Karyn Turner: The Queen Who Changed the Game

In an era when martial arts competition was still finding its identity—and women were rarely given a place in the spotlight—Karyn Turner didn’t just enter the arena… she redefined it.

Known variously as the “Queen of Kata,” the “First Lady of Kung Fu,” and later the “Mother of U.S. Kickboxing,” Turner emerged in the mid-1970s as one of the most dynamic and versatile competitors of her time. Trained under Al Dacascos and Malia Dacascos in the Wun Hop Kune Do system, she brought a unique blend of artistry, athleticism, and fighting spirit into competition.

Her breakthrough moment came in 1976, when she became the first woman to capture a double victory in both fighting (kumite) and forms (kata) at the International Women’s Karate Championship—a feat unheard of at the time. But Turner didn’t stop at women’s divisions.

At a time when such barriers were rarely challenged, she stepped into men’s divisions at the World Championships—competing, and winning, in both kata and weapons, including the steel whip. By 1977, at the height of her career, Turner entered 23 tournaments and dominated across three divisions, once again proving her ability to transcend expectations.

Black Belt recognized her impact early, naming her the “most outstanding woman in the history of martial arts” in 1978. More honors followed: in 1990, she became the first woman ever inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame as “Competitor of the Year,” the same year she was named “Woman of the Year.” Her legacy was further cemented with her 2009 induction into the Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame.

Born in Lyons, Kansas, and raised in Colorado, Turner began her martial arts journey at 19 in tae kwon do before finding her path in kung fu. Though her competitive career spanned just a few years—from 1975 to 1979—her impact was lasting.

After retiring from competition, she formed the “Hard Knocks” demonstration team and later helped shape the sport behind the scenes through her promotional company, Superfights, Inc.

In a time defined by toughness, innovation, and few limitations, Karyn Turner stood at the center of it all—bridging divisions, breaking barriers, and leaving a legacy that continues to influence martial artists today.

Here is a throw back article feature from November of 1979.