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Cover Story Throwback: Ishmael Robles

Black Belt Team
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Magazine cover of "Karate Illustrated" featuring a martial artist in white uniform with high kick. Text includes "Karate's switch-hitting Texan."
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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 February 1977 Karate Illustrated, Galveston’s own Ishmael Robles is a two-time United States National Karate Champion and the former Welterweight Kickboxing Champion of the World.


Three martial artists in white uniforms perform high kicks on a magazine cover titled "Karate Illustrated," featuring bold red and pink text.

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



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