Untitled Document

ELVIS AND KARATE

"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." Master Rhee Elvis' Sensey

Elvis first saw Karate in the Army. He was charmed by that art and by 1960 alredy had a black belt. Elvis continued hi education in Memphis and earned an 8th degree black belt.

It would be fair to say that the 8th degree is given to people for special contributions efforts in Karate. Elvis really did a lot to promote Karate in the USA. Long before Bruce Lee 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. And on the famous Aloha From Hawaii a logo of his school can be seen on his guitar when he sings C.C. Rider and Burning Love. This concert was seen by about 1 250 00000 people. Imagine what kind of an advertisement it was. Elvis also spoke abut Karate on his concerts and frequently showed Kata (a demonstration).

While shooting G.I. Blues Elvis hurt his arm. He was breaking blocks with his bare hand. So they had to make it up.

Elvis also intended to shoot karate movies.

Elvis trained from 1970 - 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 adressed in the training era. After first choosing Mr. Panther, that name was later changed to Mr. Tiger because of excisting political implications associated with the name "Panther" at that time.

Some of his jupsuites were made in a japanese style.

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