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Cover Story Throwback: Parker Shelton

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Two martial artists in white gis sparring intensely on a magazine cover. Bold "Karate Illustrated" text with "BLACK BELT" on a sidebar.
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The May 1975 cover of Karate Illustrated featured Parker Shelton, a leading competitor in judo and karate during the 1970s. Ranked as the nation’s No. 1 karate fighter from 1972 to 1974, he competed internationally in Europe, Japan, and Korea.


Over the years, Shelton trained thousands of students and, after retiring in 1978, continued to teach martial arts worldwide.


Two people in karate uniforms spar on a beach. Blue sky above, ocean waves in background. "Karate Illustrated" magazine cover text.

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



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