Savate Boxe française, early international fights

Introduction :

In this article, we will analyze the international fights between Savate/Boxe française (aka French boxing) practitioners and other martial arts fighters, during the period of time from 1960 to 1980.

Our work is based primarily on the excellent book written by Jean-François LOUDCHER, "Histoire de la Savate, du Chausson et de la Boxe Française 1799-1978", published by L'Harmattan.


We will also refer to various newspaper articles of the time, mentioned later.

Definition :

We will not make a new history of Savate. We will just remember that this martial art had virtually disappeared after World War II. The practitioners were, during the fifties, no more than a few dozen, or hundreds.

We have to mention the important work of Comte Pierre Baruzy Homer (1987-1994), former student of Charles Charlemont, who tried to revive the old Savate, since the end of World War II. He would have take part to the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, were Savate was a demonstration sport. Unfortunately, we do not have any information about this Games.

The last France championship took place in 1937 and would be back in 1966. Various championships, challenges and meetings took place during this time, but without centralized organization. The Savate federation has even been incorporated into the French Judo Federation, from 1965 to 1974.

In 1965, Comte Baruzy became the founding president of the Comité National de la Boxe Française. The Honorary President is none other than Georges Carpentier, who had started with the Savate, before practicing english boxing, with his wonderful record.

Book devoted to the Comte Baruzy

In order to make more explicit our story, we will simply explain that the former Comité National de la Boxe Française was created in 1965 by the Comte Baruzy, and became the Fédération Nationale de Boxe Française in 1973. The federation received approval from the Ministry of Sports in February 1975. This Savate Federation was more focused over the old academic way to teach Savate. In 1974, a split occured, with the creation of the Fédération Nationale de Savate, were the champions of the time went. This second association was more focused over fights and the modern way of Savate. In 1978, the two federations fusionned.

To give more detail, in 1984, the Federation had nearly 20,000 licensed. In 1985, an international federation was created.

Former international fights :

Since the early 19th century, French boxing practitioners fought fighters from other countries or other sports, mainly English boxers, with very mixed results. It is necessary to clarify that savate was practiced mainly as a point fight (semi-contact), against a boxing way with ko.

The following info is from the book "Martial Arts of the World", written by Thomas A. Green and Joseph R. Swinth, Greenwood edition, quoting the text of Mr. Loudcher's book, above mentionned.

Savate fighter was also opposed to Ju-Jitsu practitioner, the famous French Re-nia, in 1905, against George Dubois, France. It seems that the Savate fighter has lost, after an arm lock.

There would have been a demonstration match between karateka Hiroo Mochizuki, who was only 19 years old and Jacques Cayron, around 1955, in France. It seems that the demo was over after a kick from by the French.

The Evolution of Fighting :

By the late 1960s, the techniques of the Savate became unified, after internal strikes. The guard and blows became more compact and less academic. For example, the "bras équilibrateur" (balanced arm) is forgotten.

It would be interesting to determine whether this development was influenced by english boxing, already more competitive, or by the appearance of martial arts, which in the 1960s, have no fights with ko.

About the books published at the time, we find the "Boxe française Savate Moderne" by Jean-Pierre Dreineza (several times France Champion and European Cup winner in 1984) edition Judogi - Paris 1967?. In this book, the technics represent this new guard and compact strokes.

By opposite, in 1972, Bernard Plasai had published his book "La Boxe intégrale". In this book, the old way of Savate, with the balanced arm, is mentioned.

The Marabout Flash book , about Savate in 1976, was about modern way of Savate and compact guard.

The emergence of the so-called "La Boxe Intégrale" was the subject of a review with the same name, published by Aramis in 1979.

This existence of the two ways over a period of several years confirms the different views that prevailed in the sport. This struggle between the Academic Savate and the Competition Savate is mentioned between 1974/1978.

New France championships in 1966 :

It is necessary to fix the results of these championships, from 1967 or 1966 depending of the versions. Bernard Plasai in the featherweights, Marc Kunstler in the lightweights, Christian Cogi in the middleweights, Denin in the light-heavyweights and Jean Lafond in the heavyweights are the winners.

It should be noted that Bernard Plasai is a focal figure in Savate and has published numerous books dedicated to the sport. Plasai will become nothing less than Senator in the French Senat.

Jean Lafond, meanwhile, is the son of Roger Lafond, creator of a method named "La méthode Lafond" ou "Panache", and mixed Savate, stick (canne), long-stick (bâton) and fencing (escrime).

The first modern international meetings :

Christian Guillaume and his travels in Japan :

This paragraph is based on the following website, http://frenchboxing.blogspot.com/2010/09/christian-guillaume-great.html . In 1969, Christian Guillaume is invited to Japan to fight with kick-boxers. Claude Simonot, also from the Savate, was the second participant in the trip. During his first stay for a month, Christian Guillaume fought 2 fights. Simonot lost his first match. Guillaume won in 1 minute and 48 seconds, with a kick in the kidneys of his opponent. We don't know his name. According to an article from a Japanese newspaper of the time, Guillaume would have won against a man named Shiro Miyatake in 58 seconds, with a front kick, "chassé frontal". The fight took place at the Korakuen Hall. Miyatake was the Japan bantamweight champion.

Interesting picture which shows Guillaume with his "Savate salut"

The second battle was won, after three trips of his opponent to the canvas. The fighters wore 4 oz gloves.

The third fight was a draw.

The second trip, also in 1969, is scheduled for 4 fights. Another French fighter, Albert Boutboul is also part of the trip and lost his first match. Guillaume won his match in 1 minute and 22 seconds, with a combination kick to the body, followed by a left hook.

Boutboul won his second fight on points, during the same evening?. Guillaume sent his opponent to the canvas during the second round.

Guillaume still fought a fight, beating his opponent on points. Note that Guillaume was a lightweight.

Finally, Guillaume fought a last fight with a draw. If we look at the pictures on these fights, we see that the fighters wore gloved, had bare feet and wear shorts and no t-shirts.

According to the above mentionned Marabout book, Guillaume would have six wins, including 3 ko, for one draw.

Guillaume would have been 2nd dan of Judo. In an article in the December 1970 Black-Belt issue, we learn that William was a France champion for the first time in 1969.

Balanced and low arm, Guillaume was still an academic fighter
... but very effective.

Remember that there were problems between the various Savate federations and some of the organizations listed below will be officially sanctioned only by one federation.

The first European Championship, April 11, 1970 :

Italy, Belgium and France took part to this Championship. It took place at the Elysée-Montmartre in Paris. We have to mention that many other championships had been held in the past. We do not know the outcome of these battles.

It's difficult to read the picture below, but it is understandable that G. (Guy?) Proust, G Fercoq?, Richard Genaudeau?, Christian Guillaume and Jacques Cayron? have participated in these championships.

According to the Italian book "La Boxe Francese" of Giorgio Messina, published in 1999 by Edizioni Mediterranee, are mentionned the following results:

Guillaume/France beats Christian Muyters/Belgium in the semi-finals (possibly in Belgium) and beats Silvano Milone/Italy in the finals, in the flyweights-division
Jean-Pierre Julemont/Belgium beats Guy Proust/France in the semi-finals (possibly in Belgium)and beat beat Carlo Benvegnu/Italy in the finals, in lightweights-division
Sandro (Giovanni?) Marcenero/Italy bat Cayron /France in welterweights-division
Silvano Milone would have lost the bantamweights final?

Pictures of the first European Championships, in 1970.

France-Italy, June 12, 1971 :

This meeting took place in Puteaux/Paris, against an Italian team from Genoa, in front of 1'500 spectators.

Italy-France, 1972 :

We just know that Sergio Domenico/Italy would have beaten Charmillon twice in his career, including one in Genoa/Italy, according to the image below.

Meeting Savate vs Chakuriki and European Championships, November 29, 1975 :

The poster of the evening

At Paris (in the Meridien Hotel), was held a meeting, organized by the Fédération Nationale de Savate, the unofficial federation. This meeting was a confrontation between a Chakuriki team (see Article devoted to the Netherlands in this blog) and French practitioners. Robbie Harinck, Ron Kuyt, Gerard Bakker, Jan Kunst and John (Jhon) De Ruyter (Ruiter) were part of the fights for the Netherlands. We do not know the results of these fightss except that Jan Kunst lost against George Simon and Christian won a fight during the meeting?. The karateka Dominique Valera was present.

Jhon de Ruyter / Netherlands during the evening

A fight took place between Bernard Le Prevost/France vs Mac Beaute/Belgium, for the title of European Champion of Savate, for the featherweights. The video of this fight is available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQ-DfXbqe0w It is possible that Le Prevost has fought a first fight that evening, before the final.

Le Prevost, in red, with the very academic balanced arm

it's difficult to read the poster of the meeting. It seems that Jean-Charles Charmillon/France was opposed to Roger Damien?/Belgium and Todini/France was opposed to Giovanni Tasso/Italy. Todini won the fight.

After reading the above mentionned Marabout book, we learn that MM. Charmillon, Todini, Simon and Le Prevost were European Champions in 1975.

According to the Italian book "La Boxe Francese" of Giorgio Messina, published in 1999 by Edizioni Mediterranee, it appears the following results:

Bruno Berrina/Italy beats Lereuht/Belgium in the flyweights (mentionned in 1965? in the book, but Berrina was born in 1948, so he would have been only 17 years old in 1965)?
Todini/France beats Giovanni Tasso in the welterweights.

The Belgians Muyters and Minocci would have been eliminated in the semi-finals of the Championships, without more detail.

On the page 292 of his book cited above, Jean-François Loudcher mentions an article in the newspaper Le Monde, of December 3, 1975. The evening has not been organized by the Fédération de Boxe Française, but by the dissident movement, the Fédération Nationale de Savate. A bailiff was appointed by the official Federation and he would have seen "a fight between a professional vs an amateur" and "one or more fights would have been without protective equipment". According to the same book, two articles were published in the newspaper l'Equipe of November 28 and December 2, 1975.

We note that the diploma received by Tom Harinck and awarded by the Fédération Nationale de Save et Boxe Française is dated of November 29, 1975, the day of the European Championship.

Finally, it seems that the February 22, 1975, again at the Hotel Meridien, the French Championships have been organized by the Fédération Nationale de Savate. A demonstration of Thai boxing had been made by two Dutch fighters. Despite the lack of details given, it is possible that it was the first appearance in France of the Chakuriki team ?

First Internationaux de France, February 11, 1977 :

They were held at Japy/Paris and brought together members of both federations.

Conclusions :

Many international fights will take place in the eighties, but this blog ends his articles in 1980.

It would be interesting to determine whether it is the regular confrontations with the foreign teams that have changed the Savate to the current form of fight with ko, with modern technics or if it is a French internal evolution that allowed these confrontations.

It is certain that, like other martial arts, Savate had an evolution to a fighting form during the sixties and the seventies, with more efficienty and the loss of old-fashioned techniques.

Three champions but not three stars, Natividad, Kurban, Garcia

Introduction :

This three fighters have each had a year of outstanding success, but without becoming karate stars, despite a strong media exposure in newspapers and in movies.

"The Happy Days"
Photo of a karate team in Hawaii.
Second row, 5th and 6th from left, Darnell Garcia and John Natividad.

These three athletes have in common the Taekwondo and were part of the documentary "The New Gladiators."

John Natividad :

Early career :

John Natividad was born in Hawaii, from Chinese and Filipino parents. He lived in Germany. with his father, in the army in this country. Student of Chuck Norris and practicing Tang Soo Do, he received his black belt in 1970. He is 5-11 and weighs 175 pounds.

From November 1972 Black Belt magazine issue. In 1971, during the U.S. All-Star Team Karate Championships in Long Beach/California, John Natividad was part of the Chuck Norris' team. Natividad was planned to fight with Jerry Piddington. At the last moment, Natividad learned that he had to fight against Joe Lewis, the Champion of the time. Natividad, showing one's best side, hit Lewis at every movements. To the great surprise of all, the Hawaiian wins the fight. For this victory, among others, John Natividad will thereafter be named "Giants Killer".

John Natividad was able to win against the best, and also able to lose against the weakest, according to the same article.

According to the June 1972 Black Belt issue, John Natividad is eliminated by disqualification against Vern Vaden,, during the qualifying fights for the 1972 World Championships, in Paris. Natividad has hit with a blow with too much contact in the belly of his opponent. The newspaper reported that Natividad is one of the few non shotokan fighters, and that problems between federation exists in these playoffs.

According to the December 1972 Black Belt issue, Natividad loses by 2-1, against Roy Kurban in Boulder/Colorado, at the Four Seasons Karate Summer Champioships.

According to the February 1973 Official Karate issue, John Natividad beats Roy Kurban, during the National Black Belt Championships, in 1972.

"1973" the perfect year:

According to the October 1973 Black Belt issue, Natividad beats Roy Kurban, during the Yamashita Open Karate Tournament in 1973, in Gardena/California, for the heavyweight title. Natividad is leading the fight, before Kurban comes back. During the sudden-death overtime, Natividad scores a point and wins the game. For the title of Grand Champion, Howard Jackson beats Natividad, also in overtime.

According to the Official Karate November 1973 issue, Natividad beats Roy Kurban, during the Colorado State Championships.

John Natividad (right) against Roy Kurban

According to an article published in the April 1973 Black Belt Magazine, John Natividad loses against Ralph Alegria, during the Grand Championship for the 3rd International Karate Championships, in Las Vegas. Previously, Natividad had beaten Blinky Rodriguez for the final of the heavyweights and Benny Urquidez during the playoff for the Grand Championships.

In 1973, Natividad loses against Jeff Smith at the Battle of Atlanta. At the Top Ten Nationals, Jeff Smith beats John Natividad again, during the playoffs.

The fight against Benny Urquidez :

This section is based on the December 1973 Black Belt issue. In August 1973, during the Internationals Karate Championships in Long Beach, organized by Ed Parker, he fights against John Natividad. He received the same premium as the winner, USD 2'500 .--. This battle is considered the best fight ever in points karate. John Natividad, a native of Hawaii, practices Tang Soo Do and is a student of Chuck Norris. Natividad had already won numerous tournaments before this victory.

Benny Urquidez beats Kraig Smith by 3-0 and wins the lightweights title. John Natividad def Choo Choo Mayes for the light-heavyweights title. For the Grand Champion title, Natividad beats Ralph Algegria by 2-0 and Benny Urquidez defeats Bob Burbidge, by 3-2.

In the finals, John Natividad wins the first round against Benny Urquidez by 3-2. In the second round, John Natividad received a penalty for a reverse punch, with face contact. Urquidez leads by 6-4 at the end of the 2nd round. In the 3rd round, a spinning back kick ? from Benny Urquidez struck Natividad squarely in the jaw. Urquidez is penalized. At the end of the 3rd round, the fighters are at 12-12. During the overtime, Natividad gives a reverse punch and win the match by 13-12.

Benny Urquidez (left) against John Natividad

The New Gladiators :

John Natividad had a role in the documentary "The New Gladiators," with the story of a trip in Europe for an American karate team. In this blog, a separate article is devoted to this film.

Here is an excerpt from the film, with too short excerpts of the fights of John Natividad, in England and Belgium. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNULKCYeipg

End of career :

According to the January 1974 Official Karate issue, John Natividad loses against Everett Monsterman Eddy, for the Four Seasons Las Vegas Nationals.

According to the May 1974 Black Belt issue, John Natividad loses against Darnell Garcia, for the 2nd Annual Open Karate Tournament Yamashita. A kick from Darnell Garcia gives him the only point of the fight and the victory.

Natividad retired from competition in 1975.

Style :

According to the october 1974 Black-Belt issue, Natividad is described this way "... he is equally formidable with both hands but is noted for his spectacular arsenal of kicks... John succesfsully employs broken rythm and deceptive hip feint to score his patented roundhouse and side kicks... John's most sucessfull technique, however, is a left-hand reverse punch usually aimed at an opponent's armpits or ribs...".

After Karate :

He studied history and political science at the University of Nevada.

He has since worked in insurance and continued to teach karate in various U.S. cities.

Roy Kurban :

Early career :

Roy Kurban began martial arts in 1965, with Allen Steen, in his Taekwondo style. He received his black belt in 1968. He also trained in Korea, for a year, during is military service in that country. He measures 6'2''and weighs 180 lbs. He fought mainly in the heavyweights division.

According to the December 1972 Black Belt issue, Roy Kurban wins the Karate Olympics, in Houston/Texas. In the finals for the Grand Championships, Kurban beats Jeff Smith, after having beaten Ralph Jask, by 4-2. and Max Aslup for the heavyweight title, by 5-4. Here are excerpts from fights, maybe vs Max Aslup and Ralph Jask. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHJGhX970bo and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9zOJVoczN0

According to the same newspaper, Roy Kurban wins the Four Seasons, in Colorado, against Jim Butin, in the final, after having beaten John Natividad.

"1973", the perfect year :

In 1973, for the United States Karate Championships, Bill Wallace beats Kurban in the final of the Grand Championship, with a kick.

Roy Kurban, in white, against Bill Wallace

The New Gladiators :

In 1973, Roy Kurban is in the documentary "The New Gladiators". In this blog, a separate article is devoted to this film.

At the Beverly Hill Invitational, the following fights are represented : Steve Sanders (Muhammad) def Hernandez by disqualification. Roy Kurban beats Blinky Rodriguez, Cecil Peoples and Ray Sua, before beating Steve Sanders during the finals http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoJld8Kdrsw. Fighters are wearing foot protections. Only body contact is allowed. Finally, during the 1974 U.S. Nationals Championships, with fighters wearing foot and fist protections, light head contact is authorized, as full body contact. Roy Kurban beats first Darnell Garcia, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7Pah1grDqg, then Benny Urquidez for the finals.

The April 1975 Black Belt Magazine issue mentions this tournament under the name Western Pro/Am Karate Championships, in Oakland/CA. If the pictures of the fighters in the newspapers are the same as in the film, it is mentioned in Black-Belt that Kurban beats Benny Urquidez in the semi-finals and Darnell Garcia in the finals. This version is confirmed by the March 1975 Professional Karate issue. The movie has probably made the mistake with a false chronology of the semi-finals and finals. The prize-monney for the winner is USD 1,000 .--.

End of career :

According to the July 1974 Black Belt issue, Roy Kurban, winner of the two former editions of the U.S. Karate Championships, is absent from the current edition. He would have been banned by the American Karate Black Belt Association, for an unspecified reason. He had a problem with Allen Steen.

According to the April 1975 Black Belt edition, in Oakland at the Western Pro/Am Karate Championships, which is mentionned as a professional Karate fight, Roy Kurban beats Darnell Garcia in the final, after having beaten Benny Urquidez. The contact "moderate to strong", depending to the targets, is allowed in this fights. Kurban wins USD 500 .--.

In 1976, he probably won a full contact fight against Blinky Rodriguez, NKL, Ft Worth/Texas, without further details.

Style :

According to the october 1973 Black-Belt issue, Roy Kurban is described this way "...Kurban combines superb conditioning with smooth technique and analytical game plans. He regards his most successful tactics as the front-leg spin kick, the back-knuckle strike and the reverse punch used in a wide variety of combinations... he generates power as well as speed".

After Karate :

Roy Kurban stopped the competition in 1977.

He went to the University, as a student in Law.

In 1978, Roy Kurban wrote the book "Kicking Techniques for Competition and Self Defense".

Roy Kurban has served as an instructor in various polices and in the U.S. Army. He also served as a police officer and a judge.

Darnell Garcia :

Early career :

Darnell Garcia, student with a Bachelor of Science Degree, is serving in the U.S. army, as a M.P and in the Intelligence Services, until 1968. He began martial arts with Chuck Norris, with the Taekwondo. Darnell Garcia is an instructor in a Chuck Norris' school. He is most often referred as a light-heavyweight fighter, but sometimes changes from categorie.

"1972" the perfect year :

According to the August 1972 Black Belt edition, during the National Black Belt Championships in Albuquerque/New Mexico, Bill Wallace beats Darnell Garcia in the final of the Grand Championships, during the overtime.

Darnell Garcia (right) against Fred Wren

Darnell Garcia won the Grand Champion Internationals Karate Championships in 1972, against Joe Lewis. After this title, a big surprise, Darnell Garcia will be considered as one of the best fighters of the year.

Darnell Garcia, right, against Joe Lewis

In 1973, during the U.S. Pro/Am or U.S. Open Championships, at Ocean City, Jeff Smith beats Darnell Garcia, by 5-4. A video of a Darnell Garcia's fight in this championship against Bradley Holland, is available at this address : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3EYnt0AIqc

According to the January 1974 Official Karate issue, Darnel Garcia won the Grand Championships at the Las Vegas Four Seasons Nationals, in 1973, beating Johnny Bell in the final. He earned USD 400 .--.

According to the May 1974 Black Belt issue, John Natividad loses against Darnell Garcia, for the 2nd Annual Open Karate Tournament Yamashita. A kick from Darnell Garcia gives him the only point of the fight and the victory.

In 1974, Jeff Smith beats Darnell Garcia, at the International Karate Championships Ed Parker, at Long Beach.

According to the July 1974 Official Karate edition, Bill Wallace beats Darnell Garcia in the quarter-finals of the Battle of Atlanta.

The New Gladiators :

Darnell Garcia is in the documentary "The New Gladiators" about the trip in Europe for an American karate team. In this blog, a separate article is devoted to this movie. Video of Garcia's fights in England and Belgium. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNULKCYeipg

During the 1974 U.S. Nationals Championships, with fighters wearing foot and fist protections, light head contact is authorized, as full body contact. Roy Kurban beats first Darnell Garcia, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7Pah1grDqg, then Benny Urquidez for the finals.

The April 1975 Black Belt Magazine issue mentions this tournament under the name Western Pro/Am Karate Championships, in Oakland/CA. If the pictures of the fighters in the newspapers are the same as in the film, it is mentioned in Black-Belt that Kurban beats Benny Urquidez in the semi-finals and Darnell Garcia in the finals. This version is confirmed by the March 1975 Professional Karate issue. The movie has probably made the mistake with a false chronology of the semi-finals and finals. The prize-monney for the winner is USD 1,000 .--.

End of career :

According to the April 1975 Black Belt edition, in Oakland at the Western Pro/Am Karate Championships, which is mentionned as a professional Karate fight, Roy Kurban beats Darnell Garcia in the final, after having beaten Benny Urquidez. The contact "moderate to strong", depending to the targets, is allowed in this fights. Kurban wins USD 500 .--.

On May 10, 1975, in Long Island, for the WPKO heavyweight title, Fred Miller beats Darnell Garcia, on points. An article in this blog is devoted to this championship, organized by Aaron Banks.

Darnell Garcia has appeared in various films, including "Enter the Dragon", for a very small role. Video of the fight : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96c78FzDLLo

Two pictures from "Enter The Dragon" with Darnell Garcia and John Saxon

He has written two books, "Explosive Instincts and Mind Power" and "Fighting Art of Tang Soo Do".

Style :

In the october 1974 Black Belt issue, Darnell Garcia is mentionned this way "...a very smart fighter who uses the right techniques at the right time, Garcia combines a simple and direct fighting style with analytical insight. He scores the majority of his points with a left reverse punch and a deceptive right roudhouse kick. Even when he is ahead by several points, he doesn't after his fighting style to become fancier. Instead, he consistently scores his techniques in such a fashin that the referee and at least two side judges will see them...".

After Karate :

After his career as a karateka, Darnell Garcia began working for the Police Department in Los Angeles. After that, he worked for the DEA. He seems to have been in trouble with the law and was sentenced to jail.

Conclusions :

It is difficult to explain why these 3 fighters did not become more famous than others karate of the time. Natividad, Kurban and Garcia have plenty of wins in their records. Each of this fighters has dominated the american karate during one year.

Three surprises from Hawaii : Limoz, Rapoza, Goodson

Introduction :

This article is about three fighters, very successful in 1974 and 1975, without becoming the top of the list in full-contact, during this period of time. We will study their cases with a thematic way rather than a chronological one.

During the 60's and 70's, Hawaii has continuously provided quality fighters such as Mike Stone and John Natividad. In addition, this island has provided two styles of fighting, American Kenpo and Kajukenbo.

Kenpo and Kajukenbo :

Although it's very difficult to explain the American Kenpo, we can summarize by saying that it's a name for multiple martial arts that developed in Hawaii due to cross-cultural exchange between practitioners. Kenpo have been adapted and disseminated to Hawaii in various schools. Ed Parker has created a branch of Kenpo, spread all across the U.S. in the 50's. The movement speed is a characteristic of Ed Parker's Kenpo.

The Kajukenbo also derives from the original techniques, and is a direct style of self-defense. Adriano Emperado is of the creators, in the late 40's.

Teddy Limoz :

Boxing :

In 1975, Teddy Limoz is a 27 years old boxing professional fighter. As an amateur, he won the Hawaii title in the middleweights and has participated to the 1968 Olympic Games trial, via the Golden Gloves and the Diamonds Gloves .

Teddy Limoz boxer (1975)

According to his record, on BoxRec, he had the following fights in the middleweight and light-heavyweight categories:

09/13/1969 Vaa Fuat wko2 Honolulu/Hawaii
11/02/1970 Marijon Kolar wtko 2 Honolulu/Hawaii
02/23/1971 Marijon Kolar wp4 Honolulu/ Hawaii

Teddy Limoz does not seem to have fought for two years.

30/03/1973 Etual Sua wp4 Honolulu/Hawaii
29/01/1974 Etual Sua wp5 Honolulu/Hawaii
24/08/1974 Sat N'Gata wp5 Honolulu/Hawaii
10/01/1974 William Vea wko1 Honolulu/Hawaii

In 1975, Teddy Limoz came to martial arts. According to the December 1975 Black Belt issue, Limoz have won 7 of his 8 professional fights, which does not match with the record of BoxRec. In the same article, it is written that Limoz trained with Jerry Quarry and Oscar Bonavena (opponents of Muhammad Ali), as they move to Hawaii, in 1974 and 1975, according to BoxRec.

02/25/1978 Mack Foley ltko 3 Las Vegas/Nevada
22/11/1983 Ateles Kaihea ltko 3 Honolulu/Hawaii

In conclusion, by examining the records of his opponents, none of them has been a national or international champion.

Martial Arts :

Limoz trains Karate with Dana Goodson (see below), and is practicing Kenpo. Goodson would have taught him kicks and Limoz would have taught him punches (December 1975 Black Belt issue).

In 1975, Teddy Limoz participates in the First Full-Contact Tournament in Hawaii and beats Augie Evans by ko. Limoz should quit the tournament with an injury and Evans is qualified to continue the tournament.

4th World Series of Martial Arts: July 27th, 1975 Honolulu/Hawaii, HIC Arena.

Regarding Tommy Lee's WSMAC, please read the article on this subject in this blog.

In this series, Teddy Limoz beats Ken Bell by ko in the 1st round, after having sent him three times to the canvas, in the heavyweights. Ken Bell has already lost the 03.15.1975 against Dana Goodson.

In the finals, Joe Lewis (PKA full-contact World Champion, see separate article in this blog) fights against Ted Limoz. They start with studying each others, in the first round and Joe Lewis wins this part of the fight. In the second round, Ted Limoz takes the kicks and punches from his opponent and continues to face him. Joe Lewis begins to clinch and even receive a warning for head-butting. Ted Limoz makes the forcing in the 3rd and final round. Joe Lewis protects himself and ends up being wounded to the eye. A doctor examines the wound and says that he could continue. Ted Limoz pursues his opponent with his fists and finally wins the last round and the match.

Limoz (left) against Lewis

It should be noted that the fighters were wearing protective elbows and therefore had the right to use these body parts to hit their opponent. It does not seem that the projections and immobilizations have been used during the fight. On the video of the fight between Joe Lewis and Ron Clay, during the same evening, we note that Ron Clay employs the knee blows.

With this victory, Limoz earns between USD 3,000.-- and 5,000 .--, depending on the versions.

He will be the subject of numerous articles in newspapers such as the 1975 Decembre Black Belt issue. In all the newspaper articles about Ted Limoz, it is mentioned that he had more street fights than ring fights. He had worked in the building construction.

Other fights :

On 28/02/1976, Limoz beats Mike Arroyo, (who is practicing Karate), in Hawaii, in full-contact. Limoz loses the first round for not giving enough kicks. In the second round, Limoz send Arroyo, twice to the canvas with the right hand and wins via a tko. It should be noted that according to the March 1977 Karate Illustrated, this fight was for the PKA heavyweights title.

Limoz Teddy (right) against Mike Arroyo

This is related to an article published on the Internet, where we find that Limoz could not participate in a tournament against a Japan Kyokushinkai team, visiting Hawaii (1977 or 1978?). Limoz was injured in that time. It is mentionned that Limoz is the heavyweight World Champion. We did not find anywhere else that Limoz holds the title. In 1976, Scott Ross was the PKA World Champion, after his fight against Johnny Lee.

In February 1977, Ted Limoz beats Danny "Scorpio" Wright on points in four rounds, at a tournament named Martial Arts Spectacular, held in Honolulu by Walter Godin of Kula Ona Kupala Kenpo Karate. Limoz really beat up Scorpio Wright in the 3rd and 4th rounds. Thank you to Brian Howell for this picture and the information.

Limoz Teddy (left) against Wright

We know no defeats in full-contact for Limoz, and we do not know what has stopped him in the practice of this sport.

Again boxer :

In 1978, Ted Limoz fights once more and loses a fight in Las-Vegas. He again loses a fight in 1983, in Honolulu.

After his career :

According to the May 8th, 1990 Honolulu Star Bulletin, Ted Limoz would have been sentenced for manslaughter, to 5 to 10 years term in prison, after a fatal robbery, possibly for drugs (without further clarification and certainty).

He is known as Ted Limoz Sr, (his son is also a boxer) or Teddy, Theodore or Theo Limoz.

We know nothing about his current activity.

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Victor Rapoza :

We know nothing about Victor Rapoza before his first fight. He would have practiced Kenpo, with a purple belt. He was a firefighter and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.

3rd World Series of Martial Arts on 06/21/1975 :

In the heavyweights, Victor Rapoza stops Chris Michael, in the semifinals.

Victor Rapoza during the weight in

In the finals, Victor Rapoza beats Eddy, by ko in the 2nd. Rapoza dominates during the first round and both fighters exchange punches in the 2nd round, when a left followed by a right sent Eddy to the canvas, for ten and more.

Before this fight, Everett Eddy was considered as the challenger for Joe Lewis, the PKA World Champion. Lewis will lose against Ted Limoz one month later.

Other fights :

We are not sure of the following. In 1976, Ross Scott beats Victor Rapoza by ko ? during a first fight. According to the March 1980 Black-Belt issue, they made a draw. It was a non title bout.
The same evening, Dana Goodson def Ross Scott, by ko ? The fight, according to other sources, would have taken place in 1981 ? (see the poster in the next chapter).

Poster with Victor Rapoza and Scott Ross (1976?)

Victor Rapoza beats Carlton Morris, in 1976.

After his sports career :

Victor Rapoza is a former firefighter, who currently works at the Ice House at Wai'anae Small Boat Harbor, Hawaii. We have no more information about his fights record.

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Dana Goodson :

Traditional Karate :

He had started the martial arts in 1965. Dana Goodson is a Kenpo fighter.

According to the December 1973 Black Belt issue, at the Norris Waterway Kumite California, Goodson beats John Natividad by 5-4, Steve Fischer 2-0, Smiley Uruqidez 5-4 before losing in the finals against Darnell Garcia 5-4. It was a very good job for a newcomer on the circuit.

According to the April 1974 Black Belt issue, at the All Star Black Belt Team, Los Angeles, Goodson beats once more John Natividad 2-1, Ralph Alegria 3-0, before losing vs Howard Jackson, by 2-1. Again a great result against the best fighter of the time.

In 1975, during a tournament held in Hawaii, with the name First Full-Contact Tournament, Dana Goodson loses vs Augie Evans.

1st series: 14 and 15 November 1974, Honolulu/ Hawaii

These first series has no weight category. A total of USD 10,000 .- will be divided among the winners, the winner earning U.S. $ 5,000 .-

At the end of the first day, 16 finalists are nominated by their results.

Dana Goodson beats Jack Atkins by ko in the 1st round, Blink Ordelies on points and Blinky Rodriguez on points, http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=xTCRxRcBh48.

In the finals, Benny Urquidez, natural lightweight, beats Dana Goodson on points. Goodson measures 6'1'' and weighs 230 lbs. Urquidez has managed to send his opponent to the canvas and to pin him for 5 seconds. His superior physical condition has enabled Urquidez to dominate his opponent, video http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=yblJ9VqHW8w.

Dana Goodson (right) against Benny Urquidez

Series 2 : May 16, 1975, Los Angeles Sports Arena

In the heavyweights, Dana Goodson beats Ken Bell, by ko in the 3rd. In the finals, Everett Eddy beats Dana Goodson. Video of the fight : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba9AgpwW-8c

Dana Goodson (right) against Everett Eddy

Other fights :

We are not sure of the following. In 1976, Dana Goodson def Ross Scott, by ko ?, in a non title bout. The fight, according to other sources, would have taken place in 1981 ?

The poster announcing the fight between Ross and Dana Scott Goodson in 1976

In 1983, Dana Goodson loses against Maurice Smith, for the World title.

According to some sources, Dana Goodson had a record of 18-4, in kick-boxing.

Boxer :

Unlike Ted Limoz, Dana Goodson begins his career as a professional boxing fighter, in the heavyweights, after his career in full-contact or kick-boxing.

According to the site BoxRec, he would have the following record:

02/28/1978 Sat N'Gata wp5 Honolulu
03/28/1978 Sat N'Gata wp5 Honolulu
03/06/1979 Five Star Nuuvali wtko 2 Honolulu
07/31/1979 Lee Holloman wp6 Honolulu
02/19/1980 Sefulu Togafau nc2 Honolulu
12/07/1983 Albert Myles lp6 Honolulu

N'Gata has also been an opponent of Limoz, in 1974. None of the Goodson's opponents has been a national or international champion.

After his sports career :

In 1979, Dana Goodson has a role in the serie Hawaii Five 0, in a episode called Sign of the Ram.

He has been Ted Limoz' coach, in Hawaii, in 1975.

Dana Goodson (left) is Limoz' coach, against Lewis

In 1990, he becomes the coach of Stan Longidinis, the World Champion in kick-boxing.

Dana Goodson died in 2000 in Australia, where he had emigrated.

Conclusions :

The three above mentionned fighters were coming from the same area. The full-contact level in 1975 was so low, they were able to beat the best fighters of the time, but never became World Champion.

The practice of martial arts and the level of violence in Hawaii at the time created the right environment for the emergence of such fighters. The three fighters have also practiced Kenpo.

Unfortunately, we have found no video of this fighters, with an exception for Dana Goodson.

Black Karate Federation, Jim Kelly and Karriem Allah Abdallah

Introduction :

The Black Karate Federation, or BKF, represents a significant fact of the black movement in the U.S.A., during the 1970s. We will not detail the black American movements (eg: Martin Luther King, the Muslim movement of Elijah Muhammad, Malcolm X, the Black Panthers, etc.). The BKF is also unrelated to the political demands of the above mentioned movements.

It is useful to understand the attitudes of the African American athletes from the USA, in many sports such as boxing, athletics and also karate.

The most famous example is Mohammed Ali, born Cassius Clay, changed his name after joining the Nation of Islam in 1964. In 1967, Ali refused to be inducted into the U.S. military, based on his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War. Also in boxing, the light-heavyweights World Champions Eddie Gregory and Matthew Franklin, have also changed their names in 1980 and 1979, in Eddie Mustafa Muhammad and Matthew Saad Muhammad, after a conversion to Islam.

In athletics, during the Olympics in Mexico City, in 1968, African American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos, gold and bronze in the 200 meters, performed the Power to the People salute. They were expelled from the Games. A few days later, the U.S. medalists in the 400 meters received their medals wearing berets, in imitation of the Black Panther Party. In 1972, during the Munich Olympics, other African-American athletes were suspended, for a demonstration at a medal ceremony.

In basketball, Ferdinand Lewis (Lew) Alcindor, several years after converting to Islam, changed his name in Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and become a legendary NBA player.

Black Karate Federation :

The members of the Black Karate Federation are not the precursors of black American karate. Fighters like Thomas LaPuppet and Victor Moore were their predecessors.

The Black Karate Federation was founded in 1968, according to various sources. A short excerpt from a documentary about the BKF history : http://www.youtube.com/user/usakaratestory#p/a/u/0/4zHJPiHYGi8

Jim Kelly left and Steve Sanders around the BKF logo
in Enter the Dragon

The BKF logo, with rasta colors

Steve Sanders was cheated out of a win in a fight against Joe Lewis, possibly in 1969. This defeat has motivated the creation of this federation, among many others. At tournament, the African American fighters were matched up against each other to eliminate most of the best fighters.

The founders of BKF are Cliff Steward, Ron Chapel, Jerry Smith, Steve Sanders, Donnie Williams, Curtis Pulliam and Carl Armelin. Sanders becomes the first BKF president. This federation is primarily active in the region of Los Angeles.

The first school opened at 103rd Street School.

The first school

The training sessions were open to all practitioners and all styles. A portion of the film "Enter the Dragon" was filmed in this school. The links to this video : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQReFu7NKpU

Many founders were Vietnam War veterans and/or from the police.

According to the April 1989 Black-Belt issue, 32 schools were opened in total. The BKF then announces 1,000 members, black or white.

The purpose of the BKF was to be a united voice for competitors of color, to improve their training and to keep youth out of gangs and away from drugs.

Steve Sanders, aka Steve Muhammad :

He started studying Goju-Ryu, and after the Ed Parker Kenpo. He also studied with Chuck Sullivan, at the Censhaw School.

Sanders was a Vietnam War veteran and was also a police officer, during a period of his life.

The following results for Sanders :

In 1968, for the Internationals Grand Champion, Sanders loses against Chuck Norris.

In 1968, Sanders loses against Bill Wallace, for the teams tournament, in Chicago.

In 1969, Sanders loses against Joe Hayes, during the East Coast vs. West Coast, according to Al Weiss book, The Official History of Karate in America, p. 115.

In 1969, during a tournament, maybe the Internationals, Sanders is unfairly declared the loser against Joe Lewis. We don't have more details on this fight.

In 1970, Sanders is 3rd in the lightweights, during the 7th annual Internationals in Long Beach, behind Byong Yu and Benny Urquidez, (Al Weiss book, page 132).

In 1971, Sanders wins the lightweight title at the Internationals. He beats Jim Kelly in the first round of the Grand Championship. Sanders eventually loses against Joe Lewis for Grand Champion. We don't have more details on this tournament.

According to the February 1972 Black-Belt issue, during the California Team Championships, Steve Sanders, for the Los Angeles team, draws with Ron Marchini. Sanders also beats Howard Jackson by 2-0.

In 1974, during the Beverly Hills Invitational, Sanders loses against Roy Kurban. The fight is recorded for the film "The New Gladiators". Links to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoJld8Kdrsw

In 1974, during the Pro/Am World Association of Karate, Sanders loses the finals against Joe Lewis, by 4-3.

Joe Lewis (left) against Steve Sanders in 1974

His nickname was "The fastest hands in Karate". He practiced Kenpo, a fast and light combination of blows.

Sanders had Sammy Pace as a student.

Sanders wrote "Kenpo Championship" with Donnie Williams.

The Book with the BKF logo (left)

At an unknown date, Sanders changed his name to Muhammad, after converting to Islam.

Donnie Willams :

Williams was born in 1947. He has practiced Shotokan, and Taekwondo, with Byong Yu. He also practiced Kenpo, with Steve Sanders.

Donnie Williams loses against Howard Jackson in 1973, during the first round of the Las Vegas Four Seasons Nationals, (Al Weiss Book, page 157).

Donnie Williams (right) against Howard Jackson

He is now called Bishop, and has created a congregation in Southern California "Family Church". It's differend to the conversions to Islam above mentioned.

He participated in the production of the BKF Magazine. He had a role in Enter the Dragon and Black Belt Jones, with Jim Kelly.

Jerry Smith :

Jerry Smith is the training partner of Joe Lewis and practices Shorin-Ryu. He becomes one of the first full-contact trainers.

Smith is the BKF captain, during the 1971 1972 and 1973 Internationals victories.

Jerry Smith loses 2-1 against Darrell Lassiter, for the lightweights finals in 1978 during the 6th Prairie State Championships. Lassiter is warned for a blow with too much contact (Al Weiss Book, page 190). In 1978, Smith has maybe a 3 rounds fight, against Glenn Keeney, in light-contact.

Ron Chapel :

He was a police sergeant in California.

Cliff Stewart :

He practiced Goju-Ryu and Hapikido.

Curtis Pulliam :

He loses against John Fishbein at the Demura UCI Karate Tourney, according to the June 1969 Black-Belt issue.

At the Four Seasons Karate Tourney, in Torrance/CA, Curtis Pulliam participates at the All Stars. His results in this tournament are unknown, according to the August 1969 Black-Belt issue.

BKF Students :

It's impossible to mention all the BKF students. We mention Roland Talton, a former policeman who participates in the WSMAC, with this excerpt from a fight : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWLvEd3ykc8. We also mention Lenny Ferguson, the first black American to win the Grand Championship of the Internationals in 1975.

Jim Kelly :

Jim Kelly, better known as an actor, was a Parker Sheldon's student, in Shorin-Ryu.

At the 1971 Ed Parker's Internationals, Jim Kelly wins the middleweights title. For the Grand Champion preliminary, he loses against Steve Sanders, the lightweights champion. A video of his fight against an unknown opponent, certainly during the 1971 International: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2WVWCLel5s

According to the February 1972 Black Belt issue, during the California Teams Championships, Jim Kelly draws with Bob Halliburton. Jim Kelly also beat Walker 4-2.

Jim Kelly in action, right, against an unknown opponent

Jim Kelly was an actor in various movies, including "Enter the Dragon" with Bruce Lee and "Black Belt Jones". Jim Kelly will also be a professional tennis player on the USTA Senior men's circuit.

He is an integral part of the African-American and martial arts cinematic explosion of the 1970s, named Blackexploitation, as "Shaft" for exemple. According to Wikipedia : "Black exploitation, or "blaxploitation" films, are made with black actors, ostensibly for black audiences" and "Blaxploitation films tend to take place in the ghetto, dealing with hit men, drug dealers and pimps. The genre frequently takes place in an atmosphere of crime and drug-dealing. Ethnic slurs against whites (e.g. "honky"), and negative white characters like corrupt cops... were common".

We did not find specific text on the possible involvement of Jim Kelly in the BKF.

Karriem Allah, aka Karriem Abdallah :

Outside the BKF, other practitioners had an interesting development. According to the June 1976 Black-Belt issue, Karriem Allah is 17 years old in 1963. Karriem Abdallah is a student of James Cheatham. Under his birth name, Karriem Allah fights in 1964 or 1965 against Mike Stone, possibly during a tournament organized by Jhoon Rhee, in Washington. Karriem Abdullah loses also against Lou Lizotte. We have no information about this fights.

Karriem Allah fights in 1975 against Jeff Smith, for the title PKA light-heavyweights title. Karriem Allah had apparently no experience in full-contact, a brand new sport at the time. The bout ends with a split decision. Links to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIIzQIcyPtw

Karriem Abdallah vs. Jeff Smith, white trousers

This is maybe the first official defense of the PKA title, but Jeff Smith had already fought at least 4 times in full-contact. The match was broadcast as the preliminay fight of the 3rd battle between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

Links to video of a fight between Kariem Allah (now Abdallah), and Maasi, a Bando practitioner, also called Mfundishi Maasi, from New Jersey : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XEnnhLLTszI We do not know the date of this fight. Abdullah wins before the limit

Karriem Allah Abdallah (left) vs. Maasi

In November 1967, Karriem Abdallah creates his own system, called "KA System of Karate". Abdallah have been maybe the trainer of the boxing light-heavyweights World Champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad, formerly Eddie Gregory and of Eddie "Yaqui" Lopez, light-heavyweight challenger.

Karriem Abdallah is a follower of the Muslim Elijah Muhammad movement, as many African-Americans of the time.

We found no evidence of a relationship between Karriem Abdallah and the BKF.

Conclusions :

The above mentioned athletes have helped the cause of African-American in sports, as in politic, giving the best possible use of various media platforms available.

Karate was not the main sport, but it contributed to the recognition of the rights of African American athletes.

Wally Slocki : A Canadian against the USA

Introduction :

The purpose of this article is to establish a short sports biography of a fighter of the seventies. Wally Slocki was a part of to the karate evolution to full-contact. He had a traditionnal karate style, while fighting in full-contact karate. He was also not afraid to fight against the best kick-boxing or full-contact fighters of the time.

Traditional Karate :

Born around 1947, Wally Slocki began judo at 6, then practiced Kung Fu in 1964 to specialize in Japanese Karate in 1965. His Masters were Masami Tsuroka (Shito-Ryu) and Benny Allen ( Shito-Ryu). In 1967, 1968 and 1970, Slocki was Canada Karate Champion.

Championship Canada 1968

1967. All-Star First American Tae Kwon Do Nationals Karate Tournament. Wally Slocki, announced as a Goju-Ryu practitioner, fights against Hanke, of Detroit, Shorin-Ryu. Slocki is beaten. Previously, Slocki has beaten Barron, Isshinryu. Black-Belt Magazine, April 1968.

11.23/24.1968. World Professional Karate Championship. New York. Black Belt, May 1969. David Moon, Texas, def Wally Slock, by 39 to 38, in the preliminaries.

06.15.1969. Grand Nationals Karate Championship, Bill Wallace beats Wally Slocki in the preliminaries, with side kicks. It is possible that Wallace broke Slocki's nose with a back-fist. Blood spurted from his nose.

1969. East Coast vs. West Coast Open Championship in New York. Slocki wins the heavyweight title, before this team competition. Wally Slock beats Panama Jones.

1970. Heavyweights. Wally Slocki fithts against Berry Hankersonmet, at the Gerald Orange's Dojo. Peter Urban is the referee. The fighters grabs on many occasions. The referee must stop the bout to let the fighters cool off. Walter Slocki wins the fight. Black Belt, April 1971.

November 1971. Karate Ontario Championship. Bob Smith beats Wally Slocki. Black Belt, November 1971.

1973. Ontario Open Karate Championships. Slocki beats Bill Kelly, for the heavyweight title. Previously, Slocki beats Villeneuve, with a punch to the body. He follows with a kick to Kelly's face, making light contact. No penalty points are awarded. is counted. In the semi-finals, Slocki beats Everett Francis. Slocki also finished second in kata. Black Belt, July 1973.

Wally Slock, right, vs Everett Francis.

A video of the Slocki's karate fight. We don't know the names of his opponents.. The longest is possibily against Panama Jones, in 1969. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UowyJIPN3pc

Kickboxing and Full Contact :

Joe Lewis vs Wally Slock :

In 1970, Joe Lewis is the American kick-boxing pionner. He has already beaten Greg Baines, and maybe also Ed Daniel. Wally Slocki has no experience of ko fights. Joe Lewis fights against Wally Slocki, and beats him before the 3rd round, in Toronto. Wally Slocki wears a t-shirt, but Joe Lewis wears himself no t-shirt. There is no ring. In the 2nd round, Lewis knees Slocki in the head. Video of a part of the fight http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WURXL-JalIw

The famous knee Lewis (right) against Slocki

Controversy :

Slocki said that the fight was a demonstration and that Lewis said him "I'a going to really hit you". Slocki said that Lewis would have broken his nose. Blood gushed. Address of the interview: http://www.usadojo.com/biographies/wally-slocki.htm

In an other interview at http://www.mikemiles.com/index.php?p=interviews&i=joe_lewis Joe Lewis says that the promoter came up to him and asked him to take it easy on Slocki, because he was scared. Slocki came at Lewis and started throwin front kicks that had full intention of knocking Lewis' block off. Lewis had then decided to drop Slocki. Lewis kneed him and Slocki went to the canvas. Between rounds, Slocki retired. The result was a TKO. At the end of the fight, the referee raised both of our hands.

For the record, it is often said that Bruce Lee was in the attendence during this fight. The following image is not sufficiently clear to be assertive about it.

Bruce Lee in black jacket and white trousers ?

First PKA World Championships :

1974. Los Angeles. (see article on this evening in this blog, September 14, 1974 in Los Angeles).

Two Canadians were called by the promoter to participate in these first championships, Wally Slocki and Daniel Richer.

In his first fight for the light-heavyweights, Wally Slock meets the Japanese Ryu Kenji. Kenji is 20 years old, practices the Kempo and has 30 lbs less than Slocki. The Canadiens wins the fight easily and does the show. Kenji goes to the canvas 2 times. Video of the fight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62K3W8isTjA

In the finals, Jeff Smith beats Wally Slocki, on points. Smith wins the first round and Slocki the second. Finally, Smith wins the third round, because a point is deducted from Slocki, for violation of the rules. Video of the fight : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qDbxdQ29os

Battle of Atlanta :

August 2nd, 1976. Jeff Smith, at this time light-heavyweights World Champion, beats Wally Slocki for the title, on points, with a majority decision. Extract of fight : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuGDSb9jIQM

Roundhouse kick from Slocki to Smith

Record :

We unfortunately don't know Slocki's full-contact record. We also don't know other fights than those mentioned above.

Style :

In traditional Karate, Slocki uses a moving guard with theatrical gestures. He said he wanted to use the strength of the opponent, rather than trying to impose his own strength. Moreover, Slocki gives very good roundhouse kicks.

Example of roundhouse kick.

In 1974, during the PKA Championships, Slocki has kept traditional karate techniques, not hesitating to make a lot of leg-scissors takedown. He will succeed this way against Jeff Smith. In his 1976 fight, always against Jeff Smith, Slocki become more sober and fights with specific full-contact techniques.

Slocki's leg-scissors takedown against Smith (right)

Conclusions :

Wally Slocki is not the principal figure in the development of Karate and Full-Contact. He was opposed to the best fighters and remains one of the participants of this remarkable evolution.

In addition, Wally Slocki has been the only Canadian pioneer of full contact, among all the Americans present.

Netherlands: fights pioneers in Europe

Introduction :

It's surprising that a so little pacifist and rich country provides a such large number of fighting champions. Although since the eighties, the current champions are often from immigrant backgrounds, Netherlands continue to be the best in these sports.

The purpose of this article is to narrate the beginnings of martial arts with KO, until 1980, and determine the reasons for this success.

At the end of this article is compiled a list of major competitions held by the Batavian fighters and their results.

History :

It is very difficult to match the claims of interested persons and the reality.

We will base our text on the excellent document called "De verharding van het wedstrijdvechten" (unofficial translation : The Hardening of Sport Fights) by Maarten van Bottenburg and Johan Heilbron, investigating for the Ministerie VWS (free translation : Ministry for Health, Welfare and Sport). This document is available on Internet at this address : hbo-kennisbank.uvt.nl/cgi/fontys/show.cgi? Fid = 3637.

We will also refer on various newspaper articles of the time, quoted in the text.

We will also refer to the excellent book of Mr Willem Brunekreef, "The Golden Kyokushin and K1 Encyclopedia".


Furthermore, we will mention the contradictions between the various versions of the events.

A character of legend :

Jon Bluming was born in 1933. He fought at least 1 boxing fight, circa in 1946, then joined the army and was sent to Korea during the war, in 1950. He learned Judo, Karate Kyokushinkai with Mas Oyama and various other martial arts, during his stays in Asia.

He returned to the Netherlands in 1953 and taught in a club named Jen Tung. Jon Bluming says he was part of the team winning the European Championship of Judo in September 1956, in Amsterdam. We note that no European Championship were held in 1956. In 1957, the Championships were held in Rotterdam and Bluming name does not appear on the record, nor in other European or World Championships. Maybe Jon Bluming's team took part in a Club European Championships.

Bluming, 6'5'' for 220 pounds, claims to have beaten the famous Japanese Kaminaga, via a strangulation, in May 1960. In a December 1966 Black-Belt Magazine article, he claims to have beaten Kaminaga at the Kodokan in 1961, during a workout.

Jon Bluming, during a Judo training session at the Kodokan

Bluming is not participating in the World Championships in Paris, in December 1961. His Dutch rival, Anton Geesink, won the gold medal.

According to the January 1969 Black-Belt Magazine article, Bluming was from a federation called "Nederland Amateur Judo Associatie" and Geesink from the "Nederland Jujitsu and Judo Bond". Bluming said that Geesink had refused to meet him on a tatami and only fighters from the Geesink's Federation could participate in international championships.

Bluming has coached Willem Ruska, 1972 Olympic and 1967 and 1971 World Champion.

Bluming founded a Kyokushinkai Federation in January 1962 and runs various championships.

In January 1965, Bluming have received a 6th dan from Mas Oyama, in Kyokushinkai. Oyama would have promise USD 100,000 .-- for the winner of Bluming, and also promise to withdraw his black belt from Bluming for this futur defeat.

Currently, Bluming is a 10th dan black belt in Kyokushinkai and a 9th dan in Judo.

In karate, he coached Jan Plas and Jan Kallenbach. Kallenbach began with Judo, always with Jon Bluming as a professor. Kallenbach won the 1974 gold medal at the European Championships of Traditional Karate, in the Open Category, against the Francis Didier.

Jan Kallenbach (left) in 1972

Charles Dumerniët :

According to Willem Brunekreef's book, "The Golden Kyokushin and K1 Encyclopedia", Charles Dumerniët has organized inter-school and inter-styles Free-Fights, since 1973. His association named IOG, was founded in 1969. Charles Dumerniët was a Taekwondo, Tai-Jitsu and Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. He created the Dutch magazine "Samurai", in 1970. The participants of these Free-Fights tournaments were many, including Tom Harinck, Lucien Carbin and Ron Kuyt. These fights have taken part to the martial arts development in the Netherlands.

Tom Harinck :

Born in 1943, Tom Harinck begins with judo and boxing during his time in the army, with 22 amateur fights, for only 1 loss on points. He works on a boat and discovers the Savate French boxing.

Harinck says in an interview that he trained with Jon Bluming in Kyokushinkai. He says he got a 6th dan in Kyokushinkai, without to say who gave him this black belt. Harinck acknowledged in an interview that Bluming was giving belts too easily. Interview address : http://pancration.net/news/interview-of-tom-harinck-by-russian-website.html. According to other version, Tom Harinck never trained with Bluming, but only for a while with Jan Stapper and that he never received a Karate black belt.

In 1972, Harinck began teaching the fight science in his team named Chakuriki (in Japanese, this word would mean "The power derived from"). His fighters are known among others, for their red kimono.

In 1975, the Chakuriki team meets a Savate French boxing team, in Paris. We don't know the results of the fights. The details of these fighters are mentioned in the list below.

Tom Harinck (right)

From the French Karate Magazine

Poster from the meeting between the Chakuriki and the French Savate

The same year, Harinck received his diplom of Savate french boxing professor, from the the French Federation. In 1976, he founded the NKBB (Nederlands kickboxing Bond), with Jan Plas.

The first kick-boxing fights are held in Netherlands in 1976 and are detailed in the results list below.

Invited in August 1978 in Thailand, the Chakuriki team loses its 5 fights against the Thais. The details are mentioned later. The fighters are coming back in Holland, but Tom Harinck stayed in Thailand to learn the Muay-Thai.

Teams of Thai boxers are also coming to the Netherlands to be confronted with Chakuriki.

Four Chakuriki logos

Note the graphic changing between this four Chakuriki logos. On the two last version, fighting dogs are with an olive branch (peace logo). On the last version, the name of Shihan (Professor or Model in Japanese) has disappeared. The term Savate has been changed with the term Free-Fight.

Tom Harinck has published a book in 1980, called "De ontleende kracht". The free translation can be "The borrowed strengh", maybe a synonym of the Japanese term Chakuriki. Harinck has published a second book, named "Muay Thai or Thai Boxing". He has also published a training video, named "Born to Fight". Short video from this edition : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kfa3rbgiZ0

Tom Harinck's book

Without wishing to become people, we report that in the June 1991 Black Belt Magazine article, Tom Harinck is mentioned as the husband of Saskia Van Rijswijk, famous Dutch fighter woman, in the 1980s. The latter fought against the also famous Lilly Rodriguez, in 1982 (see article over Benny Urquidez).

Saskia Van Rijswijk and Tom Harinck

Jan Plas :

Jan Plas practices first Karate Kyokushinkai with Jon Bluming.

For the European Championships of Traditional Karate in 1974 in London, Jan Plas loses before the final against Geert Leemens/Belgium, in the middleweights.

At the same time, Jan Plas has done pictures for a magazine, with Tom Harinck, in his Dojo, as seen on this picture.

Tom Harinck (left) and Jan Plas

In 1975, Jan Plas visited Tokyo and trained in the Kenji Kurosaki dojo. Kurosaki is a former Kyokushinkai practitioner with Mas Oyama. Kurosaki founded his own fighting style called kickboxing. Kurosaki is related with Jon Bluming and has taught with him in Holland. They have writen together a book about the Karate Kuykushinkai. Kurosaki's Dojo is named Mejiro Gym, given its location in the district of the same name.

The similarity of evolution between Dutch and Japanese Kyokushinkai practitioners is interresting, with this move towards more complete and effective practices.

Back in the Netherlands, Jan Plas founded his own Mejiro Gym.

Jan Plas (right), vs Platje in 1976.

The referee is Tom Harinck

Shortly after the Chakuriki journey in Thailand, the Mejiro Gym will also travel to Thailand to confront with the Thai fighters.

Jan Plas was the professor for Fred Royer, Lucien Carbin, Rob Kaman, Andre Brilleman and Johan Vos, who will found later the famous Vos Gym. We only mention these fighters, because they will have their golden days after 1980, deadline for the period studied here.

The first Dutch performance :

May 17, 1974. during the first tournament of the European professional karate, organized in Berlin by Georg Bruckner (see article: Professional Karate Debuts in Europe), the Dutch are present. In the heavyweights, Frank Brodar/Germany or Yugoslavia, def Ivan Oliviari/Netherlands. The winners will fight against the American selection in Los Angeles (see article: Los Angeles 09.14.1974).

The same day, some European fighters are opposed to an US selection, still with points fights. The American fighters wear protections, while the Europeans are not fitted. In the heavyweights, Jim Butin beats Ivan Oliviari, surrogate for the European Champion, Franc Brodar, injured at his hand.

The US team also visits Holland, at a meeting organized by Jan Stoker, in The Hague. The US fighters first beat a Dutch Taekwondo team, by 25/0.

The Americans also beat a Dutch Kyokushinkai team, composed of practitioners of a rank below the black belt. It has been proposed to the Dutch to fight black belts from their school, but Peter Kredijt, Kyokushinkai team leader, reportedly replied that the Americans were not fighters and that the black belts were too strong for them.

After some hesitation, Peter Kredijt accepts a challenge from Jeff Smith. Kredijt is then sent to the canvas three times, for the count.

29 november 1975. Meeting with Savate French boxing in Paris (possibly at the Meridien Hotel) between a Chakuriki team and French fighters. Robbie Harinck, Ron Kuyt, Gerard Bakker, Jan Kunst and John (Jhon) de Ruyter (Ruiter) have participated in these fights, but we don't know their results. Jan Kunst lost against George Simon and Christian Guillaume wins against an other Dutchman. The same evening occured the Savate European Championship for the featherweights title between Bernard Le Prevost/France and Marc Beaute/Belgium.

John (Jhon) de Ruyter (Ruiter) (right), 1975 in Paris

during combat in Savate

September 21, 1975. At the Deutschlandarena Berlin, a tournament called the European All Style Karate Championships is organized by Bruckner and Mike Anderson, the latter engaged in the production of the event (see article: Full-Contact Development in Europe). It's possible that the Dutch Jan Kunst and Ron Kuyt have won at this tournament ? In his book "Ontleende Kracht", Tom Harinck mentions this victory, with mention about semi-contact karate style.

1976. In an interview given to a German newspaper named Karate Budo, Tom Harinck mentions that in 1976 in Schiedam, Kuyt, De Graaf and Kunst became Europe Champions, possibly in Kick-Boxing or Full Contact ? We found no trace of this European Championship.

May 2, 1976. At Gelsenkirchen, Germany, a tournament called full-contact European Championship is held. (see article: Full-Contact Development in Europe). In the 63-69 kg category, the French Roger Paschy, former member of the Frech Traditional Karate team, won this tournament. He defeated first the John (Jhon) de Ruyter by ko. The appointed Kuyj is mentioned as the 3rd in this category. It could be Ron Kuyt.

The Dutch V.D. Velden (-90.5 kg), and Tuhirima (-63k) finish 1st and 3rd respectively, in their weight classes.

May 31, 1976. A first kick-boxing gala is held in Amsterdam between the Chakuriki and the Mejiro Gym.

We found an article published in Germany, stating the following fights :

De Ruyter (Chakuriki) beats R. Janson (Mejiro) by ko in the 2nd
W. Galenlamp (Mejiro) beats A. Ekkelsoom on points
T. Severs (Chakuriki) beats RW Leedeman by ko in the 2nd
R. Kuyt (Chakuriki) beats J. Boom by ko in the 3rd
Jan Plas (Mejiro) beats G. Platje by ko in the 2nd
E. Cairo (Mejiro) beats F. Karakus (Chakuriki) on points
G. Bakker (Chakuriki) beats J. (Johan?) Vos (Mejiro) by ko
Groningen (Mejiro) def Rompa (Chakuriki) by disqualification
Cabin (Lucien Carbin?) (Mejiro) def Harinck (Schumann) (Chakuriki) by kot
Ladenius (Mejiro) beats C. Brugman by kot

Willem Brunekreef, in his excellent book "The Golden Kokushin and K-1 Encyclopedia", said it was the first European Kickboxing championships and gives different results :

Johnny de Ruiter beats J. Schreve, by ko 2nd; Dennis Zeeger beats Roy Leedeman by ko; Lucien Carbin beats Robbie Schumann by TKO. Robbie Schumann was (not officialy) adopted by Tom Harinck, and he took the name of Harinck for a while.

Jan Plas, left, during the 1st gala kick-boxing,

in 1976, vs Platje

If we make the total of the fights between these two schools, we arrive at 2 wins for Chakuriki and 3 wins for Mejiro Gym.

(For all Championships and Cups WAKO mentioned later, see the articles: First WAKO World Championships and First WAKO European Championships).

April or May 1977. During the first WAKO European Cup, which takes place in Rotterdam/Netherlands, the welterweights final is between George Metz/Netherlands and Slobodan Soboda/Yugoslavia. The light-heavyweights final is between Gerard Bakker/Netherlands and Lip Van de Meer/Netherlands. Hansi Jaensch/West Germany loses against Ivan Menes/Netherlands in the super lightweights final. The Dutch dominated the tournament.

1977. At the 1st European Championships, held by Georg Bruckner in Vienna/Austria, the Dutch obtained the following results : Gold medals : Jan de Graf (+ 84 kg), Gerard Bakker (- 84 kg), H. Rompa in (- 79 kg), Ron Kuyt (- 69 kg). The Netherlands team is ahead of West Germany and Norway.

October 1977. At the 2nd European Cup held in Vienna/Austria, the German lightweight Hans Jaensch beats R. Harinck (Schumann) on points. During the preliminary fights, Kemal Zeriat beats the Dutch Ron Kuyt. Zeriat had lost against him twice before. The Germans dominate the tournament.

August 1978. A Chakuriki team gwent to Bangkok, to fight against Thai boxers. The Thais names are phonetic.
Pasal Sittiboonlert beats Ron Kuyt by ko in the 2nd
Sakata Porntawe beats Robby Harinck (Schumann) by ko in 1st round
Sriprae Kiatsompob def Imro Van Hattan by ko 1st
Satanfah Sor Pratiep beats Faisal Karakus by ko in the 2nd
Ekachai Sitmorart beats K. Ramikisoen by ko 1st

Article about the 1978 Chakuriki journey in Thailand

May 1978. During the 2nd European Championships, held in Wolfsburg/West Germany, possibly by Georg Bruckner, Ivan Menes (-63 kg) won the gold medal. For teams, West Germany is ahead of the Netherlands and Yugoslavia.

December 1978. At the 3rd European Cup, which takes place in Basel/Switzerland, a month after the WC of Berlin, Ivan Menes wins the category -63 kg.

1979. During the 3rd European Championships, held in Milan/Italy by Ennio Falsoni, Roufs won the bronze medal - 79 kg.

November 5, 1978. During the first WAKO World Championships in West Berlin, Ivan Menes won the gold medal of the -63 kg category. The US team is first, followed by West Germany and the Dominican Republic, Netherlands are only 4th.

February 25, 1979. In Amsterdam, Patrick Brizon/France beats Ron Kuyt for the European kick-boxing title .

3 and November 4, 1979. During the 2nd WAKO World Championships in Tampa/Florida/USA, organized by Mike Anderson, F. Okkonowiak won the bronze medal for the category - 79 kg.

1980. Ron Kuyt loses against Andre Brilleman in kick-boxing before the limit. We will not mention the whole career of Andre Brilleman, which will have a final record of 16-1-1 and beat Howard Jackson in 1984 for the WKA title (see the article on Howard Jackson). Link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HepnXZ-2h-4

Date unknown (before 1978). Amsterdam. A Thai team led by Roger Paschy/France (see the article : Roger Paschy), met the Dutch team. All Thais lose before the limit. Lucien Carbin wins in the 2nd round. Harinck (Robbie ?) wins his fight too. Ron Kuyt beats Roger Paschy by retirement for an injury, at the beginning of the 2nd round.

Date unknown (after 1976). Amsterdam. Frans Otten Stadion. A match between Thai boxers against a Dutch selection. All Batavian fighters win their fight, Lucien Carbin vs Srinop, Ron Kuyt vs S. Boonlod, Faisal Karakus vs S. Sangsrithong and Andre Brilleman vs C. Topruska (according to the pub for the meeting). We note that there is a video of a fight between Brilleman and Boonlod, date 4/7/1979. We don't know if this is the same night. Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WacrCyTYhCI

Date unknown (during an evening fight with Dominique Valera and after the fight above mentionned). Ron Kuyt beats Kamel Zeriat/Germany on points and Bakker beats François Petitdemange/France, also on points.

Conclusions :

We see a clear affiliation between Kyokushinkai imported in Holland by Jon Bluming and its legs kicks, with the evolution of its practitioners to kick-boxing with its low-kicks or to Muay Thai, with its knees and elbows kicks, sometimes allowed.

The Dutch have started to practice "full-contact fights" before the arrival of fhe official karate full-contact in Europe, their first success could be explained by this advance.

Please note that the Dutch fighters dominated full-contact, kick-boxing, Savate French boxing as Thai-boxing.

Moreover, competition between Tom Harinck and Jan Plas, and Johan Vos after 1980, may also explain a part of the Dutch success.