Neither Anisa Ashabi nor Laura Swanson look like the kind of girl who could easily land a devastating roundhouse kick to your face.

They hardly seem the type.

Both of them are friendly, polite, definitely not physically imposing and they would seem more likely to be at home in a yoga class rather than a boxing ring.

But these ladies are accomplished kickboxers with feet of fury.

In fact, they’re some of the best in the whole country.

Or, at least, that’s what they’re hoping to prove later this month. Ashabi, Swanson and fellow island-based fighter Josh Soliva have been invited to compete at an upcoming World Kickboxing Association national competition for a chance to qualify for the U.S. competitive team.

The event began Sunday in Richmond, Virginia, and – one way or another – the trio will know their place in the national kickboxing scene by the end of the week.

Intrepid Review photographer Luciano Marano stepped into the ring during a practice session earlier this month to capture the fighters working with their coach Ben Little, Bainbridge Island Boxing Club owner and head trainer. His favorite shots are collected here.