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Elvis & Martial Arts
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"As a student of the martial arts, Elvis was one of the best. He was physically strong and his technique was excellent. Elvis was a master entertainer and a master showman, but he was also a Master Human Being. He demonstrated love and respect with sincerity and humility. Elvis taught me more than I taught him." Master Rhee Elvis' Sensey |
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Elvis' first encounter with the Art of Karate was in the Army. He was charmed by the ancient art and immediatly started taking lessons. By 1960 alredy had a black belt. Elvis continued his education in Memphis and earned an 8th dan (degree) black belt. |  |
| It would be fair to say that the 8th dan is given to people for special contributions and efforts in Karate. Elvis really did a lot to promote Karate in the USA. Long before Bruce Lee, Elvis used Karate elements in his movies. And the first Hollywood movie with karate is Blue Hawaii. Elvis also sponsored several karate schools in the States. And on the famous Aloha From Hawaii concert you may see a logo of Karate school on his guitar when he sings C.C. Rider and Burning Love. This concert was seen by about 1 250 00000 people. It sure was among top broadcasted advertisings ever. Frequently Elvis spoke about Karate during his concerts and showed Katas (a Karate demonstration). You may see him demonstrating Karate on famous "Elvis On Tour" documentary. Also Elvis 1969 concert suits for his Vegas opening were made in a kimono style. |
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While shooting G.I. Blues Elvis hurt his arm. He was breaking blocks with his bare hand and demonstrating Karate to his co-stars and the crew. The hand was covered with make up not to be noticed on the screen.. Elvis had a project to shoot a movie about the Karate. The movie entitled "The New Gladiators" was never fineshed though. |
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| Elvis trained from 1970 - 1974 under Master Kang Rhee in Memphis, Tennessee. During the four year period under Master Rhee, Elvis, like all the other students, selected an animal title by which to be adressed in the training era. After first choosing Mr. Panther, that name was later changed to Mr. Tiger because of excisting political implications associated with the name "Panther" at that time.
“I’m still amazed that as powerful a person as Elvis was, that each person was important to him”, says Master Rhee. “He genuinely cared about other people’s opinions and feelings so much that love could make him well. This is what I respected and admired most about Elvis." |
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