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

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 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.

The February 1984 issue of the Fighting Stars  magazine showcased Graciela Casillas  on its cover, cementing her status as a trailblazer...

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

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

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...

The February 1982 cover of Karate Illustrated showcased the stellar Karen Sheperd on its cover. Long before women were expected to...

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

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

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

The July 1977 issue of Karate Illustrated  spotlighted Jun Chong, the acclaimed Tae Kwon Do master and one of Hollywood’s most in-demand...

The master of martial arts demos himself—Tadashi Yamashita—graced the cover of Karate Illustrated in 1978. Already an international star...

From his first championship win in 1964 to earning the Black Belt Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024, Mike Stone has never...

Do you remember Jay T. Will? Featured on the cover in 1975, Jay T. Will trained under American kenpo legends Ed Parker and Al Tracy,...

Do you have a favorite Steve Fisher memory? The March 1978 cover of Karate Illustrated   spotlighted Steve Fisher —fondly known as “The...

Can you name them all? The 1982 Karate Illustrated Yearbook featured the very best of the best! Learn more about this cover and the...

The November 1973 edition of Karate Illustrated featured Emil Farkas , widely known as the “Karate Instructor to the Stars.” As the...

The January 1974 cover of Karate Illustrated featured “Super Dan” Anderson , founder of American Freestyle Karate. A four-time national...

The December 1982 cover of Karate Illustrated featured Curtis Sliwa, founder of the Guardian Angels, alongside his wife, Lisa. Sliwa...

Who remembers this iconic cover—the July 1975 issue of Karate Illustrated ? It inspired decades of look-alike poses, emulated by martial...

The May 1988 cover of Karate/Kung Fu Illustrated spotlighted Jean Frenette , a 10-time Canadian kata champion and WAKO World Champion....

The January 1987 issue featured Hatsumi Masaaki, best known as the modern grandmaster of Ninjutsu. Born on December 2, 1931, Hatsumi is...

Think you know your Karate history?  Meet David Deaton —Karate Shihan and beloved champion. Named the #1 Lightweight Fighting Competitor...