Cynthia Rothrock

Cynthia Ann Christine Rothrock ( Markowski; born March 8, 1957) is an American martial artist and actress in martial arts films. Rothrock holds black belt rankings in seven styles of martial arts and was a high-level competitor in martial arts before becoming an actress. In 2014, she was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame. Early life Rothrock was born Cynthia Ann Christine Markowski on March 8, 1957 in Wilmington, Delaware to Edward and Ann (Exeter) Markowski. She grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and started taking martial arts lessons at the age of 13. Career Martial arts Rothrock was World Champion in forms and weapons five times between 1981 and 1985. These categories are not combat-oriented, being displays of fluidity of movement rather than fighting, and are not segregated into male and female categories but fully open to both sexes.