Joe Lewis is an American kickboxer and point
Karate fighter whose success in the ring in the 1960s and 1970s is still
legendary. He is considered to be one of the greatest American kick
boxers. He studied Shorin-ryu Karate with Eizo Shimabuku, Kinjo Chinsaku
and Seiyu Oyata in Okinawa while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps,
earning his black belt in a mere seven months. He later studied under
the influential martial artist and
Jeet Kune Do
founder Bruce Lee.
His impressive career has led him to be called "The Greatest Karate
Fighter of All Time", while his boyish good looks have earned him the
nickname "The All-American Boy."
Joe Lewis is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He has acted in films and on
TV, and was briefly married to actress Barbara Leigh. Today he continues
to give seminars and work in the entertainment industry.
Hong Kong cinema historian Bey Logan says Lewis was the original pick of
Bruce Lee for the villain Colt in Way of the Dragon, but that Lee and
Lewis had a falling out before the film and thus
Chuck Norris was tabbed instead.
Blackbelt Magazine's 1975
Karate Player of the Year
Blackbelt Magazine's 1986
Co-Instructor of the Year