It's safe to say that if you're a member of Batman's Bat Family, your fighting prowess is better than the average karate student. Sworn to never let another person close to him face the same fate as his parents, the Dark Knight trains nearly all of his "relatives" in the various martial arts and self-defense techniques. They're pretty well-versed and can stand up for themselves in one-on-one or multiple assailant scenarios. Think of them as the superhero version of the Cobra Kai, if you will, because they never die (or if they do, they come back to life).

Last year, current Batman scribe, Tom King, revealed his list of the best fighters in the Bat Family. Considering that King is a former CIA officer and a fountain of information when it comes to all things Bat-related, his assessment has clout and substance. That said, he did leave a few names off the list, so we've revised it and come up with our own suggestions. Before all the Tim Drake fans attack the comments section, though, we implore you to read the reasoning for all the names mentioned. Who knows, you might find yourself agreeing with us in the long run!

15 ALFRED PENNYWORTH

Make no mistake, if Alfred Pennyworth was a little younger, he'd be hovering around Batman's number here. As a former special-ops operative, Alfred has the skills to take down many a foe. In fact, he's shown he can adequately handle himself when the Dark Knight's rogues decide to shove him around. His biggest strength, though, is in his medical work and computer skills. Instead of being on the battleground, he serves a major purpose holding up the fort, dishing out key intel to the Bat Family, and stitching up the wounded soldiers.

In this version of the character, he is an ex-Royal Marine and a certified hardman.

In Geoff Johns and Gary Franks' Batman: Earth One, we encounter a different iteration of Alfred. While he introduces himself to a young Bruce Wayne as the new butler, he's actually the head of security for the Waynes. When Thomas and Martha are murdered, he assumes his position as Bruce's legal guardian and trains him in the combat skills he'll require to become Gotham's silent protector. In this version of the character, he is an ex-Royal Marine and a certified hardman. He still cares for Bruce, but he shows how he isn't afraid to lead with tough love. It isn't hard to see that this characterization is the inspiration for Sean Pertwee's Alfred on Gotham.

14 CLAYFACE

Basil Karlo, aka Clayface, experienced a major personality makeover in DC's Rebirth. No longer was he one of the Caped Crusader's fabled foes, but he tried to go straight and do something positive with his life. He struggled with his past – and continued to do so – yet Batman never gave up on him and showed him that redemption was possible as he inducted him into the Bat Family. Unfortunately, when he relapsed into his criminal ways, Batwoman put an end to him. As it stands, Clayface is dead, but since this is the comic-book world, is he really gone forever?

In terms of his fighting ability, Clayface wasn't as skilled as some of the other members of the Bat Family. He relied more on his clay powers to shape and mold his attacks. His ability to create multiple versions of himself out of mud also aided him when he was surrounded by several enemies. Even without the natural panache of someone like Dick Grayson, Clayface used what he had and made it work. His close relationship with Orphan also ensured that he'd have notable backup when the times got tough. Nonetheless, without his powers, he probably would have the fighting skills of a regular street thug.

13 BATWING

Much like his father, Lucius, Luke Fox puts his intelligence to good use. However, his foray into superherodom only really started in Batwing #19 (June 2013) after he took up the mantle from David Zavimbe. While he has all of Batman's toys and tech at his disposal, he's more than apt at designing his own upgrades and gear, as shown in his latest Detective Comics run. It could be argued that Fox is even in the same sort of genius league as Tim Drake, as his technology is far ahead of its time.

Whether he'd be able to take down other members of the Bat Family without his gear is debatable.

In terms of combat, Fox prefers to use his suit's abilities than engage in hand-to-hand duels. It makes sense, though. Why wear such a high-tech outfit if you don't plan on using it to its full potential? This doesn't mean that Fox is a slouch if he has to duke it out. He has reasonable fighting prowess and is able to stand his ground against seasoned foes. Whether he'd be able to take down other members of the Bat Family without his gear is debatable – hence the reason for him being ranked lower than the others. Nonetheless, Batwing is one tech-enabled ally that everyone would want in their corner.

12 RED ROBIN

Oh, yes. It's time to feel the heat. Sorry, Drakesters, but your boy Tim Drake isn't the best fighter among Batman's Robins. In fact, out of all the people to put on the infamous garb, he's probably the worst combatant of the lot. He does enough to stay alive and survive, but he's not exactly the tag-team partner you'd want if you're in a match with hard-hitting villains like Bane and Killer Croc. Despite Bruce's gruelling training being the same for him as the others, he never quite matched his predecessors – maybe because of his lack of natural athleticism and intensity.

What Tim lacks in brawn, he more than makes up for in brains. While many fans will say Dick Grayson is the only worthy successor to the cape and cowl, we'll argue that and say Tim is more than capable. In truth, he might even be a better Batman than Bruce and Dick. His tactical expertise and ability to adapt to an ever-changing situation prove he's the perfect leader and detective. Other heroes will try to smash their way out of a sticky bind, but Tim will look for a solution that'll solve the problem quicker and more efficiently. That makes him indispensable.

11 SPOILER

Stephanie Brown's path to becoming a hero was due to her wanting to "spoil" her dad, the Cluemaster's, criminal plans. In previous continuity, she went on to become a Robin and even assumed the Batgirl mantle for a period of time, too. Then DC's editors struck and kaboom! She was put six feet under for a while. Like all Bat Family members, she didn't stay in the grave for too long and made a valiant comeback. In Rebirth, she goes by her original name of Spoiler, but this iteration of the character isn't quite as spunky as the previous ones, hence her drop down the list.

Trained by Batgirl, Batman, and the Birds of Prey, Stephanie has had some good role models in shaping her crime-fighting career.

It's also implied in her recent run that she's had a few bo staff lessons from Cassandra Cain, which would instantly make her a threat to anyone. In hand-to-hand combat, she slightly defeats her long-term significant other, Tim Drake, and her never-say-die attitude ensures that she won't go down easily. The other crucial aspect about Spoiler is that she's capable of getting into a scrap. When fights get ugly, most seasoned martial artists struggle – not her, as she's able to adapt.

10 SIGNAL

When Duke Thomas appeared in the DC universe, everyone was convinced he'd be the next person to become Robin. After all, he was part of the memorable "Robin War" storyline and the standout star of the We Are Robin comic series. Things didn't turn out quite as expected, as Duke became Batman's newest partner without having to wear the famous red and green costume. In fact, he became a hero with a name of his own, going by the moniker of Signal. While we've only touched upon the surface of Duke's storyline, you can bet that he'll be a major part of the Bat Family and DC in the years to come.

In terms of his fighting ability, Duke has intuition and street smarts. Having been the leader of his Robins, he set up his own vigilante group that succeeded in their specific brand of justice and even caught the eye of other heroes. The fact that he didn't meet his maker on any of the Robins' missions wasn't down to pure dumb luck, either, but his natural ability to defend himself. Since joining up with the Dark Knight, he's had the luxury of learning from the Bat himself and this has only helped him develop as a detective and fighter.

9 BATGIRL

After everything Barbara Gordon has suffered, including paralysis at the hands of the Joker, there's no doubt about it: She has the genuine willpower to succeed. Babs is as fierce as they come, and her longtime association with the Bat Family (as both Batgirl and Oracle) is testament to her importance. While other heroes come and go from the team, mostly as a result of Batman's prickly personality, she's been the one true constant, readily making herself available to the cause in whatever role is required of her.

We talk about Batman and Robin, but it really should be Batman and Batgirl.

After years of crime-fighting, Barbara has honed her craft to become one of the most formidable characters in Gotham City. She's trained with the likes of Batman, Nightwing, and the Birds of Prey, picking up lessons and new skills along the way. Additionally, she has the heart of a Gordon, which makes her invaluable in any fight. You know that Babs will have your back, no matter how tough things get. While everyone believes it'll be one of the former Robins to lead the team when Bruce calls it day, we shouldn't count Batgirl out of the mix just yet.

8 RED HOOD

Jason Todd is a good example of how branding can change people's perception towards something. When he was Robin, fans voted to kill him off because he was heavily disliked. Since his resurrection (thanks to the Lazarus Pit and the al Ghuls), he's become a bona-fide fan-favorite, as he wreaks havoc in Gotham City. There's something about his Punisher-like shtick that makes him the antihero you want to cheer for. That said, he's taken down the body count a notch as he's tried to become more heroic than he was before.

When he was Robin, Todd displayed a ferocity that Batman had never seen before. He used all the training he'd learned from his teacher and applied full force to his foes. It proved to be a sore point between him and his partner, as Bruce expected him to show a little more restraint. It's this unhinged quality that makes Todd an unpredictable fighter. While his hand-to-hand combat skills are exceptionally good and of the highest caliber, he isn't averse to whipping out his guns when the battle gets heated. It's unlikely that Red Hood will ever become the leader of the pack, but having him next to you on the battlegrounds always evens the odds.

7 HUNTRESS

As the daughter of a mob boss, Helena Bertinelli knows all about fighting dirty. While her upbringing and reasoning for getting into crime-fighting are questionable, she's experienced redemption and understood that Batman's way is better. Even if she does tend to stray to the dark side every so often, Huntress is a valuable ally to the Bat Family and one that can be relied upon. While we'd like to see her as a permanent addition to the Dark Knight's team, we don't think it'll happen very soon since the two of them bash heads because of Helena's excessive use of violence.

Huntress doesn't pretend to be something she's not, and her lack of concern for her opponent makes her an even bigger threat.

Bruce's attitude towards Helena's fighting style is a tad hypocritical, though. Yes, she doesn't hold back when she takes down the thugs, but we're certain that the Bat has punctured many lungs and permanently crippled a few thugs with his questionable methods. Huntress doesn't pretend to be something she's not, and her lack of concern for her opponent makes her an even bigger threat. There are more refined fighters in the Bat Family, yes, but Huntress goes for maximum impact and damage at every opportunity. Don't expect her to show any mercy if you get into a physical tussle with her.

6 AZRAEL

Look, it's not just anyone who can step into the Caped Crusader's boots and strike fear into the heart of criminals everywhere. When Jean-Paul Valley took over in the Knightfall storyline, after Bruce went to Bane for some chiropractic assistance, and brutally beat down everyone in his path, you couldn't blame the bad guys for wanting the old Batman back. Fortunately, for them, Tim Drake snitched on what Az-Bats was doing to Bruce, and the original Dark Knight claimed back his name (and reputation) from Valley. What a PR nightmare for poor Bruce!

Having been trained by The Sacred Order of Dumas, Azrael isn't only crazy but he's extremely lethal, too. However, his brainwashed state is also his biggest weakness. If an opponent can figure out what makes him tick and get under his skin, he can be turned against his allies and even himself. You only need to see what Ascalon did to him in Detective Comics #961 to see that he's a walking liability for any team. Still, we'd rather have Azrael on our side than against us. One slice from his flaming sword and you'd be toast (or you can make toast if he's being kind and generous).

5 BATWOMAN

If you think of the perfect candidate to lead the Bat Family, Batwoman makes logical sense. Not only is she military-trained, but she also has the luxury of Batman's resources and knowledge. She's as tough as nails, and isn't afraid to go against the grain when she needs to (just ask her father). Coupled with her leadership and ability to command respect, she shows how to get everyone in line when they start to stray and whine – a good skill to have when most members of the team are millennials. However, Kate Kane's decisive moment in Detective Comics #973 hasn't made her any new friends.

By putting down Clayface, she demonstrated a new ruthless and callous streak.

If she possesses all the same skills as her cousin Bruce, but isn't afraid to make the tough calls, she could be a danger to everyone. How do you stop a trained, stone-cold killer? Maybe the future Tim Drake is actually the hero and genuinely wants to save the world from a cold-hearted Kate. Sure, there's always another way, but is she too far gone her current path to find redemption again? We hope this isn't the case; however, the signs aren't looking too promising here.

4 ROBIN

While he's a little jerk at the best of times, Damian Wayne can at least back up his claims of being a skilled fighter. As the son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul, his bloodline is that of a warrior. Considering that he grew up with the League of Assassins and was trained to be a killing machine from a young age, it's easy to understand where his personality might've gone a bit iffy. That said, this doesn't excuse him from trying to end Tim Drake when he first met him (do not kill your father's partners, Damian).

Since Damian has curbed his bloodlust, though, it's made him a little softer and more considerate. He now pulls back the strength and intensity of his blows and attacks, trying to prevent himself from adding to Gotham Cemetery's ludicrous number of gravestones. Still, he's only a teenager and already this lethal, so we can only imagine what an older Damian will be capable of doing, if his arrogance doesn't prevent him from improving. Don't bet against him becoming the greatest fighter in the world when he finally reaches adulthood. His gene pool and skill set are in his favor and he has the potential to become scarily good.

3 BATMAN

What's there more to say about Batman? He's the guy who has taken down the League of Shadows numerous times and even defeated Superman. He's a god among men, and there's a reason most villains fear him more than other super-powered heroes. At the same time, he still shows restraint and refuses to cross the line of killing the bad guys. You could argue, though, by bashing their heads in and causing brain damage, they could die of internal bleeding, but that's an argument for another day.

As a master tactician, he then employs the quickest route to beating them into a pulp and getting out of there. In other words, he's a ninja.

As we've seen in the Arkham videogames and Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice, the Dark Knight approaches combat on two levels: tactics and force. Before he even goes toe to toe with his rogues, he scans the situation and sees what his options are. As a master tactician, he then employs the quickest route to beating them into a pulp and getting out of there. In other words, he's a ninja. Batman also refuses to admit defeat. There have been times when an opponent has had his number, i.e. Bane breaking his back, but he always finds a way to survive and escape. For him, it isn't always about the battle; it's the war.

2 NIGHTWING

Dick Grayson is the original Robin – and the one who spent more years at the Dark Knight's side than any other. Even before Dick became Bruce's ward, he possessed unrivaled athleticism and gymnastic ability due to his circus life as a part of the Flying Graysons. In the time afterwards, Batman shaped him into becoming "better" than him, preparing him to be the hero to take his place when he retired from crime-fighting (good joke, right?). Eventually Dick decided to split away from the sidekick role, adopting the mantle of Nightwing and leading his own team, the Teen Titans.

As has been covered in several origins of Nightwing, the character spent time traveling the world and learning a host of martial arts and fighting styles that even Batman isn't familiar with. Much like Bruce needed to leave Gotham City to become who he is, the same is true of Dick. Stepping out from under Batman's shadow helped make him who he is and improved his overall abilities. Throw in all the lessons that his legal guardian taught him and there's absolute proof that Nightwing is a better fighter than the Batman. Just don't tell Damian that Dick is superior to him, though. He's a little sensitive, that one.

1 ORPHAN

Orphan, or Cassandra Cain, has a tragic back story. She is the daughter of assassins David Cain and Lady Shiva, who treated her with anything but love. From childhood, she was deprived of speech and human contact in a bid to condition her to become the greatest assassin alive. While she grew up to become an expert martial artist – and arguably the best fighter in DC Comics – she remained mute, illiterate, and with limited social skills. Since Rebirth, though, we've seen Cassandra come out of her shell and she built a wonderful friendship with Clayface (until Batwoman killed him).

Seeing Orphan in battle is like watching a gazelle in full flight.

She can take on a whole group of people, as shown by her one-woman war against the Colony, and she isn't afraid of rolling with the blows, either. Even though she's a notorious loner, her recent run in Detective Comics has shown her to have become more of a team player than before. There's a still a hint of darkness in her, and you have to wonder if the Bat Family could ever stop her if she decided to embrace it. If she turned bad, Orphan could easily become the most dangerous character in comic books.