see how they absorb the information," she said.

Teaching karate is now a natural part of Linda's life. After an eight hour shift, Linda says she still finds the energy to keep her appointment to teach. Rarely absent, Linda is a reliable teacher who is expected to be at the Dojo to teach or assist the senseis regardless of who may be on the schedule. "Unless something happens to me health wise, I will always teach," she said.

Her dedication has inspired many children over the years. Many of her former students recognize her in the mall, and celebrate her like a celebrity.

"Sometimes I don't recognize the kids because after a few years, they look different. But, I don't look different. They express their gratitude, and that amazes me," she said.

It is obvious, Linda says, that they have grown taller and more mature. But they have also changed in other ways.

"I believe the kids begin to internalize our creed; seek perfection in character. Be faithful. Endeavor. Respect others. Refrain from violent behavior."