Cover Story Throwback: Mel Wise
- Black Belt Team
- 4 hours ago
- 1 min read
Who remembers this iconic cover—the July 1975 issue of Karate Illustrated?
It inspired decades of look-alike poses, emulated by martial arts students everywhere. Behind the powerful image was Mel Wise, a beloved karate instructor who, at the time of this photo, was quietly fighting the greatest battle of his life: leukemia.
Dr. Wise passed away 3 years after the cover was published, but his legacy lives on through this timeless image—a symbol of strength, spirit, and perseverance.
Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com