Grand Master Linda Ramzy Ranson is a nationally and internationally recognized martial artist, women's empowerment and self-defense expert, educator, consultant, lecturer, and advocate for the prevention of violence against women, girls, and vulnerable populations.
In 1981, Grand Master Ramzy Ranson founded the Women's Empowerment Self-Defense Academy (WESDA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and DOE-recognized, comprehensive multicultural organization dedicated to empowering individuals with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and practical self-defense techniques necessary to prevent victimization and reduce the risk of violence.
She holds a 10th Degree Black Belt in Fuji Ryu Ju-Jitsu and a 10th Degree Black Belt in Karate, representing the highest attainable level of rank in her martial arts disciplines. She has dedicated more than four decades to martial arts education, women's empowerment, violence prevention, and community service.
She formerly owned and operated two martial arts schools in the Bronx. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the schools closed in 2020, and she continues to look forward to reopening and expanding her programs.
Prevention, not intervention
Women's Empowerment & Violence Prevention
Through WESDA, Grand Master Ranson developed specialized empowerment and self-defense programs addressing the prevention of:
- Domestic and intimate-partner violence
- Rape and sexual assault
- Sexual harassment
- Sex trafficking
- Stalking
- Cyber harassment and sexting-related risks
- Psychological and emotional abuse
- Financial abuse
- Unhealthy and abusive relationships
- Other forms of physical and non-physical violence
WESDA provides programs designed for women and girls, LGBTQ+ communities, differently abled individuals, and others who may be vulnerable to violence or re-victimization. Recognizing that boys and men can also experience domestic violence, sexual assault, harassment, and other forms of abuse, Grand Master Ranson provides appropriate empowerment and self-defense education for them as well.
Her philosophy centers on prevention rather than intervention — providing people with the awareness, knowledge, confidence, tools, skills, and techniques needed to recognize potentially dangerous situations, establish boundaries, respond effectively, and protect themselves from harm.
She has also developed a specialized and intensive empowerment self-defense and martial arts program addressing the particular concerns and risks experienced by members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Rank & discipline
Martial Arts Credentials
Grand Master Ranson has devoted more than 40 years to martial arts training, instruction, competition, self-defense education, and leadership. She teaches Ju-Jitsu and self-defense to women, men, children, LGBTQ+ individuals, and differently abled participants, adapting instruction to meet the needs of diverse communities.
1989 – 1999
Princeton University
For 10 years, Grand Master Ranson consulted, lectured, and instructed classes in her Women's Empowerment Self-Defense and Ju-Jitsu programs at Princeton University.
Presented in recognition of her outstanding work in women's empowerment and self-defense.
Four decades, worldwide
National & International Teaching
Her consulting, teaching, lecturing, and self-defense programs have taken her to universities, colleges, organizations, and communities throughout the United States and internationally. Engagements have included:
- Princeton University
- Yale University
- New York University
- Columbia University
- Hofstra University
- Dartmouth College
- University of Hawaii
- Paris
- London
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Trinidad
- The Bahamas
She has also worked with numerous other educational institutions, organizations, and community groups throughout her career.
Beyond the dojo
Education & Healthcare Career
- Degree as a Paramedic
- Degree in Health Information Management
- Clinical Data Analyst (retired)
- Graduated Magna Cum Laude
Her combination of healthcare education, data analysis experience, martial arts expertise, and violence-prevention training gives her a multidisciplinary perspective on safety, health, prevention, and community empowerment.
On the mat
Competitive Achievements
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1990
Gay Games III — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Competed and earned two gold medals for her martial arts performances. She was subsequently featured on the cover and centerfold of two separate Gay Games III publications.
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1996
World Championships, Sport Ju-Jitsu (Mixed Martial Arts)
Selected to compete as a member of the USA Martial Arts Ju-Jitsu Team, where she won two World Titles.
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Career
Tournament competition
Competed in numerous tournaments, earning multiple first-place finishes.
Film & entertainment
Fight Direction & Screen Work
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1994
Shaolin Popey: Messy Temple 2
Invited to Hong Kong, China, to participate as a martial arts fighter in the feature film.
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1998
Masters of the Martial Arts, presented by Wesley Snipes
Selected as one of four women recognized among outstanding female martial artists from around the world.
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2004
Blade
Invited by Wesley Snipes to appear alongside him as one of the fighters. She made the difficult decision to decline, as she was completing her final semester of college — choosing to finish her education, and graduating Magna Cum Laude.
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2011
The Empty Hands
Served as Fight Stunt Choreographer.
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2023
Mixed Blood
Served as Fight Director, on a film produced by Professor Mahalia Bethel.
Press & publications
Media & Public Recognition
Grand Master Ranson has received extensive media attention throughout her career for her work in martial arts, women's empowerment, rape prevention, domestic violence prevention, and self-defense. She has been:
- Featured on the cover of TIME Magazine in connection with the subject "Mind of the Rapist"
- Featured in Upscale Magazine
- Featured in Sport Karate Magazine
- Featured in Women News
- Featured by the International Aikido Federation in Tokyo, Japan
- Featured in books, including Ron Van Clief's 1997 publication Black Heroes of the Martial Arts
- Featured in numerous newspaper articles and other publications
- A guest speaker on television programs addressing rape, domestic violence, women's safety, and self-defense
- Invited to demonstrate practical self-defense techniques for women through television and public appearances
Honors
Martial Arts Recognition
- Inducted into multiple Martial Arts Halls of Fame
- Living Legend Martial Arts Awards
- Honored for her contributions to martial arts
- Recognized for pioneering work in women's empowerment and self-defense
- Recognized for her commitment to violence prevention and community education
Today
Current Work
Grand Master Linda Ramzy Ranson continues to teach, lecture, consult, and advocate for women's empowerment, self-defense, martial arts, and violence prevention nationally and internationally.
She currently teaches Women's Empowerment Self-Defense and the martial arts of Fuji Ryu Ju-Jitsu and Karate at St. Charles Borromeo, 211 W. 141st Street, New York, NY 10030.
Her ongoing mission is to empower people with practical knowledge and skills that can help them recognize danger, prevent victimization, respond to threatening situations, and develop greater confidence and personal safety.