Elvis Presley Karate Live Concert Las Vegas 1974 Tiger Man

[pipesrussell]

Elvis had karate training as much as he he had acting skills, yellow belt at best.

[paulietrev1]

Elvis doing what he enjoyed doing ..he loved karate and he never ever said h was the best at it but he respected it and he brought it to the masses who came to see him perform..Elvis earned his 1st Dan back in 1960

[omurchu12]

@paulietrev1 In Shito Ryu - not Kenpo - for somebody who apparently knows Martial Arts - explain to us all please how Rhee could promote Elvis to 7th in '73 when he only met him thru Parker in '70? Answer: He was asked by Elvis to give him a 7th because the number 7 held 'special' meaning to Elvis - Rhee is quoted on that himself - amazingly Rhee wasn't even recognized as a 7th himself in Korea at that stage - all honourary ranks, bought and paid for..... apart from the Shito Ryu

[paulietrev1]

@omurchu12 you are talking out of your arse ..Elvis earned every single belt and for you to imply that these masters could be bought is an insult to the art of karate and these fantastic men who worked with Elvis ..Elvis started in 1958 trained in Shotokan and had his first black belt in 1960. I will be talking with master rhee when i visit MEMPHIS next month to clarify elvis' ranks just to put you straight on a few FACTS.

[bikizuzu]

@paulietrev1 Just for clarity, Shito-Ryu IS similar to Shotokan in that it shares many of the characteristics of other Shuri-te derived styles. Elvis' Shodan (1st Black) in Shotokan was given to him in 1960 after being TESTED by Hank Slomanski at Fort Campbell, at the behest of Ed Parker, whom Elvis met that same year.

If you look up 'New Gladiators' footage on here, you can hear close friends of Elvis stating outright that Elvis specifically ASKED Rhee for 7th-Dan for his HONORARY rank...

[bikizuzu]

@paulietrev1 ...Clarification: The 7th Dan rank that Rhee awarded was for KENPO Karate, NOT Shotokan. There are absolutely NO records of Elvis testing for or earning 1st-Dan in Kenpo (or any beyond that), only the 7th Dan he was AWARDED (not tested for) in 1973 which he specifically ASKED Rhee for 'because the number 7 had special meaning to him'. He was AWARDED (again NO test) 8th Dan in 1974 by Rhee. Kenpo's structure for TESTING Dan ranks does NOT allow a jump like that in a single year.

[bikizuzu]

@paulietrev1 If you want some interesting proof about Elvis' ranks in Kenpo, I can provide you a link for the recent auction of Elvis' BLUE BELT & certificates of TEST in KENPO that was given to him, ALSO in 1974.

You have some homework to do, mate. If you study Martial Arts, then you should understand the 'honour' aspect of it. Having the public know & understand Elvis' ranks will make little difference to most. But to those of us who have to EARN our ranks, it's the basic principle of HONOUR.

[omurchu12]

@paulietrev1 Really? I was just training with Bill 'Superfoot' Wallace myself - one of Elvis's teachers - why would a 7th/8th dan need a teacher? Because he wasn't - and that quote by Rhee has him going on to say he never thought Elvis was as good as a proper 7th dan - It just shows though - you missed the point entirely - if it takes at best 3 years to get 1st dan in TKD how did he make 7th in 3 years -because, well he didn't and that goes for Kenpo too.

[omurchu12]

@paulietrev1 As for talking out of arse - I train in Kenpo and Hapkido - another Korean art - what do you do? I've also trained in Choy Lay Fut, Lung Ying, Filipino Martial Arts - I doubt a muppet like you - even has a grade - because if you can call that that 'good' Martial Arts - you haven't mastered the basics.. Nobody can call that good and then call themselves a Martial Artist - it's a travesty... Check Rhee's bio - he made Elvis a 7th when he was only a 6th? Check the dates dicky!

[zerohurt]

@omurchu12

Well im a 2nd dan kickboxer and Karate exponent, ive had plenty of full contact fights and i recon

Elvis would have handed you your ass.

I watched a documentary a bit back with an old black guy saying how he didn't like his white music freinds coming down to the black area of Memphis on their own .. but he dint bother about Elvis .. "that guy could take care of himself". were his words.

[omurchu12]

@zerohurt you know jack about Kenpo - which isn't the only style I do - I don't like to see my style however badly performed - and certainly not by Elvis - That tub of lard couldn't take care of his own wife from an other Karate man - Mike Stone - so I' don't think he'd have been much bother - just like half the no- brains on here who don't have a clue about Kenpo.

[zerohurt]

@omurchu12

i see a lot of posts slagging off others but lets see a video of you in action so we can see your so called elite Kempo how it should be done

[omurchu12]

@zerohurt I don't have to put up anything mate - there's Huk Planas, Jeff Speakman - Larry Tatum - Tommy Jordan etc etc that are MASTERS of Kenpo - that are 7th, 8th Dans and that did grade under Ed Parker and their peers and that do set a proper example - the trouble with you mate is as I said before - you know nothing about Kenpo - so be a good boy and run along and play your records and leave the Martial Arts to those that can.

[zerohurt]

@omurchu12

im not your mate ..mate ..and i dont know about Elvis but i would hand you your ass .. i can set a full contact fight anytime you like in the UK .. so we can see who can .. or cant as is im sure your case .

[omurchu12]

@zerohurt You couldn't kick snow off a rope -pal - and bring it - but just so you know I also do Filipino Martial Arts and like using Bolo's(Filipino machette) let's see you kick and punch after I cut you into small pieces - by the way - here's a link for you - read it and learn child...karate-in-english-lewi­s-wallace.blogspot-- google that - when your betters speak STFU and listen. Elvis always was a running joke in MA circles , that should prove why.

[zerohurt]

@omurchu12

Bring your knives, you will need all the tools you can get .You are not a true martial artist mate .. you can train as much as you like but your attitude to others and lack of respect is not that of a true martial artist. Agreed Elvis doesnt look great in these videos but i know a lot of black belts who have earned their belts and still dont look that good, that doesn't mean they don't deserve respect for time served ..I have finished talking to you now your mental age is oviously 12

[omurchu12]

@zerohurt At least I tell the truth & I show respect to those that have earned their grades & can also tell the truth - I have no time for those so called 'Black Belts' or any honourary rank ok? You would be the first to complain if it was kickboxing Elvis was cocking up - I'm certainly not perfect either - this muck should not be held up as the work of a 1st Dan never mind a 7th/;8th anything as it undermines the Arts and makes a mockery of anybody who worked for their grades.

[bikizuzu]

@zerohurt You say you're a karate 'exponent', but w/ all due respect, that doesn't make you an EXPERT. A 'true martial artist' does all they can to represent their art with TRUTH & INTEGRITY. I've been in various MA for nearly 40 years, & taught 2 different kinds of karate. I can tell you straight out that 'time served' does NOT a true 'spirit' of Black Belt make; there's plenty of inepts &/or thugs that I've seen with Dan ranks that should NEVER have been promoted, either for skill OR attitude.

[zerohurt]

@bikizuzu

I have been on the path for 23 years it entitles me to my opinion as you are entitled to yours .. I just think you guys should show a little more respect to your King .. we would get locked up talking about our royal family the way you guys are ;)

[bikizuzu]

@zerohurt Look mate, if you really want to keep this going you're going to have to have a better argument than that. Elvis was NOT royalty; 'King' was his title as a PERFORMER, & being famous has ZERO bearing on his skill as a martial artist. Your argument is invalid. Sure you're entitled to your opinion but if the FACTS don't add up, no one can take you seriously. I respect Elvis, but I feel that this footage is degrading to him, & misrepresents Kenpo in general AND his ranks--bottom line.

[paulietrev1]

Elvis took his 7th Dan with master kang Rhee , Wayne Carmen can testify to that and Ed Parker awarded Elvis his 8th ..purely disrespectful for you to imply that Elvis bought people's affections and twisted their judgement on his ability in karate..these masters in karate did not care for elvis' fame or money ..infact Ed Parker turned down many gifts from Elvis ..because Elvis was a giving man and enjoyed sharing his wealth ..not because he was trying to buy people's loyalty nor bribe them

[bikizuzu]

@paulietrev1 You obviously don't understand the meaning (or PROOF) of Elvis' 'HONORARY' ranks; GO LOOK THEM UP. It's a known fact & has been written about by several authors. But you said it yourself^: Ed Parker AWARDED his 8th; that means he did not TEST, it was on paper ONLY. Please try to get it right And I'm aware that Elvis was a giving man; you took my comment the wrong way & twisted my words & context. Again, you're choosing to believe only what you wish to & ignoring the published FACTS.

[paulietrev1]

All the sad fucks on here who are dissing Elvis , just shut the fuck up .. Elvis started karate back in 1958 whilst in the army . He enjoyed the work out and karate helped keep him agile on stage .. All these so called karate masters or experts on here are talking through 'know jack shit asses' if Elvis enjoyed karate then is that harming you ?

[bikizuzu]

@paulietrev1 Unfortunately for your argument, some of us on here DO know what we're talking about; swearing at us or childish name-calling won't change that. None of us are disputing Elvis' incredible music or the fact that his stage acts helped bring karate to the masses at a great time for it. However: The principal of ANYONE simply being handed a rank for which they didn't TEST, and then CLAIMING they EARNED it goes against basic honesty. For those of us that have instructed, it IS important.

[paulietrev1]

@bikizuzu who said his ranks were given to him ..he earned them , I have spoke with master rhee and i also spoke to ed parker in the 1980's ..believe me elvis earned every belt..RESPECT TO YOU I do know know what I am talking about ..I met Bill Siuperfoot Wallace last year and he told me the same about Elvis ..HE EARNED EVERY SINGLE BELT

[bikizuzu]

@paulietrev1 Sorry, but I DON'T believe you; several of us did a lot of research into the subject of Elvis' ranks & were actually very surprised & disappointed at what we found. The info is there for ANYONE to find if you look; there are pics of his 7th/8th-Dan certs CLEARLY marked 'HONORARY'; it's a well-known fact that Elvis did not TEST for these ranks, they were AWARDED. His friendship, money & influence went a long way with those that were close to him, but you don't have the whole story.

[bikizuzu]

@paulietrev1 As for talking to Ed Parker in the 80'S?? Elvis hadn't been gone that long at that point, & his friends were (& still mostly are) going to do everything they can to keep 'the legend' of Elvis alive; it was still important back then, & frankly they were covering their own arses for some of Elvis' embarassments. As for Bill 'Superfoot' Wallace, we saw him here recently in Ireland & spoke with him as well. It was informative. Elvis did not TEST for his ranks; they were GIVEN to him.

[SuperAtlantis1]

Hey, say what you want, Elvis could kick your Ass!

[toons999]

ELVIS WAS NEVER A SERIOUS KARATEKA, IT TAKES NO EXPERT TO SEE THAT

THE BIGGEST FAVOUR ANY GENUINE ELVIS LOVING FAN CAN DO HIS LEGACY IS TO HELP BURRY THESE EMBARASSING ELVIS KARATE CLIPS FOREVER.

[bikizuzu]

@toons999 I agree w/you that clips like this & the 'New Gladiators' footage are not ringing endorsements for Elvis' skill at karate. He studied for a long time & was presumably even allowed to test students. That's why I find it so frustrating that there isn't some really good footage out there of him SERIOUSLY TRAINING. It would put into perspective a lot of the questions that people have about his ranks & skill. Hopefully one day some will turn up. Until then, well, just enjoy the MUSIC! ;)

[thewsca]

I don't know how good he was,but it looks pretty good to me.It worked really good with the music too.I read somewhere that he really did earn his belts too.It really helped his moves on stage and the strength in his legs.Just check out the slow part of Suspicious Minds.There's only one King.

[bikizuzu]

@omurchu12 Save your breath, mate. You've just met one of the ones that's too thick to ever be taught; it's all bluster and bullshit. He may have learned the moves, but his head's not in the right place to ever call it 'art.' If homeboy wants to threaten folks and identify himself with inferior Martial Arts, it doesn't matter HOW big or buff he is, he's still a fool, still not worthy in spirit. You know YOU are better than that; I've seen it, and so have others. This one's a waste; leave him.

[omurchu12]

@bikizuzu Yeah muppets like that, think shouting and screaming and threathening people will make them cheange their minds when they see crap like this, I don't think so! Maybe if he invested in an education and stopped the steroids for long enough he MIGHT be able to form an objective point of view - instead of being blinded by the ....ahem ....'brilliance of Elvis' - what a muppet!

[paulietrev1]

@bikizuzu shut the fuck up you retarded fuck wits ..what do you know about karate !! ..still on your blue belt ? lol leave elvis alone he did karate to let off steam and to use as part of a stage show , not to go around beating people up ..wtf do you think you are ..whats your name? well your family in the local zoo ape house will be the only ones who will remember your sorry ass name after you are dead and gone ..elvis' legecy and music will be forever..whats your contribution to society ?

[bikizuzu]

@paulietrev1 Wow, Slick, that's quite a rant. MY 'contribution to society' is nearly 40 years in Martial Arts of several different types, a successful career using my skills to PROTECT people, and oh yeah!--the legacy of all my STUDENTS that became LEGITIMATE Black Belts. I've been a fan of Elvis' music & moves since I was a kid; I identified with him BECAUSE of karate. My PROBLEM is the misrepresentation of his so-called 'Honorary' ranks; he didn't EARN what folks claim he was an 'expert' at.

[omurchu12]

@paulietrev1 Hey Muppet - I'd say you never spent a day in a Dojo - so keep your yap shut and let the experts do the analysis ok? By the way - sneaky coward that you are - don't post me comments when you disabled replies - if you can't take criticism don't dish it out in the first place - as for kicking my ass or anyone's elses - listen mate, I doubt you could kick snow off a rope....

[paulietrev1]

@omurchu12 hey cock sucker , i spent many times in a dojo and i come from a family of uk champions in karate ..i would see seriously kick the shit out of you ..you cannot take critisim you sad fuck ..fancy one on one ? if you are in the uk i would gladly meet you to give your arse a kicking !

[omurchu12]

@paulietrev1 Bring it..... Daigokan Kenpo - oldest club in Ireland - Donnycarney Dublin - come in and ask for me - I'll send you home in a body bag - then you can be just like Elvis - dead....

[bikizuzu]

@bigbadcaddylsa Your math's as bad as your spelling & grammar. You say you started Martial Arts in '66? I call BULLSHIT! You're a year older than me & I was BORN in 66! And don't even THINK of threatening ME; I've 40 years of every kind of MA under my black belts PLUS cold steel in my hand. With or without drugs, what Elvis did here is SHITE. Tired of people keeping up the myth that he EARNED his ranks. Fame & money BOUGHT him what folks like us STRIVE so damn hard with SWEAT & PRIDE to attain.

[JAARNO88]

@bikizuzu When your the king ,things come easy but, it doesnt mean elvis didnt know the theory about karate ,and understand it more than most. maybe he wasn't correct in his movement because for that you need to train for several hours every single day. he had other things to do i guess. but one thing elvis did was study, and he could take care of himself in a fight, we know that . any how,.. when the shit hit the fan elvis would just shoot you!

[bikizuzu]

@JAARNO88 I'd completely forgotten about this thread! I agree with you, though; Elvis was passionate about his karate, & it went hand in hand with his stage performances; he WAS remarkably strong, quick & flexible. We do know for a fact that he did TEST for his 1st-Dan rank; the others after that were 'HONORARY'; you can find the certificates online & see. He has my respect for bringing karate to the masses through his music; he was inspiring onstage. And he did love his guns! His poor tv... ;)

[shelta1116]

Elvis knew as much about Karate as i know about Building Sky Scraper ..meaning i know nothing about building ..it was embarrassing too watch him make a fool of him self

[omurchu12]

@shelta1116 Fair play to you! At there's someone here not 'blinded' by that crap he's 'doing' Man he sucks!

[klatoverataknickto]

Wow! Great 'ludes, eh?

[KingToa666]

man if the guy who shot john lennon tried to kill elvis he would of got round house kicked in the head after elvis dodged the bullet

[omurchu12]

@KingToa666 Not on that evidence - that was a piss poor roundhouse man and his Kenpo was muck!

[kamagong78]

elvis had bad karate form but that would still be enough to beat up all Korean pop idols.

[Michel301168]

Elvis is not goodl Karatéka...

Very very very bad movement !

[SAA1337]

@Michel301168 consider his entire heath is declining, he falls out of cars, gets in 3-day-comas and his entire diet consists of southern fried food. go back another year or so and his movement is flawless. Also I've learned he earned a grand karate-title this year(74), like the biggest there is.. he's got it in him, i'm sure. I get very defensive when it comes to Elvis ^^

[omurchu12]

@bigbadcaddylsa Nonsense - he was 'awarded' all his dan grades - he might have been good enough to get a 1st dan but everything I've seen him do could have been done better by an orange belt in Kenpo - and 10th dans are not passed down that way - Larry Tatum 10th dan Kenpo - they're awarded for ability and service - or if you have the cash and some cadillacs like Elvis.....

[bigbadcaddylsa]

@omurchu12 fuk yaself bitch. sound yellow ta yu? im a brother mix. fuk yu yo/ n ya mamma too. get off the dick.

[omurchu12]

@bigbadcaddylsa go suck yourself dickwad - I'd bitchslap your black ass all over the place - I'd tapdance on your teeth - you blowhard muppet...'I'm a brother - oohh scary... ' LOL!- no BOY - you nothin; got no game 'cept runnin' your mouth save that for the basketball court BRO that's all you got. YO mama so cheap - she got turnstile in the bedroom - business so good and yo sista too..

[bigbadcaddylsa]

@omurchu12 tell ya what lil mans. i been in the martial art a kimchido since 1966. ya want some a this? bring it. n word,i aint yur avg short lil man niether. ya talk tuff bhind the web. lessee u back it up. ya from the usa? good lets do this. cuz im a REAL 84" tall n 297lbs a steel. i do my martial arts everyday n pump serius iron 5 days a week. yu say when n wher. i will bitchslap yur faggot asas ta hell wher ya comer from.yu maam a 2 bit ho cuz she gots no teeth racist bitch.

[omurchu12]

@bigbadcaddylsa Yeah yeah - bring it homey - we send yo ass home in a box - for a slow drive in a long black car - You pump iron huh? can you stop LEAD? Watch who YOU mouth off at son - - and no, I'm Irish - and watch your mouth with your NWA crap - That woman that wouldn't get off that bus Rosa Parks? - she had Irish blood too- only racist I see here is - as usual the poor African American. Shut your yap, you dickhead Muppet!

[omurchu12]

@SAA1337 Then get your facts right - he's awful at Kenpo - which is what he's making a right dog's dinner of! He NEVER made Grandmaster - he was awarded his grades - which is like getting an honoury degree - he did'nt earn them = and his movement is awful - Great singer/performer - can't take that from him - but muck at karate - I get very defensive when it comes to Kenpo!!

[bigbadcaddylsa]

@omurchu12 fuckchu, tatum aint 1 ta talk. he spoda modified the parker sytem n awarded hisself the 10th dan as soke-founder a modern kenpo. laughable at best! n yu sound like a blue belt tops bitch. Elvix was damn good. I bet yu n me sparred id,i KNOW id kick yur cockmunch ass.. on the web ya dunno who ya fuk with. a cat like me? been in mma since 1966 dude. n i never rest from it. iz my life. ghetta wordage n all.

[omurchu12]

@bigbadcaddylsa BS - Tatum was an example - wno by the way Parker described as his protege - take Huk Planas, Mike Pick any of them - you dope! I bet you don''t even study Kenpo - you prat! If we sparred I'd wipe the floor with you! I've been training since '87 so fuck you! Black Belts- I wipe the floor with them - There's good ones and shite ones and Elvis was a shite one - and learn to spell bitch - You sound like a YELLOW to me..

[omurchu12]

@bigbadcaddylsa Dumbass bitch can't even spell right - oh I'm black so I'm tough? LOL! Yo bitch ass be crawlin' for the door after I thru kickin' it , I slap yo ass white, punkass lowlife

[thevoid99]

if the king was alive, he would beat the shit outta little justin bieber and that topless boy from "twilight".

[TheDustydog101]

@thevoid99 Well put.

[CanaKahuna]

Elvis felt the need to tell everyone that he loved Karatay {as he said it} but no one gave a crap.

He'd go on and on and talk about then put on a demo for everyone and lots walked out.

[tcooperent]

this is the conceret in which he did this b.s on stage and audience members began walking out of the concert.

[dpitd]

Is there a wasp on stage?

[MsYolzy]

even doing martial arts on stages it still looks like he is dancing..its those HIPS he cant help jiving!

[MrTamerlan1980]

fantastic!! we need more singers with martial arts experience...

[omurchu12]

@MrTamerlan1980 But not like him he was MUCK at karate!

[CSTANCHIK]

elvis was a real karate master. before there was rock n wresstling there was rock n karate. unfortunately colonel parker didnt see it that way and tried to tone it down. fortunately elvis didnt listen cstanchik

[thewsca]

@CSTANCHIK Good comment.Totally agree.

[omurchu12]

@CSTANCHIK he bought his grades because on what I just watched he was pretty bad at Kenpo - That was pathetic...

[omurchu12]

@CSTANCHIK On this evidence - he did'nt master jack! He's awful! There's kids in my Kenpo Dojo that could do better than that! He Sucks!

[JoseBernalesCabrera]

Beyond words!

[omurchu12]

@JoseBernalesCabrera Crap Karate can do that to you - I feel I should apologise for that muck...

[qlenda]

Great footage!