Martial artist biography joe lewis

The Lost Interview: Joe Lewis
on the Origin of Full-Contact Martial Arts

A candid conversation with the late iconic grand master, Golden Boy of tournament karate and the father of full-contact competition: Grand Master Joe Lewis – the legendary world heavyweight kickboxing and karate champion – passed away August from a malignant brain tumor.

In tribute to his memory, we provide this lost interview from during which Joe Lewis reflects on the origin of kickboxing, his personal mentor Bruce Lee and the first televised world championships that launched international full-contact competition.
By Paul Maslak
Based on a interview conducted by James Lew

Washington, DC – 7th of May &#;
A young man quietly pops in from a nearby military base and melds into the crowd of 5, at Jhoon Rhee’s third National Karate Championships.

He emerges onto the tournament floor in a black Okinawan gi that suddenly heightens his Nordic good looks and Olympic physique against a seascape of white-clad c