In the realm of dynamic martial arts, a new generation of super athletes is emerging and rewriting the scenario of what it means to excel in this ancient discipline.
These outstanding women have dedicated their lives to the art of combat, and their dedication has yielded extraordinary results. Through coaching, competition, and captivating film performances, they not only push the boundaries of their sport, but also inspire countless others in the process.
We spotlight these pioneers and salute their unparalleled skill, unwavering determination, and boundless passion for martial arts. From mastering complex techniques to breaking the barriers of traditionally male-dominated arenas, these female martial artists are leaving an indelible mark on the world stage.
Celebrate the best of the best, the fearless warriors who are redefining the world of martial arts and paving the way for the next generation of athletes. It's time to meet the women who are changing the world of martial arts with every kick, punch, and submission. Here are the next generation of legends, women in martial arts.
This list does not constitute a ranking
martial arts women
Abe poem
Title: Olympic gold medalist and four-time world champion
She is in her mid 20s, Abe poem She already has legendary status and is aiming for GOAT status in judo.
A symbol of excellence in the world of judo, Uta Abe has carved out a place in history as one of Japan's most feared athletes. He was born and raised in the middle of Tokyo. She made history in 2017 when she won in Düsseldorf as the youngest winner of an IJF World Tour event. This was a feat that confirmed her incredible talent and her indomitable spirit.
Her success at the World Junior Mixed Team Championships that same year further cemented her reputation as a rising star in judo.
Uta's meteoric rise to fame culminated in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where he won the coveted gold medal, captivated the hearts of the nation, and garnered the admiration of judo enthusiasts around the world.
The four-time world champion dominated the international judo world in 2023, 2022, 2019 and 2018, consistently displaying her unparalleled skill and mastery. Remarkably, many of her victories overlapped with those of her revered older brother, Hifumi Abe, and her unique family dynamic added to their shared success.
Poet Abe continues to leave his mark on the history of judo, and continues to be an inspiration and global ambassador for the sport of judo.
Anissa Mexen
Title: ISKA, WAKO, Glory World Champion
One of the most decorated female kickboxers in the world, Anissa has amassed 35 knockouts in 118 fights and has been considered the top female pound-for-pound kickboxer since 2017.
She excels in other martial arts as well and is also the holder of the Sabbat World Championship and the French Boxing Championship.
When I was 12 years old, Anissa Mexen Her brother Mehdi sparked her interest in kickboxing, something she pursued throughout her life. But even though Mexen became one of the top teenagers in kickboxing, she never put her schooling aside. Parisians will receive two degrees: one in sports performance and one in training methodology.
In 2014, Mexen became the WMPF Muay Thai World Champion and was also named Muay Thai TV Fighter of the Year. Two years later, she won the WAKO Pro Flyweight World Championship, and the French striker went on to win the Glory Women's Super Bantamweight World Championship and the IKSA K-1 Bantamweight World Championship.
Caitlin Deshell
title: NASKA World Champion
Caitlin Deshell She is an actress, stuntwoman, and world champion martial artist who has appeared in over 40 film and television productions. She began her martial arts training at the age of six and has won 94 NASKA titles and world titles throughout her competitive career, making her one of the most decorated female martial artists of modern times.
Born in Miami, Florida, he is based in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a brand ambassador for Rockstar Energy, Century Martial Arts, and Garden of Life. She co-starred with Jackie Chan in “Chinese Zodiac''. She played a “geneticist” on her MTV's “Teen Wolf” season 5. She is an award-winning stuntwoman. “Hawkeye'', “The Mandalorian'', “The Hunt'', “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'', “Altered Carbon'', “Wonder Woman'', “Midnight Texas'', “Fast and Furious 7'', etc. It is known for.
Title: Taekwondo and the XMA World Championship
Rayna Vallandingham He is the youngest black belt martial artist to win 12 world championship titles. In 2011, Reyna won her fourth world title at the age of eight with Little Her Rock, making her the youngest athlete ever to win a black belt. The following year (2012), she won six more world championships (Traditional Weapons, Creative Weapons, XMA Forms, XMA Weapons Triple Crown), and in 2013 she won the XMA Forms World Championship. She appeared as Leticia in the film Underdogs, directed by Philip Lee. She is a brand ambassador for the American Taekwondo Association. Currently, she has over 2 million followers across her social media and has a large following internationally.
Kiyo Shimizu
Title: Kata Champion/ Representation from Japan
Kiyo Shimizu, a Japanese karateka who competes in the women's kata event. She won a silver medal in the women's event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She is also a two-time gold medalist at the World Karate Championships and a three-time gold medalist at the Asian Games.
Yogelis Salazar
title: 7-time Pan American Champion, 2-time K1 Premier League Champion
salazar is the world's top-ranked karate athlete in the -50kg class and ranks first in the World Karate Federation (WKF) women's kumite -50kg class. She began her karate practice at an early age in Venezuela. Known for her signature “hook kick”, she is a rising international star and attracts a lot of attention. Black belt Dear readers.
Janice Han
title: International Wushu Champion, 10-time Gold Medalist in Wushu
Commercial model and actress based in the Philippines. Han She started practicing martial arts when she was in elementary school, when the Martial Arts Philippine Team came to her school and demonstrated martial arts. She fell in love with this sport and she has spent over 20 years mastering this art form and now she is appearing on the silver screen.
julia moresi guanzon
Title: World Champion Martial Artist, Tricker, Former NFL Cheerleader
Former gymnast and NFL Raiders cheerleader. She began her martial arts path inspired by her father and her older brother. Her dedication earned her a 4th degree black belt.
Her world titles include NBL World Title Champion in Musical Open Form, and she has also competed on the NASKA circuit, taking home five Grand Champion titles.
Julia Moresi She is also the founder and owner of Infinity Martial Arts in San Jose, California, where she dedicates her time and energy to the art of martial arts and teaching others.
Randa Richards
Title: 10th grade black belt
Randa Richards She is one of the world's highest ranked female ninjutsu masters. Masaaki Hatsumi, the supreme master of Japanese ninjutsu. With over 200,000 followers on Instagram, Randa and his partner Michael Jones are building a modern movement for ninjutsu practitioners. they run The Cardiff Martial Arts Academy Kunoichi/Ninja Dojo in South Wales, UK, is currently conducting training seminars around the world to preserve this ancient art.
Julianna Ramos Ortiz
Title: NASKA World Champion
At the young age of 3, Julianna He began his journey into martial arts under the guidance of his parents. A native of Miami, Florida with Puerto Rican roots, she honed her skills and began competing at the age of eight, quickly winning multiple prestigious world titles. Her passion for martial arts has led her to travel the world not only as a competitor, but also as a respected seminar instructor.
Julianna made a smooth transition into the world of film and rose to prominence after relocating to Atlanta in 2018. Since then, she's built an impressive portfolio in the action industry, boasting notable credits including Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and Ms. Marvel. She has starred in “DC's Blue Beetle,” “CBS True Lies,” “Red One,” “Wolf Pack,” and countless other projects.
Julianna continues to evolve as a multifaceted talent, excelling as a stunt performer, actress, and martial arts influencer.
Fionn Eira Davies
Title: 2x IBJJF World GI Champion, 4x No Gi World Champion, ADCC World Champion
Fionn DaviesThe Welsh native is a renowned grappler and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt under the tutelage of Darragh O'Conaill. Known as one of the top featherweight fighters of his time, Davies honed his skills as a judo player for the Welsh national team during his formative years.
Switching to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, she quickly made a huge impact within the sport, accumulating impressive wins on the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) circuit. As president of the esteemed East Coast Jiu-Jitsu Academy (ECJJA), Davis has cemented her reputation as a formidable force in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world.
Smilla Sandel
Title: Muay Thai World Champion and 2-time One Championship Champion.
Smilla Sandel Currently signed with a Swedish Muay Thai kickboxer. ONE Championshipshe is the current ONE Women's Strawweight Muay Thai World Champion.
In 2022, Sandel defeated Jackie Buntan to win the inaugural ONE Women's Strawweight Championship at the age of 17 years and 5 months, becoming the youngest fighter to win a Muay Thai world title. In 2023, she is ranked the world's number one Muay Thai practitioner in the women's featherweight (57.153 kg) by WBC Muay Thai.
mckensie emory
Title: Multiple NASKA World Champion
mckensie emory He began training in martial arts at the age of 6 and currently holds a 3rd degree black belt in martial arts through instructor Dave Kobar in Sacramento, and is the founder of the Kamas Flow System. She is a member of the team Her Pole Mitchell Karate and travels around the world performing, competing, teaching seminars and private lessons. Currently, she lives in Los Angeles pursuing a career as a stuntwoman. Her acting and stunt credits include “The Women King,” “Star Wars Jedi,” “Survivor,” “Yellow Jackets” and “The Gray Man.”
