When Cristine was 14 years old, she suffered an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) hemorrhage in her brain. To save her life, the neurosurgeon removed 6 cm of her motor cortex. She was not supposed to survive. The doctors told her family she would be bedridden and probably never walk or talk again. Fast forward to today. How did Cristine go from that devastating diagnosis to becoming a martial art champion? It’s a story you need to hear. It will inspire you to see your own life in a new light. Listen in to Cristine's story and be inspired to overcome the obstacles that stand in your way, whateve ..read more

Denise leads by example! Her Kenpo training began in 1994 at the Boise Kenpo Karate school. Today, she holds a 6th-degree black belt. Her 1st-degree rank was significant, as she was the first woman to be promoted to a black belt in a Kenpo organization in the state of Idaho at that time. She later took over this school, which she operated for many years until a promotion at her day job at the Veterans Health Administration required extensive travel. Denise retired from the V.A. after a 37 year long career serving mostly in upper management positions. She shares about her initially difficult tr ..read more

Audrey Hussey is a super fit conscientious high achiever type martial artist! That's a mouthful, but I think when you hear her talk about her martial art journey you will agree that she has a spunk and spirit that outshines many. From learning a martial art alongside some of her kids (and she has 6 kids, btw), to coming to a near screeching halt when she saw the perfect and affordable location for her martial art school, you get the sense that Audrey does not easily give up. Personally, she exudes commitment and dedication to excellence in martial arts. Her previous experiences in body buildin ..read more

This exceptional woman, Stephanie Dunham, faced childhood trauma and torment for years, but today finds healing in martial arts. She is a black belt who teaches her own program a couple of times a week, and on the side, helps other women heal from their tragedies and is involved in a ministry to combat sex trafficking. Amazing, right? She is a reminder that we can all make a positive difference in the world through our words, thoughts and actions. She decided to not be a victim, but instead, a leader of positive change. We should all aspire to do the same! Stephanie's Links & Info: Self-D ..read more

Dr. Jean Kanakogi is an amazing positive force not only in martial arts but in all that she does. She holds a B.S. and M.S in Criminal Justice/Protection Management and a PhD in Psychology. She is a recently retired Senior Special Agent for the US Government with extensive experience in conducting criminal and administrative investigations. With a career spanning for over 25 years in law enforcement, Jean has been the lead investigator on several high-profile cases, some including the attacks on 9/11 and many that focus on protecting public health.   Besides her experience in executi ..read more

A year out of nursing school, Gwendolyn volunteered to be a COVID nurse when the floor in the hospital where she worked became the COVID unit. Her years of martial art practice taught her very valuable lessons - fearlessness and confident commitment- and she vigorously uses them in life and in nursing. Gwendolyn shares her insights on being a woman in martial arts, overcoming and understanding societal expectations, giving yourself permission to find your voice, and more. She is a creative and eclectic woman who was formerly a Birth Doula and who enjoys a variety of creative endeavors such as ..read more

From her days in journalism, radio and broadcasting, to her martial art movie experiences, heritage, faith, martial arts practice, community service and inspirational writing, this Podcast interview covers the gamut of this "real deal" martial artist! Find out WHAT YOU DON'T KNOW about this empowered and inspirational martial art woman.  Bio (see full bio at www.themartialartswoman.com):  Karen Eden Herdman is a 7th degree martial arts master of Tang Soo Do. She is most well known in the industry for her inspirational writing. She has appeared in every major martial arts magazine in ..read more

Martial Arts give women permission to be powerful. -Mary Stevens Listen in to my engaging interview with UK martial artist, Mary Stevens. Mary is a dynamic instructor and martial art woman, an author of children's books, a mother, and project manager for FairFight, an Nonprofit Organization that uses martial arts as a vehicle to empower vulnerable women in Zimbabwe and India. Her full bio with the podcast link can also be found here: www.themartialartswoman.com. Links & Info:  Fairfight: www.fairfight.nl Mary's children's books: Warrior Monkeys and the Volcano Adventure  https ..read more

Lucie Marsh is currently one of the few females ranked as 6th Dan in the SKIF organization. She lives in the UK and has run her own dojo and competed in more than 7 World Championships, several European championships, and hundreds of National Championships.  While her background and achievements seem completely normal, Lucie's background and journey in martial arts is riddled with traumatic events including beatings from local girl gangs when she was younger, sexual harassment in her career, an abusive relationship. She had her first taste of martial arts in her early 20's when she joined ..read more

Collegiate karate perspectives from four martial art women! Listen in as these women share why collegiate karate is so important and why their instructor, Sensei Swanson, is so instrumental in their love and participation in this martial art. These women share a perspective rarely discussed, how practicing karate during their college years helped them achieve and grow into the accomplished women they are today. SEE THEIR FULL BIOs IN THE BLOG VERSION OF THIS PODCAST WHEN PUBLISHED at: www.themartialartswoman.com.  Links & Info: Karate Science (Dynamic Movement) book by Sensei J.D ..read more