Joe Lewis, The World’s Greatest Karate Fighter Of All Time
Whenever I ask people, who aren’t involved in martial arts and karate in specific, about the greatest karate fighter they will in most cases name Bruce Lee and/or Chuck Norris.
Joe Lewis? Not really.
That got me thinking.
Without a doubt, Bruce Lee was and Chuck Norris still is a formidable martial artist and fighter.
The exposure both of them received through television and movies made them household names, worldwide.
Again, Joe Lewis? Nope.
What amazes me about Joe Lewis is that as a U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa in 1965 he started studying Shorin-Ryu Karate at the youthful age of 18 and reportedly attained his black belt in only 7 (seven!) months.
After his military service Joe Lewis returned to the United States and in 1966 he began his unmatched tournament karate career.
At times, he trained with martial arts legend Bruce Lee, who by the way did not compete in any tournaments.
During 1966 to 1974 Joe Lewis competed on the tournament circuit as well as a professional kick-boxer winning national and world titles as a heavyweight fighter. He is considered the “Founding Father of Kickboxing in the Western Hemisphere”.
Throughout his career he fought famous fighters such as Allen Steen, Thomas LaPuppet, Louis Delgado, Skipper Mullins, Victor Moore, Joe Hayes, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez and yes, Chuck Norris.
Joe Lewis was an original member of the U.S. World Karate Team that also consisted of Mike Stone, Skipper Mullins, Chuck Norris and his friend and student, Bob Wall.
Joe Lewis starred in a number of action-adventure movies such as “Jaguar Lives” and “Force Five” and has received numerous awards for his achievements in and out of the ring.
In 1983, karate living legend Joe Lewis was chosen by his peers and fellow fighters as “The World’s Greatest Karate Fighter Of All Time”.
4 Comments to Joe Lewis, The World’s Greatest Karate Fighter Of All Time
I’ve been reading along for a while now. I just wanted to drop you a comment to say keep up the good work.
TigerNovember 18, 2009
Thank you for your kind words.
I will continue to do my best (and forget the rest).
Hey Tiger,
Joe Lewis is one of the old time greats and he was the guy to beat in first point karate and later in full contact. True there have been many other highly visible fighters because of movies and such so the general public or nowadays fighters might not know Joe Lewis as much.
Joe was the captain of the Tracy’s A fighting team. His seminars about modern fighting techniques have helped many a fighter become great fighters.
By the way I’d not compare Joe Lewis with Chuck Norris (a point fighter) but rather other great fighters of his time that also transitioned into full contact and did well such as Bill Wallace and Benny “The Jet” Urquidez.
I do include Joe Lewis in any conversation about the greatest fighters (point and full contact) as I do Steve Anderson (best point fighter of the 80s).
TigerNovember 18, 2009
Always great to hear from you, John.
Thanks for your comment.
I appreciate your valued insights.
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November 18, 2009