Modern Female Martial Arts Legends

Looking for inspiration in the world of martial arts for women? 

Check out three amazing women who dominated their sport!

Keiko Fukada was a trailblazer for women in judo. After training with judo’s founder, Kanō Jigorō, Keiko Fukada was the first woman promoted to the rank of 6th dan. Fukada was an internationally renowned judo instructor who dedicated her life to the practice. Several organizations eventually recognized her contributions to judo with promotions to the rank of 10th dan.

Kayla Harrison is a vibrant star in today’s martial arts world. She’s a decorated Olympian and world champion judoka. But Harrison is not only well-decorated as a female competitor. In 2016 she was promoted to 6th degree black belt as the youngest person in the US to earn the rank. Since 2018, Harrison has successfully competed as a mixed martial artist. 

Sandra Sánchez is a karate female phenomenon. She retired in 2022 as one of the most winning karatekas. From 2014-2020, she won 35 consecutive medals in the Karate1 Premier League which is a world record.  

Learn about martial arts styles created by women!

Study Martial Arts for Women at JMAC

Follow in the footsteps of these inspirational women. Start developing your skills with us at JMAC. Contact us today to set up a free introductory class. 

Martial Arts Styles Created by Women

Want to learn more about women’s contributions to martial arts?

Start in the 17th century when two amazing women created martial arts styles still incredibly popular today. 

The martial arts style Wing Chun takes center stage in Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee movies. However, it was a woman, Ng Mui, who originally developed this style. It’s believed that Ng Mui found inspiration watching a crane and snake fight in the woods. The style is characterized by short direct strikes and throwing multiple moves at the same time.  

The popular White Crane Style was also developed by a woman, Fang Qiniang. Like her counterpart, Fan Qiniang was also inspired by the movements of the crane. Legend says she encountered a crane as she was doing her chores one afternoon. When she tried to scare the bird off with a stick, the crane countered her moves gracefully and repeatedly. The White Crane Style is common in women’s self-defense classes due to its delicate nature and moves that don’t rely on great strength.

Learn about modern women martial arts champions on our website!

Study Martial Arts for Women at JMAC

Feeling inspired? It’s time you got into the dojo! JMAC offers martial arts for women in a supportive environment. Let us turn your inspiration into the first step of your journey in martial arts. Contact us today for a free introductory class. 

Study Iaido in Ann Arbor

Are you interested in broadening your martial arts study to include Japanese sword arts? 

At Japanese Martial Arts Center, we practice and teach the art of iaido, led by Nicklaus Suino Sensei, four-time All-Tokyo Champion.

When you learn iaido in Ann Arbor, you’ll learn more than how to handle a katana. You’ll immerse yourself in a personal journey to hone your concentration, perception, and presence. 

At JMAC, we embrace a culture of respect for each other and for the Japanese martial arts. We’re committed to supporting the personal growth of all who train here. We thrive together.

Visit our website to learn about our classes, including the Japanese sword art of iaido.

Learn Iaido in Ann Arbor

Visit JMAC and experience our commitment for yourself. Contact us here on the website or call 734-720-0330 to arrange a free introductory lesson or to watch a class.

Japanese Sword Fighting Arts

Do you feel drawn to the grace and power of Japanese swordsmanship?

Japanese swordsmanship is an ancient art and discipline heralding back to the samurai of feudal Japan. It still encompasses the reverence the samurai felt for the sword. Over the years, the art of swordsmanship grew into many different styles and schools. 

The art of the sword is often referred to collectively as kenjutsu, but you’ll also see kenjutsu taught as a type of swordsmanship. You’ll find that different schools or dojos teach different types of swordsmanship. Some popular types include:

• Iaido
• Iaijutsu 
• Kenjutsu 
• Kendo 

Learn more about Japanese swordsmanship at JMAC!

Learn Iaido in Ann Arbor

At Japanese Martial Arts Center, we practice and teach the art of iaido, led by Nicklaus Suino Sensei, four-time All-Tokyo Champion.

When you learn iaido in Ann Arbor, you’ll learn more than how to handle a katana. You’ll immerse yourself in a personal journey to hone your concentration, perception, and presence. 

Visit JMAC and experience our commitment for yourself. Contact us here on the website or call 734-720-0330 to arrange a free introductory lesson or to watch a class.

What Weapons Can You Use in Gendai Budo?

Wondering why there are so few weapons in martial arts dojos?

The majority of weapons used in martial arts were used in “old style” martial arts, called koryu bujutsu. These martial arts were meant to be used in battles to protect the entire group rather than one’s self. The martial arts we know today – karate, judo, jujutsu, etc. - are considered gendai budo. These are modern martial arts meant for self-defense and self-improvement rather than for battle.

Here are some weapons you may see in modern martial arts:

Katana – The katana is a sword with a long, curved, single-edged blade and is meant to be held with two hands. In iaido, you’ll practice first with a wooden sword called a bokken, then with an alloy sword called an iaito. Advanced students can practice with a shinken – sharp edged sword – like a katana. Katanas were meant to cut down enemies in one smooth movement.

Yumi – A yumi is a longbow used in the art of Kyudo – Japanese archery. The bows are much larger than the kind used in Western archery, and the arrows - called "ya" - are made from bamboo. Bushi warriors also used bows in early battles, but later, during the Edo period, kyudo began being studied as a modern martial art to aid in physical and spiritual development.

See more Japanese weapons!

Work with Weapons When You Practice Iaido in Ann Arbor

Working with weapons is fun!

You can practice martial arts with weapons by studying iaido at JMAC.

Did you know iaido can be done by anyone? It doesn’t matter your age, experience, or skill!

To start practicing iaido in Ann Arbor, contact JMAC today!

What Type of Weapons did the Bushi Use?

 Are you interested in ancient combat weapons?

The bushi – occupational warriors in feudal Japan - used many weapons while fighting. The majority of weapons used in martial arts were used in “old style” martial arts, called koryu bujutsu. These martial arts were meant to be used in battles to protect the entire group rather than the lone warrior.

Here are a few examples:

Naginata – The naginata is a long, slightly curved blade mounted on a long pole. They were used to stab and strike on the battlefield. The koryu bujutsu martial arts style that utilized naginatas is called naginatajutsu.

Yari – The yari is a long spear that has different types of blades. The most common blade was flat and sharp on both sides like a dagger. Yaris were used for cutting and stabbing and practiced in sojutsu.

Tanto – The tanto is a dagger with a long blade and short handle used for slashing and stabbing. The bushi used them in tantojutsu.

Learn about modern martial arts that use weapons!

Work with Weapons When You Practice Iaido in Ann Arbor

Working with weapons is fun!

You can practice martial arts with weapons by studying iaido at JMAC.

Did you know iaido can be done by almost anyone? Adults of any age, experience, or skill are welcome in our programs!

To start practicing iaido in Ann Arbor, contact JMAC today!

Grappling Arts from Around the World

Grappling is a concept in combat sports that consist of grabbing and manipulating the opponent. Grappling moves include takedowns, throws, holds, and sweeps, but no striking moves like punching and kicking. Grappling works well for up-close combat and self-defense.

Take a look at grappling arts from China and Korea!

Shuai Chiao – Shuai Chiao, sometimes spelled Shuai Jiao, is the most ancient Chinese martial art. It was first used by the Chinese military in 2697 B.C. and used to feature more violent moves, like striking, joint locks, and even bone breaking and joint dislocation. Now Shuai Chiao focuses more on grappling. The goal is to throw opponent to ground while you’re still standing, or to fall with them, but end up on top of them.

Ssireum – Ssireum is a Korean grappling sport that takes place in a sand pit. You and your opponent’s hands are linked by belts at each other’s waists and thighs. The goal is to throw the opponent off balance and have any part of their body above the knee touch the ground. Ssireum began in the fourth century and is now a national sport in Korea. 

Learn about Sambo, a fighting system from Russia on our website!

Study Judo in Ann Arbor

Does grappling sound fun to you?

It certainly can be! Judo free practice, called randori, is considered to be “play” by many judo students because it’s so much fun!

Are you nervous about long term contracts?

You can sign up for a 2-month trial membership at JMAC to make sure judo is right for you!

 To start practicing judo in Ann Arbor, contact JMAC today!