Professor Kate Howard

Professor Kate Howard (formerly Kate Martinez) started training in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing in 2004, and it quickly progressed into a full time passion. In 2005 she made her amateur kickboxing debut against Greg Jackson/Mike Winkeljohn protege, Julie Leuking and won. Kate Martinez' kickboxing career went undefeated and concluded at the 2007 IKF World Classic Championship where she won the Women's International Rules Bantamweight division. Shortly after that, she made her MMA debut. After a brief but successful amateur MMA career Kate turned Professional, and after winning a match on the Ring Of Fire via standing submission, Kate received the invitation to compete in the 2010 Girls S-Cup World Tournament in Japan. 

At the S-Cup, Kate defeated Thailands' Zaza Sor Aree with a dominating performance, winning via standing submission. Kate Martinez became the first woman to win in the S-Cup via "catch". She then advanced to the tournament semi-finals where she faced who was at that time, the reigning Girls S-Cup Champion and #1 ranked female kickboxer in Japan- RENA. Kate and RENA had a three round back and forth war, and while Kate ultimately lost the decision of that fight, she took with her the greatest experience of her fight career. 

Within Kates career as a professional martial artist she had the opportunity to travel extensively  and to train with world renowned fighters and coaches including Duke Rufus, Master Toddy, and several members of the legendary Gracie Family. She was a student under UFC Hall of Fame member, Royce Gracie. Kate Martinez was the first woman to receive a black belt from Royce Gracie. Today, she holds the rank of Professor. 

From 2004-2017, Kate co-owned and operated what was at that time the largest MMA gym in Northern Colorado, competed as a professional fighter, and taught martial arts classes daily. 

In 2017 Kate made the decision to leave the Academy after having children in order to be fully available to them in the hours and years that they need her the most. She did however, retain a passion for teaching that she is enthused to offer on a small group and individual basis.

In 2024 Kate graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development with an emphasis on Youth and Community Studies. After receiving a full ride on scholarship and an education degree with a social justice lens, Kate was compelled to give back to the Austin community in the way that she had been given to. This inspired her to found Urban Phoenix Self Defense, a pro-bono program serving women in Austin that are experiencing hardship and overcoming adversity.

If you are interested in learning more about Urban Phoenix Defense, contact us.