The path to mastery in martial arts or combat sports isn’t an easy one—particularly for women. For decades, female martial artists have had to fight for respect, recognition, and opportunity in a world that underestimated them at best and sidelined them at worst.
>> Why Krav Maga is the Best Self-Defense Option for Women
From the dojo to the octagon, from Hollywood sets to self-defense seminars, these six influential women in martial arts have proven that strength, skill, and determination have no gender. Their influence has inspired countless others to train, compete, and carve out their own place in martial arts.
1. Kathy Long – Five-Time Kickboxing World Champion
Kathy Long isn’t just a pioneer in martial arts—she’s a five-time world champion who helped put women’s kickboxing on the map. Known for her technical precision, relentless work ethic, and fierce fighting spirit, Long dominated the sport in the late 1980s and early 1990s, earning a reputation as one of the best female strikers of all time.
With a background in Aikido and Kung Fu, Long compiled an 18-1 record as a professional kickboxer—earning nicknames like the “Queen of Mean” and the “Princess of Pain.”
Nearly 16 years after she provided commentary for the very first UFC Championship, Long made her MMA debut in 2009 at the age of 45, once again proving that competitive spirit never fades.
Long has also made it a mission to share her knowledge and skills with the next generation, teaching seminars and self-defense workshops across the country—including right here at America’s Best Defense.
Her dedication to martial arts, both as a competitor and an instructor, continues to inspire fighters, martial artists, and self-defense advocates alike.
2. Gal Gadot – From Combat Trainer to Pop Culture Icon
Israeli actress Gal Gadot is best known for her role as Wonder Woman in the DC Extended Universe films, but many fans don’t realize that her martial arts skills weren’t just for the silver screen!
Before her Hollywood career, Gadot served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for two years, where she worked as a combat fitness trainer and practiced Krav Maga. Her military background gave her firsthand experience in functional fitness, self-defense, and mental resilience—qualities that later became essential for her role as Wonder Woman.
When she was cast as Diana Prince, Gadot underwent intense martial arts training, including Krav Maga, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and sword fighting. She performed many of her own stunts, and her commitment to authentic fight choreography and combat realism set a new standard for female action heroes.
Beyond her movie roles, Gadot has been vocal about women’s empowerment and the importance of both mental and physical strength. She continues to inspire women worldwide to embrace confidence, resilience, and the ability to stand up for themselves.
Gadot may not be a competitive martial artist, but her training and advocacy for strong female roles make her a significant figure in martial arts and self-defense representation.
3. Marni Levine – Pioneering Krav Maga Instructor & Advocate for Women’s Self-Defense
Marni Levine was a powerhouse in the world of Krav Maga and a passionate advocate for self-defense training, especially for women. Her husband Darren Levine was one of the key figures in bringing Krav Maga to the United States, and Marni played an integral role in co-founding Krav Maga Worldwide and developing training programs that would go on to shape thousands of martial artists.
Marni wasn’t just an instructor—she was a trailblazer. She became the highest-ranking female Krav Maga instructor in the world, earning her 4th-degree black belt. Her influence extended far beyond the mats; she worked tirelessly to make self-defense training more accessible to women, empowering them with the skills and confidence to protect themselves in their daily lives.
Marni passed away at the age of 37 after a courageous battle with breast cancer, but her legacy lives on through The Lynn Kaufman and Marni Levine Legacy Fund, which is dedicated to raising funds to develop new treatments for pancreatic, breast, and women’s cancers. Every year, Krav Maga practitioners around the world come together to honor her contributions by hosting seminars, workshops, and fundraisers in her name.
Marni Levine’s impact on self-defense, Krav Maga, and women’s empowerment continues to inspire generations of martial artists today.
4. Lucia Rijker – "The Most Dangerous Woman in the World"
Dutch martial artist Lucia Rijker dominated in both kickboxing and boxing, earning a fearsome reputation as one of the most powerful female fighters in history.
Also known as “The Dutch Destroyer” and “Lady Tyson,” Rijker was known for her aggression, technique, and knockout power. Her record was nearly flawless, and she won by knockout in 39 of her 53 matches.
Rijker went on to train other professional fighters like Ronda Rousey and appeared in the film Million Dollar Baby. She was one of the first three women boxers to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2019 and continues to be an advocate for women in combat sports.
5. Sepi Melamed – Champion of Krav Maga & Self-Defense for Women
Sepi Melamed is more than a skilled martial artist—she’s a force for empowerment. A third-degree black belt in Krav Maga, a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and a certifying instructor and executive board member with the Krav Maga Alliance, Sepi has trained countless students in self-defense, equipping them with the confidence and skills to protect themselves in real-world situations.
Beyond her own training and teaching, Sepi is deeply committed to making self-defense more accessible. She’s traveled the world to share her expertise—including right here at America’s Best Defense, where she has led exclusive seminars for our students and instructors.
As a respected figure in the Krav Maga community, Sepi continues to challenge industry norms, advocate for women’s self-defense, and inspire martial artists of all backgrounds to push past their perceived limits.
6. Keiko Fukuda – Highest-Ranking Female Judoka in History
Keiko Fukuda didn’t just study judo—she reshaped its future. A direct student of judo’s founder, Kanō Jigorō, Fukuda dedicated her life to the martial art, despite the immense barriers that came with being a woman in a male-dominated discipline.
For years, women in judo were prohibited from being promoted beyond 5th dan by the Kodokan Judo Institute. Thanks to a letter-writing campaign against the unspoken rule started by one of her students, Fukuda and her senpai Masako Noritomi became the first women promoted to 6th dan. But she didn’t stop there; Fukuda was promoted to 9th dan by the Kodokan in 2006 and 10th dan by USA Judo in 2011
She continued teaching judo three times a week and traveling the world to teach seminars until her death at age 99, proving that passion and perseverance know no age.
Continuing the Legacy of Women in Martial Arts
The trailblazing women on this list didn’t just break barriers in martial arts—they paved the way for future generations to follow in their footsteps. At America’s Best Defense, we are proud to walk that path by empowering women and girls through martial arts and self-defense.
Each of our four schools has dedicated female instructors—both full-time and part-time—who lead with skill, passion, and the same unwavering determination that shaped the legacies of these pioneers. From teaching Kids Martial Arts to Adult Krav Maga, we are committed to creating a welcoming, supportive space where women and girls can grow stronger, more confident, and more capable.
Whether you’re looking to build confidence, improve fitness, or learn how to protect yourself, you belong here. Join us and continue the legacy of strong women in martial arts!
