My Time With Professor William K.S. Chow It was April 1986, and I was piloting a rental up a long hill in Honolulu. Just as I started to doubt the directions, I topped out and spotted the church. The structure was dark and silent, almost looking abandoned, but nearby stood another building, the fellowship hall. The lights were on, and cars were in the lot. I parked and nervously approached the open door, a briefcase containing my letter of introduction and some photos in hand. I stepped inside, trying not to attract undue attention. I scanned the room for the man I’d come to meet for the first time but failed to find him. There was one guy, close to 30 years old and dressed in a kung fu uniform, and a younger man, wearing a white gi and a yellow belt. Another eight to 10 men were in street clothes. All appeared to be Hawaiian. They descended on me with scowls on their faces. “What are you doing here?” one of them asked. “This is a private class.” “I came to meet professor William K.S. Chow,” I said. “Is he here?” The sea of bodies parted, and one of them pointed to an old man hunched over a table. He was only a few feet away, but I hadn’t noticed him. Looking up, he resembled the Indian actor Chief Dan George in The Outlaw Josey Wales. “There is the professa,” one man said. Unexpected Reaction I approached Chow and bowed, then put down my briefcase and pulled out the letter of introduction from Ron Alo, a former student of his. I also presented him with a photo of the two of them taken several years before at Ralph Castro’s tournament in California. “I’m a brown belt in the Alo Hawaiian kenpo karate system on the mainland, and I would like to take lessons in kara-ho,” I said quietly. “My wife got a job as a nurse, so we moved here from Kansas just yesterday. We’re staying in a hotel on Kuhio Street.” Chow read the letter, then looked at the picture. “Yes, I know this man — and I no like him!” he said as he pounded the table. Immediately, all the men surrounded me. I pleaded with Chow to hear me out, but he walked away and the angry circle ordered me to leave. I pulled up the chair Chow had just vacated and plopped down. “I will leave if the professor tells me to leave,” I said defiantly. The men took turns kicking my chair and telling me to stand up. I ignored them and put on my toughest face, trying to hide my fear. They finally gave up. Jacob, the guy in the kung fu uniform, whispered in Chow’s ear. The master simply nodded and clapped his hands, and the class began. Cold Shoulder I was invisible to them for the next three hours. I learned that the only other actual student there was Walter, the yellow belt. The others were former students and friends. At the end of class, they all walked past me on their way out the door, a couple of them kicking my chair again. They turned off the light and left, and I stood up and followed them out. I’d never been so disappointed in my life. Feeling like I’d been set up, I called Alo as soon as I got back to the hotel. My story made him hysterical. “Why are you laughing?” I asked. “He just met me, but he really hates you!” “No, he doesn’t,” Alo said. “That’s just how he is. If you don’t visit him every few months, he gets upset, but he doesn’t quite understand that it’s not easy to take a trip to Hawaii. Just go back to the next class; it will be OK.” “Go back?” I shouted. “They’ll kill me.” “No, they won’t — well, probably not,” he said, snickering. About-Face Two days later, I returned to the fellowship hall. As I stepped inside, I was greeted by Jacob and Walter, both of whom were wearing big grins. They rushed to meet me. “Hi, glad you came back,” Jacob said, shaking my hand. He and Walter were the only ones present besides Chow. The master walked over to me — and even he was smiling. “The professa would like to have that picture of him and Alo,” Jacob said. “We drove all over Kuhio Street yesterday trying to find you, looking for your car. The professa wanted that picture — and to tell you that you can come to class.” Chow approached and shook my hand, grinning. His huge mitts engulfed mine — each finger was almost as big as my wrist. I presented him with the photo, and he smiled at it. “You brown belt on the mainland, you white belt in Hawaii,” he said. “Got it?” “Yes, professa,” I said, bowing and trying to enunciate the way they all did, accenting the fess. It came out goofy, and Chow grinned at me. But I didn’t care; I was in. Official Student Although my wife made good money as a nurse, the cost of living in Hawaii was high, and I had to go to work. My profession in those days was singer in a country band. The band played a lot during the week, so my dream of being a dedicated kara-ho student was downgraded to showing up as often as I could. Many times, I’d arrive late and just watch the class. The student body was never larger than Jacob and Walter — and occasionally me. When I’d observe class, Chow would sit with me and let me pepper him with questions. This access to the master icon was a blessing I’ll never forget. I learned a lot about his personality and his drive to be the best martial artist in the world, which is what he considered himself. Aside from the $35 a month he received for teaching Chinese kara-ho kempo kung fu, which is what he called it in 1986, he made money as a masseuse. Those thick, powerful hands — which could and had caused destruction in others — also healed the aches and pains. I witnessed both skill sets. One night, Chow was teaching finger techniques. Walter had been struck in the side of the neck, and the site instantly swelled and turned dark as blood rushed in. The master pulled out a bottle of homemade jow and massaged the spot for five minutes. The bruise and the pain subsided, and the class continued. Proud of his work, he grinned at me. “What ingredients are in that jow?” I asked. “Secret,” Chow said. It was the standard answer to many questions. I saw — and felt — Chow’s skillful hands on another occasion while he was teaching self-defense sets. In this particular one, the attacker threw a hook, and I was supposed to duck under it, rise and respond with a hard uppercut to the stomach. I performed the set with Chow, and each time I threw my uppercut into his gut, he said, “You must train harder, punch harder like real thing.” Finally, he demonstrated on me. A blindingly fast uppercut hit me hard, right on target. It hurt but wasn’t crippling. Then it was my turn again, and, not wanting to be on the other end, I threw my best shot into Chow’s stomach, which was rock hard. Without even flinching, he said, “Tes, like that.” Culture Clash After the first week, I couldn’t afford to rent a car anymore, so I began taking the bus for 40 minutes and then walking for another 40 up that long hill in a bad area. I was yelled at, threatened and harassed by locals who didn’t want me in their neighborhood. They’d sic their pit bulls on me, then yank on the leash just before their teeth touched my flesh. Walking back to the bus stop was scary but a bit easier because it was dark, and as I jogged down the hill, they couldn’t tell if I was a stranger. One night after class, Chow asked me how I was getting back to Waikiki. I told him about the long bus ride and walk. He was shocked. “That’s a dangerous neighborhood,” he said. “They will kill you if they catch you.” “I just tell them I am friends with the great professa Chow, and they all back away from me,” I joked. “No,” he said. “We give you ride to your bus stop. Don’t want you to die.” Another night after class, I told him about a scary event my wife had experienced in the mental ward of the medical center. A mentally disturbed patient had tried to stab her with a pencil. She’d maneuvered to keep furniture between herself and the attacker until help arrived and he was subdued. Horrified, Chow ordered me to go to the hospital the next day and beat up the guy. I thought he was kidding at first, but he was serious. “Professa, this man is a mental patient,” I said. “He doesn’t know right from wrong, and they’re trying to help him.” “Doesn’t matter,” he replied. “He took respect from you, so must go beat him up tomorrow. Don’t come back to class until you do.” That was a Thursday. I called every day until the next class on Tuesday, hoping to make him understand. When his wife Patsy would answer the phone, she’d say, “It’s Jim. …” After a second, she’d come back on the line and say, “He wants to know if you took care of the thing.” I’d tell her no, and she’d say, “He doesn’t want to talk until you do.” When Tuesday finally came, the first thing I heard when I walked through the door was, “Did you do it?” “No,” I said. “I can’t because my wife will get fired. But I will go with you anywhere and let you pick out someone and I will fight them — in a bar or in the park or in another karate school.” He sighed in disappointment, then said, “Get in line.” Just like that, it was over. Imminent Demise One night after class, I returned home to find that my wife had purchased plane tickets back to Kansas. Homesick, she had decided to move back without consulting me. I tried to talk her into sticking it out for one year as we’d agreed, but it was no use. She had tickets for both of us and our 5-year-old son. When I told Chow the bad news, he said, “Tell her she can’t go.” “I tried, but she’s not like that,” I said. “She is strong-willed.” He shook his head. “In my house, I wear the pants,” he said. “You need to wear the pants.” In those days, we shared the pants. I told him I didn’t want to go but had no choice. He told me if I wanted to remain in Hawaii and learn kara-ho, I could stay with him. I couldn’t believe it — the great professor Chow offering me a place to live. I said I’d think about it. Ultimately, I decided I couldn’t remain on the island and have my son so far away. When I told Alo, he explained that Chow’s son was incarcerated at the time but due to be released soon. “He won’t like you living there, and you will have to fight him if you stay,” Alo said. That reassured me that I’d made the right decision. With much regret, I left Hawaii and the professor and returned to the mainland. We spoke on the phone at least once a month, and I sent him money as often as I could. He passed away the following September, and I continued to send money to his wife until I received a phone call. Sam Kuoha said I should stop my remittances because he was taking care of Patsy while she was in hiding. “Hiding from what?” I asked. “There are many kempo masters who think they should take over the professor’s system, and they’re angry that he chose me,” Kuoha said. “She has received death threats, and I am protecting her.” I don’t know that I believed all that, but I was glad Patsy was being taken care of. In the ensuing months, I reflected on my lessons with the master and how many of his drills and fighting philosophies I had absorbed. Although they’re now part of the system I teach, they’re not the kara-ho that I learned from the professor during my time in Hawaii. That was a one-of-a-kind martial art that was practiced and taught by a legend named William K.S. Chow.

This past Thursday night, August 21st, in Los Angeles, I attended the screening of Shadow's Edge , Jackie Chan’s latest film, which opens in theaters today. I went with a group of friends—martial artists, experts, and film and stunt veterans. To give you a hint of who they were, let’s just say they were the "Best of the Best," in other words, a tough crowd to please. I won’t bury the lead: we loved it. Here’s why. Shadow's Edge Movie Review for Black Belt  Magazine First, a confession. I haven’t seen many of Jackie’s recent films, including Karate Kid: Legends . That’s mostly because I prefer Jackie in his classic role as a martial artist, playing to his strengths as a fighting hero and showcasing the creative genius behind those creative, funny, and brilliantly choreographed fight scenes we have all grown to love. Shadow's Edge  made the wait worthwhile. This isn’t your typical Jackie Chan action flick filled with slapstick and playful stunts you might casually stream at home. No...this is a film that demands your full attention. It’s the kind of movie that should get you off the couch, off your streaming device, and into a theater with a friend or a date who loves big action as much as you do. This is a film for fans of action, martial arts, and, of course, Jackie Chan. But Shadow's Edge  adds two new layers to Jackie’s legacy: humility and generosity. At a time in his career when he can choose any project, backed by the powerhouse of Chinese cinema, he decided to produce and star in an ensemble action film that introduces a new generation of martial arts stars. What struck me most was how generously he shared screen time—and fight scenes—with this young, talented crew of criminals, all led by their senior-citizen boss, a man so unhinged he’ll leave you genuinely afraid. "Wolf King," Fu Longsheng Here’s the plotline: a crew of criminal prodigies vanishes with billions, evading capture by outsmarting the formidable "Sky Eye" surveillance system. Desperate, the Macau police enlist the help of Wong Tak-Chung (Jackie Chan), a retired tracking expert. He mentors rookie officer He Qiuguo (Zhang Zifeng) and rebuilds an elite surveillance unit to hunt down the elusive "Wolf King," Fu Longsheng (Tony Leung Ka Fai), mastermind of the heist. As the police close in, the thieves set a trap of their own. Brains clash, loyalties fracture, and an ultimate cat-and-mouse game begins. Chan relies on instinct, experience, and old-school surveillance techniques to track this crew. His unlikely partnership with Qiuguo—a Gen Z rookie—creates some of the film’s most genuine moments. The generational clash between the boomer mentor and his young recruit feels authentic, yet Jackie breaks through, and the two evolve into true partners in a surprising twist. The fight scenes are a revelation. Gone is the lighthearted comedy of Jackie’s past. Instead, we get younger cast members delivering high-flying acrobatics while Jackie grounds the action with a believable, gritty street-fighting style. One standout isn’t even an actor but a weapon: the villain’s old-school switchblade. Fu Longsheng’s fighting style—equal parts prison shank techniques and sheer brutality—makes every encounter unforgettable. The choreography pays homage to one against the mob in The Raid  and even hints at the intricate plotting of The Usual Suspects . Each fight feels dangerous—whether it’s veteran versus veteran, young star versus old master, or young against young. Every scene carries intensity, brutality, and genuine risk, leaving the audience gasping. To say I enjoyed the film would be an understatement. In fact, I found myself cheering and clapping—alongside a theater packed with martial artists and stars of martial arts films who clearly felt the same. Shadow's Edge  opens August 22, 2025. You can find showtimes and tickets at major chains in both the U.S. and international markets. Get tickets!

The February 1982 cover of Karate Illustrated showcased the stellar Karen Sheperd on its cover. Long before women were expected to headline in martial arts, she stepped up, claimed the top spot in forms, and proved she could stand toe-to-toe with anyone. From tournament floors to movie screens, her legacy still hits hard today! Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

The December 1972 cover of Black Belt featured the legendary Eric Lee . Remember the “Little King of Kata”? Lee was one of the first to showcase the creative side of musical forms, built a legendary name for himself, and at 79, he’s still going strong! Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

The July 1976 cover of Karate Illustrated featured Master AlGene Caraulia — devoted martial artist, champion, and promoter. Caraulia trained under Kajukenbo founder Adriano Emperado , Tony Ramos , and judo instructor Gene Wyka . In 1963, he won the inaugural World Karate Championship. By 1970, he brought his art to Cleveland, Ohio, founding the Karate Institute, later known as the Karate Institute of America. A member of the United States Karate Association, he earned a 4th-degree black belt and joined its elite Trias International group. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

ABDOUL ABDOURAGUIMOV TO FACE KEVIN JOUSSET IN PFL EUROPE NANTES MAIN EVENT AT THE ZENITH NANTES METROPOLE ON 26 SEPT Abdoul “Lazy King” Abdouraguimov returns to action in the main event against French compatriot Kevin “Air” Jousset for PFL Europe Nantes at the Zenith Nantes Metropole Bordeaux’s Kevin Jousset will make his PFL debut on Friday 26 September and will look to stop Abdouraguimov from making it ten-straight wins in an elite match-up between two French MMA fighters Tickets for PFL Europe Nantes are on-sale now via pfl.info/nantes The Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced Abdoul “Lazy King” Abdouraguimov (19-1) will go up against Kevin “Air” Jousset (10-4) in an all-French Welterweight main event showcase bout at PFL Europe Nantes on Friday 26 September at the Zenith Nantes Metropole, with tickets on-sale now via pfl.info/nantes . Jousset is a 2nd Dan Judo Black Belt and a former two-division champion in Hex Fight Series, lauded for his elite grappling prowess and accomplishments which will prove to give Abdouraguimov one of the biggest challenges in his MMA career to date. “Air” has trained around the world, including City Kickboxing in Auckland under the guidance of acclaimed coach Eugene Bareman, helping build out the judoka’s MMA game who will look to make a statement in Nantes’ first ever major MMA show. Abdouraguimov is currently riding a nine-fight winning streak, and will look to hit double-digits when he performs in his home city of Nantes for the first time ever. Beloved for his wild and enigmatic personality, “Lazy King” sets out to entertain the masses every time he steps onto the canvas. His high-level grappling will be put to the test against the calibre of Jousset’s accolades, but with seven stoppages in his last nine victories, he promises to put on a show in Nantes like never seen before.  Nantes will also be the home of PFL Europe’s semi-final Bantamweight and Lightweight fights of 2025, which will see the continent’s top athletes look to secure their spot in the final in hopes of earning the coveted PFL Europe Championship and a cash prize of $100,000 in Lyon this December. “PFL is coming home! After 21 professional fights, I can finally fight in front of my home crowd, where I grew up and learned this sport. And now, it's at the Zénith Nantes Métropole that I'm going to do the next Lazy show. Grab a seat, some popcorn, and be good, but not too much, because I'm here to entertain you on September 26th, let's go!”. Said Abdoul Abdouraguimov . “Nantes. His backyard. My moment. On September 26th, I silence the crowd and win big in my PFL debut.” Said Kevin Jousset .   Updated PFL Europe Nantes Card Friday 26 Sept - The Zenith Nantes Metropole, Nantes, France Welterweight Main Event: Abdoul Abdouraguimov (19-1) vs. Kevin Jousset (10-4) PFL Europe Bantamweight Semi-Finals Bout: Mahio Campanella (8-1) vs. Gustavo Oliveira (11-2) PFL Europe Lightweight Semi-Finals Bout: Connor Hughes (11-2) vs. Gino van Steenis (6-1) PFL Europe Bantamweight Semi-Finals Bout: Dean Garnett (13-3-1) vs. Jan Ciepłowski (9-0) PFL Europe Lightweight Semi-Finals Bout: Claudio Pacella (6-2) vs. Aleksandr Chizov (11-3)

Archie Colgan Puts Undefeated Record on the Line Against New Zealand’s Jay-Jay Wilson 2024 PFL Europe Bantamweight Champion Lewis McGrillen Faces Ireland’s Caolan Loughran in PFL Debut Former Bellator Bantamweight World Champion Sergio Pettis Set to Fight Bellator Title Challenger Magomed Magomedov The Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced three new bouts that complete the main card of PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai - The Rematch on Friday, October 3, live from Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Tickets for the event are on-sale now via this link .  At Lightweight, undefeated Archie Colgan (12-0) will face Jay-Jay Wilson (11-1) in a fight that will have serious future title implications at 155-pounds. The 2024 PFL Europe Bantamweight Champion Lewis McGrillen (12-1) will be in action against a PFL debutant, when Ireland’s Caolan Loughran (10-2) enters the SmartCage for the first time in his career. The first bout of the evening will feature Russia’s Magomed Magomedov (21-4) against former Bellator Bantamweight World Champion Sergio Pettis (24-7), in another bout that will directly affect the future championship landscape. These three newly announced bouts round out a stacked main card headlined by a championship double-header. In the main event, Dagestan’s undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov (19-0, 1 NC) faces Ireland’s Paul Hughes (14-2) in the biggest rematch in PFL history for the Lightweight World Title. The co-main event sees former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Corey Anderson (19-6) take on 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight Champion Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-7-1) with the PFL Light Heavyweight World Title on the line. This event further cements Dubai’s evolving role as a global MMA hub. It’s made possible through PFL’s multi-year partnership with the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Since its official launch in November 2024, the “Road to Dubai” campaign has brought a series of PFL global MMA events to the UAE, positioning the region as a centerpiece for elite combat sports. While the Road to Dubai Finale is scheduled for January, this October event is an additional showcase, designed to build momentum and further engage fans ahead of the finale. Archie Colgan (12-0) vs. Jay-Jay Wilson (11-1) - Lightweight Main Card Bout Undefeated standout Archie “King” Colgan brings elite Division I wrestling pedigree, Wyoming’s first-ever champion at 157 pounds, into a spotless record highlighted by wins over Mansour Barnaoui, Emmanuel Sanchez, Thibault Gouti, and Manoel Sousa. Across the cage, New Zealand’s Jay-Jay “The Maori Kid” Wilson, a BJJ black belt with a 9-1 record in Bellator, is fresh off an emphatic finish of Mads Burnell in April. With both men closing in on Lightweight gold, this clash promises high stakes and high drama. Lewis McGrillen (12-1) vs. Caolan Loughran (10-2) - Bantamweight Main Card Bout Lewis “The McGrizzla” McGrillen arrives in Dubai on October 3 riding a scorching streak, three consecutive highlight-reel finishes, a 2024 “Fight of the Year” thriller against Dean Garnett, and the PFL Europe Bantamweight Championship around his waist. With 10 of his 11 victories coming by finish, his knockout power is a difference maker. Opposite him, Caolan “The Don” Loughran enters his PFL debut fresh off a UFC win. The former Cage Warriors bantamweight champion is renowned for his relentless pace, forward pressure, and durability, setting the stage for a clash of European talent. Magomed Magomedov (21-4) vs. Sergio Pettis (24-7) - Bantamweight Main Card Bout Russia’s Magomed Magomedov, the first man to defeat former UFC champion Petr Yan, arrives in Dubai as a former ACB bantamweight titleholder with a résumé built on precision grappling and elite finishes. He has guillotined top contenders like Enrique Barzola and Danny Sabatello, pushed Patchy Mix the full five rounds for Bellator gold, and most recently earned a 2025 PFL victory over Sarvarjon Khamidov. Across from him stands former Bellator Bantamweight World Champion Sergio Pettis, who delivered the 2021 “Knockout of the Year” with a spinning-backfist finish of Kyoji Horiguchi before defending his crown in a masterclass against Patricio “Pitbull” Freire. This matchup has all the makings of a high-level chess match and will likely determine the path for the PFL Bantamweight World Title.     PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai - The Rematch Main Card Friday, Oct. 3 PFL Lightweight World Title Main Event: Usman Nurmagomedov (19-0, 1 NC) vs. Paul Hughes (14-2) PFL Light Heavyweight World Title Co-Main Event: Corey Anderson (19-6) vs. Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-7-1)  Lightweight Main Card Bout: Archie Colgan (12-0) vs. Jay-Jay Wilson (11-1) Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Lewis McGrillen (12-1) vs. Caolan Loughran (10-2) Bantamweight Main Card Bout: Magomed Magomedov (21-4) vs. Sergio Pettis (24-7) Early Card Heavyweight Showcase Bout: Pouya Rahmani (4-0) vs. Slim Trabelsi (8-0) 165-Pound Catchweight Bout: Zubaira Tukhugov (20-6-1) vs. Artem Lobov (14-15-1) Welterweight Showcase Bout: Omar El Dafrawy (14-5) vs. Florim Zendeli (10-1-1)

TWO WORLD TITLE FIGHTS HEADLINE PFL’S RETURN TO DUBAI ON OCT. 3 USMAN NURMAGOMEDOV VS. PAUL HUGHES FOR THE PFL LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD TITLE COREY ANDERSON VS. DOVLET YAGSHIMURADOV FOR PFL LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT WORLD TITLE PFL CHAMPIONS SERIES: ROAD TO DUBAI - THE REMATCH TAKES PLACE FRIDAY, OCT. 3 AT COCA-COLA ARENA IN DUBAI The Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced a massive championship double-header for its return to the UAE, as two PFL World Title bouts will headline PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai - The Rematch on Friday, October 3, live from Coca-Cola Arena. The biggest rematch in PFL history takes center stage in Dubai, as Dagestan’s undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov (19‑0, 1 NC) and Ireland’s Paul Hughes (14‑2) battle for the PFL Lightweight World Title in the main event. In the co-main event, former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Corey Anderson (19-6) will face 2024 PFL Light Heavyweight Tournament Champion Dovlet Yagshimuradov (25-7-1) for the PFL Light Heavyweight World Title.  In addition, three early card bouts have been confirmed, including a Heavyweight clash between former Iranian National Team wrestler Pouya Rahmani (4-0) and former Tunisian Olympic wrestler Slim Trabelsi (8-0), with both fighters looking to preserve their undefeated records. A grudge match nearly seven years in the making is officially set, as Zubaira Tukhugov (20-6-1) finally faces Artem Lobov (14-15-1) in Dubai. Originally booked to fight in 2018, the matchup was scrapped following the UFC 229 post-fight brawl and subsequent suspensions. On October 3, the two will finally settle their score inside the PFL SmartCage. 2024 PFL MENA Welterweight Champion Omar El Dafrawy (14-5) of Egypt will fight 2024 PFL Europe Welterweight Champion Florim Zendeli (10-1-1) of Albania in a battle of two PFL Regional Tournament winners who are both in the midst of multi-fight unbeaten streaks. Additional main card and early card bouts will be announced shortly. Fans can register now for the pre-sale to exclusively buy tickets on Thursday, 14 August at 4:00 pm GST via this link . The pre-sale will be available for registered fans before the general sale on Friday, 15 August at 12:00 pm GST via www.coca-cola-arena.com . This event further cements Dubai’s evolving role as a global MMA hub. It’s made possible through PFL’s multi-year partnership with the Dubai Sports Council and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. Since its official launch in November 2024, the “Road to Dubai” campaign has brought a series of PFL global MMA events to the UAE, positioning the region as a centerpiece for elite combat sports. While the Road to Dubai Finale is scheduled for January, this October event is an additional showcase, designed to build momentum and further engage fans ahead of the finale.  “PFL Champions Series on October 3 in Dubai will be one of the biggest nights in PFL history,” said PFL CEO John Martin . “To have two PFL World Titles on the line, featuring four world-class athletes at the top of their game, shows exactly what makes the PFL different. This is more than just a fight card, it’s a global showcase of elite talent, compelling narratives, and the power of our international platform. Dubai is quickly becoming one of the sport’s true capitals, and there’s no better setting for a night of championship-level drama and the biggest rematch in PFL history.”

James Mitose , a Japanese American martial artist, is credited with bringing the art of kenpo  to the United States in 1936. Brilliant but controversial, he left an incredible mark on the art’s development in America. Taken from the June 1980 Black Belt Magazine archive His legacy was marred by a criminal conviction — one his family continued to dispute. In 1974, he was found guilty of murder and extortion, sentenced to life in prison, and died there in 1981 from complications related to diabetes. During his time in prison he was visited by kenpo master Bruce Juchnik who chronicled his teachings. Mitose's son Thomas Barrow Mitose said in a 1992 interview with Black Belt, that his father got a "bum deal from the American legal system and from some of his disciples." Want the full story? Check out our digital archive and read it in the November 1992 issue, featuring Thomas Barrow Mitose on the cover!

The January 2001 cover of Black Belt   Cover featured 17–0 professional kickboxing world champion turned MMA and movie star Cung Le . Le made his mixed martial arts debut at Strikeforce: Shamrock vs. Gracie  in San Jose’s HP Pavilion, knocking out kickboxing rival Mike Altman. His explosive striking style landed him in the UFC and later helped launch him into Hollywood, where he appeared in several films—including the 2009 action drama Fighting  alongside Channing Tatum. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Front and center on this vintage cover: promoter Joe Corley  stepping into the spotlight for what was billed as The Karate Match of the Year . The stakes were high. The hype was real. And the opponent was none other than Bill “Superfoot” Wallace , a lightning-fast kicker and undefeated champion. Corley, already well-known for his role in promoting top-tier martial arts events, wasn’t just working behind the scenes this time, he was strapping on the gloves and entering the ring. Wallace, with his devastating left leg and unmatched speed, had a reputation for ending fights in spectacular fashion. The matchup promised a clash of styles, skill, and personalities, and martial arts fans across the country were buzzing. A defining moment that captured the golden era of American karate—when fighters became legends and every big match felt like martial arts history in the making. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

If you’re taking medical advice from someone like me, you have more serious problems than can be addressed in a column. So it is that I never offer any advice on gaining flexibility. If you have questions about improving yours, consult a physical therapist. Unless your sensei has that kind of professional training, he has no business giving you instruction on flexibility other than to say, “This is what has worked for me.” That is what I would say. I can tell you, however, what has worked for me. Stretching: What the Research Says The conventional dojo warm-up calls for a variety of calisthenics, jumping jacks, push-ups and so on, mixed with stretching that seems to be directed at “loosening” joints, ligaments and muscles while increasing range of motion. There’s a great deal of research that seems to indicate that stretching before physical activity has limited value for either goal. Some evidence suggests that the kinds of stretches we often see in the dojo can, if performed before training, actually increase the chance of a muscular or skeletal injury. Why this would be so isn’t clear. Perhaps stretching muscles or ligaments makes them more liable to being pulled. For my own training, I confine my stretches to the floor at home, after a shower or bath. I’ve consulted physical therapists, some of them also martial artists. Their advice is fairly consistent: stretch the joint until it begins to feel “tight,” but don’t go so far as to make it hurt. Rather than “holding” the position once I've reached my maximum, I continue very slowly, and I stretch as I exhale, then pull back slightly as I inhale. This isn’t the rapid bobbing motion you often see in the dojo. It’s slow, gradual and without any force. So If I’m Not Stretching First… What Do I Do? If I want to warm up for karate practice, I practice karate. That sounds trite, but it’s the best way I know. I try to move my body the same way I would in regular training; I just do it more slowly and in an exaggerated way. Before I begin any of that, however, I bounce — the same way I would if I was skipping rope, assuming the rope was thread-thin. That’s to say, I just barely clear the ground when I bounce, my knees very slightly bent. I do this 100 times, as quickly as I can. That’s enough for me to realize how much tension I have in my shoulders. It gives me time to relax them, to feel all the joints in my body relaxing. When I repeat these rapid bounces, I go over a checklist. I often find that my lower jaw is tightly clenched, and I have to consciously relax it. My shoulders, elbows and wrists also get the stiffness taken out. Gradual Karate Movements After that, I begin to make the movements of karate, beginning with the smallest ones and working my way up to the larger ones. I form fists, curling the little fingers first and then the others and ending with a clench of my thumbs. Then I go through the range of motion of my wrists, working them as if I was grabbing and pulling. Same for the elbows — I make slow, exaggerated elbow strikes, moving them up and away as if attacking the underside of an opponent's chin. Turning, I make the same kind of big strikes as if I was hitting him on the temple. Then I do it as though I was striking the head of someone seizing me from behind. I also gradually take a wider and wider stance. I'll begin in a normal standing posture. As I proceed, I drop lower, spreading my legs. I start to focus on the larger muscles in my thighs and hips. Again, I go so slowly that if I actually struck anyone, it would be annoying rather than dangerous. I don't put any kime , or focus, into these moves. I'm merely warming up my body, making it accustomed to the motions. What Not to Do I sometimes see karateka, especially young, energetic ones, immediately start making hard, focused actions when they warm up. They seem to think the more violent the motion, the better. That certainly can be true in combat, but remember that warming up isn't fighting. We're allowing our bodies to relax and flow. Sometimes I see less-experienced karateka who confuse posing with warming up. It's understandable — karate photos often feature a sensei with his leg beautifully extended, his foot inches from his opponent's head. While this looks good, the power and value of karate lie in the movement that got that foot where it is and will take it back to a stable stance. That's why a warm-up that emphasizes movement is more beneficial than one that concentrates on the end product. Finally, notice that I haven't mentioned the presence of any push-ups or sit-ups in my routine. Those are strength-building exercises, and as such, they're beneficial. However, you'll be better off if you do them during self-training and save your valuable dojo time for martial arts.