All results certified by the ISKA Get all ISKA Ratings ISKA World Ratings are as follows: Men's Open Weapons Men's Trad Weapons Women's Open Weapons Women's Trad Weapons DEFENDING CHAMP Esteban Tremblay Haley Glass Dawson Holt 1. Jake Presley Kaitlyn Vong Katelyn McMillan 2. Philip Brumme Dawson Holt Sara Campbell Rose Rheaume Ben Jones Alec Jahanvash Andrea Guzman Melina Pecci Rashad Eugene Diego Rodriguez Florez Camille Couturier Samantha Mitling Alex Mancillas Ben Jones Samantha Mitling Lilli McGuire Men's Open Forms Men's Trad Forms Women's Open Forms Women's Trad Forms DEFENDING CHAMP Phillip Brumme Joey Castro Haley Glass Amber Rutherford 1. Esteban Tremblay Diego Rodriguez Florez Kaitlyn Vong 1. Gabrielle Rudolph Colin O'Brien Luca Ricotti Lilli McGuire Rose Rheaume Will Nevitt Ben Jones Andrea Guzman Kaitlyn Vong Dawson Holt William Smart Noell Jellison Lilli McGuire Nicolas M é nard Jeff Doss Camille Couturier Katelyn McMillan Men's LW Fighting Men's HW Fighting Men's Open Weight Women's Sparring DEFENDING CHAMP Kristhian Rivas Ki'Tana Everett Bailey Murphy Avery Plowden Bailey Murphy 1. Katarina Herman Enrique Letona Kameren Ali Avery Plowden 2. Savannah Wolaniuk Roland Veres Devon Hopper 3.Tyreeke Saint 3. Francesca Ceci Tyreeke Saint Mason Bumba Darren X Evelyn Neyens Martin Balint Alexander Kazolias Nico Campagna Corina Balan Men's Team Sparring Senior Men's Sparring Senior Men's Forms Senior Men's Weapons DEFENDING CHAMP Top Ten Team USA Tim Conkel 1. Team Straight Up 1. Kevin Walker Jeff Doss Brett Thomason Team Paul Mitchell El Java Abdul Qadir Tim Conkel Jeff Doss Team Impex/KTOC Julio Lugo Samuel Diaz III Samuel Diaz III Team DMND G3 Yoskar Gamez Eric Tremblay Eric Tremblay Team ATL Kevin Dang Brian Fung Andrew Cabilan Women's Team Sparring Senior Women's Sparring Senior Women's Forms Senior Women's Weapons DEFENDING CHAMP Team Paul Mitchell Team Straight Up Silvana Shamuon Ashley Bartlett Ashley Bartlett Team Revolution Fender/Janeiro Diana Hernandez Clarissa DeHoyos Melanie Strauss Team Impex/KTOC Katie Lacy Roxanne Doyon Amy Williams Team Revolution Guaicurba/Nurse Mouse Millner Ana Lucia Conde Melanie Cantin Team Legend Andrea Busa Dana Minton Marie-Josee Paradis   Team Synchronized Forms Team Demonstration Team Synchronized Weapons Defending Champ Dawson Holt & Ben Jones (Open), Diego & Sofia Rodriguez Florez (Trad) Team Competitive Edge Ben Jones & Esteban Tremblay Joey Castro, Amber Rutherford, Cameron Klos Team Leclerc Samantha Mitling and Maria Routel Ferguson Mason Stowell and Rodrigo Madrid Team Infinity Piper Miller & Camille Trippodo Phillip Brumme and Wassim Dridi Team Freestyle Thierry Rheaume & Mathis Rodrigue Samuel Diaz III and Gabrielle Rudolph Team AmeriKick Michael & Samuel Brumme Ashley Bartlett and Bryan Pieper Team Intensity Melina and Oscar Pecci

We kick off the year strong, featuring the October/November 2019 Black Belt cover with Black Belt Hall of Famer Carlos Machado —the godfather of Texas BJJ. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

The UFC in 2024 has been nothing short of electrifying, with fighters pushing the boundaries of combat sports. Here’s a look at the top 10 UFC Fighters making waves in the octagon in 2024, leaving fans in awe and opponents reeling. 1. Alex Pereira Division:  Light Heavyweight Champion Current Rank:  #1 in the Light Heavyweight division Few athletes have transitioned as seamlessly across weight divisions as Alex Pereira. After conquering the Middleweight division, Pereira claimed the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 307 by defeating Khalil Rountree Jr. via a devastating KO. Known for his elite kickboxing pedigree, Pereira’s striking precision and knockout power are unparalleled. Beyond his skills, Pereira's stoic demeanor and rivalry with Israel Adesanya continue to captivate fans. In 2024, he remains the man to beat, proving that “Poatan” is a legend in the making. 2. Ilia Topuria Division:  Featherweight Champion Current Rank:  #1 in the Featherweight division Ilia Topuria has redefined dominance in the Featherweight division. The Georgian-Spanish fighter captured the title at UFC 308, defeating Max Holloway in Abu Dhabi. Topuria’s aggressive striking and relentless grappling make him a nightmare for any opponent. Known for his fiery personality and unwavering confidence, Topuria’s rise to the top has been meteoric. With an undefeated record in 2024, “El Matador” is solidifying his legacy as one of the most exciting champions in UFC history. 3. Carlos Prates Division:  Welterweight Current Rank:  #5 in the Welterweight division Carlos Prates has taken the Welterweight division by storm in 2024. His stunning victory over Neil Magny in the main event of UFC Fight Night showcased his blend of ferocious striking and tactical brilliance. Prates’ rise has been fueled by his relentless work ethic and explosive performances. Fans love his underdog narrative and his ability to deliver highlight-reel finishes. He’s a fighter to watch as he climbs toward title contention. 4. Diego Lopes Division:  Featherweight Current Rank:  #4 in the Featherweight division Diego Lopes is the dark horse of the Featherweight division. With thrilling back-to-back victories in 2024, including a submission win against a top contender, Lopes has proven his mettle. His Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills are among the best in the UFC, and his unorthodox striking keeps opponents guessing. Lopes’ charismatic personality and heartwarming backstory resonate with fans worldwide. Known for his resilience, he’s making a strong case for a title shot in the near future. 5. Dricus Du Plessis Division:  Middleweight Current Rank:  #2 in the Middleweight division The South African sensation Dricus Du Plessis has become synonymous with perseverance and power. His knockout victory over a former champion in 2024 solidified his status as a top contender. Du Plessis combines striking finesse with grappling prowess, making him a well-rounded threat. Du Plessis’ heated rivalry with Sean Strickland has been a major storyline, drawing attention to his exciting fights. His journey embodies the spirit of a warrior, earning him a spot among the UFC’s elite. 6. Merab Dvalishvili Division:  Bantamweight Current Rank:  #1 in the Bantamweight division “The Machine” Merab Dvalishvili has lived up to his nickname in 2024. His relentless cardio and chain wrestling have made him unstoppable, with dominant victories over top contenders this year. Dvalishvili’s ability to grind opponents down is unmatched. A close ally of Aljamain Sterling, Merab’s loyalty and determination add depth to his persona. His consistency and unyielding spirit make him a fan favorite and a top fighter in the UFC. 7. Renato Moicano Division:  Lightweight Current Rank:  #7 in the Lightweight division Renato Moicano’s resurgence in 2024 has been inspiring. After overcoming injuries, Moicano returned with a vengeance, securing decisive wins, including a thrilling submission victory in his main event clash at UFC Paris. Moicano’s striking and grappling versatility make him a tough matchup for anyone in the Lightweight division. His fiery post-fight interviews and emotional comebacks have endeared him to fans, cementing his status as a must-watch fighter. 8. Alexandre Pantoja Division:  Flyweight Champion Current Rank:  #1 in the Flyweight division The Flyweight kingpin Alexandre Pantoja continues to reign supreme in 2024. His title defenses this year have been nothing short of spectacular, with his elite grappling and relentless pace breaking opponents. Pantoja’s rivalry with Brandon Moreno has been a cornerstone of his career. His humility outside the cage and ferocity inside it make him a beloved champion and one of the pound-for-pound best in the UFC. 9. Belal Muhammad Division:  Welterweight Champion Current Rank:  #1 in the Welterweight division Belal Muhammad’s journey to the top has been a masterclass in perseverance. As the reigning Welterweight Champion, his victories in 2024 have highlighted his exceptional fight IQ, defensive striking, and unmatched cardio. Known for his calculated approach and sharp wit on social media, Belal has built a loyal fanbase. His reign as champion is a testament to his discipline and strategic brilliance. 10. Sean O'Malley Division:  Bantamweight Champion Current Rank:  #1 in the Bantamweight division “Sugar” Sean O'Malley continues to dazzle in 2024. After retaining his title in one of the most anticipated bouts of the year, O'Malley’s innovative striking and unorthodox techniques keep fans on the edge of their seats. His vibrant personality and flamboyant style make him one of the UFC’s most marketable stars. O'Malley’s ability to back up his words with spectacular performances ensures his place among the legends of the sport. These fighters are not just athletes; they are icons who have elevated MMA to new heights in 2024. Each has a unique story, making them legends in the cage and fan favorites around the world.

In the past four decades, Cynthia Rothrock has accomplished what many of us dream of but few of us achieve: nurturing martial arts skills into an international career in fight films. Here’s a look back for those who are too young to have witnessed the rise of Rothrock. Competition Before she graced her first silver screen, young Cynthia Rothrock was a force to be reckoned with on the East Coast. She won numerous forms and sparring championships on the regional circuit, then graduated to the national scene, where she continued to dominate in weapons and kata. Known for blending disciplines—including Tang Soo Do, taekwondo, eagle claw, wushu, and Shaolin Kung Fu—Rothrock used flashy moves that caught the eye of a Chinese movie producer in 1983. Soon after, she found herself in Hong Kong starring in her first film. It didn’t take long for the martial artist from Wilmington, Delaware, to parlay her tournament-winning skill set into on-screen success. She cultivated such a following that there is still demand for Cynthia Rothrock movies—she worked on a number of film projects in 2016 and has several slated for 2017. Her accomplishments and acting shouldn’t be interpreted as evidence that Rothrock is just a film fighter, however. At heart, she’s still a fighter. “One of my go-to combinations when fighting in tournaments was to set my opponent up by doing a front kick with my right leg, and when [my opponents] would drop their guard to block it, I’d turn it into a roundhouse kick to the head,” Rothrock says. “I also like to use my sidekick a lot. I just looked for an opening and shot it in real fast.” She still has a plethora of fighting moves in her arsenal, thanks to her experience in all those aforementioned arts. “One of the techniques from my kung fu training is a trapping hand counter punch,” she says. “When my opponents have their hands up and stretched outward, I like to trap their hand with my right, then with the lost speed, I hit their front hand with my left and come in with the back fist.” Recognizing the advantages that accuracy and explosiveness could confer, Rothrock long ago decided to transform herself into a better athlete, always staying in top physical shape for every match and performance. This further polished her fighting methods. “I moved quickly, faking with one technique and hitting with another,” she says. “The instant they’d buy into my first technique, I’d shift my position and attack in the way they weren’t expecting.” Athleticism Yes, point fighting is exciting to watch with its kicks and punches that can score in the blink of an eye. But we all know that on the street, no points are awarded for finesse, and the loser doesn't walk away with a consolation prize. To Rothrock's credit, her roots in the traditional arts kept her from ever thinking that success on a tournament mat translates to success in a dark alley. "Point fighting does sharpen your reflexes—like how to block and move fast—but fighting on the street is an entirely different ball game," she says. "When you're point fighting, you might do a move that you would never want to do in a street fight. Point fighting is a sport. I'm not saying you can't get hurt, but it's nothing like being in a street fight." The attributes you develop in competition aren't entirely useless, she adds. "Tournament fighters are trained to move fast, to get in and out quickly while scoring a point in the process. So traditional tournament fighting is really good to help you with your reflexes and help you avoid something that's coming at you fast." Furthermore, she's quick to point out that a kick is still a kick, and a punch is still a punch. If you land any technique with speed and power—especially if you hit a vital point on the body—it has the potential to take out an opponent. “Potential” is the key word there, and that's fine because not every martial artist trains for combat. "Traditional fighters are sportsmen and sportswomen; they're guided by rules and regulations," she says. "It isn't a fight to the death. There's the occasional broken nose, lots of jammed toes and [even] knockouts. But tournaments, even those that allow light contact, can't be compared to a street fight because we have a code of conduct and rules to follow—even MMA fighters. That's one big difference between a professional fight and a brawl." Believability Despite the obvious difference between movies and the streets, Rothrock has always fought to keep her action scenes as realistic as possible. The quality of the result, she says, depends in large part on whether the film is from Hong Kong or Hollywood. In the States, most action films benefit from having adequate rehearsal time built into the production schedule, having access to state-of-the-art safety gear, and employing an experienced stunt coordinator. In Hong Kong, however, many safety practices get tossed out the window, leading the star to do the stunt in one or two takes. In contrast, a Hollywood production might spend the whole day getting a fight just right. "There were a couple of times when I thought I was going to get killed while filming in Hong Kong—I did some pretty dangerous stuff there," Rothrock says. "[In Yes, Madam! ] I had to fight eight guys with weapons. I turned to do a block, and the guy actually hit me in the nose with the sword. My eyes started to water, and my nose turned red. The director came over and said, ‘That's okay, your nose looks better now,’ and we kept filming." That bashed beak was a walk in the park compared to what another Hong Kong director had his American star do. "In the movie Lady Reporter  (also released as Female Reporter ), they wanted me to jump off a two-story building in high heels with a fake baby in my arms," Rothrock says. "That was hard enough, but there was also going to be an explosion behind me." "The director said, ‘If you don't jump when I say action, the flames are going to hit you.’ This was the first high jump I’d ever done, and they had me landing on a stack of cardboard boxes. We didn't have big air mats that let you land nice and soft. I was really nervous. When he said action, I felt the heat of the flames, so I jumped—in my heels and with the fake baby, landing on the cardboard." On impact, Rothrock's knee smacked her squarely in the nose. Her vision blurred, and the pain nearly caused her to pass out. She thought her nose was broken. "I was a martial artist, not a stunt person," she says. "Nobody taught me how to jump off a two-story building in heels while holding a fake baby. Then the director decided he didn’t like the camera angle, so we had to do it again!" "So now I was extremely petrified and nervous because I knew I’d almost knocked myself out and nearly broken my nose. This time, the director said I had to once again jump off the 10-ft ledge in high heels, holding the fake baby—but he told me not to bounce when I land. He wanted me to stick the landing like a gymnast." Like a trooper, Rothrock did everything the director asked, but that evening, she paid a high price. "I started feeling as if I was going to pass out," she says. "I went to the doctor, and he said, ‘You’ll be okay—you just jumbled all your internal organs.’ I was like, ‘What?! Jumbled organs don’t sound like everything’s okay!’" Rothrock went back to her room but couldn't sleep. "I kept thinking that they were going to lose the film or someone was going to steal it—or maybe a goat was going to eat it," she says, laughing. "I just knew I was going to have to do that scene again." Fortunately for the film fighter, the footage didn’t get misplaced, purloined, or digested. The Hong Kong premiere was a success, and it propelled her further along the road to stardom. It also drove home the notion that, even though she was no longer taking a beating in the dojo, punishment was par for the course if she wanted a career in action films.

The martial arts industry is shaped by a diverse array of power players—whether they are screen stars, elite athletes dominating the mat, ring, or cage, or icons whose greatest strength lies in their powerful voice and decision-making influence. Each of these individuals leaves an undeniable mark on the martial arts, pushing its boundaries and redefining its cultural impact. The Black Belt Power List 2024 honors these exceptional superstars and influencers who are not only redefining how we watch and engage with martial arts, but also how we learn, train, and experience its profound influence. From groundbreaking performances to game-changing innovations, these individuals are shaping the future of martial arts, inspiring audiences and practitioners worldwide to elevate their passion and dedication. Here are the most influential figures in martial arts by Black Belt. The Black Belt Power List 2024 Turki Al-Sheikh Hiroyuki Sanada Joe Rogan Scott Coker Jake Paul Weili Zhang Dev Patel Teddy Riner Dakota Ditcheva Turki Al-Sheikh (Undisputed) Turki Al-Sheikh, pictured top center. Traditional martial artists may not recognize the name Turki Al-Sheikh, but he is arguably the most influential figure in combat sports today. In 2024, The Independent ranked him first on its list of the "Top 50 Most Influential Figures in Boxing and MMA," while ESPN named him the most influential figure in MMA and professional wrestling. Sports Illustrated also recognized him as the “Most Influential Figure in Boxing” for 2024, and the WBC awarded him the prestigious “Man of the Year” title. So, what exactly does he do? Al-Sheikh is a key financial backer of the world’s biggest combat sports events, bringing major fights to Saudi Arabia. In 2024, his Riyadh Season hosted some of the year’s most anticipated events, including UFC, PFL, and Bellator cards, along with seven major pay-per-view boxing events. These included two undisputed title fights: Usyk vs. Fury for the heavyweight crown, and Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol for all four light heavyweight belts. In just over a year, Al-Sheikh’s brand has become synonymous with the biggest and most high-profile fights in boxing. Hiroyuki Sanada (Blade of Glory) Hiroyuki Sanada made a global splash in 2024 with the highly anticipated return of Shogun  to worldwide streaming. The remake of the 1980s miniseries was nothing short of brilliant, as Sanada not only starred in the lead role but also brought a striking authenticity to the portrayal of Japanese martial arts through his direction. This realism isn’t just a cinematic choice—it’s embedded in Sanada’s very DNA. Sanada began his career in the mid-1960s at the age of five and trained under the legendary Sonny Chiba. A black belt in Kyokushin karate, he first gained prominence in Japanese and Hong Kong action films, where he showcased his martial prowess. Over time, he transitioned into dramatic roles, becoming a multifaceted performer. International audiences know him best as Ryuji Takayama in Ring  (1998), Seibei Iguchi in The Twilight Samurai  (2002), Ujio in The Last Samurai  (2003), and Kenji in Rush Hour 3  (2007). However, it’s his role in Shogun  that has reignited martial arts fans’ fervor. A single behind-the-scenes post on Black Belt Magazine ’s social media, featuring Sanada’s samurai training, was one of the most popular videos in the publication’s history. With Shogun , Sanada has proven once again why he’s a master of blending cinematic brilliance with martial arts authenticity. Joe Rogan (Master of All Media) Photo credit Joe Rogan Experience Joe Rogan’s influence on martial arts in 2024 is undeniable, as he remains a powerful advocate for the sport’s growth and integrity. Through his role as a commentator and host of the world’s top podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, he has educated millions on the technical aspects of martial arts, promoting disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling. Rogan’s impact goes beyond the cage—he has consistently championed fighter safety, better judging, and reforms in areas like weight cutting and anti-doping. His personal passion for martial arts, demonstrated through training sessions and insights shared on social media, continues to inspire aspiring martial artists worldwide, solidifying his position as one of the sport's most influential and relevant figures. Scott Coker (The Comeback Kid) Photo credit: Fight Night at the Tech CU Arena. Coker (left) teams up with Gilbert Melendez (right). By the end of 2023, Scott Coker seemed poised for a well-deserved retirement after successfully guiding Bellator to its landmark 300th event. Yet, many wondered if he still had more to offer. 2024 proved that comebacks are very much possible. Not only did Coker receive his well-earned induction into the Black Belt Hall of Fame, but he also launched his latest venture, Fight Night at the Tech . Coker’s new project has become one of the highest-grossing independent MMA or combat sports event in 2024 outside of the UFC. As they say in sports, "nobody is putting up these numbers." Looking ahead, 2025 is the breakout year for the comeback kid himself, Scott Coker. Jake Paul (Disrupter) Jake Paul | Instagram Love him or hate him, Jake Paul is undeniably a force to be reckoned with. He has established himself as a true disruptor in the world of combat sports. No longer relying on traditional promoters, Paul has become a one-man wrecking machine, using the power of social media to sell out entire stadiums—yes, you heard that right, stadiums. When mainstream sports networks hesitate, he takes matters into his own hands, securing deals with platforms like Netflix. Despite the controversy that often surrounds him, you can’t deny his ability to captivate the crowd—and in the process, he’s turning it all the way to the bank. Dev Patel (Bollywood to Bushido) Monkey Man (2024) , Dev Patel’s explosive directorial debut, tells the story of an underdog street fighter on a quest to avenge his mother’s murder. The film’s hard-hitting action comes to life through Patel’s sharp direction and the expertise of fight coordinator Brahim Chab, a 39-year-old French martial artist who has worked alongside legends like Donnie Yen and Jackie Chan. From Slumdog Millionaire  to cinematic powerhouse, Patel elevates the bar with fight scenes that go beyond the typical "Bollywood" mold. With a billion fans already in his corner, he’s firmly establishing himself as a contender for the next global action star. Weili Zhang (The Sleeping Dragon Awakes) Photo credit UFC China’s Weili Zhang was named Female Fighter of the Year at the 2024 World MMA Awards, further solidifying her status as one of the most dominant forces in combat sports today. As the reigning strawweight champion and No. 2 in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, Zhang made history as the first female Asian athlete to capture a UFC title, and she has continued to prove herself as one of the sport’s elite. Zhang’s latest victory came at UFC 300 in April, where she defeated fellow Chinese fighter Yan Xiaonan by unanimous decision, successfully defending her strawweight title. Known for her exceptional striking power, technical grappling, and relentless work ethic, Zhang has remained undefeated in her division for years. Could this be the rise of China’s true "Sleeping Dragon"? As Napoleon Bonaparte once famously said, "Let China sleep; when she wakes, she will shake the world." Who knew Napoleon was predicting a fighter named Zhang? Teddy Riner (24 Karat Magic) Photo courtesy of the IFJ copyright Di Felciantonio Emanuele Teddy Riner, the "million-dollar judo man," with a historic fourth Olympic gold, redefining dominance in the sport and thrusting judo back into the global spotlight. At age 35, Riner is now the most successful judoka of all time, with an unparalleled Olympic record: three individual golds, one team gold, and two bronze medals. Revered as France’s most beloved sports star, the towering powerhouse—affectionately nicknamed the “nation’s teddy bear”—has thrilled crowds for years with his signature throws and commanding presence, earning chants of “Teddy Bam Bam!” wherever he competes. Riner made history by claiming his third individual Olympic gold in the +100kg category. Demonstrating ice-cold tactical precision and sheer physical dominance, he overpowered South Korea’s Kim Min-jong to secure the win. His 2024 gold medal in the Paris Olympics cements Riner’s legacy as a true legend and one of 2024 biggest martial arts standouts. Dakota Ditcheva (A Star is Born) Photo credit PFL In 2023, she earned a $100,000 payday for becoming PFL’s European flyweight champion. A year later, she earned $1 million after establishing herself as arguably the best 125lb fighter in the sport. Ditcheva’s dominant four-fight, four-stoppage  winning the PFL Lightweight Championship  has catapulted her into contention for Female Fighter of the Year.  With a relentless schedule and decisive victories—including her stunning stoppage of former UFC title challenger Taila Santos—Ditcheva has become one of the most electrifying names in the sport as we head into 2025. We will see if the UFC comes knocking.

Award-winning action film starring Cobra Kai actor exemplifies representation in front and behind the camera for a new generation of mixed race, Latino, and Asian Americans demanding change through story. As a mixed-race filmmaker, Aughbar faces challenges in telling his story because many perceive it as a hard sell, often due to the underrepresentation of mixed voices and diverse cultural influences in mainstream cinema. He strongly disagrees, using genre films like action to introduce audiences to characters from his culture in dynamic roles. The Humming Grows exemplifies this approach, showcasing authentic and complex representation of Latino and Asian influences within American cinema. Casting Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz (Cobra Kai, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) as the lead was a pivotal moment. Her expertise and credits brought unparalleled authenticity to the project. Collaborating with Justin Ortiz (Cobra Kai, Blue Beetle, Ms. Marvel) , the film’s stunt coordinator, elevated the action sequences to a professional level rarely seen in student short films. Behind the Scenes: Bringing Jodie to Life Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz, best known for her role as Maria Alvarez in Cobra Kai and as Jenna Ortega’s stunt double in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice , describes her experience on The Humming Grows as transformative: "The Humming Grows was the first project that really opened up my eyes to the value that there is in being a good stunt actor. They said, ‘You are such a good storyteller with your physical body that you can do both.’ It was a life changer, a career changer for me." Justin Ortiz, known for playing Diego Aguilar in Cobra Kai and his work on Blue Beetle , Ozark , and Ms. Marvel , brought a grounded approach to the film’s action: "We love creating. We love storytelling, fighting because that was always a passion. It’s important to then talk to the director and just see where he comes from. Like, he’s telling me, ‘I’m half Thai, I’m Latino, so I wanna see Muay Thai in there.’ Now you see more of that influence in this fight." The film follows Jodie, a fiercely determined Latina martial artist, as she confronts her dark past to rescue her sister. Ramos-Ortiz’s portrayal of the film’s lead character is groundbreaking, as it gives audiences a Latina action hero who is as emotionally complex as she is physically capable. The Humming Grows features creative action sequences, combining intense physicality with deep emotional stakes to tell a truly unique story. Her performance marks a significant departure from the typical tropes often seen in genre films, bringing authenticity and depth to a character rarely seen on the big screen. With The Humming Grows , Aughbar champions diverse representation in cinema, ensuring characters influenced from multiple cultures take center stage in an original way. Jewelianna credits Aughbar for seeing her potential beyond stunts and encouraging her to take on the lead role: "The first people that saw it in me was the director, Aughbar, and the team. They said, ‘You don’t just have to be a stunt double. You are already what Jodie is.’ That support was incredible." But The Humming Grows is beyond a typical action movie. It delves deeply into the themes of grief, forgiveness, and the struggle to break free from cycles of violence. At the core of its narrative lies the idea that true strength is not found in the fight but in the ability to let go of past pain and move forward with purpose. Justin Ortiz’ expertise in action choreography elevated the film, blending intense emotion with thrilling action. Heavy hitting moments were met with loud reactions from audiences carrying over to a sizable online following for a student short film. The Humming Grows features stunt choreography that is emotionally powerful as it is physically intense. The Significance of Representation in Genre Films The Humming Grows exemplifies the power of action film representation, in which emotional depth and physicality converge to present diverse stories. The film stands out by delivering honest representation in film, offering a portrayal of complex characters that reflect real experiences. With a mixed-race cultural influence in filmmaking, Aughbar blends his Thai and Cuban heritage into the film’s narrative and action sequences. Aughbar’s upbringing as the son of immigrants shaped his vision as a filmmaker. His parents inspired him to create a fresh take on these genres, blending their influences to push messages of representation and authenticity. "To be a Latino in film, it means a lot because there’s not a lot of us out here. I’m also mixed, so having that dual representation put out there is always a step forward." In a landscape that often underrepresents or misrepresents mixed-race, Latino, and Asian identities, this film provides a refreshing and much-needed shift. It isn’t just about showcasing diversity on screen — it’s about telling the stories that have long been overlooked and giving space for these complex characters to be more than stereotypes. The Humming Grows brings a critical evolution in Latino representation in film, showcasing a complex Latina character who transcends typical genre tropes. The film doesn’t just reflect the experiences of its characters, but also the cultural heritage of its creator, infusing the narrative with layers of personal and collective history. Aughbar’s mixed heritage, combining Asian-American representation, enriches the story and brings a unique cultural depth to the action genre. The film’s themes of redemption and familial bonds mirror Aughbar’s own experiences as a first-generation Latino and Asian American. His parents, who immigrated to the U.S. as children, found solace and cultural connection through films and television. “My mother loves crime thrillers, and my father action movies. So using action to introduce audiences to people from my culture allows them to become familiar and comfortable with our voices” Aughbar faced the challenges of being a mixed filmmaker head-on, fighting against the perception that diverse stories are a hard sell. The film’s transition of violence to emotional healing—reflect Aughbar and many American’s journey of self-discovery and resilience. Aughbar’s approach to genre filmmaking blends thrilling action with meaningful storytelling, breaking barriers for both representation and genre films. At its heart, the film is a metaphorical exploration of fighting through darkness and finding purpose, inspired by the movies and TV shows that shaped Aughbar’s upbringing and cultural affinity for action and drama genres. In a cinematic world that often prioritizes action over emotional depth, The Humming Grows dares to focus on what truly matters: connection, self-realization, and the courage to change. The story, written, directed, produced, and edited by Aughbar provides emotional power stemming from its raw, unflinching portrayal of grief, strength, and love — themes that are deeply felt by the characters and resonate deeply with audiences. As a first-generation filmmaker, Aughbar’s experiences growing up with immigrant parents infuse his films with authenticity and emotional resonance. Incorporating elements of Latino and Asian heritage in action films, Aughbar’s direction brings something fresh and personal to the genre. A Film Festival Favourite Herald as “Reshaping Action Cinema” from Black Belt Magazine, the world’s largest martial arts publication and “More than just an action movie” from Georgia Entertainment, The Humming Grows is making an impact on audiences. Since its premiere at film festivals like the Rome International Film Festival, The Humming Grows has been celebrated for its groundbreaking representation and powerful storytelling. Since it’s completion the film has been recognized by faculty and alumni at the Savannah College of Art and Design for submission to the country’s top student film competitions including the Student Emmy’s, Student Oscars, and Student DGA Awards. The Humming Grows World Premiered at the Rome International Film Festival, winning the Sylvia Jury Award for Best Latinx Film. The festival said it recognized it for: "Its direct execution of its vision, creating a believable story that fully pulls you into the world... You don’t usually see action this good in short films.” It premiered as part of the Latinx Shorts and the After Dark Shorts blocks. Not to mention the film and lead actress being highlighted at the festival at “A Conversation with Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz” hosted by RIFF. Aughbar expressed gratitude for his team and the community: "This is my first ever film. I appreciate my whole team and my parents for their support. I hope this film will inspire more people to just make whatever the f*** they want." Breaking Barriers in Genre Cinema Starring Cobra Kai actress Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz in the lead role, The Humming Grows benefits from her real portrayal of a fierce Latina action hero. Aughbar’s work in film industry diversity is a call to action for more inclusive storytelling and a move away from outdated stereotypes. As the film continues its festival circuit throughout 2025, Aughbar hopes to inspire future filmmakers and audiences alike to embrace diverse narratives in the art form by bringing the film to more festival audiences across the country. As a mixed-race filmmaker, Aughbar is dedicated to telling stories that reflect the diverse identities often overlooked in mainstream cinema. Unlike typical action films, The Humming Grows focuses on emotional storytelling in genre films, exploring themes of grief, forgiveness, and personal growth. With its award-winning debut and poignant themes, The Humming Grows is not just a film; it’s a movement to change how Latina and mixed voices are seen and celebrated in cinema.

Superlek Kiatmoo9 has been forced out of his ONE Bantamweight Muay Thai World Title defense at ONE 170 due to a knee injury. However, bantamweight gold will still be on the line as ONE Championship announced an interim title tilt in his absence. #2-ranked bantamweight contender Nico Carrillo will remain on the card to square off against rising star Nabil Anane for the interim crown. Carrillo has been nothing short of phenomenal since arriving in ONE with a perfect 4-0 record in the organization. More impressive, all four matches have ended emphatically, including stunning second-round finishes over Muangthai PK Saenchai, Nong-O Hama, and Saemapetch Fairtex. The Scotsman has been locked in on becoming the division’s king since his first victory on the global stage, and hopes that January 24 will be his crowning moment. Anane, however, will look to spoil the party and make a splash by striking gold himself. The 20-year-old Thai star is enjoying a five-bout winning streak inside the ring, and accepted the challenge to face “The King of the North” without hesitation. Anane has used his long frame and high volume to overwhelm opponents, but Carrillo will be his toughest test since his debut match against Superlek in June 2023. The unification bout has also already been set, so whoever wins will know what awaits them later this year. Superlek will return to face the victor at the Saitama Super Arena on Sunday, March 23, in Japan, at ONE 172 . The five-round collision has all the makings for a championship firefight, and Superlek will be waiting for whoever adorns the 26 pounds of gold over their shoulder in March. ONE 170  airs live on Friday, January 24, at 6 a.m. EST/3 a.m. PST.

Stamp Fairtex viewed 2024 from the sidelines due to injury due to a torn meniscus. Being unable to defend the ONE Atomweight MMA World Championship was a frustrating experience. However, she was able to still find ways to grow while out of action. “This year, I spent a lot of time with myself and learned new things. It was a bad year, but not too bad because there were new things and new people to learn from. I could say it was a year of learning,” Stamp mentioned to ONE . 2024 would have given Stamp two key opportunities if not for the injury. She was scheduled to defend the atomweight gold against Denice Zamboanga and was slated to compete for the ONE Women’s Strawweight MMA World Title against Xiong Jing Nan. As a consummate performer, Stamp was disappointed she could not give the fans those memorable moments. “I am very disappointed to have missed both opportunities. No one wants something like this to happen because I want everyone to remember who Stamp is and why I’m so hungry for a championship,” Stamp admitted. On the road to recovery, Stamp is finally beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. As the calendar begins to turn over to a new year, the Thai phenom expects to be able to ease back into training. “Now, I can take small steps and start jogging. I had surgery on May 20, and it’s been almost seven months since then. I think by January 2025, I will be able to run short distances and start practicing kicks again,” the Thai superstar said. As the first-ever three-sport World Champion, Stamp continues to chase history across kickboxing, MMA, and Muay Thai. While her return is still off in the distance, the atomweight great is planning her course of action. While defending her gold is paramount, Stamp hopes first to shake the ring rust in kickboxing. “Right now, I want to get back into fighting. I want to step back into the ring, focus on training, and continue my recovery. I want to have a kickboxing fight before defending my belt, and I want to successfully defend my belt. I want to show everyone that Stamp is back,” Stamp stated. The 27-year-old is not going to rush back. Stamp will take her time so that she is back in full force when she does her next Stamp Down down the aisle. The ONE Atomweight MMA World Champion hopes to make her triumphant return in late spring or early summer and is putting everyone, across all sports, on notice. “I expect to compete in May or June. By then, everything should be in place. It may be a bit delayed, but coming back at 100 percent will definitely make my performance much better than competing while still in pain. I want to fight every three months,” the atomweight queen offered. “I’m interested in all the rule sets right now. I feel very eager to be back in the ring and I am excited about the challenge of returning to the sports where I was once a champion.”

Bill Wallace is a true living legend, a man who’s regarded as the world’s greatest kicker by nearly everyone in the martial arts community. “Superfoot” is universally respected for his professional full-contact karate record, in which he amassed 23 consecutive victories before retiring undefeated. He’s also perhaps the most popular martial arts instructor in the world — and has been for decades. What’s more, he accomplished all that despite suffering a potentially devastating knee injury that forced him to adopt an unorthodox sideways-facing combat stance early in his career. Those are some of the reasons for this martial arts truism: When Wallace talks, people listen. That observation prompted Black Belt  to devise a list of frequently heard statements about the arts, many of which stem from the early days when everyone talked about karate but no one had ever done it, and submit them to Superfoot for analysis. The beneficiary of the exchange is the martial arts newcomer who may be tempted to believe such things, as well as the old hand who likely heard them decades ago but never subjected them to critical thinking. In either case, enjoy: A karate practitioner can easily kick a knife out of the hand of an assailant. Bull tuckey.  What if you miss? A knife fighter isn’t going to show you the knife in the first place. If a guy does show the knife and you’re far enough away to kick his hand, turn and hightail it out of there. The martial arts will enable a 90-pound person with training to defeat anyone who hasn’t trained. I’m not buying that one. A good big man will beat a good little man every time. This is because the big man has the weight, power, and movement to do so. Board breaking is good for helping a martial artist be a better fighter. Not  — although there are some fantastic board breakers who put on a nice show. Breaking may tell you that people have the guts to hit something hard, but if they could hit that hard and knock someone out, some of them would be using their skill to win at cage fighting. I haven’t seen any of them do that. Hitting the makiwara is good for martial artists who want to condition their hands. Hitting the makiwara does teach you to keep your wrist straight, but that’s about it. You do it too much, and it’s going to cause arthritis. The makiwara we used in Okinawa was softer than what people use here. It had a lot of give to it. I still don’t think it’s a good practice because of your odds of getting arthritis. If you want to make your shins into weapons, you should condition them by hitting them with sticks. That’s just sick. I wouldn’t do it, and I didn’t do it. One reverse punch is enough to kill a person. You may get lucky, but who wants to have their life depend on just luck? How many times have you sparred and buried the reverse punch into the other guy and he says, “Good shot!” and then keeps on going? If you’ve done much sparring, it’s probably happened many times. It takes multiple shots to do much damage, which is why you need to use combos. Mike Tyson hardly ever knocked anybody out with one shot. He would come in and blast the guy with a punch, then follow up with another one. He always relied on combos. I say the same thing about kicks. You can always get lucky, but don’t count on it. During an exhibition bout with Joe Lewis, I hit him with the hardest side kick I ever threw. I really nailed him. He just backed up a foot or two and said, “Ouch,” then plowed right back into me without any sign that it had hurt him. A better strategy is to wear them down with multiple hits. To kick with maximum power, you should lock out your leg. I learned early on not to try to put too much power into a kick. All that power tears up the meniscus and ligaments. I never really liked locking out the leg because it's so hard on your knee, hips, back, and neck. When I tried to throw kicks too hard, things never seemed to work out. Instead, I raised the knee with my foot cocked in a tight chamber, then just snapped the kick out and back. Snapping the kick out and back generates a lot of speed. With speed, the kick is hard to detect until it's too late, and people will run right into it, which increases the impact. It's not my fault you ran into it. I've had a lot of success kicking this way, and if you want to be able to kick your whole life, work your speed and flexibility. Traditional karate blocks done just the way they are in kata will work in self-defense and competition. Not unless you change them up a little. If you do that, then I say karate blocks are fantastic. With the high block, don’t block so high. Make the rest of them shorter, too, and don’t block so hard. Use your blocks to move your opponent's attacking arm just a bit. You’ve got to modify your techniques because nobody is built the same. I’m only 5 foot 8 1/2. How do you think I was able to fight all those guys who were 6 foot or taller? I modified my techniques. A couple of years of training is all you really need because that will enable you to defeat any untrained person who attacks you. To me, martial arts is a lifelong event. You can’t do some training and then forget about it and get rusty. It’s easy to learn the techniques, but to keep from getting your butt kicked, you need to develop and hone the nuances such as distancing and timing, and you need to stay at it. It doesn’t take that much time out of your week to practice some moves that could save your life or that of someone you love. Keeping up your skills will give you peace of mind. No pain, no gain. The guy who said that is an idiot. Getting hit in training or competition is part of life as a martial artist. Hey, there’s still life after competition. Your head and your body can take only so much contact. Sooner or later, you won’t be able to take it anymore. You don’t want to be crippled when you’re all done. When you get knocked out or see stars, you just had yourself a concussion. Brain cells die, and they stay dead and you don’t know where they went. When you get old, all that damage could cause a brain bleed leading to a stroke. It could happen sooner, even. I say, try your best to avoid shots to the head. If you take a good one and get a concussion, take the time to get better: Take all the time you need. When you're a martial artist, you should expect to get injured. We all get bumps and bruises. The thing is, if you have an injury, let it rest. If you let the injury heal, it will heal. I’ve found that anti-inflammatories help things heal. One key to longevity is don’t get hurt. Also, don’t think it’s cowardly to try to avoid getting hit or tweaked on by out-of-control training partners. Working on your flexibility is one of the best things you can do to help avoid most of the injuries that creep up and then linger. When you work on your flexibility, just do it slow and easy. Any adult black belt can run a martial arts school. Not if the black belt can’t teach and isn’t able to retain students and recruit new ones. A teacher needs to be diplomatic, work with the parents of young students, and help students get what they want out of going to the school in the first place. A lot of black belts don’t know how to do all that, which is why so many schools struggle and fail. Quite a few people can run a school for a year or two — or even four or five. However, running a school for the long haul — say, a decade or longer — takes a really good black belt instructor. That’s commitment, and I commend any black belt who’s done that.

They say hindsight is 20-20 and helps you figure everything out. I typically agree...except this time. Even with the world’s best pair of granny glasses, I can’t exactly recall what caused me to end up traveling to the northern mountains of Italy to study Traditional Chinese Martial Arts and be the only American student in an awesome group of Dutch martial artists and two birds, a parrot named Merlin and a macaw named Ziggy. Random, I know. In retrospect, the story of this journey actually started four years ago in China. Back in 2018, a handful of incredible martial artists got together and brought a group of people from various martial art backgrounds overseas to train intensely in Henan province at the Shaolin Temple. Martial Club . A filmmaking group started by two brothers–Brian and Andy Le–as well as their close friend Daniel Mah who are set on preserving and revolutionizing the style of classic Hong Kong Cinema. Over the years, they have since worked on and appeared in Shang Chi, Everything Everywhere All At Once, Wu-Tang Clan: An American Saga, and much more. Philip Sahagun . A third generation martial artist with international acclaim, Philip has toured the world performing martial arts on stage with Tina Turner, worked as a coach for Cirque du Soleil, made it to the semi-finals of America’s Got Talent, and much more. Specializing in American Kenpo, Kickboxing, Wushu and Shaolin Kung Fu, every performance and coaching session with him is imbued with the legitimacy and experience of a professional martial artist. Last and far from least, Henny Eleonora . A martial arts expert whose skill is matched only by his humility, unique character, and deep desire to see the traditional arts of China continue to grow and flourish for many more generations. Over time, that deep desire brought Henny traveling across mainland China and Hong Kong to find and train with masters. To date, he has competed in a televised Kung Fu competition with Wu Bin and Donnie Yen as guest judges and also received recognition as an official student under one of the last old Liu He masters, Zhang Shaofu. Henny is also the man who would go on to host the Academy of Harmony, the incredible Kung Fu camp in Udine, Italy I attended this year. After meeting in China, we stayed in contact. More important than being a kick-butt martial artist and deep well of wisdom, Henny is an outstanding human being – the type of person who is a blessing to know. When his decision to open a one-of-a-kind Kung Fu camp came up, I immediately knew I would be there no matter what. Besides, who wouldn’t like to get a little taste of ancient China in northern Italy? Fast forward to 2022 and Henny’s long-time vision has come to fruition. Training Expectations and Oversea Experiences I have a confession to make. I went to Italy entirely on blind faith in Henny. I knew very little of what the camp would entail, mostly I just knew that it was divided into two separate training weeks and would be a way to see and support people I love and trust greatly. The first training week, the External Camp, was to focus on Shaolin Kung Fu, Sanda, Shuai Jiao, weapons, and hard traditional conditioning. The second training week, the Internal Camp, was to be the perfect compliment–focusing instead on Tai Chi, Daoyin, Pa Kua, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I might not have fully known what to expect but I certainly got more than I dared imagine. Immediately after flying into Venice, a problem with transportation reared its head. My ride that had been booked to travel from the airport to the hotel was canceled. After six hours of trying to find a way over, a conversation with Henny’s wife, Ying, brought about a solution– if I could get a bit closer, Henny would be able to pick me up from a bus drop off point and we could ride back to the hotel together from there. That was the good news. The bad news was, my phone was dying and, with no nearby place to charge my phone, I had to find Henny quickly before losing all communication with him. After getting dropped off at the bus stop near a train station, I waited for Henny to arrive. According to Ying, he would arrive in a bus in roughly ten minutes. With my phone battery dropping by the minute, thoughts began to invade the brain. 10 percent power–erm, what kind of bus did she say it would be? 7 percent power–do I have a backup plan if my phone dies? 5 percent...crap. As if summoned by the dimming phone screen and diminishing hope, I soon get a call. “Justin! Where are you? I’m looking, but don’t see you. Hurry, I probably shouldn’t be parked here!” Well, talk about answered prayers. After a few seconds on the phone, I realize that Henny is on the other side of the block. Taking off to catch him before he has to leave, I soon see a nine-seat white bus and a familiar face waving me down. Already stuffed are a handful of people who would become my closest friends while in the foreign country for the next couple of weeks. Time to get started! The Start of Suffering At night and between training sessions, we would stay at a hotel called Standard Hotel – a place which lived up to its name. Quietly tucked away in a plaza with a supermarket, handful of cafes and restaurants, and a cinema, the hotel was neither underwhelming or overwhelming. We pulled up to it on the first night and it felt like just the right type of place to lay your head down and do little else. Our mornings started sooner than the sun dared rise. By 5:30am each day, we met downstairs and packed into whoever’s vehicle we could for a short drive to a nearby park. Turns out, you can actually condense twelve people in a van that says nine is the max. Our first training session showed how many of us there actually were and how far away from home I was. There were just over twenty of us and, with the exception of Philip Sahagun who was invited over to coach, I was the only American participant. Unsure of what to expect from the coming sessions, we gathered around the coaches for introductions and an opening bow. Placing hand over fist, we all gave a salute and quickly started the inaugural week of training at the Academy of Harmony. Day–Er, I Don’t Know What did we do on our first day? We survived. Philip was our coach for the morning sessions. Before fully formulating a plan, he wanted to see what our overall athleticism and skill level was. Let’s start simply, he proposed. Run . After a quick run four times around a nearby track, he formed us into lines. From these lines, we sprinted, did agility and stance drills, and performed kicks and stretches. After about an hour, he had seen enough and it was time to break for breakfast. We made our way back to the hotel to have a standard breakfast at the Standard Hotel. Walking up the stairs to get to the lobby and past the receptionist was a reserved room with a grab-n-go breakfast buffet. With plates and silverware already holding a spot at a table for each of us, we took our plate to load up on croissants, yogurt, meat, cheese, packaged snacks, and sometimes fruit and veggies. Not a bad breakfast, but certainly one that satisfied us better on the first day than it did our fourteenth consecutive. By 8am, we were back at it again, this time traveling to the actual training camp site. The short drive from the hotel to the hidden away location was filled with views of mountains and maize. Lots and lots of maize. Apparently, corn crops are a big thing in the area. Following a dirt road and pulling up to a modest metal gate, the bus soon parked inside the training area. A paved spot exposed amidst the sea of trees and training equipment–wooden striking poles secured in the ground with gravel, a forest of posts in the ground for Pa Kua stepping, and concrete platforms for stepping all adorned the area. A growing garden sat in a far corner of the area and across an irrigation canal was a stone slab acting as the makeshift bridge leading to a Kung Fu school with an upstairs living area for the master and an outdoor clubhouse/kitchen combo. According to Henny, the entire area was designed according to the principles of Feng Shui and they are working towards a self-sustainable habitat and agricultural system to provide something fresh and natural to future guests. Now that Philip had the chance to assess us earlier in the day, it was time for more technical training. For the next three hours, we trained the fundamentals of Shaolin Kung Fu and worked partner drills. The competitive nature in many of us during these tactical games helped overcome the mental fog from waking up early and the muscle fatigue we were beginning to experience. As the sun beamed down harder, we approached the end of our second training session of the day. By noon, we lifted our tired legs and packed into the cars again, this time taking off to lunch at a nearby restaurant. From the finish of lunch until 5pm, we had a break. Prioritizing recovery before our final session in the day, we did the natural thing – we closed the curtains of our hotel rooms and took a nap. When we woke up, it was time to hustle back into the vehicles and head back to the camp. This time, we had two hours of training in Sanda, Chinese kickboxing. Winstonlico “Lico” Windster, our coach from Amsterdam who was invited to teach this portion, was exactly who you need in a fight coach – someone who can get you started quickly and won’t bite his tongue as he corrects and cracks jokes. By the time 8pm came, we were drenched in our own sweat to the point that we probably could have filled the irrigation canal with our own collective puddle. After a quick dinner, we mustered just enough energy to shower and crawl into bed. By the end of the day, our bodies accepted the fact that there would be no reprieve from the physical training. With the pervasive thought questioning if we would be able to last, we went to bed and prepared to repeat the training for the wee left in the External camp.

As we reflect on an incredible year filled with monumental moments in martial arts, Black Belt Magazine is proud to celebrate its first full year of publication under new leadership by recapping the very best of 2024. From the traditional to the modern, from the dojo to the big screen, this year has been nothing short of extraordinary. We’ve explored everything from the greatest fight scenes to the trailblazing women shaping the future of martial arts, uncovering over a century of history while shining a spotlight on today’s brightest stars. Join us as we revisit the highlights of a truly amazing year in martial arts! January 2024 World's Greatest Promoters We’ve highlighted the most influential promoters in the world—those who have truly shaped the history of martial arts and transformed the way we watch and enjoy it today. Read more! February 2024 Martial Arts in the NFL Gridiron warriors who not only embraced martial arts with passion, but also became ambassadors for the discipline. These football players recognized early on that the skills gained from martial arts would also help them excel on the field! Read more! Ron Duncan: Father of American Ninjutsu Born in Panama in 1938, Professor Duncan gained recognition for his ninjutsu skills. In 1956, Duncan made waves by opening his first martial arts school in New York, where he introduced Ninjitsu to the American scene.  Read more! March 2024 Unveiling the Legacy of the Legendary Ridge Hand A timeless technique from the Blood and Guts era of karate. From Mike Stone to Keith Vitali, we spoke with the greatest fighters of various eras to see if this technique still holds up to today's standards. Read more! The Most Influential Women in Martial Arts The criteria were simple: everyone on the list is a master in their own right, having made significant contributions to creating a thriving environment for women in martial arts—whether in teaching, professional competition, or the entertainment industry. Read more! April 2024 Weapon of Choice It's an all-out brawl, no guns allowed—what weapon would you choose for the fight, and why? We asked some of the top experts in combatives for their insights. Read more! May 2024 World's Greatest Kickers in the Ring We asked seven legendary kickboxing promoters and champions to give us their opinion on the world’s greatest kickers in the ring or full contact era. The response spanned seven decades of the greatest kickers who gave it their all! Read more! June 2024 The Greatest Kickboxers of All Time In the realm of professional fighting, we delineate three distinct categories: boxing , characterized by the use of hands only; kickboxing , which incorporates hands, feet, elbows, and knees; and MMA , where ground fighting is a pivotal component. In this compilation, we dived into the realm of kickboxing, spotlighting the finest practitioners of the craft. To compile this list, we heeded the counsel of legendary kickboxers and astute promoters  who have intimately witnessed the sport's evolution and brilliance.  Read more! July 2024 The World's Greatest Kickers: Hollywood Edition! We asked some of the world’s top martial artists, known for their own legendary kicks on and off the screen, to name the greatest martial artist kickers to ever appear on the silver screen…because KICKERS KNOW KICKERS! Read more! August 2024 Martial Arts & the Olympics From the grace and precision of judo to the explosive power of taekwondo, the Olympics have showcased countless moments of martial arts excellence. Among these champions, a few have risen to iconic status, their names synonymous with both their sport and the spirit of the Olympics. These athletes have not only earned medals but have also left marks on their disciplines, inspiring future generations of martial artists around the world. Read more! September 2024 Greatest Movie Dads That Kick Ass Yes, we went there. We took a deep dive and highlighted six of the greatest movie dads who truly kick ass, from Denzel Washington’s powerful performances to Mark Dacascos’ martial arts mastery. These on-screen fathers are not only tough, but they also bring heart, determination, and an unwavering commitment to protect their families—making them iconic figures in action cinema. Read more! October 2024 Black Belt Hall of Fame The night was a star-studded affair, with notable attendees like Randy Couture and Michael Jai White. One guest even remarked, "It felt like being at the Oscars, but for martial arts legends." The awards presentation exceeded all expectations, blending martial arts royalty with Hollywood elite—this was truly a historic night. Read more! November 2024 Return to Print We returned to our roots and brought back the print edition with unmatched quality for most greatest community of martial artists in the world. Read more! December 2024 Ed Parker: The Father of American Kenpo We remember and honor the passing of the late great Ed Parker who influenced thousands of martial artist around the world. Read more!

Champion, master, and stuntman Chip Wright of Oregon graces the October 1988 cover of Karate/Kung-fu Illustrated  with his signature hook kick. Having spent years as Chuck Norris's stunt double and a student of the martial arts legend, Wright's martial arts DNA is undeniable. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com