Cover Story Throwback: David Deaton
- Black Belt Team
- 15 minutes ago
- 1 min read

Think you know your Karate history?
Meet David Deaton—Karate Shihan and beloved champion. Named the #1 Lightweight Fighting Competitor in the nation by Karate Illustrated Magazine, he even graced the cover of the iconic publication.
On the NASKA circuit, he dominated the 50 and over Black Belt World rankings: in 1998, he held #1 in forms, #3 in weapons, and #3 in fighting. The following year, he claimed the #1 spot in fighting.
A true legend of the sport!

Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com