IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Here is the collective wisdom of the martial arts community as presented in the first 20 years of Black Belt. These nuggets from the movers and shakers of our industry will rekindle your memory while they inspire your training.

BJJ FOR THE STREET
Burton Richardson earned his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt in 2006, and ever since he’s been searching for ways to augment the art for use on the street. In this article, he delves into eight ways to supercharge your sport guard for self-defense. 

JOINT VENTURE
Respected martial artist Keith D. Yates provides a look at hip-replacement surgery for people who kick for a living. In addition to explaining the procedure, he offers helpful hints for preserving your hip health to avoid surgery altogether. 

OLYMPIC OBSERVATIONS
The postponed 2020 Olympics recently concluded, and even though it featured the long-awaited debut of karate, not everyone was thrilled. Find out what Bill Wallace, Hayward Nishioka and Herb Perez thought about it and the judo and taekwondo events.

SURUCHIN JOURNEY
A sixth-degree black belt in isshin-ryu karate goes on a personal quest to learn more about the suruchin, a traditional weapon of Okinawan kobudo that was nearly lost but now is struggling to make a comeback. 

“I COULDA BEEN A CONTENDER!”
A lifelong martial artist and fight observer reveals his list of 12 well-known fighters from the 1960s and ’70s who had what it takes to be an MMA champion. Did the icons you remember most fondly make the cut?