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Who's Who

Who’s Who in the martial arts on USAdojo.com shares biographies and articles about the Founders, the Masters, the Pioneers, the Competitors and the “Stars” of the martial arts.

Jim Kelly: Shorin-Ryu Karate

Jim Kelly was born on May 5, 1946 in Paris, Kentucky. He grew up there, but later moved to San Diego, where he developed...
Donn Draeger

Donn Draeger: Judo Pioneer

Donn Draeger was born on April 15, 1922 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He lived and trained in Asia for decades and was an expert in...
Raymond McCallum

The Raymond McCallum Story

In the late 70's and early 80's, Raymond McCallum and I were the top two nationally-rated point-fighters in the US. While I barely maintained...
Al Dacascos

Al Dacascos: Wun Hop Kuen Do

Al Dacascos, one of the most noted martial artists of our era founded his unique fighting art, Wun Hop Kuen Do, a style of KAJUKENBO.

Al Tracy: American Kenpo Karate

In 1957 Al Tracy and his brother, Jim, began studying Kenpo with Ed Parker and James Ibrao. The Tracy brothers were promoted to Black...

Steve Muhammad: Black Karate Federation

10th degree Black Belt, Grandmaster Steve Muhammad, is a co-founder of the Black Karate Federation and the organization’s first President. He is also one...
Bruce Tegner

Bruce Tegner – A Man Before His Time

Bruce Tegner was a lifelong martial artist and prolific writer of martial arts books. He had over 80 books in print. He was born...
Eizo Shimabukuro

Eizo Shimabukuro: Shobayashi Shorin-ryu

Eizo Shimabukuro (or Shimabuku) was the younger brother of Tatsuo Shimabuku, the founder of Isshin-ryu Karate. Eizo Shimabukuro was born in the village of...

Wally Slocki: Canada’s Best Fighter

When Wally Slocki began teaching karate during the 60s, challengers occasionally sauntered into karate schools. They would grin derisively, size up the instructor, and...

Benny Urquidez “The Jet”

Benny Urquidez, Known as "The Jet", was born on June 20, 1952 in Tarzana, California. He is probably the most famous American kickboxer with...

Shaolin Kenpo’s Ralph Castro Has Passed Away

Great Grandmaster Ralph Castro held a 10th Dan in Shaolin Kenpo. He began martial arts training in 1955 in Hawaii with the late Great...
Pat Burleson

J. Pat Burleson: American Karate System

Pat Burleson founder of the American Karate system, is a 10th degree Black Belt, and won the first US National Championship in Washington D.C. in 1964.
Moses Powell

Moses Powell: Sanuces Ryu Jiu Jitsu

Dr. Moses Powell, was a 10th degree Black Belt one of the true legends of the martial arts world. He was the founder of...
Chuck Norris

Chuck Norris: Chun Kuk Do

Chuck Norris has indicated in his own biography that he has black belts in Tang Soo Do, Tae Kwon Do, and is founder of...

Linda Denley: American Karate Champion

Linda Denley was an American karate champion who was born in Houston, Texas. She was one of 12 children. A natural athlete, Linda Denley,...
Malia Bernal Strength

Malia Bernal: Champion of Women

Malia Bernal is a seventh degree Black Belt in Xiang Dai Kung Fu, an off shoot of her ex-husband’s art of Wun Hop Kuen...