Christine Bannon-Rodrigues, the legendary karate world champion from Warwick, Rhode Island, has forged one of the most influential careers in modern martial arts. A 9th-degree black belt and student of Don Rodrigues, she earned nine World Championships, including an extraordinary streak of three consecutive W.A.K.O. World Titles. Her dominance in both forms and fighting helped redefine expectations for female competitors and opened doors for women in martial arts, stunt work,

In the world of martial arts, forms (kata) competitions have long been a showcase of precision, power, and artistry. Over the years,...

Throughout Black Belt's illustrious 63-year history, the flying sidekick has remained among the most revered techniques, the flying side kick first appeared in 1965 and the last in 2014. Earning a place of honor as one of the standout moves performed by the masters and champions featured on magazine covers. In this tribute, we honor the trailblazing pioneers who flawlessly executed this unforgettable maneuver, leaving an indelible imprint on the martial arts landscape. Their