- George Chung
- Mar 8
- 3 min read
In the world of martial arts, forms (kata) competitions have long been a showcase of precision, power, and artistry.
Over the years, several women have risen to the top, setting new standards and inspiring generations of martial artists.
Among them, Cynthia Rothrock, Christine Bannon-Rodrigues, Caitlin Dechelle, Haley Glass, Elsa Cordero, Sammy Smith, Mackensi Emory, and Gabriele Rudolph stand out as some of the most accomplished forms champions in history.
Cynthia Rothrock: The Pioneer of Women’s Forms Competition
Cynthia Rothrock is a legendary figure in martial arts, known for dominating the competitive circuit during the 1980s.
As a five-time World Champion in forms and weapons, she shattered barriers for women in the sport, proving they could compete at the highest levels. Rothrock’s signature blend of speed, flexibility, and technical excellence made her a formidable competitor.
Beyond competition, she transitioned into action films, becoming one of the first female martial arts movie stars and further cementing her legacy.
Christine Bannon-Rodrigues: A Multi-Time World Champion
Christine Bannon-Rodrigues is another martial arts icon, best known for her incredible performances in forms, weapons, and fighting divisions.
She gained international fame in 1991 when she won three gold medals at the WAKO World Championships.
Her precision and creativity in forms set her apart, and she has since dedicated herself to teaching, coaching, and promoting tournaments, ensuring the next generation of martial artists continues to thrive.
Elsa Cordero: A Trailblazer in Traditional Forms
Elsa Cordero is recognized as one of the top female competitors in traditional forms and weapons.
With her deep understanding of classical martial arts techniques and her ability to execute them with grace and power, Cordero has earned respect both nationally and internationally.
Her contributions to martial arts extend beyond competition, as she continues to mentor and inspire new generations of martial artists.
Caitlin Dechelle: The Next Generation of Elite Competitors
Caitlin Dechelle took the forms competition scene by storm, earning more than 90 world titles throughout her career.
A protégé of legends like Mike Chat, she became known for her high-energy performances, blending traditional and extreme martial arts with unparalleled athleticism.
Dechelle’s mastery in weapons and open-hand forms led her to a successful career in Hollywood as a stunt performer, doubling for stars like Gal Gadot in Wonder Woman.
Sammy Smith: A Young Champion Redefining Sport Martial Arts
Sammy Smith became one of the biggest names in modern sport karate.
Known for her electrifying performances in creative and extreme forms, she has dominated the competition scene with her exceptional skill and athleticism.
Smith’s ability to combine powerful strikes with high-flying tricks has made her a standout competitor, paving the way for the future of sport martial arts.
Mackensi Emory: A Dominant Force in Extreme Forms
Mackensi Emory is one of the most accomplished and influential martial artists of her generation.
A multiple-time world champion, Emory has set the standard for extreme forms and weapons with her flawless execution and unparalleled difficulty in routines.
Her ability to seamlessly blend speed, precision, and acrobatics has earned her international recognition, and she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in competitive martial arts.
Gabrielle Rudolph: A Skilled Competitor with Global Recognition
Gabriele Rudolph has made a lasting impact on the martial arts world through her dedication to forms and weapons competition.
Known for her technical excellence and fluid movements, she has competed at the highest levels and earned prestigious titles.
Her influence in the sport extends beyond competing, as she works to promote martial arts and encourage more women to take part in high-level forms competition.
Haley Glass: A Rising Star in Forms and Weapons
Among the newest generation of martial arts champions, Haley Glass has made a name for herself as an elite competitor in forms and weapons.
With an innovative style and a commanding stage presence, she has won numerous world championships in extreme and traditional divisions.
Her dynamic performances, featuring intricate weapon manipulations and explosive movements, have solidified her reputation as one of the top female martial artists in the sport today.
