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Cover Throwback - Karate Illustrated: Raymond McCallum and Tommy Williams

Two martial artists in action on a "Karate Illustrated" magazine cover. One in red pants kicks, while another in white defends. Blue background.

The July 1981 issue of Karate Illustrated spotlighted two of the South’s most formidable fighters — Tommy Williams of Oklahoma and a young Raymond McCallum from Texas, both in their fighting prime.


Renowned for their explosive transitions from point fighting to full-contact competition, the pair represented the cutting edge of the era’s martial artistry.


Their kicking prowess was especially legendary; Williams earned the nickname “The Tornado” for his blistering, high-speed techniques that left opponents reeling.


Karate magazine cover with two men practicing a spinning back kick on stage, wearing red and black pants. Text highlights articles on karate.


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