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43-536: The first American sanctioning body to regulate kickboxing matches, the United States Kickboxing Association (USKA) was established in early 1970 by former Green Beret Lee Faulkner following his promotion of North America’s debut kickboxing bout featuring Joe Lewis ’ knockout victory over Greg Baines. The USKA’s rules permitted kicking, punching, knee and elbow strikes, and footsweeps. Only crescent kicks and round kicks were allowed to

86-522: A 2–0 decision. Lewis reigned as the U.S. Nationals grand champion from 1966 to 1969. At the 1967 Nationals in Washington, Lewis won the championship by defeating Mitchell Bobrow in the semi-final and beating Frank Hargrove 3–2 in the finals. Previously, Lewis defeated Hargrove in New York City at ' Henry Cho 's Karate Tournament'. During that time, he also defeated Chuck Norris . In 1966, at

129-769: A closely contested come-from-behind victory for the Heavyweight Championship, and Joe Hayes for the Grand Championship. At Ed Parker 's 1972 'International Karate Championships', Darnell Garcia scored an upset victory over Lewis. That same year, at the 1972 Grande Nationals in Memphis Tennessee, Joe Lewis beat Jerry Piddington and won his grande title match in a 1–0 victory. 1974 marked Lewis' final year in tournament karate competition. In May, he lost to Charles Curry in New York at

172-403: A combined record of 17 wins and 4 losses with 15 wins obtained by knockout, a K.O ratio of 71.4% The PKA World title record was 5 wins 4 losses. In 1990, Lewis fought one last exhibition kickboxing/karate match with friend Bill Wallace (166 lbs) on pay per view. Both Lewis and Wallace were refused a boxing license because of their age. Though it was only an exhibition, many people believed it

215-517: A falling out or Lewis having a scheduling conflict, Chuck Norris was chosen instead. Joe Lewis co-stars alongside Robin Shou in the 1989 B-movie Bloodfight 2: The Deathcage (戰龍), as Mr. Kent. Early in July 2011, Lewis was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor and was told he would have six to eight weeks to live without surgery. He underwent surgery on July 18 to remove the tumor. Lewis died on

258-505: A full-contact karate bout with Lewis and an opponent who would fight to the knockout, which Faulkner agreed to. The match took place on January 17, 1970. As Lewis and Greg Baines entered the ring wearing boxing gloves, the announcer identified them as "kickboxers". That night, Lewis won the first-ever kickboxing bout in North America with a second-round knockout over Baines. Prior to this, Lewis defeated Chuck Lemmons in point karate at

301-510: A karateka, Lewis cross-trained in several other martial arts, including Ryukyu Kenpo , boxing , judo , jeet kune do , tai chi , and folkstyle wrestling . His friend and training partner Bruce Lee coined him "The Greatest Karate Fighter of All Time." He was also named by the STAR System World Kickboxing Ratings as the "STAR Historic Undisputed Heavyweight World Champion" and is credited on their site as

344-406: A popular cover in which Joe Lewis appeared sporting that same look. Like how Lewis' personal mixture of karate, boxing and Jeet Kune Do showcases the eclectic approach some American martial artists took towards more traditional martial arts, Masters sports a flashier fighting style than Ryu . The American kickboxer, Joe, from the first Street Fighter game, was also seemingly based on Lewis. Lewis

387-516: A teacher, Lewis was devoted to instructing martial artists in the Five Angles of Attack and other principles, which he learned from Bruce Lee and then modified through his full contact experience. Hong Kong cinema historian Bey Logan says Lewis was the original pick of Bruce Lee to play Colt in the 1972 martial-arts action film Way of the Dragon , but as a result of either Lee and Lewis having

430-539: A title, Lewis defeated T. Morrison by KO, decisioned Charleton Young and Curtis Crandall, and knocked out Melvin Cole. On April 16, Lewis lost a decision to Tom Hall in an upset. On August 10, Lewis suffered a 4th round stoppage due to another cut to US heavyweight champion Kerry Roop for the PKA US heavyweight title. Lewis retired after the defeat, with his competitive career in kickboxing and PKA full-contact karate ending with

473-550: Is indirectly referenced in a scene from the 2019 Quentin Tarantino film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood when Bruce Lee (played by Mike Moh ) refers to him as "[T]hat white kickboxing a--hole." to differentiate him from the boxer Joe Louis . Jhoon Rhee Rhee Jhoon-goo ( Korean : 이준구 ; Hanja: 李俊九, January 7, 1932 – April 30, 2018), commonly known as Jhoon Rhee , was a Korean-American taekwondo practitioner. He

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516-650: Is widely recognized as the "father of American taekwondo" for introducing the Korean martial art to the United States when he immigrated in the 1950s. He was a 10th dan black belt and held the title of Grandmaster . Rhee was born on January 7, 1932, in Asan , Korea, during the period of Japanese occupation . He began training in the martial arts at age 13 in 1945 without his father's knowledge. Rhee received martial art training from Nam Tae Hi and graduated from

559-641: The Chung Do Kwan . While an officer in the Korean Army , he went to the U.S. to attend Southwest Texas State College in 1956, and later returned to attend Texas to attend the University of Texas at Austin for an engineering degree. During the 1960s, Rhee befriended Bruce Lee —a relationship from which they both benefited as martial artists. Lee taught Rhee an extraordinarily fast punch considered almost impossible to block, something Rhee named

602-548: The Professional Karate Association (PKA) Heavyweight full-contact karate title. The original 1974 PKA world champions, including Lewis (heavyweight), Jeff Smith (light heavyweight) and Bill 'Superfoot' Wallace (middleweight) received fanfare from the PKA title wins and publicity in popular martial arts magazines, establishing their status as "legends of the karate world". Lewis advanced his public persona

645-883: The "Father of Modern Kickboxing". He competed professionally from 1965 to 1983, with a 16-1-4 record and 14 wins by knockout . Joseph Henry Lewis was born on March 7, 1944, in Knightdale, North Carolina . He is of Welsh and Scottish ancestry. In 1962, Lewis enlisted in the US Marine Corps . He was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock, North Carolina from July 20, 1962, to April 12, 1964. He studied Shōrin-ryū Karate with Eizo Shimabukuro , John Korab, Chinsaku Kinjo, and Seiyu Oyata while stationed in Okinawa between May 21, 1964, and November 29, 1965, earning his black belt in seven months. He

688-616: The "accupunch". During his study in Texas, Rhee issued his first U.S.-awarded black belt to Pat Burleson and his first fully US-trained student was Allen Steen , both of whom teamed up to establish the influential Southwest Black Belt Association (later the American Black Belt Association), resulting in many champions. Upon graduation from college, Rhee relocated to the East Coast and opened his first studio in

731-594: The Hidy Ochiai National Karate Tournament. That same month, Lewis won the PAWAK tournament, which lasted from May 11 to May 12. Lewis scored victories over Frank Harvey, Smiley Urquidez, Benny Urquidez , and Cecil Peoples in the elimination matches, and won the championship with a 4–3 points decision over Steve Sanders. Finally, at Mike Anderson's, 'Top 10 National Professional Karate Tournament', Lewis lost to Everett "Monster Man" Eddy in

774-537: The Long Beach Internationals, Lewis lost an upset decision to Allen Steen . In 1967, Lewis defeated Chuck Norris's brother Wieland Norris, Steve LaBounty, and Frank Knoll, as well as Frank Hargrove for the third time. At the 1968 'Orient vs. U.S. Tournament', promoted by Aaron Banks, Lewis lost to Japanese-American N. Tanaka. At the 'First Professional Karate Tournament' in Dallas, Texas, Lewis won

817-955: The Mixed martial arts competition of today. In the cover story "The Passing of the Torch Legendary Fighter Joe Lewis Grooms His Successors" for the February 1993 issue of Black Belt , Lewis stated that his proteges John and Jim Graden were his choice to carry the torch of his system after his death. Ken Masters from the Street Fighter series was based upon Lewis' likeness and career, both being Americans who learned traditional karate styles in Japan then returned home to become United States champion to worldwide acclaim. Masters' characteristic red uniform and blond hair were patterned after

860-634: The U.S. 1962 in Washington, D.C. , and over time expanded to 11 studios in the DC Metro area . In 1973, Rhee made his only martial arts movie, When Taekwondo Strikes ; he also had a small role in Fist of Fury . . In 1975, he met Muhammad Ali before the latter's Thrilla in Manila fight with Joe Frazier . Rhee demonstrated the accupunch to Ali, who was unable to block it and asked to be taught it. Rhee

903-473: The US Pro Team Karate finals. On June 20, 1970, in Dallas, Texas, Lewis defended his United States Kickboxing Association heavyweight title against "Big" Ed Daniel at the U.S.A. Professional Open Karate Championships, which was promoted by Lee Faulkner and Allen Steen . Daniels had a background in professional wrestling and amateur boxing as well as a black belt from Lewis' original teacher; he

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946-704: The USKA Grand National Championship karate tournament. Joe Lewis (martial artist) As a fighter, Lewis gained fame for his matches in the 1960s and 1970s, and was nicknamed "the Muhammad Ali of karate." He has twice been voted the greatest fighter in karate history, having won several karate tournaments, and has attained the titles of "United States Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion," "World Heavyweight Full Contact Karate Champion," and "United States National Black Belt Kata Champion." Though initially trained and primarily known as

989-726: The United States Kick-Boxing Association (USKBA), shortly before the USKA disintegrated in 1972. The USKA succeeded, however, in arranging for the importation and weekly television broadcast of Japanese muay Thai-style "kick-boxing" bouts, with English play-by-play, over KTLA Channel 5 in Los Angeles. This USKA should not be confused with the United States Karate Association (USKA) which affiliated karate schools and promoted

1032-561: The championship trophy by decisioning Larry Whitner, Phil Ola, and Skipper Mullins. In February 1968, Lewis, along with Bob Wall, Skipper Mullins, J. Pat Burleson, David Moon, and Fred Wren, fought in the first World Professional Karate Championships (WPKC) promoted by Jim Harrison. This was the first "professional" tournament in karate history, and took place in Harrison's dojo in Kansas City. The rules allowed "heavy contact." Lewis won

1075-607: The finals. In 1983, Lewis was voted by top fighters and promoters as the greatest karate fighter of all time, with Chuck Norris and Bill Wallace tied for second place. Gene Lebell has credited Joe as the person who "brought us full-contact karate." Lewis was a veteran of the Vietnam War , where he served in the communications field. His military decorations include Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal , National Defense Service Medal , Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal , and "Expert" Rifle Badge. He acted in films and on TV, and

1118-545: The head. Hitting below the belt and striking-and-holding were prohibited. Bouts consisted of four by three-minute rounds inside a boxing ring, with one-minute rest periods. Contestants wore twelve-ounce gloves and elective gym shoes or no shoes. The USKA sanctioned only a handful of US title bouts although the organization had planned a merger with the All Japan Kick-Boxing Association for purposes of world title bouts, and even modified its name to

1161-425: The left, typically delivered in combinations. He also claimed that it was typical of his style to use low kicks as early as his first kickboxing bout against Greg Baines, and once referred to them as his "main weapon". Thanks to his background as a wrestler and studying of several types of fighting, such as Shōrin-ryū Karate, Okinawan Kenpo, Judo, Jeet Kune Do, Boxing and Tai Chi, Lewis was a well-rounded fighter. As

1204-689: The morning of August 31, 2012, at Coatesville Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Coatesville, Pennsylvania , at the age of 68. The cancer had spread to his left shoulder and hip prior to his death. He was buried at Knightdale Baptist Church Cemetery in Knightdale, Wake County, North Carolina. Lewis left behind his own system of martial arts teaching; the Joe Lewis American Karate Systems, which focuses on full-contact fighting. Due to his role in developing and promoting

1247-570: The next year by appearing on the cover of Playgirl magazine. In 1975, Lewis was inducted into the Black Belt magazine 's Hall of Fame as the 1974 full contact karate "fighter of the year". In a 1975 comeback fight in Hawaii, Lewis lost a 3-round decision (non title) to Teddy Limoz in Hawaii, and in September, he lost a 7-round decision to Ross Scott after suffering a dislocated shoulder. Lewis

1290-493: The sport's first event in the American continent, Lewis is considered to be the "Father of Kickboxing" in the western world, and has also been called "the man who brought us Full Contact Karate." Black Belt Magazine describes his process of solo training in boxing and combining those techniques with his karate techniques as "the result is the martial sport now known as Kickboxing." His efforts in these fields eventually resulted in

1333-603: The tournament and was paid one dollar, officially making him the first professional champion in karate history. In August 1968, Lewis was defeated by Victor Moore at the World's Hemisphere Karate Championships, the second professional karate tournament in history, which took place in San Antonio, Texas and was promoted by Robert Trias and Atlee Chittim. Moore and Lewis split the championship purse of $ 1,000. The same year, Lewis defeated Louis Delgado, who had beaten Chuck Norris

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1376-489: The undisputed United States heavyweight kickboxing champion was a perfect 10–0 with 10 KO's. On September 14, 1974, on ABC's Wide World of Entertainment promoter Mike Anderson introduced PKA 'full-contact' karate. In the bouts, competitors wore foam hand and foot protection and fought to the knockout. In 1974, Lewis beat his only opponent in the new sport of full contact karate with a 2nd round ridge hand knockout over Yugoslavia's Frank Brodar in Los Angeles, California to win

1419-738: The year before. On November 24, 1968, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, Lewis won Aaron Banks' World Professional Karate Championships by defeating Victor Moore to win the World Heavyweight Title, and was paid $ 600. In 1970, Lewis lost in an upset to John Natividad at the All-Star Team Championships in Long Beach, California . At the 'Battle of Atlanta', which was promoted by Joe Corley , Joe Lewis defeated Mitchell Bobrow in

1462-488: Was "Why not? They can't block it." He also developed a fast back fist punch; if it failed, he would grab his opponent's dogi and use the reverse punch instead. After cross-training in boxing with Sugar Ray Robinson and Joe Orbillio and then training Jeet Kune Do with Bruce Lee, Lewis gained a unique view on how to handle distance and closing the gap. His preferred techniques as a full contact karate and kickboxing fighter were his trademark side kick and hook punch, particularly

1505-438: Was Ali's head coach for the boxer's fights with Richard Dunn (boxer) and Antonio Inoki . In the mid-1980s, Rhee operated a network of 11 martial arts studios across the Washington, D.C. , region. Rhee was well known in the D.C. area for a television commercial with a jingle by Nils Lofgren and Rhee's daughter uttering the catchphrase "Nobody bothers me," followed by his son saying "Nobody bothers me, either." In 2000, Rhee

1548-529: Was also a police officer at the time. Lewis knocked out Daniel in 2 rounds, and in 3 rounds in a later rematch. On January 24, 1971, at the 2nd Annual United Nations Open Karate Championships, which was promoted by Aaron Banks , Lewis knocked out Ronnie Barkoot. At another Banks promotion; United States Championship Kickboxing Bouts, Lewis scored a 3rd-round knockout over "Atlas" Jesse King. In total, Lewis defended his United States Heavyweight Kickboxing title with 8 straight knockouts between 1970 and 1971. Lewis

1591-474: Was briefly married to actress Barbara Leigh . Throughout his life, he continued to give seminars and work in the entertainment industry. Starting in 1967, Lewis began training privately with Bruce Lee and former heavyweight boxing contender Joe Orbillo. In late 1969, promoter Lee Faulkner contacted Lewis to fight in his upcoming United States Karate Championships. By this time, Lewis had retired from point fighting, but agreed to fight if Faulkner would promote

1634-464: Was considered an intimidating presence in the karate tournament scene due to having both strength and speed. In later years, Joe would be able to replicate some of Bruce Lee's legendary speed feats, such as asking a volunteer to block his punches, which would prove too fast to be blocked. As a karate point fighter, Lewis was famous for his lead side kick, particularly his left. At one point, his response to on-lookers who asked why he only used that technique

1677-615: Was one of the first Marines stationed in Vietnam; there, he met Rocky Graziano . From February 7 to July 14, 1966, he was stationed at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune , North Carolina, during which he was released from active duty. Upon returning to the US, he began a winning tournament career. From 1967 to 1968, he studied privately with the influential Wing-Chun kung fu teacher, Jeet Kune Do founder, and Chinese/Hollywood movie legend Bruce Lee . Hong Kong cinema historian Bey Logan says Lewis

1720-553: Was stripped of the PKA World Heavyweight championship title after contract disputes. In 1977, Lewis was the martial arts coordinator of the movie Circle of Iron , and continued his acting career by starring in Jaguar Lives in 1978 and Force: Five in 1981. In 1983, Lewis launched a comeback which saw him earn a top-10 PKA world ranking. After neglecting an extended training time to begin his comeback for

1763-485: Was the first kickboxer to be featured in both The Ring boxing magazine and Sports Illustrated . During this time, promoter Lee Faulkner unsuccessfully attempted to organize a legitimate "world" title fight between him and a Thai kickboxing champion. By the end of 1971, interest in kickboxing had hit an all-time low, with promoters unable to attract crowds to a kickboxing event. Lewis retired as undefeated United States Heavyweight Kickboxing champion in 1971. His record as

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1806-482: Was the main event of the night due to the publicity it attracted. The fight was billed "Speed vs Power". The exhibition ended with two judges scoring a tie and one judge giving the fight to Wallace in the exhibition event. Lewis later recounted that he was warned not to cross the line with Wallace, as he had a 30-pound advantage against him. Joe Lewis' main characteristic as a fighter was his strength, which came from weight lifting and collegiate wrestling in his youth. He

1849-535: Was the original pick of Bruce Lee for the villain Colt in Way of the Dragon , but that Lee and Lewis either had a falling out or Lewis had a scheduling conflict, and thus Chuck Norris was tapped instead. In 1966, with only 22 months of training, Lewis won the grand championship of the first tournament he entered, the U.S. Nationals, promoted by Jhoon Rhee . Lewis defeated seven opponents before defeating Thomas Carroll by

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