I’ve never said that one must view the video to appreciate the intense energy and free-spirited passion that went into a fashion editorial. Scratch that. The Kat Redner, aka @martialkat, photo shoot for the March 2019 issue of ELLE Bulgaria, shot by photographer Ben Cope, with video by Jeffrey Fountain, is an exception. Stylist Tiffani Rae chooses both girl glam and sporty looks mixes for Kat, who spent the majority of her warrior-goddess pose moments in an extreme trampoline routine. / Hair by Philip Carreon; makeup by Jeffrey Fountain

Kat’s fascination with martial arts dates back to her childhood and watching Bruce Lee, Jet Li, Jackie Chan and other Kung Fu moves with her family. Her obsession with martial arts was cemented fully in her mental DNA after watching a documentary about the fighing prowess of Buddhist Shaolin monks. Kat was hooked, but nine years of family-preferred classical piano training awaited her, postponing her Martial Arts practice.

Modern culture often portrays negative stereotypes about the place for women in Martial Arts. Redner argues that the roots of Martial Arts are not sexist at all, telling ELLE Bulgaria: “There are many women masters in the Martial Arts. In fact, many styles of traditional Chinese Martial Arts and even Modern Wushu can be traced by lineage of Female Martial Arts mastery. This is because Kung Fu has no bias, it does not discriminate by gender nor creed. By height or by weight, real skill is something that can be attained by anyone willing to make an effort to succeed. “ Wing Chun, a popular Chinese Martial Arts is rumored to be founded by a woman.

“Only a qualified teacher can take you from average girl to superhuman Xena Warrior Princess.,” Kat explains. You Tube videos are not the answer. Kat stresses that her pursuit of Martial Arts has not come at the expense of her femininity. “. . . it improved my body and health, as I feel fitter, leaner, meaner, and even more adorable than ever before.” Embracing equal rights should not dictate gender-driven stereotypes in her opinion, leaving plenty of skirts in Kat’s closet.

I think martial arts is perfect for women, because on one hand it helps you build skills and confidence necessary to stand up for yourself, your family, friends and loved ones and on the other hand it’s a beautiful art with thousand years history where everyone can find something they would enjoy. Kung fu has numerous weapons including such beautiful ones as straight sword with tassels and fan, which I’m sure almost every woman would enjoy.

Kat and I have communicated since Christmas about her ELLE Bulgaria photo shoot, inspiring me to learn more about martial arts. Asked about the wisdom she’s gained through Kung Fu, the flying-high trampoline expert tells ELLE Bulgaria that she’s learned patience. As the time commitment to one’s martial arts adds up, “you've transformed yourself into a better, stronger, healthier human being” Kat concludes.

Another martial arts expert who also boxes told Vice Media’s Broadly,