Kathy Long

Kathy Long (born April 21, 1964) is an American retired five time world kickboxing champion and mixed martial arts fighter.

Early life

Long was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and was raised in Sunny Mead, California. Later, she moved to Bakersfield where she trained in martial arts under Eric Nolan, who was her manager and trainer throughout her kickboxing career.

Career

Long is a practitioner of the martial arts. She began her training in the Japanese art of Aikido, eventually earning a black belt in the system. Long would go on to earn a black belt in Chinese Kung Fu San Soo, eventually reaching the level of master in the style. She would train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the Machado family, as well as in Jeet Kune Do, Tae Kwon Do, Kali, and Wing Chun Kung Fu.

Long has appeared in numerous movies, and was Michelle Pfeiffer's stunt double in Batman Returns.

In the 1990s, Long was inducted into several sports halls of fame. These would include the Bob Elias' Sports Hall of Fame, Inside Kung Fu Hall of Fame ("Female of the Year"), and the Black Belt Magazine Black Belt Hall of Fame (1991 "Women of the Year"). She has appeared on the cover of 35 magazines. Between 1994 and 1998, Long authored a monthly column in Black Belt Magazine.