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Cover Story Throwback: Mike Stone

Martial artist in white gi punching on Blue Black Belt magazine cover. Text highlights self-defense, Aikido, Ki, and Mike Stone.
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.

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


By the 1980s, Stone had firmly established himself in Hollywood, playing a key role in introducing audiences to what would become the hugely popular ninja movie genre.


Beyond his competitive success and cinematic influence, Stone remains a celebrated figure in the martial arts world, with his contributions continuing to be recognized globally.


Martial artists in white uniforms spar on the cover of Black Belt magazine. Bold text on a blue background, with yellow feature highlights.

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



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