By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Gainesville mother of four spars her way to top of a karate event
Susan Harkins to defend her world championship title in November in Dublin
0809HARKINS 0004
Susan Harkins, 43, is an instructor and a student at Haymore’s United Karate Studio in Gainesville. She won the world championship title in point sparring for the women’s 42 and older lightweight division last year at the World Karate Commission World Tournament. - photo by Erin O. Smith
A home-schooling mother of four, Susan Harkins jumped back into karate after watching her kids participate in the sport from her own childhood. Thirteen years later, she’s looking to defend her title as a world champion in November. Training and teaching at Haymore’s United Karate Studio on West Avenue in Gainesville, Harkins won the world champion title in the women’s 42 and older lightweight division for points sparring last year in Orlando.