Mr Lewis a pioneer of modern martial arts practiced Shorin-ryu Karate, Kickboxing and Jeet Kune Do, he trained with the greats like Bruce Lee, Sugar Ray Robinson.

Born in 1944, Lewis joined the Marines in 1962 and began his martial arts training while stationed in Okinawa under numerous masters, Eizo Shimabukuro, John Korab, Chinsaku Kinjo and Seiyu Oyata in Okinawa he earned his black belt in a record time of just seven months. After returning to the US he trained privately with Bruce Lee, even being considered for the role that eventually went to Chuck Norris in Way of the Dragon.

Lewis was a powerful fighter with a ring record of 14 KO's from 16 kickboxing bouts. Lewis dominated the fight world through the 60’s and 70’s . During his time in the ring he faced off against some of the best fighters in the world including Chuck Norris, Allen Steen, Skipper Mullins, Bob Wall, J. Pat Burleson and many more. In 1983 Lewis was voted by promoters and fighters as the greatest fighter of all time ahead of both Chuck Norris and Bill Wallace.

In addition to his titles and too many legendary fights to mention, he took a turn in several martial arts films starring alongside people like Christopher Lee, Donald Pleasence, and Robin Shou just to name a few. His last role is in the upcoming film Kill ‘em All due out in 2012.

Our thoughts and love are with Mr Lewis' friends and family - rest in peace champion......

The Fantastic Four and then there were 5 Mr Carl Emery for bringing them all together IT WAS September 14th 1974, at the Los Angeles Sports Arena, California that was the date of the first World kickboxing (Full-Contat) championships - better known as full contact karate. At this event, the four first World Champions were crowned: Isaias Dueñas (Mexico) at lightweight, Bill Wallace (USA) at Middleweight, Jeff Smith (USA) at light-heavyweight and Joe Lewis (USA) in the heavyweight devision. Since that historical event, these pioneers of kickboxing have never met as a group, the Fab four were brought together by Swiss former world Full-Contact champion Mr Carl Emery.