The 2007 cover of Black Belt  magazine featured the late Richard Bustillo, a pioneering martial artist and direct student of Bruce Lee. Bustillo began his training in Jeet Kune Do at Lee’s Jun Fan Gung Fu Institute in Los Angeles, where he studied alongside Dan Inosanto. In 1967, the two delved into Filipino martial arts—kali, escrima, and arnis—training under masters like Angel Cabales. Their efforts helped ignite a global revival of these traditional systems. In 1976, Bustillo was promoted to senior instructor in Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do by Sifu Inosanto. He later passed on Lee’s teachings to Brandon and Shannon Lee, ensuring the legacy continued into the next generation. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

PFL Cape Town takes place on Saturday, July 19th at the Grand Arena, GrandWest Tickets on Sale Now via Ticketpro here The Professional Fighters League (PFL) held an open workout ahead of the debut of the inaugural season of PFL Africa, which is set to take place on Saturday, July 19th at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town, South Africa. The open workout took place at the Champions Academy RDC Gym in Kinshasa, Congo, and featured Nigeria’s Juliet Ukah and South Africa’s Ceileigh Niedermayr . The two PFL Africa stars will face off in a Showcase Women’s Strawweight bout at PFL Cape Town. In front of the fans and media in attendance, Ukah and Niedermayr showcased their skills in a public training session before facing off for the first time ahead of their highly anticipated showdown. Juliet Ukah said:“I’m very happy to be on the first PFL Africa card, and my fight with Ceileigh is going to be an exciting one. We’re going to be representing the two biggest MMA nations in Africa, and we want to help put African MMA in the global spotlight. Compared to her, I think I’m the more experienced fighter and the better striker, so I’m comfortable wherever the fight goes. I expect to get the finish, but I don't mind going to a third round if needed. Ceileigh, let’s bring out the best in each other and show the world how well African women can fight!” Ceileigh Niedermayr said:“It’s truly an honor to be part of the first-ever women’s fight in PFL Africa. This fight camp isn’t just about preparing for my next opponent — it’s a reflection of my lifelong dedication to martial arts. I’m always pushing myself to grow, to evolve, and to become the best fighter I can be.” “On fight night, I’m bringing a new level of Smiley Savagery to the SmartCage. I have a lot of respect for Juliet as a fighter, and I welcome the chance to test myself against her, but I don’t think she’s ever faced anyone like me. I’m expecting an exciting, high-level battle — and I’m ready for it.” The historic PFL Cape Town event will kick off the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament, featuring First Round matchups in the Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions. The event will also be headlined by five must-see PFL Champions Series bouts, including a Middleweight World Championship main event between titleholder Johnny “Pressure” Eblen (16-0) and challenger Costello “The Spaniard” van Steenis (16-3). Tickets for the event are on sale now via Ticketpro. PFL Cape Town begins at 4:30 PM SAST / 10:30 AM EST with the PFL Africa Tournament, followed by the PFL Champions Series, which begins at 8:30 PM SAST / 2:30 PM EST. A U.S. broadcast partner will be announced shortly.

From his first championship win in 1964 to earning the Black Belt Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024, Mike Stone has never stopped making waves in the martial arts world. Now in 2025, he's still globe-trotting—active, influential, and unstoppable. Proof that true warriors never slow down. A pioneer in the past and a powerful voice in the present, Mike Stone continues to shape the future of martial arts in this new era of influence. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

This 1980 cover of Black Belt  magazine featured Mike Stone , the first American Karate Champion and a member of the prestigious Black Belt Hall of Fame . By the 1980s, Stone had firmly established himself in Hollywood, playing a key role in introducing audiences to what would become the hugely popular ninja movie genre. Beyond his competitive success and cinematic influence, Stone remains a celebrated figure in the martial arts world, with his contributions continuing to be recognized globally. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

ONE Championship (ONE), the world’s largest martial arts organization, today announced the first two matchups for ONE 173, the promotion's blockbuster return to the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, November 16. The announcements were made during a press conference at Spiral Hall in Tokyo earlier this afternoon. In the main event, an undisputed ONE Featherweight Kickboxing World Champion will be crowned when reigning king Superbon  squares off against interim titleholder Masaaki Noiri  in a highly anticipated World Title unification bout. Noiri captured the ONE Interim Featherweight Kickboxing World Title with a stunning knockout victory over Tawanchai PK Saenchai at ONE 172 this past March, setting the stage for this showdown with Superbon. In the co-main event, undisputed ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion “Reug Reug” Oumar Kane  will defend his gold against former titleholder Anatoly Malykhin  in a highly anticipated rematch. “Reug Reug” scored a historic upset in their November 2024 meeting at ONE 169, becoming the first-ever MMA World Champion from Senegal and handing Malykhin the only defeat of his professional career. Still ONE Middleweight and Light Heavyweight MMA World Champion, the Russian is now seeking redemption, while Kane is eager to cement his legacy and close the door on this heavyweight rivalry.  ONE 173 will emanate live from the Ariake Arena on November 16, with global broadcast details being announced at a later date. Pre-sale tickets will be available tonight beginning at 7 p.m. JST via ePlus . Tickets will go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. JST on Saturday, July 5. Additional marquee bouts for ONE 173 will be announced in the near future.

Lightweights Gadzhi Rabadanov and Alfie Davis Advance to World Tournament Finals Bantamweights Marcirley Alves and Justin Wetzell Advance to World Tournament Finals Women’s Flyweights Liz Carmouche and Jena Bishop Advance to World Tournament Finals The PFL Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight & Middleweight Semifinals Begin Friday, June 27 on ESPN & ESPN+ at Wintrust Arena in Chicago The Semifinals of the 2025 PFL World Tournament rolled on tonight at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, with finalists in the Lightweight, Bantamweight and Women’s Flyweight divisions officially punching their tickets to August's Finals. In the Lightweight Finals, England’s Alfie Davis (19-5-1) will challenge 2024 PFL Lightweight Champion Gadzhi Rabadanov (26-4-2) for the 2025 PFL World Tournament title. At 135 pounds, Justin Wetzell (12-2), riding a five-fight win streak, will square off against Brazil’s Marcirley Alves (14-4) in the Bantamweight Finals to determine this year’s tournament champion.In the Women’s Flyweight Finals, elite jiu-jitsu specialist Jena Bishop (9-2) will go head-to-head with former Bellator Champion Liz Carmouche (24-8), with the winner claiming the 2025 PFL World Tournament crown. The main event showcased 2024 PFL Lightweight Champion Gadzhi Rabadanov against PFL debutant Kevin Lee (20-9), with a spot in the 2025 PFL Lightweight World Tournament Finals on the line. Rabadanov delivered a dominant performance from the opening bell, displaying surgical precision and relentless pressure. Methodically stalking his opponent, he picked his shots with composure and power, ultimately overwhelming Lee, who collapsed face-first before the end of the first round.The co-main event featured former Bellator Women’s Flyweight Champion Liz Carmouche taking on the undefeated Elora Dana (8-1) for a spot in the PFL World Tournament Finals. Carmouche came out aggressively, looking for an early knockout, but Dana managed a takedown—only for Carmouche to reverse the position using the momentum to land on top. From there, Carmouche unleashed a barrage of elbows, opening a massive hematoma on Dana’s forehead. The remainder of the fight played out largely on the feet, with Carmouche staying in control and ultimately earning a unanimous decision victory—handing Dana the first loss of her professional career.France’s Mansour Barnaoui (22-7) faced off against Colorado’s undefeated wrestling standout Archie Colgan (12-0) in a high-stakes Lightweight matchup. The opening round delivered a bit of everything—back-and-forth exchanges, vicious knees in the clinch, and multiple takedowns. In the second, Colgan leaned into his wrestling pedigree, applying relentless pressure. But the 29-fight veteran Barnaoui weathered the storm and turned the tide momentarily with a perfectly timed punch that clipped Colgan. Ultimately, Colgan’s dominant top control and relentless pace proved decisive, earning him a clear unanimous decision and moving him one step closer to a Lightweight Title shot.Marcirley Alves opened the contest with a dominant striking performance, inflicting significant damage on his opponent, Jake Hadley (12-4), early in the fight. By the second round, Hadley was visibly showing the effects, at one point even losing his footing under pressure. The third round continued in the same fashion, with Alves amassing a staggering 187 total strikes compared to just 18 from Hadley.Former Bellator Champion Brent Primus (16-4) squared off against longtime Bellator veteran Alfie Davis in the first Lightweight Semifinal. Both fighters had their moments in the grappling exchanges, but it was in the second round that striking took center stage. Davis showcased his unorthodox style, using range and precision to land significant damage. Although Primus secured a key takedown in the third round, it was “The Axe Man’s” explosive striking that ultimately made the difference, earning him a hard-fought decision victory.Kicking off the main card, Bantamweights Justin Wetzell and Mando Gutierrez (11-4) finally settled their long-standing rivalry inside the SmartCage, after multiple near matchups on the regional circuit. Following a brief feeling-out period, Wetzell took control with superior grappling, maintaining dominant top position for much of the fight. Gutierrez was unable to shift the momentum, ultimately falling by unanimous decision. The 2025 PFL World Tournament continues on Friday, June 27, with the Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight and Middleweight Semi Finalists competing live on ESPN, ESPN+ and DAZN. The Early Card begins at 8:30 pm EST, with the Main Card kicking off at 10:30 pm EST.   2025 PFL World Tournament Wichita: Semifinals Main Card Results: Gadzhi Rabadanov (26-4-2) def. Kevin Lee (20-9) via TKO at 2:37 round one Liz Carmouche (24-8) def. Elora Dana (8-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Archie Colgan (12-0) def. Mansour Barnaoui (22-7) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Marcirley Alves (14-4) def. Jake Hadley (12-5) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 20-26) Alfie Davis (19-5-1) def. Brent Primus (16-5) via unanimous decision ((29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Justin Wetzell (12-2) def. Mando Gutierrez (11-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)   2025 PFL World Tournament Wichita: Semifinals Early Card Results: Jena Bishop (9-2) def. Ekaterina Shakalova (9-3) via submission (rear-naked choke)  Magomed Magomedov (21-4) def. Savarjon Khamidov (16-1) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) Vinicius Cenci (9-3) def. Antonio Caruso (10-3) via submission (triangle choke) at 1:43 of round one Darragh Kelly (8-0) def. Mike Hamel (11-7) via submission (neck crank) at 3:09 of round three Ilara Joanne (13-10) def. Saray Orozco (8-7) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) Nick Meck (9-2) def. Alan Domingues (11-7) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:10 of round one Upcoming 2025 PFL World Tournament Schedule: 2025 PFL World Tournament: Semifinals - June 27 - Wintrust Arena, Chicago 2025 PFL World Tournament: Finals - August 1 - Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ 2025 PFL World Tournament: Finals - August 15 - Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte, NC 2025 PFL World Tournament: Finals - August 21 - Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Hollywood, Florida

Do you remember Jay T. Will? Featured on the cover in 1975, Jay T. Will trained under American kenpo legends Ed Parker and Al Tracy, eventually earning his 8th-degree black belt from Tracy. Will taught over 10,000 students and made his mark as a tournament competitor, but he became most famous as the referee for the PKA—earning Referee of the Year honors in both 1982 and 1983, and being named Karate International  magazine’s “Referee of the Decade.” He was also a prominent media commentator for martial arts competitions. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Each week's Black Belt Watchlist is free to watch on Pluto TV! What happens when you drop Dolph Lundgren , Tony Jaa , and Michael Jai White  into the middle of a relentless, bone-breaking action film? You get Skin Trade...an all-star martial arts throwdown  that pulls no punches and delivers everything fight fans crave — power, precision, and purpose. Watch now : https://pluto.tv/us/on-demand/movies/5fa97821f6e14a001aa5e241 After his family is murdered by a Serbian gangster with global criminal ties, NYC detective Nick  travels to Southeast Asia  to track down the syndicate responsible. Teaming up with a hardened local Thai detective, Nick launches a violent mission to dismantle a human trafficking network — one broken bone at a time. And let’s not forget the showdown between Tony Jaa and Michael Jai White  — a long-awaited face-off that absolutely delivers. Brutally captured with wide, sustained shots , the fight avoids the typical over-cut Hollywood style, giving audiences a clear view of the real technique, timing, and power  both men bring. Add in Dolph Lundgren’s  cold command presence, and you’ve got a hard-hitting action film that’s equal parts adrenaline and authenticity . If you're looking for a movie where the fights are real, the hits land hard, and the martial arts are the main attraction , this week’s Watchlist pick is a must-see. Skin Trade is straight-up fight cinema, the kind we at Black Belt Magazine  champion — and not just for the cast. This film lets martial arts speak loud and clear.

Have you ever trained in China? Back in 1983, Black Belt   Magazine featured Roger Tung on its cover—a true Hall of Fame Pioneer of American Wushu. More than just a celebrated sifu, Tung was a driving force behind introducing Wushu to the United States. In the early 1980s, he helped lead some of the first American training delegations to mainland China, forging a historic cultural exchange. His influence can be seen in the success of martial arts legends like Anthony Chan, Keith Cooke, Peter Morales, Dennie Brown, and Cynthia Rothrock. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

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 Bruce Lee and his son, Brandon 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 Ninja action legends Kane (left) and Sho (right) Kosugi 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.

Do you have a favorite Steve Fisher memory? The March 1978 cover of Karate Illustrated   spotlighted Steve Fisher —fondly known as “The California Kid.” A standout student of martial arts legends Tadashi Yamashita and Mike Stone, Fisher quickly made a name for himself as one of the most respected and beloved competitors of his time. He wasn’t just a one-division wonder—Fisher excelled across the board in forms, weapons, and sparring. A dominant presence on the Southern California tournament circuit, he soon proved his talent on a national level throughout the 1970s and ’80s. His sharp technique, dynamic performances, and fierce competitive spirit made him a true force in American martial arts. Though Steve Fisher passed away at 63, his legacy still inspires the martial arts community today. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

Welterweights Thad Jean and Logan Storley Advance to World Tournament Finals Featherweights Jesus Pinedo and Movlid Khaybulaev Advance to World Tournament Finals The PFL Lightweight, Women’s Flyweight & Bantamweight Semifinals Begin Friday, June 20 on ESPN & ESPN+ at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita The Semifinals of the 2025 PFL World Tournament kicked off tonight at Nashville Municipal Auditorium, with finalists in both the Welterweight and Featherweight divisions officially punching their tickets to August's Finals. In the Welterweight Finals, undefeated Thad Jean (10-0) will face former Bellator Champion Logan Storley (18-3) to crown the 2025 PFL World Tournament Welterweight Champion.In the 145-pound Finals, 2023 PFL Featherweight Champion Jesus Pinedo (25-6-1) will face 2021 PFL Featherweight Champion Movlid Khaybulaev (23-0-1) to crown the 2025 PFL World Tournament Featherweight Champion. The main event featured a long-anticipated showdown between heated rivals Jason Jackson (19-6) and Thad Jean. “The Silverback” stunned Jackson early with a knockdown, but the next two rounds were tightly contested. “The Ass-Kicking Machine” secured key takedowns, while Jean kept landing sharp, effective strikes. The judges’ scorecards reflected the razor-thin battle, with two out of three awarding the fight to Jean, who now advances to face Jackson’s teammate, Logan Storley. The co-main event showcased the trilogy bout between longtime PFL rivals Jesus Pinedo (25-6) and Gabriel Braga (16-3). Just like their 2023 encounter, the “Pride of Peru” delivered a decisive finish. A perfectly timed right hand dropped Braga, and “El Mudo” wasted no time, sealing his spot in the Finals this August. Former Bellator Champion Logan Storley stepped into the SmartCage on Thursday with clear intent, nearly finishing Masayuki Kikuiri (11-3-1) in the first round with ground-and-pound. While Kikuiri survived the early onslaught, he had no answer for Storley’s dominant wrestling, as Storley earned a clear-cut unanimous decision victory. Kicking off the main card, 2021 PFL Featherweight Champion Movlid Khaybulaev faced South Korea’s Taekyun Kim (11-2) in a Welterweight Semifinal showdown. The bout went the distance, with Khaybulaev relying on his elite grappling to secure the win and book his spot in the Finals, extending his undefeated streak to 23 fights. The 2025 PFL World Tournament continues on Friday, June 20, with the Lightweight, Women’s Flyweight & Bantamweight Semifinalists competing live on ESPN, ESPN+ and DAZN.   2025 PFL World Tournament 5: Semifinals Main Card Results: Thad Jean (10-0) def. Jason Jackson (19-6) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27) Jesus Pinedo (25-6-1) def. Gabriel Braga (16-3) via KO (punches) at 1:16 of round one Logan Storley (18-3) def. Masayuki Kikuiri (11-3-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-27, 29-28) Movlid Khaybulaev (23-0-1) def. Taekyun Kim (11-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)   2025 PFL World Tournament 5: Semifinals Early Card Results: Adam Borics (20-3) def. Jeremy Kennedy (19-7) via majority decision (29-28, 28-28, 29-28) Magomed Umalatov (18-1) def. Anthony Ivy (15-8) via KO (punch) at 2:28 of round one  Sarek Shields (7-2) def. Joseph Luciano (10-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Kendly St. Louis (11-2) def. Mukhamed Berkhamov (17-4) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:21 of round three Alexei Pergande (6-0) def. Mike Bardsley (5-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) Jason Danner (3-0) def. Nathan Gilmore (4-6) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)   Upcoming 2025 PFL World Tournament Schedule: 2025 PFL World Tournament 6: Semifinals - June 20 - INTRUST Bank Arena, Wichita 2025 PFL World Tournament 7: Semifinals - June 27 - Wintrust Arena, Chicago 2025 PFL World Tournament 8: Finals - August 1 - Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ 2025 PFL World Tournament 9: Finals - August 15 - Bojangles Coliseum, Charlotte, NC 2025 PFL World Tournament 10: Finals - August 21 - Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Hollywood, Florida .