After a long career instructing judo at Columbia University and later Polytechnic Institute (now NYU Tandon School of Engineering), she advocates for women’s advancement and inclusion in a sport historically dominated by men.
“In the ’70s, there were a lot of problems for women and girls in the martial arts. Women were still not allowed to compete in the fighting part of judo,” Halporn said.
While the sport has made significant advancements over the years, Halporn remains keenly aware of the threat that political attacks on women, girls, and other marginalized communities pose toward that progress. She views her organization as a crucial safe space where women can empower themselves through learning new skills and connecting with each other.
“Physical activities are critical for women and girls, with statistics showing better self-esteem, better body image, better everything.”
“Physical activities are critical for women and girls, with statistics showing better self-esteem, better body image, better everything,” said Halporn, who brings the spirit of Kirkland and martial arts back to College Hill each spring during Reunion Weekend when she offers her expertise to the community through a family-friendly judo class.
“An advantage to martial arts is if you’re confronted with a real-life situation, you can defend yourself. An advantage to judo, in particular, is that judo is judo,” she said. “You study in Clinton, you get your yellow belt, you go to Abu Dhabi, and it’s the same judo. Even if you don’t know the local language, you have a built-in community. You can show up at any judo club in the world and you’re family.”
Posted April 8, 2026
