When Fighting Stars  put Bruce Lee on its 1978 cover, it was about honoring a force that still felt alive in every dojo and movie theater around the world. Five years after his passing, Lee’s presence remained electric, his philosophy and screen charisma continuing to inspire anyone who trained, taught, or dreamed of moving the way he moved. The issue served as a reminder that even in absence, Bruce Lee wasn’t fading into memory — he was still shaping the future of martial ar

Celebrated on the Black Belt Magazine  cover in January 2000, LeBell embodied both the grit of a true martial artist and the showmanship of a Hollywood insider. Truly a larger-than-life figure whose legacy continues to straddle two worlds: the discipline of judo and the spectacle of cinema. Long before MMA was mainstream, LeBell was already blending styles, demonstrating how throws, locks, and submissions could level the playing field. Known as “Judo” Gene LeBell, he was more

The July 1981 issue of Karate Illustrated spotlighted two of the South’s most formidable fighters — Tommy Williams of Oklahoma and a young Raymond McCallum from Texas, both in their fighting prime. Renowned for their explosive transitions from point fighting to full-contact competition, the pair represented the cutting edge of the era’s martial artistry. Their kicking prowess was especially legendary; Williams earned the nickname “The Tornado” for his blistering, high-speed

The 1988 issue of Black Belt  magazine featured Paul Vunak , the renowned master of Jeet Kune Do, Kali, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A dedicated student of Dan Inosanto , Vunak spent more than three decades refining his craft under the tutelage of one of Bruce Lee’s closest disciples. The cover story explored Vunak’s dynamic interpretation of Kali , highlighting his innovative approach to blending Filipino martial arts with the principles of Jeet Kune Do. His work emphasized adap

In the June 2001 issue of Black Belt , a young Alex Gong was spotlighted as the founder of the U.S. branch of Fairtex. A world champion in ISKA Muay Thai (junior middleweight), Gong held an impressive professional record of 27–2. Gong also appeared as a fighter in the Walker, Texas Ranger  episode “Legends,” sharing the screen with martial arts icons Joe Lewis, Bill Wallace, Don Wilson, Jean-Claude Leuyer, and Danny Steele. Beyond the ring, Gong opened a Fairtex Gym in San Fr

The January 1976 cover featured acclaimed point fighter turned kickboxer and proud BKF member Lenny Ferguson—now known as Abdul Latif Muhammad. He made history as the first African American to win the Grand Championship at the Long Beach Internationals and was a member of the Los Angeles Stars in the NKL league. Still active today, Muhammad is regarded as one of the true pioneers of Southern California martial arts.

Who Were These Two Gentlemen and What Was Their Place in Karate History? Read on to find more... The All-Japan Karate Championships, founded in 1957, has long stood as the ultimate proving ground for Japan’s top karateka. Organized annually by the Japan Karate Association (JKA), the event brings together the best of the best to test their skill in Kata  and Kumite . When the very first championship was held, it was strictly a domestic affair - only Japanese competitors were p

When Black Belt  magazine featured Benicio del Toro on its May 2003 cover, it captured an actor at the height of his intensity known for his brooding roles and quiet power. Two decades later, at 58, del Toro channels that same presence in a surprising new form: as Sensei Sergio St. Carlos, a local karate instructor in the upcoming film One Battle After Another . Del Toro’s latest performance bridges art and philosophy, echoing the martial wisdom celebrated in the pages of Bla

Eric Lee, captured mid-air with his flying broadsword, faces off against Art Camacho—seen here in a rare photo without his signature...

Some stars don't shine long enough to make a difference. Conversely, Demetrius Havanas' star shone so bright on his short time on earth,...

Richie Barathy was equal parts as a brawler and a showman, Barathy earned a reputation for his explosive breaking demonstrations in an...

Who remembers this classic? The January 1987 cover of Karate Kung Fu Illustrated  featured the aerial kicks of taekwondo, performed by...

The February 1973 cover of Black Belt magazine spotlighted martial artist Darnell Garcia . A Chuck Norris student who earned his black...

Before Tae Bo became a household name , the martial arts world got its first real glimpse of Billy Blanks  in January 1983. That month’s...

In Hyuk Suh , the founder of Kuk Sool Won, graced the November 1983 cover of Black Belt  magazine , but his story began long before that....

The December 1972 cover of Black Belt featured the legendary Eric Lee . Remember the “Little King of Kata”? Lee was one of the first to...

The July 1976 cover of Karate Illustrated featured Master AlGene Caraulia — devoted martial artist, champion, and promoter. Caraulia...

The January 2001 cover of Black Belt   Cover featured 17–0 professional kickboxing world champion turned MMA and movie star Cung Le . Le...

Front and center on this vintage cover: promoter Joe Corley  stepping into the spotlight for what was billed as The Karate Match of the...

The November 1972 cover of Karate Illustrated  featured action film star Calvin Lockhart, best known for his roles as Reverend Deke...

The February 1993 cover of Black Belt featured Joe Lewis, the legendary fighter who revolutionized American martial arts. A former Marine...

The March 1970 early edition of Karate Illustrated featured Tonny Tulleners, a formidable martial artist best known as the 1965...

The July 1976 cover of Black Belt magazine featured Kenny Knudson , widely known as the "Midwest Karate King." A legendary martial...

The 2005 cover of Black Belt magazine featured Jim Arvanitis , widely recognized for reviving the ancient Greek combat art of...