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 .

2024 PFL MENA Welterweight Champion Omar El Dafrawy faces 2024 PFL Europe Welterweight Finalist Daniele Miceli in the Main Event   The first round of the 2025 PFL MENA Welterweight and Bantamweight tournament card amongst a host of Showcase bouts with talent from across the region   Tickets for PFL MENA 2 are on sale here on Webook with the event available on STARZPLAY app   Saudi Arabia’s superstar Hattan Alsaif returns to the PFL SmartCage against three-time Lebanese MMA champion Nour Al Fliti The Professional Fighters League (PFL) today announced the full fight card for PFL MENA 2, set to take place at the Green Halls in Saudi Arabia on Friday, July 4, 2025. The event will feature top talent from across the region with tickets on sale now at webook.com , and also available to watch on STARZPLAY app in the MENA region. In the main event, 2024 PFL MENA Welterweight Champion Omar “God First” El Dafrawy (13-5-0) returns to Saudi Arabia, where he captured his 2024 title. With his toughest test to date ahead of him, Dafrawy will step back into the SmartCage to face 2024 PFL Europe Welterweight finalist Daniele “The Cyborg” Miceli (13-6-0) in a high-profile showcase bout. The co-main event features a pivotal Welterweight tournament clash between Kuwait’s Mohammad Alaqraa (7-1-0) and Palestine's Omar “187” Hussein (11-6-0). Alaqraa, a 2024 PFL MENA finalist and the current division leader, is seeking redemption after suffering the first loss of his professional career in last year’s finals. Hussein, a former PFL Europe standout, is aiming to hand Alaqraa a second defeat and make a strong statement on the Middle Eastern MMA scene. In a highly anticipated Bantamweight Quarterfinal bout, Algeria’s Mokthar “Le Kabyle” Benkaci (24-9-0) will face Lebanon’s Marcel Adur (19-7-0). Both fighters are known for their explosive striking and finishing power, making this matchup a strong contender for the most thrilling bout of the night. Local favorite Hattan Alsaif (AM 3-0-0) returns to the SmartCage for what is anticipated to be another exciting amateur showcase. The rising Saudi talent faces her toughest opponent yet in Nour Al Fliti (AM 1-1-0), a three-time Lebanese MMA champion and IMMAF Asian Championship silver medalist. Rounding out the card, Abdulaziz Bin Moammar (AM 1-0-0) will also represent the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in an Amateur Catchweight Showcase bout against Egypt’s Hassan Ahmed (AM 3-1-0).   Updated 2025 PFL MENA 2 Card: Starzplay (MENA) | PFL App (U.S.) Friday, July 4th - 7pm AST Welterweight Showcase Bout: Omar El Dafrawy (13-5-0) vs. Daniele Miceli (13-6-0) Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout: Omar Hussein (11-6-0) vs. Mohammad Alaqraa (7-1-0) Atomweight Showcase Amateur Bout: Hattan Alsaif (AM 3-0-0) vs. Nour Al Fliti (AM 1-1-0) Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout: Mohamed Zarey (9-1-0) vs. Ayman Galal (4-1-0) Bantamweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout: Xavier Alaoui (15-6-0) vs. Ziad Ayman (6-1-0) Bantamweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout: Mokhtar Benkaci (24-9-0) vs. Marcel Adur (19-7-0) Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout: Badreddine Diani (8-3-0) vs. Ahmed Abdelbast Darwish (4-0-0) Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout: Rostem Akman (7-4-0) vs. Amir Fazli (6-3-0) Bantamweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout: Elias Boudegzdame (19-9-0) vs. Mehdi Saadi (6-2-0) Bantamweight Tournament Quarterfinal Bout: Nawras Abzakh (12-6-0) vs. Ali Yazbeck (5-0-1) Catchweight 160LB Showcase Amateur Bout: Abdulaziz Bin Moammar (AM 1-0-0) vs. Hassan Ahmed (AM 3-1-0) Tickets can be purchased at webook.com .

Welterweight & Featherweight First Round Fights Take Center Stage at Big Top Arena, Carnival City Tickets On Sale This Thursday, June 12 via TicketPro here . PFL Africa video asset available here . Following its historic debut in Cape Town, the Professional Fighters League is proud to announce its second PFL Africa event will take place on Saturday, August 9 at the Big Top Arena, Carnival City in Johannesburg, South Africa. Fans on August 9 can witness Africa’s top MMA talent clash in the Welterweight and Featherweight divisions as the inaugural tournament continues toward crowning the first-ever PFL Africa Champions. Tickets for PFL Africa Johannesburg go on sale this Thursday, June 12 via TicketPro . Fight fans are encouraged to secure seats early for what promises to be another electric night in the SmartCage. Headlining the evening is a Featherweight First Round bout featuring Nigeria’s Patrick Ocheme (6-1) against Guinea’s Mohamed Camara (5-2-1) in a high-stakes matchup between two of the best West African in the world. In the co-main event, Angola’s Shido Boris Esperanca (9-1), who was victorious in his PFL debut, returns to action against Gambia’s Ibrahima Mané (14-5) in a Welterweight First Round bout. Additional matchups will be announced shortly.In total, 32 fighters representing 15 African nations will compete across the four PFL Africa divisions in 2025, as the league embarks on a continent wide journey to crown the first-ever PFL Africa Champions.   Updated PFL Africa Johannesburg Card: SuperSport (Africa - English) | Canal+ (Africa - French) PFL App (U.S.) | DAZN (France, UK & Ireland) Saturday, August 9 Featherweight First Round Main Event: Patrick Ocheme (6-1) vs. Mohamed Camara (5-2-1) Welterweight First Round Co-Main Event: Shido Boris Esperanca (9-1) vs. Ibrahima Mané (14-5)

What’s the most unforgettable breaking demo you’ve ever seen? The August 1975 cover of Black Belt Magazine featured tae kwon do master Yong T. Lee in a powerful brick-breaking display, captured mid-action by photographer Ed Ikuta. Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

“This journey didn’t begin with fight promotion—it began with the love of the arts, and it continues because of it.” –Scott Coker You may know him as the founder of Strikeforce, the former president of Bellator, or the man who helped shape the careers of some of the greatest fighters in the world. But what sets Scott apart is not just what he built—it's how he built it. At his core, Scott is a martial artist. A student and teacher who carries the legacy of Ernie Reyes, a master of building not just champions, but character. From training in Korea to creating global fight organizations, from discovering legends like Daniel Cormier and Ronda Rousey to launching his latest venture, “Fight Night,” Scott’s journey is a masterclass in authenticity, intuition, and martial arts spirit. Click the link below to listen now on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3t227s4 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3KvsIDy Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3Kxcg5D Main Directory: https://theblackbeltpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

In her first-ever role as writer/producer, Cynthia Rothrock  makes a bold leap into new territory with BLACK CREEK  — a gritty Western action film that marks an exciting chapter in her legendary career. Rothrock stars as the sister of a small-town sheriff, who embarks on a relentless quest for justice after a ruthless gang of outlaws — led by a terrifying and merciless leader — brutally murders her brother, his wife, and several other family members. Set against the harsh backdrop of a lawless southwestern town, BLACK CREEK  blends classic Western grit with explosive martial arts action. The film features an all-star martial arts cast, headlined by Rothrock and Richard Norton  in his final feature film role, alongside Keith Cooke , Don "The Dragon" Wilson , and R. Marcos Taylor . Fans will also be treated to special fight appearances by legends Benny “The Jet” Urquidez  and Keith Vitali . BLACK CREEK  is now available for pre-order on Apple TV . Watch the trailer and pre-order here: Trailer Black Creek Pre Order Here

Best-of-Class Partner ViewLift Powers PFL New Digital Home    Download FREE on Apple and Android Stores The Professional Fighters League today launched its all new direct-to-consumer (DTC) App, the free vehicle for Americans to watch all PFL International League events and fights live, including PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and PFL Africa. Globally, the new PFL App is a comprehensive home for PFL information, entertainment and engagement, including PFL fights and fighter information, advanced analytics, fan rewards and games, and behind-the-scenes content.  Download now at the Apple or Google Play Store to begin your PFL free all access pass.   For the first time, and exclusively only on the PFL App, U.S. fans can stream all PFL International League events live and free.   The next PFL International League fights (viewable in the US via the new app) are as follows:   PFL MENA - Friday, July 4 - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - 12 pm EST PFL Europe - Saturday, July 5 - Brussels, Belgium - 11 am EST PFL Africa - Saturday, July 19 - Cape Town, Africa - 10:30 am EST In addition to exclusive live content, the PFL App is loaded with features designed to elevate the fan experience: PFL Fights Live - Watch Direct in PFL App  PFL Schedule - What, When, Where  PFL Fighters - All Fighters, All Details  PFL Fan Engagement - Test your MMA Knowledge PFL Insider Content - Go Behind the Scenes or Explore Full Archive “ We ’ re putting the power directly in the hands of MMA fans,” said PFL CEO Peter Murray . “ For the first time ever, fans in the U.S. can watch PFL MENA, PFL Europe, PFL Africa, and PFL Pacific live and free, all in one place. The PFL App is a major investment in our global league strategy and in delivering a deeper, more connected and centralized experience for our fans.” “ PFL has focused on its fans since its launch,” noted  Rick Allen , ViewLift’s CEO. “ We are proud to continue our 7-year alliance with the League, and deliver an entirely new experience for those fans: behind-the-scenes access, new ways to expand your fight knowledge and test yourself against others, and … for the very first time … direct US access to live international fights and recaps. Join us in the SmartCage!” Fans can download the new PFL app in the Apple and Google Play stores now. The platform is also available via web and will roll out across OTT devices including Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV later this year. For more information: PFLmma.com or PFLMMA on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, or X

UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 delivered an unforgettable night of action-packed fights at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena in Australia. The event drew a record-breaking live gate of $7.7 million and an impressive crowd of 18,253 fans, setting the stage for 12 thrilling bouts that showcased the best of mixed martial arts. Main Event: UFC Middleweight Championship Dricus Du Plessis def. Sean Strickland via Unanimous Decision In a grueling five-round battle, Dricus Du Plessis once again proved why he’s the king of the middleweight division. The South African champion retained his title with a dominant performance, using relentless pressure and a well-rounded skill set to outclass Sean Strickland. Du Plessis’ victory solidified his status as one of the most formidable fighters in the UFC. Co-Main Event: UFC Strawweight Championship Zhang Weili def. Tatiana Suarez via Unanimous Decision China’s Zhang Weili put on a masterclass in her strawweight title defense against Tatiana Suarez. Zhang’s superior striking and impeccable takedown defense kept her in control throughout the fight, earning her a clear unanimous decision victory and further cementing her legacy as one of the division’s greatest champions. Main Card Results Heavyweight Bout (265 lbs): Tallison Teixeira def. Justin Tafa via KO/TKO (Elbows and Knees) at 0:35, Round 1Teixeira made a statement with a lightning-fast knockout, overwhelming Tafa with a brutal combination of elbows and knees in under 40 seconds. Light Heavyweight Bout (205 lbs): Jimmy Crute vs. Rodolfo Bellato ends in a DrawA hard-fought battle between two light heavyweight contenders ended in a rare draw, with neither fighter able to gain a decisive edge. Welterweight Bout (170 lbs): Jake Matthews def. Francisco Prado via Unanimous DecisionMatthews showcased his veteran experience, using precise striking and well-timed takedowns to secure a decisive victory over Prado. Preliminary Card Results Featherweight Bout (145 lbs): Gabriel Santos def. Jack Jenkins via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:06, Round 3 Lightweight Bout (155 lbs): Tom Nolan def. Viacheslav Borshchev via Unanimous Decision Flyweight Bout (125 lbs): Cong Wang def. Bruna Brasil via Unanimous Decision Bantamweight Bout (135 lbs): Aleksandre Topuria def. Colby Thicknesse via Unanimous Decision Lightweight Bout (155 lbs): Rongzhu def. Kody Steele via Unanimous Decision Welterweight Bout (170 lbs): Jonathan Micallef def. Kevin Jousset via Unanimous Decision Lightweight Bout (155 lbs): Quillan Salkilld def. Anshul Jubli via KO/TKO (Right Cross) at 0:19, Round 1Salkilld scored the fastest finish of the night with a devastating right cross just 19 seconds into the fight. Event Highlights UFC 312 was a night to remember, featuring championship drama, jaw-dropping knockouts, and technical brilliance. With title implications and career-defining performances, the event left fans eagerly anticipating what’s next for the winners and losers. Stay tuned for in-depth post-fight analysis and updates on the future matchups stemming from this epic night in Sydney!

Can you name them all? The 1982 Karate Illustrated Yearbook featured the very best of the best! Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com

The following is a snippet of a feature found exclusively in the Spring 2025 issue of Black Belt Magazine. From Karate Champs to Industry Innovators Have you ever watched a movie or TV show and thought, I could do that ? For many martial artists, the dream is to take years of dedication and skill and turn it into a career on the big screen. Justin Ortiz and Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz did just that. After earning NASKA world champion titles, they traveled the globe as two of the most sought-after instructors in the industry and then immersed themselves in the world of Hollywood, learning firsthand what it takes to succeed in action filmmaking.  Now, they’re sharing that knowledge—helping martial artists of all skill levels turn their passion into opportunity. From bright-eyed beginners throwing their first punch to seasoned competitors looking to break into the industry, Justin Ortiz and Jewelianna Ramos-Ortiz stand as both mentors and trailblazers, showing the world that martial arts isn’t just a discipline—it’s a gateway to limitless possibilities. The Beginning: A Leap of Faith Justin Ortiz’s martial arts career took off in his early twenties when he realized his passion extended beyond just competing. A pivotal moment came when a life coach, Christina Cooper Foster, recognized his potential and helped him reshape his mindset. Growing up, Ortiz had never considered the vast opportunities available beyond traditional martial arts instruction. Through her guidance, he learned that success was a matter of choice and strategy. Jewlianna Ramos-Ortiz, an accomplished martial artist specializing in forms and weapons, shared a similar drive to push beyond traditional competition. With an extensive background in performance-based martial arts and an unyielding drive in life, she understood the power of combining technique with storytelling, a perspective that would later shape their joint ventures. To read the interview, be sure to order your copy of Black Belt's Spring 2025 Issue !