Brooke Carlucci trains with other students in a Mixed Martial Arts class at the UFC Gym in La Mirada, California. [Photo provided to China Daily]

She has been teaching MMA at different Los Angeles area gyms for a decade. And every day, she has more women students keen to hone combat skills and feel stronger.

"It's great to see more women get comfortable with it and want to learn a new skill and be confident doing that," she says.

"Some of them are a little intimidated by the contact. (But) that initial intimidation quickly melts away once they get in."

Abrey Martin, one of her students, is dead serious about her own training and progress.

Each blow to the bag, each lightning kick highlights her determination. She is clearly rushing on adrenaline as she pounds away looking for perfect hits.

"I really wanted to do something that made me feel strong and not embarrassed to be strong.

"It can be passionate and fun, and something that gives you strength and growth and you can learn a lot from it. It's not violent," she says without catching a breath.

Just like Martin, Carlucci is fine with her body showing her progress, and fine with her trim lines taking on fearsome new curves.

"I think it's cool that girls can have muscles and be really strong and not have that stereotype of 'stick thin.' It looks awesome," she says. "You feel sexy."