It is officially Elvis’s 75^th birthday today, and although the King of Rock and Roll is no longer with us, I wonder how many of you realised this great man was also an 8^th dan black belt in  karate?

Master Kang Rhee reported, “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."

Elvis’s first encounter with the art of karate was whilst in the army.  He was charmed by the ancient art and immediately started taking lessons.  By 1960 he already had a black belt, and he continued learning in Memphis and earned an 8^th Dan (degree) black belt.

It would be fair so say that the 8^th Dan is only given to people for special contributions and efforts in karate.

Elvis really did a lot to promote karate in the USA.  Way long before Bruce Lee was on the scene, 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.  On the famous Aloha from Hawaii concert you may see a logo of a karate school on his guitar when he sings C.C. Rider and Burning Love.

This concert was seen by about 1, 250, 000, 000 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 also see him demonstrating karate on his famous ‘Elvis on Tour’ documentary.  Also Elvis’s 1969 concert suits for his Vegas opening were made in kimono-style.

While shooting GI Blues Elvis hurt is arm, whilst 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 was working on a project to shoot a movie about karate.  The movie was entitled ‘The New Gladiators’ but unfortunately the movie was never completed.

Elvis trained from 1970 to 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 addressed in the training area.  After initially choosing Mr Panther, that name was later changed to Mr Tiger because of existing political implications associated with the name ‘panther’ at that time.

Elvis telephoned Master Rhee in late 1971, saying he had heard of the Korean’s reputation in karate and that he wanted to learn more.  Under Master Rhee, Elvis earned his 7^th degree black belt.

‘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.’