As we reflect on an incredible year filled with monumental moments in martial arts, Black Belt Magazine is proud to celebrate its first full year of publication under new leadership by recapping the very best of 2024. From the traditional to the modern, from the dojo to the big screen, this year has been nothing short of extraordinary.
We’ve explored everything from the greatest fight scenes to the trailblazing women shaping the future of martial arts, uncovering over a century of history while shining a spotlight on today’s brightest stars.
Join us as we revisit the highlights of a truly amazing year in martial arts!
January 2024
World's Greatest Promoters
We’ve highlighted the most influential promoters in the world—those who have truly shaped the history of martial arts and transformed the way we watch and enjoy it today.
February 2024
Martial Arts in the NFL
Gridiron warriors who not only embraced martial arts with passion, but also became ambassadors for the discipline. These football players recognized early on that the skills gained from martial arts would also help them excel on the field!
Ron Duncan: Father of American Ninjutsu
Born in Panama in 1938, Professor Duncan gained recognition for his ninjutsu skills. In 1956, Duncan made waves by opening his first martial arts school in New York, where he introduced Ninjitsu to the American scene.
March 2024
Unveiling the Legacy of the Legendary Ridge Hand
A timeless technique from the Blood and Guts era of karate. From Mike Stone to Keith Vitali, we spoke with the greatest fighters of various eras to see if this technique still holds up to today's standards.
The Most Influential Women in Martial Arts
The criteria were simple: everyone on the list is a master in their own right, having made significant contributions to creating a thriving environment for women in martial arts—whether in teaching, professional competition, or the entertainment industry.
April 2024
Weapon of Choice
It's an all-out brawl, no guns allowed—what weapon would you choose for the fight, and why? We asked some of the top experts in combatives for their insights.
May 2024
World's Greatest Kickers in the Ring
We asked seven legendary kickboxing promoters and champions to give us their opinion on the world’s greatest kickers in the ring or full contact era. The response spanned seven decades of the greatest kickers who gave it their all!
June 2024
The Greatest Kickboxers of All Time
In the realm of professional fighting, we delineate three distinct categories: boxing, characterized by the use of hands only; kickboxing, which incorporates hands, feet, elbows, and knees; and MMA, where ground fighting is a pivotal component.
In this compilation, we dived into the realm of kickboxing, spotlighting the finest practitioners of the craft. To compile this list, we heeded the counsel of legendary kickboxers and astute promoters who have intimately witnessed the sport's evolution and brilliance.
July 2024
The World's Greatest Kickers: Hollywood Edition!
We asked some of the world’s top martial artists, known for their own legendary kicks on and off the screen, to name the greatest martial artist kickers to ever appear on the silver screen…because KICKERS KNOW KICKERS!
August 2024
Martial Arts & the Olympics
From the grace and precision of judo to the explosive power of taekwondo, the Olympics have showcased countless moments of martial arts excellence. Among these champions, a few have risen to iconic status, their names synonymous with both their sport and the spirit of the Olympics.
These athletes have not only earned medals but have also left marks on their disciplines, inspiring future generations of martial artists around the world.
September 2024
Greatest Movie Dads That Kick Ass
Yes, we went there.
We took a deep dive and highlighted six of the greatest movie dads who truly kick ass, from Denzel Washington’s powerful performances to Mark Dacascos’ martial arts mastery. These on-screen fathers are not only tough, but they also bring heart, determination, and an unwavering commitment to protect their families—making them iconic figures in action cinema.
October 2024
Black Belt Hall of Fame
The night was a star-studded affair, with notable attendees like Randy Couture and Michael Jai White. One guest even remarked, "It felt like being at the Oscars, but for martial arts legends." The awards presentation exceeded all expectations, blending martial arts royalty with Hollywood elite—this was truly a historic night.
November 2024
Return to Print
We returned to our roots and brought back the print edition with unmatched quality for most greatest community of martial artists in the world.
December 2024
Ed Parker: The Father of American Kenpo
We remember and honor the passing of the late great Ed Parker who influenced thousands of martial artist around the world.
