Elvis Presley wasn’t only a Hollywood idol, he was a Seventh dan black belt in Shotokan Karate by 1974. So, how did this world famous person earn such a excessive rank in a self-discipline requiring years of devotion and modesty?
It began again in 1958 when Presley was stationed in Germany as a U.S. soldier. With time on his fingers and curiosity to spare, he started coaching with Juergen Seydel, a German Shotokan grasp. That curiosity didn’t fade.
On paid go away, Presley traveled to Paris, the place he educated underneath Tetsuji Murakami, who would develop into the Shotokan grasp of Europe. His academics, by the way in which, have been no slouches — they have been giants within the subject. With their steerage and the Change of Behavior actor’s love for his chosen martial artwork, he earned his black belt in roughly two years, which is just about exceptional.
By 1960, Presley had earned his black belt. Stories say he stored coaching after that. However there’s no official document of him climbing by way of the dan ranks (even on his personal web site elvis.com). Then, in 1974, he abruptly held a Seventh dan. That leap raised questions on how the promotion occurred.
The title calls for maturity and many years of constant apply. Elvis earned his at 38. Most attain that rank previous their 50s. Much more questionable? The rank was awarded by Grasp Kang Rhee, who had simply been promoted to eighth dan himself.
In line with Karate’s personal traditions, a grasp can’t promote a scholar to their identical degree. But Rhee awarded Elvis the Seventh dan—and obtained a brand-new Cadillac not lengthy after. Coincidence? Perhaps. But it surely doesn’t assist the already shaky timeline.
There are additionally no information of Presley’s development between his black belt in 1960 and his grasp rank greater than a decade later. One other element caught consideration. Across the time of the promotion, Elvis gave Rhee a Cadillac. It’s unclear if the present was associated. No guidelines have been damaged, however some noticed the timing as odd. Regardless of the thriller, Elvis was critical about Karate. He had a private dojo at Graceland. He additionally included Karate strikes in reside reveals. His curiosity in martial arts lasted virtually 20 years.
Even Grasp Rhee mentioned in an interview: Elvis taught me greater than I taught him.” This alone speaks volumes. Although the rank is debated, Elvis left a mark on the martial arts world. He introduced Karate into popular culture. His quick rise to grasp degree nonetheless sparks debate, however his influence will not be denied. Even right this moment, Elvis’ belt rank stays a thriller. There’s no affirmation of how every degree was earned. However his coaching, affect, and fervour for Karate are nicely recorded.
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