Cover Story Throwback: Dan Anderson
- Black Belt Team
- May 25
- 1 min read
The January 1974 cover of Karate Illustrated featured “Super Dan” Anderson, founder of American Freestyle Karate. A four-time national karate champion and world champion, Anderson became a defining figure in the evolution of competitive martial arts.
He is also the author of the best-selling American Freestyle Karate: A Guide to Sparring, which has remained in print for over 40 years.
Now a 10th Degree Black Belt in karate and a Senior Master in Filipino modern arnis, Anderson was best known for his cool, laid-back approach to point fighting—a style that brought refreshing energy to the national circuit during a time of transition.
His influence helped shape a new era of martial arts, blending technical excellence with creative expression.
Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com
