In recognition of these accomplishments, along with her commitment as an ambassador of the martial arts and her positive representation of women in general, Black Belt Magazine named King "Woman of the Year." She was also inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame.

"I was blown away when I heard the news," said King of her nomination. "Black Belt Magazine is an outstanding publication and does a spectacular job of promoting all martial arts. I'm truly honored for this recognition."

In addition to training, fighting and consulting, King, who lives in Las Vegas, also serves as an instructor and executive protection agent with Progressive F.O.R.C.E concepts and hosts self-defense seminars for women and teens across the country.

"My philosophy in life is to embrace new challenges and to always put your best foot forward," said King. "I've been blessed with so many opportunities and am grateful every day."

King and the other award winners are featured in the December issue of Black Belt Magazine. Black Belt bas been around since 1961 and is the world's leading self-defense magazine dedicated to both the classical and the modern martial arts.

Lisa King works as a marketing, public relations and communications consultant, full contact Muay Thai fighter and an instructor and executive protection agent with Progressive F.O.R.C.E Concepts. Through her extensive involvement in martial arts and Muay Thai kickboxing, she has been featured in ESPN's I'd do Anything, the film Ring Girls, the Oxygen Network's 2006 movie Fight Girls, and her four-volume Muay Thai Instructional DVD Series Vicious Vixens produced by Century Martial Arts. She can be seen most recently in Oxygen's 8-week reality show Fight Girls as mentor and trainer to 10 aspiring female fighters. Visit her website at www.theblackwidow.us