- George Chung
- Aug 25
- 3 min read
On a hot Saturday afternoon, when most people were seeking a cool theater or a breezy beach, I headed to Pasadena to watch my friend and fellow martial artist compete in a karate tournament. That friend was none other than Billy Blanks.
I’ve known Billy for years. Performing, teaching, and inspiring is nothing new to him — after all, he introduced the world to Tae Bo, a fitness revolution that spread to millions and made him a household name.
Today was different however.
Nearly 40 years after leaving the point karate tournament circuit — and just one day after his 70th birthday, Billy decided to step back onto the mat.
With all of his fame and legacy, Billy could easily rest on his laurels, simply replaying his greatest hits. But that has never been who Billy is. For those of us who’ve known him through the decades, his brand is unwavering: always fit, always friendly, always ready to share a workout with that infectious smile and boundless positivity.
And so, on this Saturday afternoon, Billy entered a karate tournament. No need to dust off old gear as his daily training has kept him sharp.
I watched as he prepared just as he had in his 30s: stretching, shaking countless hands, posing for photos, all while calmly focusing on the task ahead. Then came the bout.
It was classic Billy. His technique was sharp, his famous cartwheel kick drew cheers, but what struck me most wasn’t the athleticism — it was the spirit. There was no malice, no ego, no desire to hurt. Just clean fighting, respect, humility, and joy. In other words, a true demonstration of what martial arts is supposed to be. In a world crowded with heavy egos and self-proclaimed masters, Billy simply showed up, competed, and had fun.
After his win, I posted a simple photo: Billy in a gi, with a short caption. That was it. But within hours, something magical happened. Thousands of fans, friends, and supporters responded — with respect, admiration, and gratitude.
When I checked the Black Belt Magazine analytics dashboard the next morning, the numbers were staggering: hundreds of thousands of impressions, thousands of shares, likes, and comments. By definition, it went viral.
But I asked myself: why did a 70-year-old man competing in a weekend karate tournament ignite such engagement? The answer is simple: reflection.
The reason a 70-year-old man competing in a weekend karate tournament ignited such massive engagement isn’t just about Billy Blanks’ fame, it’s about what he represents.
Billy has always been more than a martial artist; he’s a symbol of energy, resilience, and positivity.
When people saw him step back onto the mat at 70, they weren’t just watching a karate match—they were seeing proof that age doesn’t have to define limits.
They saw courage, humility, and joy in motion. In a digital world saturated with ego, conflict, and negativity, Billy’s appearance cut through the noise with something rare: authenticity. He wasn’t there for accolades or attention. He was there to live his art, have fun, and honor the spirit of martial arts. That purity struck a chord.
Deep down, people reflected on themselves: If Billy can still put himself out there, maybe I can too. That’s why he went viral. It wasn’t just Billy competing, it was Billy reminding us of our own potential.
I know it worked on me. I pushed an extra few miles on the exercise bike this morning, thinking, I want to be like Billy.
Young or old, Billy Blanks represents that undying flame inside every martial artist.
So, we thank Billy. I hope this moment sparks something bigger, a new movement where martial arts isn’t defined by age, medals, or accolades, but by attitude and mindset.
It’s about putting yourself out there, even when failure is possible. That’s the real definition of living. That’s the true Black Belt way.
