Black is Beautiful (2018) 1 - Ann Wolfe

Its 2018 and its February, that means its time for "Black History Month" and this series I started two years ago called "Black is Beautiful" celebrating known and lesser known people and places in Black culture.

This right here is Ann Wolfe. She is a world class fighter from Louisiana. With one of the hardest punches in boxing she was the first woman to win 4 world titles in boxing in 4 separate weight classes. Wolfe had an extremely hard up bringing. She lost both parents as a teen, was molested, faced homelessness, and was trying her best to make it as a single parent. She was inspired by seeing fighters in tv and got Pops Billingsley from Austin Tx to train her. Pop, would mold her already aggressive fighting style into champion winning punches. Wolfe started boxing in the mid 90's and retired in 2016. She was cast as the amazon warrior Artemis in last year's film Wonder Woman and went on to build on the legacy her trainer Pops built by teaching young fighters who had lost their way or had as much anger as she did as a young woman. Wolfe is a proud gay woman and the mother to three kids.


Sources: HBO, The Ringer, Wonder Woman

Character 124 - Laura (fighter)

This is Lucia. She is an incredible fighter and this is the second time I've drawn her.

Who is She? 26- Lucia Rijker

Lucia is one of the greatest fighters to step into the ring. Hailing from the Netherlands, Rijker was born in 1967. She started fighting at the age of six beginning her training in Judo, moving on to fencing, kickboxing, and boxing. As a muay thai kickboxer she has over 37 fights, 36 wins, 25 by knock out, and one draw. As a boxer she had 17 fights , 14 she won by knock out. She was the subject of a documentary called "Shadowboxing" about women in boxing and has appeared as a fighter in the film "Million Dollar Baby" and various other films and tv series. She was inducted into the international hall of fame. She has fought fighters from all over the world and has amassed a collection of titles starting in the early 80's and lasting until she retired in 2007.  Looking at footage of her fight I see extreme power and intense focus. Besides lending her expertise and voice to this day she is also a practicing buddhist.

If you would like to purchase this piece please email me at info@robdontstop.com , 8"x8" mixed media on paper.

Sources: Shadow Boxers (film), Sporteology.com, doghouseboxing.com, Wikipedia

Who is She? 25- Lady Sensei

Lady Sensei is a black belt in ninjutsu and has earned several other ranks in weapons and self defense training. She has been studying martial arts for 10 years and started training as a student of the great Ronald Duncan. In addition to her martial arts training, she is a licensed firearm carrier and shooter. And she has skills in de-escalation of conflicts. She teaches and is still training in martial arts. She is one of the highest ranked women in martial arts today.

Dig this? Check out Master Watts

Sources: Ladysensei.com, ancientfuturecollective.com

Who is She? 24- Sara Khoshjamal-Fekri

Born in 1988 in Rudbar, Gilan- Iran. Khoshjamal-Fekri is an olympic winning Taekwondo fighter. She has fought in Germany, China, Thailand, Korea, England, Iran, and many more places. She started competing in 2006 at the age of 18 and has won several bouts. But more interesting and important, she is the first Iranian woman to qualify and represent Iran in Taekwondo.

I started this series of illustrations for Women's history month last year and plan to continue doing them for this year 2017. I invite any of you (artist or not) to join me in celebrating women from all walks of life, religions, genders, and nationalities. In light of the current climate of prejudice, racism, sexism, and more against Middle Eastern and African folks, Muslims, and women I would like to start off the month with some fighters to highlight their achievements and to promote self defense and "take no shit" attitude from anyone no matter who they are or what office they occupy attitude. Keep fighting back. Kick ass! Celebrating women of the past and present. Tag or mention someone who is a fighter (w/words, fists, paint brushes, etc)

Dig this? Check out Lady Sensei

Sources: Wikipedia, taekwondodata.com,

Inktober 10 - Carla Esparza ( Mma fighter)

Carla Esparza, Mma fighter. Just dug the pose.

Want this original drawing? $60 or Print? $20 (includes shipping)  
Got an idea for an org to donate 30% cost to? Email me info@robdontstop.com