GRANDMASTER DONNIE WILLIAMS
Black Karate Federation
Grandmaster Donnie Williams was born in
1947 in Savannah, Georgia. His early upbringing
in the ghetto gave him a keen instinct
for survival, which he channeled into
his martial arts training to become one of the most dynamic and
outspoken personalities in sport karate. By the time he retired
from competition, Williams had amassed more than 85 championship
trophies and began to appear in several motion pictures, including “Truck Turner,” “Black
Belt Jones” and most notably “Enter The Dragon.”
Donnie Williams began his martial arts training in Texas with a
brief introduction to the shotakan karate system under sensei Jerry
Atkins. Shortly thereafter, he enlisted in the U.S.Navy. His four-year
tour took him to Korea, where he received his first exposure to
taekwondo. Williams immersed himself in training and continued his
studies after returning to the states. Settling in California, he
began training in that Korean art with master Byong Yu.
Four years later, he had developed into a superb kicker who gained
renown on the tournament scene for his aggressive fighting style,
as well as unique ring antics. It was this combination of fun and
fury that earned Williams the nickname “Clown Prince of Karate.”
It was during this time of tournament competition that Donnie Williams
met Steve Muhammad. During the ensuing 14 years, Williams learned
about Muhammad’s deceptive kenpo techniques.
As a co-founder of the Black Karate Federation, along with Steve
Muhammad and the other visionary African-American martial artists
of his time, Donnie Williams was particularly instrumental in molding
an organization that would represent, train and support black martial
artists and tournament competitors nationwide. His outspoken, yet
firm and friendly approach – combined with the quiet leadership
of Steve Muhammad – helped to carve a trail that hundreds
of inner city youth would follow for decades to come.
As a born leader and entrepreneur, Donnie Williams has been the
pioneer and catalyst for every significant milestone for the BKF,
such as the negotiations that led to the publication of “Championship
Kenpo,” for which he is co-author, the wildly successful “BKF
Magazine,” and “The God Side of Kenpo.”
As his experiences with the life-changing benefits of martial arts
study became more apparent, Donnie Williams
began to more vigorously pursue his spiritual
calling. This has led to what Williams
acknowledges as his most significant achievement. Today, Donnie
Williams is more often referred to as Bishop Williams since becoming
an ordained Bishop of a non-denominational congregation in Southern
California known as The Family Church. As a minister and spiritual
guide, Bishop Williams infuses every sermon with his full life’s
experience as a warrior, leader, media personality
and teacher.
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