Professor Silverio Guerra, president of the Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame, nominated Key based on accomplishments, past and present, she said.
"Since you do not get to be in any competition for nomination, it is solely up to some of your peers thinking you are worthy enough in some way for one of them to nominate you," Key said. "I was being recognized for overall abilities as a martial artist."
Key said she was recognized for her accomplishments with her martial arts skills, competition and what her students have achieved. She has trained in many styles of martial arts, including shorin ryu karate, tae kwon do, ka ju ken bo, kung fu and jeon sa mu sul.
Key also won three world titles during the United Martial Arts Hall of Fame World Championships in San Antonio, in competition that included black belts in traditional kata, women's kata and women's sparring.
She won second place in the 45-plus black belt men and women kata, and third place in the 35-plus black belt weapons kata competition.
