Who's Who

Who’s Who in the martial arts on USAdojo.com shares biographies and articles about the Founders, the Masters, the Pioneers, the Competitors and the “Stars” of the martial arts.

Anton Geesink: Judoka

Anton Geesink of Holland was a three-time World Champion Judoka having emerged victorious in 1961, 1964 and 1965. He is most remembered, however, for his...

Cynthia Rothrock: Martial Artist & Action Film Star

Cynthia Rothrock is one of the greatest martial artist and action film stars in the world, Few other performers can match her presence and...
Duke Moore

Duke Moore Judo and Jujitsu

Duke Moore was born in San Francisco on April 19, 1915 and passed away on February 25, 2003. Even as a child Duke loved...

Gilbert Tenio

Grandmaster Gilbert Tenio taught Tenio Decuerdas Eskrima. The system was developed on the island of Bohol in the Phillipines. He incorporated 19 systems into...

Steve “Nasty” Anderson

Steve "Nasty" Anderson is an icon in the sport-karate universe. The 45-year-old native of Toledo, Ohio, spent time in various parts of the country...
Professor Wally Jay

Wally Jay: Small Circle Jujitsu

Professor Wally Jay June 15, 1917 - May 29, 2011 Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii 10th Degree Black Belt in Jujitsu 6th Degree Black Belt in Judo Founder and Grandmaster of...

Jino Kang: Hapkido

Jino Kang, is the son of Hapkido Grandmaster Myung S. Kang, and grew up in South Korea during the 1960’s, a time when the...
John Fonseca

John Fonseca: Shotokan Karate

John Fonseca has been competing in a wide range of national and international tournaments since the age of seven. In addition to his impressive...

Joe Corley Fought First Full-Contact Karate World-Title Fight

Joe Corley was the first challenger to participate in a full-contact karate world-title fight. On May 3rd, 1975, Joe Corley met world middleweight champion...

George Dillman: Ryukyu Kempo Tomari-te

George Dillman is a 9th degree Black Belt in Ryukyu Kempo Tomari-te who was honored by Black Belt Magazine as "1997 -- Instructor of...

Harold Long: Isshin-Ryu Karate

Harold Long was born in Rockwood, Tennessee, on September 3, 1930. He was one of thirteen children born of Bessie Marie Fance Long and John...

Wally Slocki: Canada’s Best Fighter

When Wally Slocki began teaching karate during the 60s, challengers occasionally sauntered into karate schools. They would grin derisively, size up the instructor, and...
Walter Todd

Walter Todd: Shudokan Karate

Walter Todd had a career in the martial arts for over 50 years, and although he generally avoided the limelight, he was featured in...
J. Pat Burleson

Pat Burleson “Grandfather” of Open Tournament Fighting in America

Pat Burleson, acknowledged as the “grandfather” of open tournament fighting in America, having won numerous national titles before retiring from competition in 1966. Mr. Burleson...
Professor Wally Jay

Wally Jay Passes Away

Professor Wally Jay June 15, 1917 - May 29, 2011 Great Grandmaster and Founder of Small Circle Jijitsu, Professor Wally Jay, passed away peacefully at 2:20 am...

Tadashi Yamashita: Shorin Ryu

Tadashi Yamashita was born in Japan in 1942, but he considers himself an Okinawan. His father died when he was three, and his mother...