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 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

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...

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

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

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

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...

The 2007 cover of Black Belt  magazine featured the late Richard Bustillo, a pioneering martial artist and direct student of Bruce Lee....

This 1980 cover of Black Belt  magazine featured Mike Stone , the first American Karate Champion and a member of the prestigious Black...

Have you ever trained in China? Back in 1983, Black Belt   Magazine featured Roger Tung on its cover—a true Hall of Fame Pioneer of...

What’s the most unforgettable breaking demo you’ve ever seen? The August 1975 cover of Black Belt Magazine featured tae kwon do master...

The December 2000 issue of Black Belt Magazine featured legendary tae kwon do Grandmaster Hee Il Cho , founder of the Action...

The September 1969 issue of Karate Illustrated featured a young Pat Burleson alongside an even younger Pat Johnson—two trailblazers whose...

The August 2002 cover featured martial arts stuntman extraordinaire Larry Lam and the late Richard Brandon—two influential figures who...

Do you recall this cover...? The September 1978 cover of Black Belt Magazine featured 28-year-old Michael Echanis , an American soldier,...

Who remembers this tae kwon do star? The June 1982 cover of Black Belt Magazine featured five-time cover star Pu Gill Gwon , a tae kwon...

He brought a new level of performance to an era when traditional forms still dominated the tournament circuit. Peter Morales , featured...