Renshi Maria Kristensen began her Isshinryu training in 1987 in New Jersey, under Kyoshi Kristensen, earning her rank of Sho-Dan in 1994 and her Ni-Dan rank in 1997. She has also obtained a green belt in the art of Gojo-Ryu, has trained one year in Tae-Kwon-Do in 1974, and has been inducted into the Texas Martial Arts Hall of Fame in May of 1998 as Instructor of the Year, Okinawan Martial Arts. Renshi Kristensen was promoted to the rank of San-Dan, and given the title of Sensei on April 18, 1999. She was promoted to the rank of Yon-Dan at the 2001 Gasshuku & Shiai (April 22, 2001). She was promoted to Go-Dan on August 26, 2006 and received the title of Renshi on December 2, 2006. Reshi Kristensen currently teaches at the Coppell Dojo.