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Cover Story Throwback: Thomas LaPuppet
Featured on the cover of Karate Illustrated ’s January 1971 issue, the incredible Thomas LaPuppet stands as a defining figure in...
Black Belt Team
2 days ago

Karate’s Hidden Gems: Why Toe Kicks and Spinning Heel Kicks Could Revolutionize Your Training!
When the scenario is laid out, when you know what attacks will come and how you’re expected to respond, you can be forced to employ...
Dave Lowry
Mar 12

The Controversy of American Karate Kata: Innovation or Ego Boost?
Much Emphasized, Yet Least Discussed One of the most emphasized yet least talked about karate techniques is kata—the dance-like series of...
Black Belt Team
Mar 10

Cover Story Throwback: Louis Delgado
Louis Delgado, who appeared on the December 1970 cover of Karate Illustrated , was one of the greatest fighters ever to emerge from the...
Black Belt Team
Mar 9

Cover Story Throwback: Fumio Demura
Karate Master Fumio Demura , renowned for his expertise and contributions to martial arts, strikes powerfully on the cover of the April...
Black Belt Team
Feb 23

Cover Story Throwback: Chuck Norris
The July 1970 cover of Karate Illustrated featured Chuck Norris , already a rising martial arts star. He would go on to win a total of...
Black Belt Team
Feb 16

Cobra Kai vs. Miyagi-Do: The Martial Arts That Define The Karate Kid Franchise
When you think of The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai , what comes to mind? The legendary crane kick? The clash between aggressive violence and...
Justin Lee Ford
Feb 14

Cover Story Throwback: Ishmael Robles
In the 60s and 70s, Texas was known as the toughest place in the world to compete in tournament karate. Featured on the cover of the...
Black Belt Team
Jan 26

This Okinawan Karate Trick Will Transform Your Strikes—Here’s How!
Words matter. But do they matter as much as action in the karate dojo? Not really. You can talk a great game, wax philosophically for an...
Dave Lowry
Jan 22

The Martial Artist’s Guide to Hip Health: Stories of Recovery from Champions and Celebrities (Part 1)
Let's face it: As martial artists, we embrace activities that ask a lot from our bodies. Chances are, you know someone who’s asked a...
Tom Callos
Jan 21

Discover Your Inner Warrior: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Martial Art for You in 2025!
In today’s fast-paced world, martial arts have become more than just a means of self-defense—they’re a lifestyle. Whether you’re looking...
Black Belt Team
Jan 20

Cover Story Throwback: Lori Lantrip
Who were the dominant female fighters of the '80s? Today, we’re spotlighting Karate Illustrated’s July 1984 cover, featuring one of the...
Black Belt Team
Jan 19

Thinking About Teaching Martial Arts? Know THIS First!
Thoughts on Being an Effective Sensei To be an effective teacher, one must first adopt the mindset of a student. A teacher should...
Tom Callahan
Jan 18

Cover Story Throwback: Kenneth Funakoshi
Is the Reverse Punch the Most Lethal Move in Shotokan karate? Master Kenneth Funakoshi demonstrates the perfect reverse punch in this...
Black Belt Team
Jan 16

Superfoot's Stories: Bill Wallace Reflects on a Lifetime of Martial Arts!
Black Belt: If you would never have had the accident that wrecked your right knee and led you to start your career in karate, do you...
Floyd Burk
Jan 13

How An Ancient Japanese Practice Can Help You Crush Your 2025 Goals!
When was the last time you truly failed? It’s a question we’d all rather ignore. We’re often taught to gauge success by how well we avoid...
Justin Lee Ford
Jan 11

Sport Karate 2024 Recap: A Year of Big Moves, Records, and Unforgettable Moments
The sport karate scene in 2024 has been nothing short of thrilling, with groundbreaking achievements, game-changing moves, and plenty of...
Black Belt Team
Jan 6

Cover Story Throwback: Chuck Norris and Bill Wallace
The February 1980 issue of Fighting Stars showcased Chuck Norris in his prime, facing off against the muscular Bill "Superfoot" Wallace...
Black Belt Team
Jan 5


Back to Budo: Reviving the Art of Full-Contact Fighting in 2025
In the earliest days of martial arts competition, fighters stepped into bare-knuckle matches with nothing but their skill and reputation...
Black Belt Team
Jan 4

Karate Strong: 6 Keys to Powering Up Your Punch Using the Science of Goju-Ryu!
As Okinawan Goju-Ryu master Seikichi Toguchi liked to point out, the role of the legs in his style of karate is primarily locomotion....
Scott Lenzi
Dec 31, 2024

Superfoot Speaks: Bill Wallace Debunks Common Martial Arts Myths!
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...
Floyd Burk
Dec 30, 2024


The Black Belt Podcast with Harinder Singh Sabharwal - Mike Stone - Season 4 Ep. 5
"Fear is not my enemy; it is a friend. Fear is only allowing me to see an aspect of myself I was not willing to look at." – Mike Stone In...
Black Belt Team
Dec 20, 2024

The Karate Kid's Real-Life Miyagi: How Fumio Demura Became a Martial Arts Legend
The word legend conjures up images of larger-than-life figures who have performed unbelievable feats over the years. In the realm of...
Christopher Cockrell
Dec 18, 2024


The Surprising Connection Between Tea Ceremony Rituals and Feudal Japan’s Deadly Arts
There is a moment, in some rituals of the tea ceremony, that calls for the kettle to be lifted from the charcoal brazier that heats it....
Dave Lowry
Dec 12, 2024
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