About me:

My name is Ulrike Vauth, but everyone calls me "Ulli". I'm a former IT architect (ex IBM Distinguished Engineer/CTO), now retired, and an experienced karate and self-defense instructor. Here are some details about my professional and martial arts background:

Martial Arts and Self-Defense Experience:

• 1992 Beginner's Course / Started Karate at SV Böblingen
• Graduations:
  • 1st Dan Examination: November 1997
  • 2nd Dan Examination: March 2004
  • 3rd Dan Examination: July 2013
  • 4th Dan Examination: July 2017
  • 5th Dan Examination: September 2023
  • 1st Dan Kyusho Examination: February 2019
  • 2nd Dan Kyusho Examination: December 2025
• Trainer Certifications/Licenses:
  • Violence Prevention Coach Seniors: 2012
  • DKV-Selfdefense teacher Bronze+Silber: 2014
  • DKV-Selfdefence teacher Gold+Platinum: 2021
  • DOSB A-Level Coach License with focus Selfdefence: December 2021
  • Violence Prevention Coach for Children/Students: 2025
  • Violence Prevention Coach for Girls/Women: 2025
  • Guardian Girls Coach: 2025

Since approximately 2000, I have been teaching adult beginners/lower-level karate and giving self-defense courses.

Since 1994, I have been continuously active on the board of the Karateabteilung SV Böblingen (online media, membership and overall administration work).

Furthermore, I am constantly expanding my knowledge and attending numerous karate, self-defense, and assertiveness training courses (as of 2024, I have attended approximately 180 documented courses according to my karate log).

Professional Career:

• 1986-1989: studied Computer Engineering (Technische Informatik)
• From 1989: Developer, IT Architect, Consultant at IBM Germany GmbH in the Consulting Group
• 2013-2023: Distinguished Engineer (Technical Executive);
• As Chief Technology Officer for Hybrid Cloud Services (IBM Consulting), I was responsible for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
• During my 37 years with the company, I technically led numerous international client projects, developed architectures, advised clients, acted as a troubleshooter in critical situations, and actively mentored and coached countless younger colleagues.
• October 2023: Although I thoroughly enjoyed my job until the very last day, I decided to retire to enjoy life more fully with my husband and dedicate more time to my hobby of karate and self-defense.

See also my LinkedIn profile!

Licenses officially awarded by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), the German Karate Federation (DKV), and the Baden-Württemberg Karate Federation (KVBW) on the topic of violence protection and self-defense: