- Justin Lee Ford
- Jun 15
- 3 min read
Behind every great martial artist, there’s often a teacher.
And sometimes, just sometimes, that teacher is also Dad.
This Father’s Day, we’re kicking some love toward the martial arts fathers who trained, mentored, inspired, or passed down their legacy to the next generation of legends.
Some were world-class instructors.
Some were film icons.
And some did their best work quietly, offscreen and outside the ring, shaping future champions with a steady hand and a deep-rooted sense of purpose.
These are the fathers whose influence can be felt in every roundhouse kick, every bow before the match, and every moment of discipline passed from one era to the next.
Bruce and Brandon Lee: The Legacy of the Dragon
The name Lee echoes through martial arts history—and for good reason.
Bruce Lee revolutionized martial arts cinema, philosophy, and training. But beyond the icon was a father who took his son Brandon under his wing. Bruce introduced Brandon to martial arts not just as a fighting style, but as a way of life: physical, mental, and spiritual.
Though tragedy cut both their lives short, Brandon carried the torch, training in Jeet Kune Do and landing leading roles in action films. His final performance in The Crow became a cult classic—raw, poetic, and powerful.
Bruce and Brandon remind us that some legacies live on in the movements of those we love.
Sho and Kane Kosugi: Ninja by Nature
When Sho Kosugi brought ninjas into the pop culture spotlight in the 1980s, he wasn’t just building a film career—he was building a family legacy. His son, Kane Kosugi, grew up on set and in the dojo, absorbing not only techniques but a deep love of performance and martial discipline.
Kane would go on to star in his own action films and TV shows, bringing the family’s ninja pedigree into the 21st century with fluid kicks and fierce presence.
Watching father and son perform—sometimes side by side—feels like witnessing a passing of the torch sharpened by years of dedication.
Helio and the Gracie Clan: The Ground Game Patriarch
You can’t talk about martial arts families without mentioning the Gracies. At the root of the jiu-jitsu dynasty is Helio Gracie, who helped adapt traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu into what we now call Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Helio’s sons, including Rickson, Royce, and Rorion, took those techniques from the mat to the masses. Royce famously dominated early UFC events, showing the world that technique can triumph over size and strength.
Today, BJJ schools dot the globe—and nearly all of them trace their lineage back to one father who reshaped the martial arts world from the ground up.
Al and Mark Dacascos: From Kata to Camera
You’ve seen Mark Dacascos unleash blistering moves in John Wick: Chapter 3, Only the Strong, or even while dramatically lifting the cloche on Iron Chef America. But long before the spotlight, there was his father, Al Dacascos—a martial arts pioneer who founded Wun Hop Kuen Do and helped grow full-contact fighting in the U.S.
Al wasn’t just a coach; he was a mentor who instilled values of respect, fluidity, and adaptation. Mark took those lessons from the dojo to the big screen, becoming a bridge between traditional martial arts and modern film action.
Their relationship is a living example of what can happen when martial philosophy meets cinematic flair.
Ernie Reyes Sr. and Jr.: Kicking Together Since Day One
If you grew up watching Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II or Surf Ninjas, you’ve seen Ernie Reyes Jr.—a martial arts prodigy with jaw-dropping kicks and infectious energy. But behind the spotlight was Ernie Reyes Sr., a martial artist, instructor, and stuntman who trained his son from an early age and helped choreograph his path into film.
Together, they toured with their legendary demo team, stunned audiences, and created moments that made martial arts feel larger than life. Their partnership was more than a show—it was a bond built on shared passion, endless practice, and mutual respect.
In a world where fame often pulls families apart, the Reyes duo stands as a shining example of how martial arts can strengthen bonds and boost abilities to newfound heights.
This Father’s Day, whether your dad is a black belt, a movie buff, or simply someone who taught you how to stand up for yourself, take a moment to honor him. Martial arts is about more than just power—it's about the people who pass it down, one lesson at a time.
To all the dads out there: thank you for every lesson, every rep, and every word of encouragement.
