Welcome to the weekend POU! Our final martial artist of the week is judo pioneer George Lee Harris, a member of the first USA Judo team to compete in the Olympics. George Lee Harris was born in Kittrell, North Carolina on 15 January 1933. By 1952 Harris had moved north to Philadelphia and the Korean War was at its height. Harris showed an early taste for combat activities … [Read more...] about Saturday Open Thread: African-Americans In Martial Arts
African Americans in Martial Arts
Friday Open Thread: African-Americans in Martial Arts
Happy Friday POU! Today's featured Martial Artist is Michael Jai White Michael Jai White is a holder of seven black belts of varying degrees in seven different Martial Arts forms. Beginning his Martial Arts training at the age of eight and achieving his first black belt at the age of twelve, he now has over twenty years of experience. Originally a student of the legendary … [Read more...] about Friday Open Thread: African-Americans in Martial Arts
Thursday Open Thread: African-Americans In Martial Arts
Good Morning POU! Ron Van Clief, The Black Dragon Grand Master Ron Van Clief has trained and taught Martial Arts well over 40 years. He has appeared internationally on television and radio demonstrating his art, as well as at many colleges and universities lecturing and presenting the Ron Van Clief 101 curriculum. He holds a black belt or the equivalent in Karate, Ju-Jitsu, … [Read more...] about Thursday Open Thread: African-Americans In Martial Arts
Wednesday Open Thread: African-Americans In Martial Arts
Happy Hump Day POU! Today we pay tribute to a pioneer for African-American Martial Artist. A man referred to as "the one who beat them all." Victor Moore When Victor initially began pursuing Judo in the 1950s, there were no commercial schools. When he did find some help learning, he had to walk through white neighborhoods for instructions, very dangerous at the time for a … [Read more...] about Wednesday Open Thread: African-Americans In Martial Arts
Tuesday Open Thread: African Americans in Martial Arts
Good Morning POU! Today's featured martial artist: Earnest Hart Jr. Earnest Hart, Jr. is a world class martial artist champion, physical fitness trainer, actor and seminar specialist. In the ring Mr. Hart earned a reputation as the man to beat, and during his days as a competitor was considered one of the most formidable competitors of the day. As a teenager he trained in … [Read more...] about Tuesday Open Thread: African Americans in Martial Arts