Ready to hear the wild story behind our January 1976 Black Belt cover? Long before Instagram fighters, YouTube beefs, or TikTok callouts, one man went viral  without the internet. No algorithms. No hashtags. Just pure, unfiltered chaos. His name was John Keehan—though the world knew him as Count Dante , “The Deadliest Man Alive.” He wasn’t just claiming to be the best. He was calling karate a fraud , mocking the sport publicly, and selling himself as the only man who knew the “real” way to fight. And yes, people believed him. His roots in martial arts began in earnest with the United States Karate Association (USKA) , where John Keehan quickly established himself as a skilled and ambitious practitioner. Training with the USKA. By 1964, he had left the organization entirely, determined to forge his own path. Throughout the 1960s, Keehan continued hosting tournaments that crossed style boundaries, pairing karateka against kung fu stylists, judo black belts against taekwondo practitioners—clashes that thrilled spectators and rattled traditionalists. 1964 World Karate Tournament Keehan grew disillusioned with karate’s emphasis on ceremony and tradition over real-world effectiveness. He began developing his own “street-effective” style, which evolved into the Dan-te system —better known as the “Dance of Death.” Mastering its sequence of moves, he claimed, could make anyone a true fighting master. In 1967, he legally changed his name to Count Juan Raphael Danté, claiming Spanish noble heritage hidden after the Civil War. He boasted of winning secret “death matches” in Thailand and China, killing opponents before thousands. It was all so over the top, it should have been a joke. But it wasn’t. Soon after, he launched his infamous comic book ads, billing himself as “The Deadliest Man Alive.”  For a few dollars, readers could order his World’s Deadliest Fighting Secrets —complete with the Dance of Death—and a free Black Dragon Fighting Society  membership card. The sensational ads cemented Count Dante’s place in pop culture infamy. Send away a few bucks, and you’d get his booklet World’s Deadliest Fighting Secrets , complete with the legendary “Dance of Death” and a Black Dragon Fighting Society membership card. The Dojo Wars On April 24, 1970, the hype turned real. Keehan and his crew stormed a rival dojo, pretending to be cops before attacking. Minutes later, his best friend and fellow sensei Jim Koncevic was dead. The “Deadliest Man Alive” was suddenly front-page news for all the wrong reasons. Rumors of a $4 Million Heist Former mob lawyer Robert Cooley later claimed Keehan had a role in the 1974 Purolator vault robbery—$4.3 million gone in one of the biggest heists in U.S. history. Keehan passed a lie detector and was never charged, but the whispers never stopped. The Sudden End On May 25, 1975, Count Dante died in his sleep of a bleeding ulcer. No final showdown. No dramatic last fight. Just gone—leaving behind a trail of ads, rumors, and a fan club that had turned deadly. It sounds like an urban legend. But it’s real. Every bizarre, brutal, unbelievable piece of it. In fact we even wrote about it and gave him a cover.

Most combatives practitioners spend a lot of time learning to develop powerful strikes. It’s important to be efficient, to be able to exploit the momentary vulnerabilities your attacker presents and not waste them on half-assed or weak attempts at hitting and hurting. Unfortunately, what people don’t spend enough time on in their martial arts training is understanding the importance of movement, establishing range, and being harder to hit. Sure, the combatives mentality lends itself to “hey diddle diddle, right up the middle” and “going caveman,” but is that the most effective approach? The most efficient? Don’t misunderstand me: Sometimes the absolutely right thing to do is to cover and explode directly into your attacker to stop his momentum and establish the all-important transition from him feeling like the predator to him feeling like prey. He suddenly finds it necessary to protect himself when he realizes there are negative consequences for attacking you. But not always. Based on the lack of movement you observe in some combatives training, the assumption must be that the attacker somehow becomes non-ambulatory, stationary, inert, and unable to fight back. It's not just unarmed combatives; stick and knife practitioners also routinely practice techniques that are applied while moving around a stationary partner. But when you fight, even when an attacker is made to feel at risk, he’s gonna move. He’ll move to protect or defend himself, he’ll move because of a reaction to pain and injury, and he'll move to achieve a more dominant position, trying to regain the upper hand in a fight gone bad. While it’s true that combatives is generally about linking together individual, staccato, gunshot-like strikes (each thrown with the intensity and intent needed to end the fight), it's the ability to move efficiently that transforms the combatives practitioner from a one-dimensional hammerfist thrower into someone who’s continually in a dominant, powerful position with a defense that’s intact and ready to strike again and again as necessary. Try this drill. Have your partner attack. Defend against the initial strikes, then cook off on him. Instruct your partner to defend himself and use rearward inquartata movement to cut an angle away from you. This will result in him being at a roughly 90-degree angle from you. React fluidly to his attempts to back away on angles and keep striking him. Most important, try to flank him. Because each of you is trying to flank the other—him to protect himself and disengage, you to maintain contact and achieve the dominant position—the drill forces more movement. You can’t do this drill with bad footwork, which is another often-overlooked fundamental. As the drill heats up with more speed, power, and intensity, you'll find it increasingly necessary to ensure that your feet are beneath you if you want to chain effective strikes together and exert your will on your animated opponent. It’s easy to throw one powerful strike. It’s easy to throw a couple of powerful strikes on a stationary target. It becomes way more difficult when you’re trying to throw multiple and varied strikes on a moving target, yet that’s exactly what you need to do to adequately defend yourself. For the next drill, have your partner attack you. Simultaneously defend yourself and attack. This time, have your partner continually try to tie you up, clinch, or hold you (simulating that he’s been hurt and wants to wrap you up to keep you from hitting him). Refuse his clinch attempts and flank to a dominant position to keep striking him. The drill should comprise at least two or three attempts to tie you up from two or three angles, run consecutively. Your objective is to move in a way that lets you avoid being tied up while still being able to strike. As most of you know, I believe in the benefits of incorporating boxing into your training regimen. Not only does it inure you to punching attacks and pressure, but it also teaches you the techniques of movement that make up the sweet science. When I say “movement,” it’s probably more accurate to say positioning . I’m not suggesting that the exact same type of movement in the combat sport of boxing is essential to know as much as I’m saying the continual achievement of a dominant position is essential. It’s all about boxing’s intense focus on the questions of “Where is he in relation to me?” and “Am I driving this or is he?” There’s not enough room in this magazine to discuss the merits of boxing footwork as it relates to fighting. Suffice to say that in a struggling, scuffling shitstorm, whoever moves in a way that maintains balance and the ability to generate power instantly—and that reliably puts the person in a dominant position that supports continual offensive output—is very likely going to punish a less-competent person.

In a world often dominated by egos and the clamor for recognition, Tony Thompson  stood apart—not by demanding the spotlight, but by gracefully stepping out of it. He chose the path of humility, honor, and service, lifting others so they could shine. A foundational force in shaping generations of martial artists, instructors, and champions, he was an original member of the legendary West Coast Demo Team, his influence helped define an era. His teachings and mentorship shaped the journeys of luminaries such as Scott Coker, George Chung, and even Cynthia Rothrock, and hundreds more who earned their black belts under his guidance. Born September 27, 1950, Thompson was more than a martial artist—he was a mentor, a visionary, a teacher, and a quiet powerhouse whose influence echoes across generations. As co-founder of the legendary West Coast World Martial Arts Association , Thompson helped build what would become one of the most successful martial arts schools and systems in the world. Tony Thompson met his future business partner at San Jose State University and the two remained best friends and business partners for over 40 years. He began his martial arts journey in Taekwondo , trained under Master Dan Choi , and was known in the 1970s as a fierce and nationally ranked fighter. As a heavyweight, he stunned audiences by executing acrobatic techniques typically reserved for lighter divisions—defying expectations and redefining the boundaries of physical expression in martial arts. From the late 1960s through the 2020s, Tony Thompson and Ernie Reyes  forged a dynamic partnership that transformed martial arts education in America. If Ernie was the heart of the West Coast family, then Tony was its soul. Rest in peace, Tony Thompson. Your legacy lives on in every student, every lesson, and every act of honor.

The November 1972 cover of Karate Illustrated  featured action film star Calvin Lockhart, best known for his roles as Reverend Deke O'Malley in Cotton Comes to Harlem  (1970) and Biggie Smalls in Let’s Do It Again  (1975). The cover celebrated his role in Melinda , where he played a karate-skilled disc jockey. Oh, the ’70s! Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Do you know his name? Do you remember his legacy? If you do, share a memory—keep his spirit alive. He began his martial arts journey in 1957, just 10 years old—disciplined, focused, and already determined to rise. From the gritty streets of Cleveland, Ohio, his path led him across the world: Vietnam, Korea, Germany, Japan, Hawaii, Venezuela, and throughout the United States. A Vietnam veteran, he served a decade in the U.S. Army as both a military police investigator and a hand-to-hand combat instructor. His legacy reached far beyond the battlefield. He broke barriers as one of the first Black American to appear in Korean motion pictures. He competed and won internationally—most notably at the Karate Internationals in Venezuela—and was inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in Ohio. His life and contributions have been chronicled in numerous publications, including Inside Kung-Fu , Karate Illustrated , Official Karate , Who's Who in Karate , The Pinnacle of Karate , Masters and Founders of the Martial Arts , Martial Arts Traditions: History, People , The Martial Arts Source Book , and The Official History of Karate in America . He was more than a martial artist—he was a pioneer, a warrior, and a mentor. Do you remember his name? His black belt legacy lives through you. Share a story. Pass it on.

Each week's Black Belt Watchlist is free to watch on Pluto TV! This week on the Black Belt Watch List, we step into the underground fight circuit with Bloodfight  (also known as Final Fight )—a gritty martial arts classic that delivers raw emotion, fierce training montages, and full-contact action. Watch now : https://pluto.tv/us/on-demand/movies/5fcffebc2fd74a0014ce96c5 Years after leaving the ring behind, a retired martial arts master returns to the brutal world of no-rules tournaments to avenge the death of his prized student. What follows is a journey of redemption, discipline, and devastating combat. The film stars the legendary Yasuaki Kurata, a real-life martial arts master and cinematic icon, alongside the unforgettable Bolo Yeung—famous for playing larger-than-life villains in Enter the Dragon  (opposite Bruce Lee) and Bloodsport  (as the fearsome Chong Li). For younger fans, Bolo is the original on-screen powerhouse—equal parts menace and muscle. Packed with intense choreography, old-school martial arts spirit, and a story rooted in honor and revenge, Bloodfight  is essential viewing for fight film fans. Now streaming free on Pluto TV—don’t miss it!

The February 1993 cover of Black Belt featured Joe Lewis, the legendary fighter who revolutionized American martial arts. A former Marine and full-contact champion, Lewis blended traditional karate with real-world combat strategy, redefining how martial artists trained and fought. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Do you have a Bruce Lee story — a moment where he inspired your path, shaped your mindset, or changed your life? On the anniversary of his passing, we reflect not only on what Bruce Lee accomplished, but on how profoundly he transformed the very soul of martial arts. He wasn’t just a man — he was a movement. His words shattered convention. His presence demanded evolution. From the 1960s onward, Black Belt Magazine  didn’t just chronicle Bruce Lee’s rise — we walked alongside it. From his early days as a fiercely driven martial artist to his ascent as a global force of philosophy, discipline, and cinematic power, we witnessed the making of a legend and had the honor of sharing his journey with the world. His techniques redefined combat. His spirit ignited generations. And today, Bruce is not just remembered — he is lived. In every kata, every sparring session, every moment a student pushes beyond their limits, Bruce is there. His legacy breathes in every martial artist who dares to think deeply, move freely, and pursue their truth without compromise. The fire of the Little Dragon still burns within us all.

If you want to make it in the martial arts biz, you've got to connect with dojo shoppers. They're the people who look for deals before they sign up at a school. The tactics they use while shopping can include asking for a free uniform when they enroll, lobbying for you to honor another school's "8 weeks for $30" coupon, and bargaining for a few months of free lessons. As martial art school owners, we can't blame them for what they do. They're just taking advantage of the fact that when it comes to martial arts facilities, they have plenty of choices these days. That knowledge is what prompts so many of them to visit your school to see what your staff has to offer. Your school won't be the first one they've visited; your job is to make sure it's the last. FOR EXPERT GUIDANCE  on this topic, I spoke with Willy Aguilar, owner of Pearl of Wisdom Kenpo Karate in Cypress, California. Because the dojo is located in the Los Angeles basin, business is cutthroat. "There are more than three dozen schools within easy driving distance," Aguilar says. "We have competition for business, and then we have to figure in the [dojo] shoppers. People nowadays really like to shop. "While some shoppers are lookie loos who just want a free lesson and will never come back, most are not. The majority of them are people interested in doing martial arts, and they're seeking a school that's the right fit for them or their family. Many of these seekers go from dojo to dojo waiting to hear from someone they believe is sincere and truthful and has their best interest at heart." AGUILAR SAYS  his proven approach to signing up dojo shoppers progresses through four steps: Step One:  "After introducing myself, I ask if they've come for themselves, their children or the entire family," Aguilar says. "Almost everyone indicates that they have come to check out the school and get some information and watch what's going on." Step Two:  "Then I tell them I'll do something better than having them sit and watch," Aguilar says. "I invite them or their kids to take off their shoes and try it right here and now. Most accept. I teach them some basics along with some practical self-defense techniques. I make sure it's something they could utilize and apply. If they prefer to come back a different day, we schedule it for a certain time." Step Three:  "I ask the prospective student, 'How did you like the class?'" Aguilar says. "Then I really listen to them. Their answers can vary from 'I like the exercise' and 'We enjoy the family environment' to 'We like the self-defense techniques' and 'I really like sparring, but we didn't do it much at my old dojo.'" The answers give Aguilar a better understanding of their needs and desires. Step Four:  "Armed with the information garnered from Step Three, I tell the clients about each of our classes and encourage them to take the one that would be the most beneficial for them," Aguilar says. "Maybe it's the regular kenpo karate class or the aerobic kickboxing or the muay Thai class." Next, Aguilar explains the fee structure and any discounts that might apply, as well as the terms of the enrollment contract. "Finally, I ask them to sign up," he says. "It's always best to close that first day or night. If they're determined to come back at a later date, schedule an appointment. If they do return, they'll most likely sign up." WHAT ABOUT THE FREE STUFF AND THE DEALS? "I give them the uniform and the introductory lesson," Aguilar says. "But free months will cause you to lose the customer. Avoid offering more than a week of free training. You need to close by that time. If you give clients too much time to decide, you'll upset the decision-making process. It's the same for the coupon deals — stay away from those." Don't be shy about urging the prospective student to enroll, Aguilar says. "You're not selling a house. It's just a one-year commitment. You have to remember that most clients really want to sign up. They're just waiting for the right person to show them what the school has to offer."

Today, we honor a living legend whose journey through martial arts has profoundly shaped the landscape we know today: Dan Inosanto. From his early beginnings in kenpo karate under the guidance of Ed Parker to becoming the trusted student and close friend of Bruce Lee, Inosanto's path has been one of dedication, evolution, and deep respect for the arts. It was he who introduced Bruce to the Filipino martial arts and the now-iconic nunchaku, bridging worlds and traditions with seamless mastery. Today he is even more relevant than he has ever been before—still teaching, still learning, and still evolving. Over the past 60 years, Sifu Dan has continued to grow—studying and teaching everything from kali to muay Thai to Brazilian jiu-jitsu—always learning, always growing. His contributions have earned him a place in the Black Belt Hall of Fame and the honor of gracing the cover of Black Belt  magazine an unprecedented eight times. At 89 years young, on this special birthday, we celebrate not just a master of combat, but a true embodiment of humility, honor, and respect—a treasure to the global martial arts community and a beacon for all who follow the path.

The March 1970 early edition of Karate Illustrated featured Tonny Tulleners, a formidable martial artist best known as the 1965 Middleweight International Karate Champion. Tulleners famously defeated Chuck Norris in competition—a rare and notable accomplishment in martial arts history. Beyond his tournament success, Tulleners appeared in several action films, showcasing his skills on screen. However, his most enduring legacy lies in the numerous martial arts books he authored for Ohara Publications, the publishing arm of Black Belt magazine. His works continue to educate and inspire martial artists around the world. His film can be seen here on Black Belt's YouTube channel . Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

In the world of martial arts, few events carry the historical weight of the legendary Long Beach Internationals. For decades, this tournament—originally founded by Ed Parker in 1964—was the proving ground for martial artists from all corners of the globe. Now, after a dramatic farewell in 2024, the legacy lives on in a bold new form: The International Karate Tournament (IKT), Year One . This isn’t just a rebrand. It’s a passing of the torch—literally and figuratively—to a new era of martial arts excellence, led by longtime event producer and martial arts champion, Steve Cooper . Honoring a Giant, Without Standing Still To understand the weight behind this transformation, one must appreciate the lineage. Ed Parker's original tournament ran from 1964 until his passing in 1990, ushering in a decade of memorial events curated by his family. When Cooper took the reins in 2004, he committed to preserving Parker’s legacy—not just in name, but in spirit. From the signature Tori-style trophy to the continued presence in Long Beach, Cooper ensured the event remained a shrine to martial arts tradition. Mike Stone 1965 winning his second grand championship at the Internationals - Photo Black Belt Magazine But 2024 marked the 60th anniversary—and the final chapter—of the Long Beach Internationals in its existing form. Now, with the launch of the International Karate Tournament, Cooper aims not to replicate the past, but to evolve it. “The torch has been passed,” Cooper explains. “We remember the legacy, but we must live in the now and look to the future.” One Arena, Many Disciplines The new IKT is a mosaic of martial arts disciplines, each with its own tournament operating under one unified roof. It’s a celebration of diversity and unity, gathering styles, organizations, and champions in a single venue that feels more like a world expo than a competition. This year, IKT will host six distinct tournaments : America’s Kenpo Championship  – A homecoming for American Kenpo stylists. Intercontinental Kajukenbo Championships  – Bringing together Kajukenbo affiliations from across the globe. SKL International Karate Championships  – A premier sport karate event tied to the National Karate League (NKL) and World Karate League (WKL). So Cal Traditional Karate Championships  – A stage for AAU and WKF practitioners of traditional Japanese karate. WAKO Tatami Sports Sparring California State Championships  – A landmark partnership with WAKO USA to bridge the gap between sport karate and international-level competition. Saber Martial Arts Championships  – A futuristic twist featuring LED saber sparring and kata. From padded weapon combat to kata battles, the International now offers a platform for everyone—from traditionalists to tactical innovators. Tech-Forward Tournament Management What sets this event apart isn’t just the range of competition. It’s also how the entire experience is delivered. Powered by Cooper’s tech company, Martial Logic , IKT leverages the most advanced event management system in the martial arts world. From online registration and real-time bracket updates to seamless document pickup and scoring, the back-end of the tournament runs as sharp as a kata performance. “Efficiency is key,” Cooper notes. “We’ve taken everything we’ve learned since 2003 and poured it into making this the smoothest, most professional martial arts event in the country.” Legends Among Us While the tournament looks to the future, it remains steeped in legacy. Martial arts luminaries scheduled to appear read like a who’s who of martial arts cinema and combat history: Cynthia Rothrock, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, Chuck Sullivan, Jeff Speakman, Bill Wallace,  and many others. Now in its fourth year, the International Martial Arts Hall of Fame  Gala will continue its tradition of honoring excellence, with seven inductees and the coveted Icon of Martial Arts Award . 2025’s honorees include Billy Blanks, Cynthia Prouder, Gilbert Velez, and Rick Kingi , promising a black-tie night of celebration that rivals the competition itself in prestige. A Torch to Light the Way In one of the event’s most symbolic gestures, this year’s IKT will include a Torch Lighting Ceremony —a tribute to legacy, unity, and future champions. Details on participation will be announced on July 1  at longbeachikc.com , but Cooper promises it will be a signature moment for martial arts culture. “This ceremony is about lighting the path forward,” Cooper says. “We’re not just hosting an event. We’re creating a movement.” Looking Ahead Workshops and seminars will return in 2026, with plans to include business-focused sessions aimed at helping martial arts schools grow sustainably. But for now, IKT is all about the competition—pure, powerful, and polished. So why is The International 2025  a must-attend? Because it’s more than a tournament. It’s a gathering of legends. A technological leap. A tribute and a transformation. Most of all, it’s a glimpse into the future of martial arts—a future that respects its past but refuses to be confined by it. As Steve Cooper puts it: “We have history. We have passion. We have heart. If you want to be a part of something unforgettable, this is where you need to be.” For registration, event schedules, Hall of Fame tickets, and hotel information, visit longbeachikc.com . The International 2025 takes place this August in Long Beach, California.