Fists of Love: The Mothers Who Raised Martial Arts Legends
- Justin Lee Ford
- May 11
- 4 min read
We’re honoring the matriarchs of martial arts.
Sometimes, the most powerful warrior in the story we see never throws a punch—she raises the one who does.
In the world of martial arts, there is often a mom who waited through long practices, wiped away tears after tough losses, and never stopped believing, even when the road got rough.
From film icons to world champions, every fighter has a story—and many of those stories start with a mother’s strength.
Today, we shine a light on the women who helped turn discipline into greatness, one small act of love at a time.
1. Bow-sim Mark – The Grand master Behind Donnie Yen
When people talk about Donnie Yen’s precision and power, they often forget where it started: at home, under the tutelage of his mother, Bow-sim Mark. A grandmaster of Tai Chi and internal martial arts, Bow-sim was one of the first women to bring traditional Chinese martial arts to the West. She emigrated to the U.S. in the 1970s and opened a martial arts school in Boston.
She began training Donnie from a very young age, blending rigorous traditional instruction with modern adaptability. Her influence turned him into not only a cinematic force in films like Ip Man but a true martial artist respected by peers.
Donnie Yen once said: "I was 11 and began witnessing my mother, Grand master Bow Sim Mark, teaching her students in a park in [Hong Kong], then went on to teach Harvard, MIT professors and thousands of students in Boston and across USA. She was truly revolutionary and a true warrior, especially from back then [when] martial arts masters were mostly men"
2. AnnMaria De Mars – The Warrior Who Raised Ronda Rousey
AnnMaria De Mars isn't just the mom of MMA legend Ronda Rousey—she’s a seventh degree black belt and world champion judoka herself. In 1984, she became the first American to win gold at the World Judo Championships. She began coaching Ronda at age 11, instilling a mindset that would later carry her daughter to Olympic bronze in judo and UFC glory.
Known for her tough-love parenting, De Mars pushed Ronda to rise above pain and failure, even as they endured personal tragedy and financial hardship.
AnnMaria’s advice: “I really think one of the biggest things, in all seriousness, is learning to give up what you want now for what you want most... that lots of people would like to be a world champion, they'd like to get into NYU, they'd like a lot of things, but they're not willing to give up sitting on the couch watching Vampire Diaries for it.”
3. Grace Ho – The Elegant Anchor Behind Bruce Lee
Grace Ho, the mother of Bruce Lee, came from the powerful Ho family in Hong Kong, with ties to business and European-Chinese heritage. Despite her relatively privileged background, she supported Bruce’s early career in the entertainment industry and later, his foray into martial arts under Ip Man.
When Bruce was sent to America at age 18, Grace had to let go of her son so he could build something greater abroad—a decision no mother makes lightly. Her quiet support allowed Bruce to transcend cultural barriers and become a global icon.
Bruce Lee not only promised his mother to be at his best in the US, but also to return only when he makes money.
4. Lee-lee “Lily” Chan – The Steely Mother of Jackie Chan
Lily Chan faced economic hardship and uncertainty, but her strength held the family together when Jackie was enrolled in the China Drama Academy at age 7. The training was brutal—daily acrobatics, martial arts, and acting drills—but Lily believed in the opportunity it offered.
Years later, Jackie would become the world’s most recognized stunt performer and martial arts actor. While he rarely speaks publicly about his early years, his story of resilience began with a mother’s difficult choice and quiet faith.
Having lived a turbulent life to reach their love and success, a film was later made about the story behind Lily and her husband, Charles.
5. Malia Bernal – Breaking Barriers with Mark Dacascos
Malia Bernal, the mother of Mark Dacascos, made her own mark before her son hit the big screen. In 1974, she became the first woman to grace the cover of Black Belt Magazine, an expert in kung fu and tournament fighting.
Malia trained Mark from the age of 6, alongside his father Al Dacascos. That disciplined upbringing turned Mark into a lethal competitor and graceful performer, known for roles in films such as Double Dragon, Only the Strong, and John Wick: Chapter 3. To this day, he praises his mother’s achievements and guidance.
Malia once said: “I’ve never babied Mark, even when he was a young boy I trained him hard. I will never forget, he always wanted a six pack and while we were living in Germany, Al and I had to go to Italy in connection with a weekend tournament and Mark was always doing his crunches, crunches, crunches! He wanted a six pack like his mother had.”
