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Cover Story Throwback: Richie Barathy
Richie Barathy was equal parts as a brawler and a showman, Barathy earned a reputation for his explosive breaking demonstrations in an...
Black Belt Team
Sep 25, 2025


Cover Story Throwback: Darnell Garcia
The February 1973 cover of Black Belt magazine spotlighted martial artist Darnell Garcia . A Chuck Norris student who earned his black...
Black Belt Team
Sep 4, 2025


What Did Billy Blanks Do to Blow Up the Karate Internet?
On a hot Saturday afternoon, when most people were seeking a cool theater or a breezy beach, I headed to Pasadena to watch my friend and...
George Chung
Aug 25, 2025


A New Legacy Begins: Inside the Rebirth of the International Karate Tournament
In the world of martial arts, few events carry the historical weight of the legendary Long Beach Internationals. For decades, this...
Black Belt Team
Jul 25, 2025


Master or Manipulator: The Dark Side of Trusting Your Karate Sensei
Here’s one for you to kick around with your dojo mates the next time you’re relaxing after training. It was back in the 1960s, a time...
Dave Lowry
May 7, 2025


Cover Story Throwback: Thomas LaPuppet
Featured on the cover of Karate Illustrated ’s January 1971 issue, the incredible Thomas LaPuppet stands as a defining figure in...
Black Belt Team
Mar 23, 2025


Trailblazing Women in Martial Arts: Top Forms Champions Who Defined the Sport
In the world of martial arts, forms (kata) competitions have long been a showcase of precision, power, and artistry. Over the years,...
Black Belt Team
Mar 8, 2025


Cover Story Throwback: Chuck Norris
The July 1970 cover of Karate Illustrated featured Chuck Norris , already a rising martial arts star. He would go on to win a total of...
Black Belt Team
Feb 16, 2025


Cover Story Throwback: Lori Lantrip
Who were the dominant female fighters of the '80s? Today, we’re spotlighting Karate Illustrated’s July 1984 cover, featuring one of the...
Black Belt Team
Jan 19, 2025


Cover Story Throwback: Ray McCallum
Who Was Texas' Greatest Blood-and-Guts Fighter? The April 1982 Fighting Stars cover featured one of the greatest champions of the...
Black Belt Team
Jan 12, 2025


Sport Karate 2024 Recap: A Year of Big Moves, Records, and Unforgettable Moments
The sport karate scene in 2024 has been nothing short of thrilling, with groundbreaking achievements, game-changing moves, and plenty of...
Black Belt Team
Jan 6, 2025


Battle of the Martial Arts: A Tournament with Legends, Big Prizes, and Old-School Rules
On November 16th and 17th, the Battle of the Martial Arts tournament will be held in South Florida at the Broward County Convention...
Black Belt Team
Nov 9, 2024
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