Lucia Rijker

Rijker began kickboxing at age fifteen, studying in the gym of Johan Vos, one of the most respected training facilities in Holland and training primarily with male kickboxing, boxing and judo champions. She burst into prominence in the kickboxing world in her sixth match on January 15, 1984 ... disabling veteran American champion Lilly Rodriguez (sister of then world champion kickboxer Benny "The Jet" Urquidez) just 30 seconds into a scheduled five-round fight with powerful kicks to the legs.

Rijker gained an international reputation as a kickboxer, fighting in Europe and Japan. She defeated then-world titleholder Cheryl Wheeler of the USA by decision in Amsterdam on October 6 1985 (and is considered responsible for helping to persuade Cheryl to retire, by breaking her nose in that fight!) She also defeated French champion Nancy Joseph in three rounds, Master Toddy's British star Ann Holmes in 30 seconds in Amsterdam on April 26, 1986, and the skilled French kickboxer Danielle Rocard in just 15 seconds in Arnhem on February 14

Speaks four languages

She is a dedicated Buddhist and spends at least two hours a day in meditation and chanting.

Four-time World Champion kickboxer with a 36-0 record...25 victories were first-round knockouts.

Junior welterweight boxing champion of the Women's International Boxing Federation (WIBF). Her record is 15-0, with 14 knockouts. (As of February 16, 2002.)