Monday, September 10, 2012
JOE LEWIS - Rest in Peace
In the summer of 1969, I was 13 years old, when I began studying the Martial Arts. I earned my first degree black belt in American Goju Karate in 1972, and a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, in Korea in 1975.
The Martial Arts Grand Masters of today, back then, were the top competitors in the world, inspiring young men and women just like me, to train and train hard, and to fight and fight hard. They taught us discipline, respect, and honor.
Chuck Norris, Jeff Smith, Bill Wallace, Joe Lewis, Joe Corely, Mike Stone, and Skipper Mullins, were some that I looked up to, admired and tried to emulate as a fighter and artist. I have had the pleasure of meeting most of them, and the distinct honor of getting to know them personally, and calling them friends. Good friends.
Joe Lewis was one of them. A living legend in the martial arts world, he was inducted into 13 martial arts halls of fame, including Black Belt Magazine, and named Black Belt's Instructor of the Year, and Fighter of the Year.
On Friday, August 31, 2012, Grandmaster Joe Lewis past away. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends, and millions of martial artists around the world. I will miss an inspiration, a good man, and a great friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family, during this difficult time.
-BERNARD B. KERIK
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Thank you commissioner. Joe Lewis had 10th degree Black Belt respect for all you have done. I know he would have been proud of what you said, and I know he is looking down on all us with a host of warriors wishing you the very best.
ReplyDeleteThank you commissioner. Joe Lewis had 10th degree Black Belt respect for all you have done. I know he would have been proud of what you said, and I know he is looking down on all us with a host of warriors wishing you the very best.
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