Long ago it seemed unthinkable: women in the ring, in the cage, on the mat. Martial arts were 'a man's thing'. Hard. Raw. Not for girls, they said. But as with anything really powerful, you can't stop it. Women literally and figuratively fought their way in. And how!
From Rousey to Randamie – pioneers with power
Real change often starts with one voice, one face, one fight. For many, that was Ronda Rousey. She kicked open the door to the UFC in 2012—not quietly, but with an armlock you won’t soon forget. She was fast, smart, relentlessly good. And most of all, she proved that women belong in the spotlight of the big fight.
Dutch female fighters
In the Netherlands we already had a few legends ready. Lucia Rijker? Undefeated. A phenomenon in kickboxing and boxing. Jorina Baars? World champion with a list of titles that are second to none. And then you have Germaine de Randamie, Ilonka Elmont, Nouchka Fontijn, Denise Kielholtz – all ladies who enter every gym like bosses.
More than strength: women are changing the game
What women bring to martial arts is more than just muscles. Think of technique, flexibility, smart strategy. They fight with their head and their heart. And let's be honest: it has only made the sport more beautiful. People see it differently now. Where the stereotype 'brutal and aggressive' used to hang over the sport, you now see finesse, respect, and a story. And women are at the heart of that story. Or rather: they wrote it.
Any more obstacles?
The road to respect is not always paved with medals. Female fighters still often earn less than their male counterparts. They receive comments that no athlete wants, are judged online on their appearance instead of their performance. But they don't give up. Because fighting is not just about winning, it's about staying on. And they do. Hard.
The new generation is already ready
You're next
Do you dream of stepping into the ring? Do you want to learn how to kick, win a clinch, or just stand stronger in your shoes? Don’t wait for permission. You already have it. The ring belongs to everyone – and that includes you.
Martial arts for everyone!
At Fight2Win.nl we believe that martial arts is for everyone. Woman, man, beginner or pro. So whether you are training for a match, taking your first lesson or just want to clear your head - you belong.
