top of page

Cover Story Throwback: Billy Blanks


Cover of Black Belt magazine, Nov 1983. Features martial artist in mid-air kick, orange background, and text about karate and self-defense.
Two "Black Belt Magazine" covers featured; one with a woman in a hat, the other with a man in a red gi. Spring '25 issue promotion.

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 issue of Karate Illustrated put him on the cover—a breakthrough moment that introduced the future fitness icon to a national audience.


For Blanks, it was more than just a photo op. At the time, he was dominating the national karate circuit, earning a reputation for his explosive, unorthodox style. One of his signature weapons was the cartwheel kick, a move so dynamic it became a trademark of his fighting arsenal.


On the cover, Blanks strikes a confident pose alongside Tokey Hill, the former national champion and beloved son of Chillicothe, Ohio. The pairing symbolized a passing of the torch: Hill, the established star, and Blanks, the electrifying newcomer poised to redefine the game.


This moment marked the beginning of Blanks’ rise—from tournament sensation, to martial arts legend, to cultural phenomenon whose influence would stretch far beyond the dojo.


Two martial artists on a "Black Belt" magazine cover. One executes a kick, the other crouches with a sword. Text highlights martial arts topics.

Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com 



bottom of page