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Cover Story Throwback: Tadashi Yamashita

Man in a martial arts pose on a Karate Illustrated cover. Text includes article titles. Orange background, intense expressions. January '78 issue.
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.

The master of martial arts demos himself—Tadashi Yamashita—graced the cover of Karate Illustrated in 1978.


Already an international star at the time, Yamashita would go on to achieve worldwide fame for his legendary blindfolded nunchaku demonstration, shattering apples with blinding speed and pinpoint accuracy.


Renowned for blending power, precision, and showmanship, Yamashita remains a fan favorite to this day, still traveling the globe to perform and inspire new generations of martial artists!


Two martial artists in action on a magazine cover. One performs a takedown. Text includes "The Grandest Championship" and other headlines.

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



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