National Sport Karate Museum Living Legends Recap and Honors

On October 7-8, 2022 the National Sport Karate Museum, founded and operated by Professor Gary Lee, conducted their annual “Celebrity Roast” event attended by some of the biggest names in Sport Karate across the globe. This year’s honoree was 10th Degree Black Belt Judge Roy D. Kurban.

2022 Sport Karate Museum Living Legend and Roast honoree Judge Roy Kurban, Master Brad Bezoni, and Detective Curt Brannan

At this year’s event, Master Brad Bezoni was inducted into the Sport Karate Museum as a History General for his 30 years of Martial Arts training, teaching and competition. Along with this honor, he was also presented with the Eric Lee “Natural Kata” and Bill “Superfoot” Wallace Natural Fighter awards for his previous and continued excellence in competition in both forms and sparring events.

Master Bezoni displaying his certificates for the Bill “Superfoot” Wallace Natural Fighter Award, Sport Karate Museum History General Award and Eric Lee Natural Kata Award

As if the above were not enough, he also be competed in the annual “Kata Wars” competition, open only to those competitors who have placed 1st in kata (forms) competition at least 100 times throughout their career, or by special invitation by the Sport Karate Museum directly.

Master Bezoni performing Paiting Deuleagon Ea Dan - the 2nd Degree Black Belt form from Fighting Dragon Tae Kwon Do during the Kata Wars competition

Kata Wars Grand Champion winner - Tracy Armstead

As a special exhibition, Grand Master Rick Stanford of Dallas, TX set a new Guinness World Record by breaking 10 boards with an instep round kick!

GM Rick Stanford breaking 10 boards with an instep round kick

Throughout the weekend many old friends reconnected, and many new friends were made. Please feel free to scroll through the pictures below!