Ea Dan Helen S. Espinoza began her martial arts journey as a concerned parent.  As her son started his training in martial arts, she kept a watchful eye.  She was invited to train in the same class soon after.  Helen started her training under the guidance of Grandmaster Johnny “Lightfoot” Thompson in 1996.  He is a direct student under the late Grandmaster James Cummings.  She received her black belt in 1999.   

Helen is currently ranked a 2^nd degree black belt.  She is one of the senior certified instructors of the Tang Soo Do Karate Association in San Antonio, Texas.  Helen assists in the training of the children and the adult classes.  In the year 2000, she was awarded the Black Belt Instructor of the Year and has received Administrator of the Year from 2003 to 2006 from her local dojo. Throughout her career, Helen has judged several tournaments and has helped organize and manage the annual Tang Soo Do Karate World Conferences since 2000.   

She works as a Medical Records Technician in a fast-paced family health practice organization.  Helen balances her home life and work around her karate career.  She is a lifetime member of the Tang Soo Do Karate Association which prompted confidence, discipline and respect.  Helen was inducted into the  United States Martial Arts Hall of Fame on August 4, 2007.