throughout black belt Throughout its illustrious 63-year history, the Flying Sidekick is one of the most revered techniques, first introduced in 1965 and last seen in 2014. magazine cover. In this remembrance, we honor the pioneers who perfectly executed this unforgettable operation and left an indelible mark on the world of martial arts. Their expertise and unwavering commitment have cemented Flying Sidekick as a timeless symbol of martial arts excellence, inspiring practitioners and enthusiasts for generations.
Gordon Doversola's flying sidekick destroys the board held by Hollywood actor Bo Vanden Ecker of Hawaii Five-O fame. The cover of Black Belt issue No. 15, published in March 1965, featured a photo of Doversola performing a flying sidekick during an Okinawan demonstration. According to Doversola, Okinawan-te is believed to have originated from a martial art brought to the Ryukyu Islands from China. The Japanese military did not allow the local population to practice combat, so they developed seemingly innocuous methods to counter Japanese martial arts, using weapons derived from agricultural tools.
This black-and-white masterpiece was photographed by Oliver Pan, and the Flying Side Kick was first seen on the cover of Black Belt Magazine in the March 1965 issue.
The caption reads, “One of the most devastating surprise attacks in karate, Yoko's flying kick is also highly regarded as an effective counter attack to the side of the opponent's neck.” .
The November 1965 cover credited the Shotokan Karate kicking style, and at the time, black belts commissioned artists to interpret the art, and this credit goes to C. Voss.
Before his rise as a karate great, Jeff Smith was revered as one of the nation's most feared tournament fighters, earning him the nickname “DC Bomber.” He transitioned from tournament karate and established himself as one of the greatest full-contact kickboxers of all time. This seminal moment chronicles his Korean Taekwondo roots and training under Jun Lee, who later became one of the best of his era as he takes to the air against a then-young John Worley. He established himself as a renowned champion, teacher, and promoter of the prestigious Diamond Nationals. This cover, printed in December 1972, has no photo credit.
Korean-born Taekwondo master, movie star, and champion Byung Yoo made his mark in Northern California before moving to Los Angeles to pursue film and coaching. Although he was only 38 years old at the time of his photo, the article called him an “old man” and cited his age as a factor in remaining active as a competitor. Judging by the technology, they were wrong. This 1973 cover of his features a Mudukwan-style taekwondo kick against Jimmy Kim.Photo courtesy of Ed Ikta.
We know him as the menacing O'Hara from “Enter the Dragon.” A man with a scar on his face who later fights Bruce Lee in the final scene of The Legendary Garden. Bob Wall is a Korean stylist-trained martial artist who studied with Chuck Norris, demonstrated here in this January 1974 Flying Sidekick photo taken by Ed Ikta.
One of the most famous silhouette side kick photos of all time, Joe Louis and Louis Lafty pose with the sun behind them. Photo taken by David M. King for the March 1977 cover.
The headline on the fourth magazine cover asks, “The next Bruce Lee?” Chuck Norris has followed a unique path as a film and television star and a global ambassador for martial arts. This era marks his arrival on the film scene after years of dominating in karate tournaments. This mesmerizing image shows him kicking alongside his younger brother Aaron, demonstrating his signature tans de flying side kick. Photo by David M. King, 1977.
Only one 10th degree black belt in each generation is given the title of “Dojunim.'' Grand Master Cho Bang Lee is the 58th holder of the title of Guardian of Knowledge of the Ancient Hwarang Knights.
He is recognized as the founder of Hwarangdo as a modern martial art, as he was the first in Korean history to systematize the martial arts of the ancient Hwarang Knights into a modern martial arts system and officially register it in the Republic. Korea in 1960.
The 1979 cover featured Joe Van Ree's flying sidekick against five cement blocks, photographed by Ed Ikta.
Salem Asli performs a French-style flying sidekick. The 1989 cover story said it all. “Is Sabbat the perfect style for the street?” The art of the French kick is not only beautiful, but also deadly. Don't be fooled by its beautiful flowing appearance. Sabbat is very effective both in the ring and on the street. , pretty, but very deadly. Savage for the streets He's a Sabbat. Cover photographed by Doug Churchill.
Los Angeles Dodgers hapkido stylist Jim Gott went to the mound at Dodger Stadium for this cover.
Photo taken in November 1993 by long-time staff photographer Doug Churchill.
Five-time undefeated world champion Cynthia Rothrock shows off her style from years of training in tan sudo, taekwondo, eagle claw kung fu and wushu, but on this cover, she sports her signature black boots. Wearing it gives it a Hollywood look. The 1995 cover was photographed by Doug Churchill, a living legend in martial arts photography.
Kenpo and martial arts stylist Christine Bannon Rodriguez holds a 9th degree black belt under the famous Don Rodriguez (former 9-time world karate champion) and wears a fiery red gi flying Sidekick was photographed by Doug Churchill in the August 2000 issue.
Known to millions simply as “Benny the Jet,” one of his many but highly memorable covers features Jet in a flying side pose. Urquidez has trained in nine styles, including Judo, Kaju Kenpo, Shotokan, Taekwondo, Rimarama, Hakutsuru Kung Fu, Jiu Jitsu, Aikido, and American Kenpo. He is the founder of Ukidokan Karate. Photographed in 2014 by Robert Leaf Photographer.This was the last flying sidekick to appear on the cover of Black Belt Magazine.
