The Top Six “Girls with Guns” Heroines of Martial Arts Cinema

Girls with Guns Michelle Yeoh, Moon Lee, Cynthia Khan, Yukari Oshima, Sibelle Hu, Sharon Yeung Pan Pan.The “Girls with Guns” era of martial arts cinema, spanning the mid-1980s to early 1990s, was a bold chapter…

Girls with Guns Michelle Yeoh, Moon Lee, Cynthia Khan, Yukari Oshima, Sibelle Hu, Sharon Yeung Pan Pan.

The “Girls with Guns” era of martial arts cinema, spanning the mid-1980s to early 1990s, was a bold chapter in Hong Kong action films. These movies broke new ground by placing fierce, skilled women at the forefront. it blended martial arts with high-octane gunplay. Set against urban backdrops, the genre became known for its stylish action sequences, fearless heroines, and the defiance of male-dominated action tropes. It had a lasting impact on global cinema.

Girls with Guns

Here are the top six heroines who defined the Girls with Guns period of martial arts cinema.

1. Michelle Yeoh

Michelle Yeoh is arguably the most recognizable figure from the “Girls with Guns” era. Originally trained as a dancer, Yeoh transitioned into action films with her breakout role in Yes, Madam (1985), co-starring Cynthia Rothrock. Her physicality was evident in hits like Royal Warriors (1986) and Police Story 3: Supercop (1992), where she performed her own stunts alongside Jackie Chan. Yeoh’s ability to balance grace with grit made her a pioneer, paving the way for women in action films. Today, she continues to inspire, recently winning an Academy Award for Everything Everywhere All at Once.

2. Moon Lee

Known as the queen of the subgenre, Moon Lee charmed audiences with her athleticism and stunts. A former dancer, Lee became a household name with films like Iron Angels (1987) and Devil Hunters (1989). Her performances were a mix of agility and toughness, often portraying heroines who faced overwhelming odds. Lee’s willingness to take on risky stunts added to her status, though it led to a near-fatal accident on set. One of the top Girls with Guns.

moon lee

3. Cynthia Khan

Cynthia Khan burst onto the scene as the successor to Michelle Yeoh in the In the Line of Duty series, starting with In the Line of Duty 3 (1988). Her screen name, a blend of “Cynthia Rothrock” and “Michelle Khan,” echoed her role as a torchbearer for the genre. Khan’s background in taekwondo and dance made her a natural fit for action-packed roles, particularly in In the Line of Duty 4 (1989) alongside Donnie Yen.

4. Yukari Oshima

Japanese martial artist Yukari Oshima became a sensation in Hong Kong cinema with her powerful performances and unique fighting style, rooted in Goju-ryu karate. Often cast as a villain, Oshima showed her ability in films like Angel (1987) and Angel Terminators (1992). Her combination of striking techniques and acrobatic choreography made her fight scenes unforgettable. After her Hong Kong career waned, Oshima found success in the Philippines, further cementing her legacy as a dynamic action star.

Yukari Oshima

5. Sibelle Hu

Sibelle Hu brought an air of authority to the “Girls with Guns” subgenre, often playing tough-as-nails police officers. Best known for The Inspector Wears Skirts (1988) series, Hu was a commanding presence on screen, blending a no-nonsense attitude with impressive action sequences. Despite a serious injury during the filming of Devil Hunters (1989), she remained a prominent figure in the genre before transitioning into a quieter life after marriage.

Sibelle Hu

6. Sharon Yeung Pan Pan

Sharon Yeung Pan Pan was an actress who combined martial arts with emotional depth. Starring in films like Angel Enforcers (1989) and Princess Madam (1989), she added an edge to the subgenre. Her ability to switch between drama and high-octane action earned her a devoted following.

Sharon Yeung Pan Pan 2

Michiko Nishiwaki – The Pioneer of Martial Arts Movies and Body Building

Michiko NishiwakiMichiko Nishiwaki’s career spans bodybuilding, martial arts, and action cinema. Born on November 21, 1957, in Japan, she has…

Michiko Nishiwaki

Michiko Nishiwaki’s career spans bodybuilding, martial arts, and action cinema. Born on November 21, 1957, in Japan, she has challenged norms and inspired change in multiple fields. With her action movies, she was a key figure in the martial arts boom era of filmmaking.

Michiko Nishiwaki

Japan’s First Female Bodybuilding Champion

In the early 1980s, Michiko Nishiwaki became Japan’s first female bodybuilding champion. She held the title for three years. Her success came without using performance-enhancing drugs.

At a time when muscular women faced criticism, Nishiwaki showed that strength and femininity could coexist. Her achievements led to a fitness boom in Japan. She opened three gyms and appeared frequently on television.

Michiko Nishiwaki 3

Martial Arts Expertise

Nishiwaki is trained in several martial arts. She holds a black belt in G?j?-ry? karate and has studied Shotokan karate, wushu, and taekwondo. These skills became central to her film career.

Michiko Nishiwaki

My Lucky Stars

Nishiwaki debuted in the 1985 film My Lucky Stars with Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung. She often played villains and tough female characters in action films. Her roles helped popularize the “girls with guns” subgenre.

Hong Kong Cinema

Her films, such as In the Line of Duty III and Avenging Quartet, highlighted her martial arts and stunt abilities. She became a key figure in Hong Kong action cinema during the 1980s and 1990s.

Hollywood Stunt Career

After her success in Hong Kong, Michiko Nishiwaki moved to Hollywood. She worked as a stuntwoman for stars like Lucy Liu in Charlie’s Angels and Kelly Hu in The Scorpion King. Her stunts appeared in films like Kill Bill: Vol. 2 and Mission: Impossible III.

Nishiwaki broke barriers for women in fitness, martial arts, and film. She inspired more women to pursue strength training and martial arts. Her work brought Hong Kong action styles to global audiences.

Michiko Nishiwaki

Does Michelle Yeoh Know Martial Arts? From Ballet to Martial Arts Action Star

Does Michelle Yeoh Know Martial Arts?Does Michelle Yeoh Know Martial Arts? Michelle Yeoh is widely celebrated for her martial arts performances in action movies,…

Does Michelle Yeoh Know Martial Arts?

Does Michelle Yeoh Know Martial Arts? Michelle Yeoh is widely celebrated for her martial arts performances in action movies, but did you know she didn’t grow up practicing martial arts? Despite her on-screen expertise, Yeoh didn’t have formal martial arts training in her early years. Instead, her journey into the world of martial arts started later and was deeply influenced by her background in ballet.

Does Michelle Yeoh Know Martial Arts?

From Ballet to Martial Arts

Michelle Yeoh trained in ballet during her youth, which gave her incredible body control, flexibility, and discipline. These skills became a strong foundation when she transitioned into acting in the 1980s. Initially entering the film industry after winning the Miss Malaysia pageant in 1983, Yeoh took on action roles without formal martial arts experience. However, she was determined to excel.

On set, she trained tirelessly, learning techniques from martial arts experts like Yuen Woo-ping and Sammo Hung. Yeoh’s dedication led her to perform her own stunts, mastering the choreography of martial arts. Over time, she developed proficiency in disciplines such as Taekwondo, Wushu, and Tai Chi.

does michelle yeoh know martial arts 2

Breaking Barriers in Action Cinema

Michelle Yeoh’s talent quickly earned her a reputation as a leading action star in Martial Arts films. Her role in Police Story 3: Supercop (1992) alongside Jackie Chan showcased her stunt work and martial arts ability. 

Yeoh also became one of the first Asian actresses to break into Western cinema with her role as Wai Lin in the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies (1997). As Wai Lin, Yeoh played a spy who was equal to Bond in skill, breaking stereotypes about Bond girls. 

Michelle Yeoh

Iconic Martial Arts Performances

Yeoh’s martial arts skills truly shined in films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) and Wing Chun (1994). These roles required extensive training and showcased her ability. Yeoh’s dedication to her craft earned her the nickname “Action Queen,” with fans and critics alike.

Does Michelle Yeoh Know Martial Arts 2

The Legacy of Michelle Yeoh

Although she didn’t start with traditional martial arts training, Michelle Yeoh’s hard work and discipline transformed her into a respected figure in action cinema. Her performances have inspired countless viewers and helped bring Asian martial arts films to the forefront of global entertainment. So, does Michelle Yeoh know martial arts? Absolutely, but it didn’t start that way. It was learned through practical use on the set.

does michelle yeoh know martial arts 3

Catch Wrestling: A History

Catch WrestlingCatch wrestling has an illustrious history that dates back further than modern BJJ. The history of catch-as-catch-can is full…

Catch Wrestling

Catch wrestling has an illustrious history that dates back further than modern BJJ. The history of catch-as-catch-can is full of incredible grapplers who helped shape modern combat sports.

Here is the full history of catch wrestling. Check out the rich history of this wrestling style below and see how it has influenced modern martial arts training.

What is Catch Wrestling? 

Catch Wrestling choke

Catch wrestling or “Catch-as-Catch-Can” wrestling is a hybrid grappling style that originated in England during the late 19th century. The style combines techniques from several styles of wrestling from the region, including:

  • Lancashire Wrestling: A folk style of wrestling that originated in Northwest England within the county of Lancashire.
  • Irish-Collar-and-Elbow: A form of jacket wrestling developed within Ireland.
  • Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling: Another historic form of folk-style wrestling practiced in the North Country.

The History of Catch Wrestling

History of Catch Wrestling

The beginnings of catch wrestling date back to Lancashire County during the 19th century. At this time, Lancashire was known for being home to tough men who worked in the region’s mines.

Many of these Lancashire miners were well-versed wrestlers who wrestled one another after their shifts in the mines. These miners and laborers often competed against one another for wages and entertainment. 

Unlike other styles of wrestling practiced, these Lancashire wrestlers adapted their own rules. Their rules allow for a broader range of holds and submissions compared to earlier folk styles.

This style of wrestling would be called “catch-as-catch-can” or later catch wrestling for short.

John Graham Chambers

Early forms of catch-as-catch-can were crude in nature and didn’t have a strict set of formal rules. Early catch wrestlers of the time would use any type of technique(even dirty techniques) to achieve victory.

That was why there was a need for formal rules for catch wrestling to be developed. The formal rules for the catch-as-catch-can style were originally developed and introduced by John Graham Chambers in 1871. 

Originally, Chambers introduced the rule of “first down to lose,” however, the idea wasn’t widely supported. Instead, wrestlers would start from all fours on the ground.

Top English wrestling promoters, including J. Wannop of New Cross, began promoting this new system of wrestling. It was seen as a combining of the different English folk wrestling styles into one style.

The Cumberland and Westmorland Amateur Wrestling Society was founded, and they held their first Midsomer gathering at the Paddington Recreational Grounds. For spectators, the catch-as-catch-can principle was new, but it was seen as an advancement in the loose-hold system.

Indian Pehlwani Wrestling’s Influence

Catch wrestling’s development would also be influenced by international styles of wrestling, which included Indian Pehlwani wrestling. English wrestling champion Tom Cannon was defeated by Pehlwani wrestler Kareem Bukshduring a trip to British India in 1892.

This defeat allowed other Indian Pehlwani wrestlers, which included The Great Gama, to be invited to compete in London. 

Catch Wrestling at US Carnivals 

Catch became hugely popular in the United States during the late 1800s to early 1900s. Catch-as-catch-can techniques were adopted by American wrestlers who worked on various carnival circuits.

At these carnivals, these wrestlers would take open challenges from the toughest men in each town. To prepare for these challenges, these carnival wrestlers learned different “hooking techniques” that were often used within forms of catch.

The wrestlers would quickly hook the challengers and submit them in seconds. Many of these challenges were also “fixed” which would later go on to create professional wrestling.

Catch Nearly Becoming an Olympic Sport 

As the 19th century began, catch wrestling was widely popular and practiced within Europe and North America. During this time, catch wrestling was set to pick an official Olympic event for the 1904 Games.

Unfortunately, catch-as-catch-can would be removed at the last minute. The inclusion of submissions was seen as a potential injury risk and made event organizers nervous.

The newly created Greco-Roman style replaced catch wrestling and became one of the world’s most popular forms of wrestling.

The Snake Pit

English wrestler Billy Riley is arguably the most influential figure in the development of catch wrestling. The Wigan, Lancashire native, was known as the best wrestler in the area during his era. 

During Riley’s wrestling career, he won various wrestling titles and is often revered as the country’s best wrestler. When Billy retired from competition, he turned to coaching in his hometown of Wigan.

Riley opened the world-famous Snake Pit Catch Wrestling School. For decades, Riley helped train numerous wrestling world champions from across the world. 

The best wrestlers in the world would travel to Wigan to learn directly under Riley. Everyone from Billy Robinson, Karl Gotch, and Bert Assirati all learned under the great Billy Riley at the Snake Pit.

Modern Catch Wrestling

Catch Wrestling in Gym

Today, catch wrestling is still taught and practiced globally. Some of the top modern catch wrestlers include Erik Paulson, Josh Barnett, and Tony Ceccine.

The Rules of Catch Wrestling

The catch wrestling rules and guidelines listed below were taken from the official Snake-Pit-USA/ICWF website.

  • Permitted Techniques: Nearly all submissions are permitted, except small joint manipulation, striking, and eye gouging
  • Best of Three Match System
  • 5-Min Rounds
  • Ways to Win: Submission or Pin
  • Five-Points System: Each competitor starts the round with 5-points. Matches will go to points if each round does not have a pin or submission.
  • Ways to Lose Points: Being Thrown, pulling guard/butt scooting, or 3 passivity warnings.

Men’s Weight Classes

  • Heavyweight: 200 lbs(90.7 kg) & Up
  • Middleweight: 175 to 199 lbs(79 to 90.2 kg)
  • Lightweight: 174 lbs and Under(78.9 kg)

Women’s Weight Classes

  • Absolute/Open Weight

Does Catch Wrestling Have a Belt System

Traditionally, catch wrestling has never used a formal belt system within its teachings. However, there are some modern catch wrestling schools that may have introduced their own belt systems.

Modern Catch Wrestling Training

Modern-day catch wrestling training is very similar to the training of No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu. However, catch-as-catch-can is more heavily based in wrestling and generally permits novice students to use more advanced techniques.

Impact on Modern Combat Sports

Catch wrestling’s legacy is evident in various combat sports, which includes MMA, Sambo, and No-Gi Jiu Jitsu. Catch techniques have been highly effective within MMA, with top practitioners like Josh Barnett and Kazushi Sakuraba being revered as legends.

The effectiveness and adaptability of catch wrestling have ensured its continued practice within the world’s biggest combat sports.

Chain Wrestling

Chain WrestlingIn every form of wrestling, all of the techniques are connected together through chain wrestling. These connections are what…

Chain Wrestling

In every form of wrestling, all of the techniques are connected together through chain wrestling. These connections are what make the link from getting an opponent to the ground and into a pinning position. 

Below are fifty examples of chain wrestling, with descriptions provided. Check out these chain wrestling techniques and be sure to add any to your arsenal that you may not know.

What is Chain Wrestling?

Chain Wrestling

Chain wrestling is the connecting of different techniques for the goal of landing a takedown, pin, or submission. There are nearly infinite examples of chain wrestling, with variations taught by different coaches.

Standing Transitions 

Many chain wrestling transitions begin from stranding and connect techniques in order to secure a takedown. Here are ten examples of stranding transitions using chain wrestling.

1. Collar-and-Elbow Tie-Up to Arm Drag

An arm drag is a common setup from a collar-and-elbow tie-up. Take your collar tie hand off your opponent’s neck and grab above their elbow as you step in. 

2. Duck Under to Back Control 

From a bicep control, raise your opponent’s arm up to give you space to duck under and go to their back.

3. Snap Down to Front Headlock 

Using a collar tie, break your opponent’s posture by snapping their head down and secure a front headlock.

4. Arm Drag to Single-Leg Takedown 

One of the many transitions from an arm drag is to a basic single-leg takedown. As you step into your arm drag, change levels, and grab a single leg on your opponent.

5. Russian Tie to Fireman’s Carry 

When your opponent goes for a collar tie, counter the grab with a Russian tie. With both hands controlling their arm, take one grip off, dive between their legs, and secure the fireman’s carry.

6. Double-Leg Takedown to Bodylock 

In case of an opponent sprawling your double-leg, fake the attempt and come up into a bodylock.

7. Waist Lock to Standing Switch 

When your opponent has a back waist lock, counter the grip by exploding up and counter into a standing switch.

8. Head-and Arm Tie-Up to Arm Spin 

From a collar tie, fake a single-leg on your opponent to set up an arm spin and go to their back.

9. Shuck to Side Body Lock 

When you attempt a go behind transition, your opponent will often follow you. In this case, use a shuck to throw their head to the side and take a side body lock.

10. Snap Down to Go-Behind

From head-and-arm control, snap your opponent down and go behind their back.

Ground Transitions

11. Single-Leg Takedown to Ankle Pick 

From a collar-tie, a single leg set up is common, but your opponent might take their front leg away. If they do that, you can go to a nice ankle pick on the opposite side.

12. Front Headlock to Cradle 

Front headlock to any cradle variation you like, from the inside of outside depending on the situation.

13. Switch Armbar Half Nelson

Use an armbar to break down your opponent’s posture as you switch to a half nelson for a pin attempt.

14. Knee Tap to Side Control 

From an underhook, pull your opponent forward to hit the knee tap and land in side-control.

15. Sprawl to Back Control 

Sprawl on top of your opponent as they come in for a takedown attempt and transition around to back control.

16. Cross Wrist Release to Cross Face Cradle

Let go of a cross wrist grip to hit a cross face cradle variation.

17. Snap Down to Gut Wrench

Snap your opponent’s head down, rotate to their side, grab a bodylock, and roll into a gut wrench.

18. Hip Heist Escape From Tight Waist

A hip heist escape is the most common escape from when your opponent has a tight waist. 

19. Granby to Peterson Roll

Escape out of a tight waist lock using a Granby roll and transitioning into a Peterson roll.

20. Leg Ride to Power Half-Nelson

Leg riding and transitioning your opponent to their back using a power half-nelson.

Submission Transitions(Submission Wrestling)

Submission Transitions

Chain wrestling becomes even more diverse once submissions are added to the equation. Here are some examples of chains from submission wrestling.

21. Side-Control to Kimura Lock(Double Wrist Lock) 

In side-control-isolate your opponents far arm and lock-on a kimura or double wrist lock.

22. Side-Control to Arm Triangle Choke 

From side-control, push your opponent’s far arm across their neck as you lock your hands together. Hop to the other side, sprawl to the mat, and lock in your submission.

23. Front Head Control to Guillotine Choke 

Snap your opponent’s head down into front head control, and lock in a guillotine choke.

24. Single-Leg Attempt to Heel Hook 

Fake a single-leg takedown attempt and fall back on your opponent’s leg and lock in a heel hook.

25. Arm Drag to Rear Naked Choke 

Use an arm drag to get all the way to your opponent’s back and lock in a rear naked choke.

26. Mount to Armbar 

From the mount, hug your opponent’s arm to your chest and transition into an armlock.

27. Mount to Triangle Choke 

From the mount, control both of your opponent’s arms. Push one arm to their chest as you bring your leg up and lift their neck off their mat. Triangle your legs together and either stay mounted or go to your back.

28. Americana to Arm Triangle 

Your opponent may react to an Americana attempt by keeping their arm in tight. If they defend this way, use the opportunity to set up an arm triangle submission.

29. Guillotine Choke to Anaconda Choke

If your opponent defends your guillotine attempt, use it as a setup to go into a tight anaconda choke

30. Triangle Choke to Omoplata

If your opponent is defending your triangle choke attempt by hooking their arm around your leg, use this to hit an omoplata.

Reversal and Counter Transitions

Chain Wrestling reversal

There’s a whole other set of chain wrestling maneuvers to either reverse or counter out of a bad spot. Here are ten examples of these moves.

31. Granby Roll to Escape 

Just like mentioned above, you can Granby roll to roll out of a tight waist grab.

32. Exploding Sit Out Switch

When your opponent is chasing you, a normal sit out may not work. Another option is a exploding variation where you shoot your hips forward before going into your switch,

33. The Hurdler

When your opponent is on top with a leg ride, straighten your leg, and pivot hard into your opponent.

UFC 307 Betting Odds Breakdown

UFC 307 Betting Odds BreakdownUFC 307 is approaching quickly, and the main card presents some interesting betting opportunities, especially in the main event,…

UFC 307 Betting Odds Breakdown

UFC 307 is approaching quickly, and the main card presents some interesting betting opportunities, especially in the main event, where two knockout artists, Alexi Pereira and Khalil Rountree, are set to collide.

Here’s our complete UFC 307 betting odds breakdown to get you prepared to lay some bets down on the fights. 

Alex Pereira(-500) vs. Khalil Rountree Jr.(+450)

Alex Pereira vs Khalil Rountree Jr.

Out of all of the MMA odds on the UFC 307 card, there is no other more interesting than the main event. Light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira is going for his 3rd title defense against Khalil Rountree.

Two of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC who always look to finish the fight quickly. Pereira is currently the betting favorite at around -500, while Rountree is at an enticing +450.

That +450 odds on Khalil is really tempting as he’s won his 5 fights by KO. He has the tools to shock Poatan, so a lot of fight fans are willing to gamble on these odds. 

One thing that you can almost guarantee is that this fight won’t go to a decision and somebody is going down.

Raquel Pennington(-150) vs. Julianna Pena(+150)

Raquel Pennington vs Julianna Pena

In the co-main event of UFC, women’s bantamweight champ Raquel Pennington goes against the former champion Julianna Pena. Both UFC veterans are known for their grinding styles, which usually take the fight to the scorecards.

Most Vegas oddsmakers have the odds rather close, with Pennington at -150 and Pena at +150. This fight will most likely be a toss-up, as either fighter could grind out a win.

Casual fans will probably take a break from this fight to get ready for the main event. However, if you want to bet on this fight, the odds are high that this fight will go to a decision.

Jose Aldo(+150) vs. Mario Bautista(-175)

Jose Aldo vs Mario Bautista

On the undercard, the legend Jose Aldo is back on his comeback tour to face a rising star in Mario Bautista.  Aldo won his comeback fight by decision, while Bautista is on a 6-fight win streak with 3 wins by submission.

Bautista, the 11th-ranked bantamweight, will look to get a career-defining win against the UFC legend in Aldo. However, Aldo looked good in his comeback win and hasn’t lost a step.

This will be another pick’em, which will likely go to a decision, but the +150 on Aldo is an enticing bet. 

Ketlen Vieira(+550) vs. Kayla Harrison(-800)

Ketlen Vieira vs Kayla Harrison

In the biggest odds of the night at UFC 307, we have Ketlen Vieira vs. Kayla Harrison. The Olympic gold medalist Harrison claims she is the uncrowned champion and the world’s best female fighter.

She has made easy work of her opponents and taken them down at will. Harrison has huge odds in her favor at -800, while Vieira is at around +550.

This is a title fight eliminator, with just about every expert picking Kayla Harrison to dominate. However, the +550 odds on Vieira will net a huge payday if Ketlen’s able to have the performance of her career.