About the Martial Arts Woman

Andrea F. Harkins, a/k/a THE MARTIAL ARTS WOMAN, is an internationally recognized writer, motivator, and martial artist.

Andrea has taught students of all ages emphasizing not just technique but mindset, character and personal growth. She began her martial art journey in 1989 and quickly discovered that the physical training was only one part of a more transformative path.

Her impact extends far beyond the dojo. She is the author of three martial art related books that explore the intersection of martial arts and personal development. Her writing appears in national martial art publications. She has built a global audience by promoting that martial arts are as much about self-discovery and personal empowerment as they are about self-defense. She is a blogger and podcaster of The Martial Arts Woman Podcast.

Andrea has been featured twice in The World Martial Arts Magazine, twice in Martial Art Illustrated UK, twice in MASUCCESS magazine, and in the Deadly Art of Survival magazine. She was also featured in the book, Legends and Legacies.

AWARDS/RECOGNITION: In July, 2017, Andrea was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame for Leading Motivational Speaker/Author/ Martial Arts Business Expert and The Ambassador Award. She was inducted into the Canadian Martial Art Hall of Fame in 2016. She is listed in AMAA’s Who’s Who in Martial Arts 1st Edition. She was inducted into the World Pugilist Hall of Fame in 2025.

She is in the Top 15 Martial Art Podcasts to follow; The Top 54 Martial Art Blogs You Should Follow (2021) and listed as First Place in the Top 30 Martial Arts Blogs and Websites To Follow (Feedspot). She was inducted into the World Pugilist Hall of Fame in 2025.

COLUMNIST: Andrea is a former columnist for MASUCCESS magazine, The Parrish Village News, Martial Art Illustrated UK, The World Martial Arts Magazine, UK’s The Martial Art Guardian, Martial Arts Business (Australia), Conflict Manager, and Think Positive Magazine.

INTERVIEWS: Andrea has been interviewed on numerous martial art and positivity podcast shows including Martial Thoughts, Martial Art Nation, Warriorcast, the Dynamic Dojo Radio Show, Martial Arts Media, Readily Random, Life is a Marathon, the Master Jack show, The Every Day Martial Artist, The Motivated Martial Artist, Coaching Call, Gloves Off, The Martial View, and more where she shares her insightful messages of positivity, hope, encouragement and martial arts. Her mission is to help others live positive, happy, and powerful lives.

IGNITE YOUR POWER! Join Andrea in her journey to discover how to win life’s everyday challenges. It does not matter if you are a martial artist. Every person is capable of igniting their personal power, wisdom, and grace, with compassion and spirit, just like a seasoned martial artist.

Find the balance that is missing in your life and learn Andrea’s secrets and martial arts wisdom that she graciously shares, in order to help you live a better life each and every day.

WELCOME to The Martial Arts Woman.

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