Malia Dacascos Bernal was a world champion in forms and fighting in the 60s and the first woman to compete in the men’s division. Her 1974 cover marked the first female competitor ever to grace the cover of Black Belt Magazine.
The GrandMaster, Champion and Martial Arts legend has many accolades including being proud mom to movie and TV star Mark Dacascos. Her magnificent 1974 cover boldy states, "My mommy can beat your daddy" and descirbed her wife, mother, kung fu superstar.
Over the years, Senior Grandmaster Malia Dacascos Bernal earned a 9th-degree black belt in Wun Hop Kuen Do, and she was the very first woman to own a martial arts school in Hamburg, Germany. As a martial arts instructor and coach, she has tutored many of the top world champions in forms and fighting and her legacy can still be seen today.
