Black Belt Magazine, the leading and oldest martial arts publication worldwide, is excited to celebrate the Class of 2024 for the Black Belt Hall of Fame!
Since its establishment in 1968, the Black Belt Hall of Fame has recognized outstanding individuals whose significant contributions have greatly influenced the martial arts community. Notable figures like Bruce Lee (Class of 1972), Bill Wallace (Class of 1973), Chuck Norris (Class of 1975), and Cynthia Rothrock (Class of 1983, also honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022) have all been acknowledged.
The induction ceremony is set to take place on October 10, 2024, at the prestigious Avalon Theater in Hollywood, California. Attendees can anticipate speeches from esteemed past honorees, adding to the event's importance.
Continue reading to learn why we take pride in recognizing this year's recipients of the Martial Arts Publishers Award!
Scott Coker
Promoter with Honor
Scott Coker’s induction into the Black Belt Hall of Fame honors a career marked by vision, innovation, and dedication to combat sports. Beginning as a martial artist under Ernie Reyes Sr., Coker showcased his skills with the West Coast Demo Team, embodying the values of respect and excellence.
In the 1980s, Coker transitioned to promotion, founding West Coast Promotions and playing a key role in popularizing kickboxing on the West Coast. His strategic approach elevated the sport, leading to his role as President of K-1 USA, where he expanded kickboxing's reach in America.
Coker's most significant impact came with the founding of Strikeforce in 2006. As one of the first MMA promotions legally sanctioned in California, Strikeforce played a crucial role in MMA's mainstream acceptance. Coker’s leadership attracted top talent and delivered memorable fights, while his groundbreaking support for women’s MMA, featuring fighters like Ronda Rousey and Gina Carano, helped elevate the sport’s prominence.
As President of Bellator MMA, Coker continues to influence the combat sports landscape, expanding the organization into a leading global entity known for its exciting events and deep talent pool. His contributions have greatly advanced MMA, and his legacy is celebrated with his induction into the Black Belt Hall of Fame.
Curtis Wong
Pioneer Inside Kung Fu
Curtis Wong’s induction into the Black Belt Hall of Fame honors his lifelong dedication to martial arts and his transformative impact on the field. As the influential publisher of Inside Kung Fu Magazine, Wong has played a pivotal role in promoting kung fu and bridging Eastern and Western martial arts cultures.
Wong’s martial arts journey began with his kung fu school in the San Fernando Valley, where he taught and preserved traditional Chinese martial arts. His passion and entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to broader endeavors, including a role as a stunt member on the TV series Kung Fu in the 1970s, which helped popularize kung fu in American culture.
In 1974, Wong founded Inside Kung Fu Magazine, which quickly became a leading publication alongside Black Belt Magazine. The magazine was instrumental in introducing and popularizing Chinese martial arts in the West, featuring prominent figures like Jackie Chan and helping to launch his international career.
Wong’s influence extends through his family—his brother Douglas Wong is a renowned kung fu master, and his nephew Travis Wong is a respected Hollywood stuntman. Curtis Wong’s work has highlighted lesser-known Chinese martial arts styles and inspired many in the martial arts community, earning him enduring recognition and respect.
Chong Lee
Dynamic Kicks
As we celebrate Chong Lee's induction into the Black Belt Hall of Fame, we honor his remarkable impact on the martial arts community. From his early triumphs as a forms champion to his groundbreaking contributions as an author, Lee has profoundly influenced the field.
Lee’s martial arts journey began with a significant achievement: winning the Forms division at the prestigious 1974 Long Beach Internationals. This victory showcased his exceptional skill and artistry, establishing him as a top forms competitor. His competitive success paved the way for his future innovations.
Transitioning from competition to writing, Lee made a lasting impact with his seminal work, Dynamic Kicks. This best-selling book, along with its follow-ups Advanced Explosive Kicks and Kicks for Competition, revolutionized martial arts by shifting the focus from traditional, static kicking forms to dynamic, explosive techniques. His innovative approach has become a standard in both competitive martial arts and Hollywood action films.
Lee’s techniques have not only inspired martial artists but also shaped the training of numerous champions and movie stars. His influence is evident in the powerful kicking styles that captivate audiences and practitioners globally. Lee’s legacy continues to thrive through the dynamic movements he introduced, which remain integral to martial arts and popular culture today.
Want to know the full list of this year’s Black Belt Hall of Fame inductees? Check out our official announcement!