- George Chung
- May 10, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 16, 2024
Long before the advent of social media, Fighting Stars Magazine was a cultural touchstone, shaping the narrative of martial arts cinema and sports for over a decade. Its pages were a portal into a world of action, excitement, and inspiration, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of fans around the globe.
Launched in 1973 by the creators of Black Belt Magazine, it quickly became the go-to source for fans hungry for the latest news, interviews, and insights into the world of martial arts cinema, and sports. Let's take a journey through the pages of this iconic publication, tracing its trajectory from the breakout success of "Enter the Dragon" to its final bow in 1987.
The Birth of a Phenomenon
The birth of Fighting Stars coincided with a seismic shift in popular culture – the release of Bruce Lee's groundbreaking film "Enter the Dragon" in 1973. Suddenly, martial arts were thrust into the spotlight, captivating audiences worldwide. Fighting Stars was there from the beginning, chronicling Lee's meteoric rise and the ripple effect it had on Hollywood.
Soon, everyone from Sean Connery and Roger Moore was getting in on the action, fueling the public's obsession with martial arts cinema.
Even Star Trek's own William Shatner jumped in on the dragon's tail with his own brand of Captain Kirk Kwon Do.
The Rise of Icons
As the 1970s rolled on, a new wave of martial arts stars emerged. Jim Kelly burst onto the scene with his electrifying performances in films like Black Belt Jones, Three the Hard Way, Golden Needles and Black Samurai carving out a niche for African-American martial artists in Hollywood.
Meanwhile, Chuck Norris became a household name with hits like The Octagon, Breaker Breaker, Good Guys Wear Black, and Force of One cementing his status as an action cinema icon.
The Global Impact
The early 1980s saw the global expansion of martial arts cinema, thanks in no small part to the discovery of Jackie Chan. His breakout role in "Snake in the Eagle's Shadow" showcased his unique blend of comedy and action, captivating audiences worldwide. Fighting Stars played a role in introducing Chan to Western audiences, helping to fuel the international martial arts craze that would define the decade.
Enter the Ninja and Hollywood's big move to action: The 80s saw the craze of the ninjas. Former World Karate Champion Mike Stone penned the original screenplay which set off a global movement we could not get enough of. For a moment it was nothing but Ninja’s, everywhere and Hollywood was delighted.
The Golden Age of Sports Stars (1985)
As the mid-1980s dawned, Fighting Stars shifted its focus to the world of martial arts sports. Legends like Cynthia Rothrock, Ernie Reyes, and Benny Urquidez graced its pages, inspiring a new generation of athletes and performers. These pioneers paved the way for the future of martial arts entertainment and a generation of movies and stars still to come.
A Farewell to Legends
Fighting Stars Magazine bid farewell to its readers with a final cover in 1987 after switching formats to Fighting Stars Ninja. Though the magazine may have ceased publication, its legacy lives on in the countless stars it helped to make and the indelible mark it left on pop culture.
