Cathy Jarushi, a distinguished New Orleans senior black belt with the Shotokan Karate-Do Association Japan Karate Association (SA JKA), unexpectedly died at age 55. Her passing has created an irreplaceable gap in the local martial arts community and among the generations of students she guided with skill and heart.
A pioneering figure in a traditionally male-dominated field, Cathy shattered expectations and paved the way for women in karate nationwide. Through her example and advocacy, she demonstrated that strength, grace, and determination know no gender, inspiring countless individuals to step onto the mat with confidence.
Her lifelong pursuit of Shotokan excellence was fueled by a profound belief in karate’s ability to build resilience, focus, and personal growth. Cathy approached every practice and promotion with the same quiet intensity, earning universal respect for both her technical precision and her philosophical depth.
Students remember her dojo as a place where rigorous training met unwavering encouragement. She had an extraordinary talent for seeing potential in everyone, offering patient correction alongside genuine praise that helped practitioners discover strengths they never knew they possessed.
Beyond the training hall, Cathy was a beloved community leader whose humility and generosity touched lives across New Orleans. Colleagues and friends speak of a woman who led by lifting others, fostering unity and mutual respect wherever she went.
As tributes continue to pour in, the city honors a legacy rooted in empowerment, compassion, and unbreakable spirit. Cathy Jarushi’s influence will live on in every student who stands taller because of her teaching and in every woman who follows the path she helped clear.