10th Degree Black Belt Jim Butin

There are so many things that I have to be thankful for in my Martial Arts experiences that I have disclosed in my book. There is no single event that I can point to that says this is the best thing! Reading about the icons of karate competitions and famous personalities such as Chuck Norris, Joe Lewis, Bill Wallace, Skipper Mullins, and J. Pat Burleson, in the issues of Black Belt Magazine as a white belt was so inspiring. I never thought at that time that I would ever be good enough to make Black Belt or have the opportunity to compete against any of them or even to meet them. 

I truly grew up in the “Golden Era” of Karate competition. Starting at 16 was able to accept the challenges laid out before me to compete and succeed against the very best athletes in the sport. I not only achieved victories locally, but nationally and internationally as well. I fought on US teams In Seoul, Korea in the 1st World Tae Kwon Do championships in 1973 and the US “Dream Team” in 1974 in Europe with the very best fighters in the world. Joe Lewis, imparted ideas and concepts to me that were instrumental to making me better. Bill Wallace, showed me how to blend kicking attacks to be successful. Howard Jackson explained how “broken rhythm” would make any competitor improve on their attacks regardless of size. Jeff Smith was able to show that constant attack through superior conditioning was the key to success. I am blessed beyond measure to have experienced so many events, friendships, and successes in the martial arts and I hope that you will enjoy my memories!