The holiday is getting closer and closer. Anticipation is building. So many things… I wonder what she’s going to get me for Day 2. On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me two African American superstars in the martial arts movies!
Shidoshi Ron Van Clief
Star of Hong Kong kung fu movies, tournament champion, Master and founder of Chinese Goju, and martial arts pioneer Shidoshi Ron Van Clief is a legend with a legion of fans. Shidoshi Van Clief remains active in the martial arts to this day and he is alwqays promoting the positive aspects of the martial arts. He is truly a pioneer and one of the few African Americans to star in Hong Kong kung fu movies. He is the only man known as “The Black Dragon” and with good reason! Check out Shidoshi’s website for more info.
Read more about Ron here .
Master Jim Kelly
Jim Kelly, black belt in Shorin Ryu Karate, practicioner of Okinawan Te, winner of the prestigious Long Beach Middleweight Karate Championship (1971), cool kat and all around screen fighting bada**, was one of the best martial arts movie fighters to come out of the United States. His films Black Belt Jones, Tattoo Connection, Three the Hard Way, and Golden Needles remain cult favorites among hardcore 1970 movie fans. His debut and performance in Enter the Dragon cemented his place in movie history. Plus, he was an approachable and nice man. Read about my encounter with Master Jim Kelly here. Be sure to check out Master Jim Kelly’s official website for more cool stuff.