When I was a kid I used to see Elvis in movies doing karate! Not only was he (Elvis) the king of music but he was also the king of karate! Then I got older and started learning the martial arts. I heard rumors that Elvis could not fight his way out of a paper bag and that all of his belts were honorary. Although I am a 5th degree black belt in Kenpo Karate - I did not take the time to learn the real history!

I read an article by Al Tracy that attempts to separate the myth from the facts. According to Al Tracy, Hank (Henry) Slomanski was the instructor that granted Elvis a black belt. Henry was a tough cookie that won a Japanese championship after winning 119 bouts! I encourage you all to read this account by Al Tracy. He (Al) was a student of Ed Parker’s in the same time period.  

Ok - you might be thinking, I’ve heard that Elvis was a 10th degree, a 7th degree, or other high ranking black belt… is that the straight dope?  

The black belt is the toughest test most styles of karate have. To attain that rank, a student has to do everything prescribed by that style proficiently! The bar of measurement varies from school to school but if the instructor is known for his or her fighting ability - the students are certainly passed if they too, have fighting ability. I would submit to you, based on Elvis’s instructor who granted the black belt (Hank), That Elvis was the real deal.  

As for the later rankings… once a student achieved the black belt, he or she could get the latter rankings by doing prescribed tests or by contributing to the style as well as getting purely horary degrees. Each system’s ranking practices are different but the important ranking is black belt. All of the higher degrees do not generally have a much meaning because they speak to experience or political connections rather then fighting prowess!  

For instance I am a 5th degree black belt - a Master in my system. Do you think that means I am untouchable by a 1st degree black belt? No - I have more experience now but I am also a middle-aged man. Here is what I had to do for each degree of black belt:

• Fighting black belt: Fight 10 black belts in a row - I was antsy to start fighting black belt in tournaments.
• 1st degree black belt: 17 katas, spot check of 240 techniques, basics, fight 5 black belts.
• 2nd degree black belt: Karate demonstration
• 3rd degree black belt: Defend against a mass attack
• 4th degree black belt: Create 10 techniques and 1 kata
• 5th degree black belt: Present a thesis

Elvis studied with various instructors, some of which bestowed higher degrees of black belt but I say to you - The first degree is the most important. Elvis was a real black belt and was not a paper tiger! He was a truly amazing man that could be successful as a musician and get a black belt from a tough instructor such as Henry Slomanski!  

Here is a YouTube video of Elvis (the Tiger Man) reminiscing about karate. Chuck Norris wrote a nice article about Elvis and Priscilla Presley back in the day that gives a little more context. So to answer the burning question - Yes, Elvis could fight his way out of a paper bag. While I am not sure what his final ranking in each style was - he was the real deal. While reviewing material for this blog, I saw videos of his concerts where he launched into karate demonstrations. I think his love for karate helped advance the martial arts. 

1. msknowitall, December 25, 2007:

   That is amazing! I really had no idea that Elvis was REALLY a black belt. Thank you so much for your kind wors of encouragement. You have NO idea how much that meant!
   xo
   MsKnowItAll

2. John W. Zimmer, December 29, 2007:

   Hi MsKnowItAll,

   I enjoyed seeing your thoughts while going through your training. We have all been there but the rewards are worth it. I think Napoleon Hill said (paraphrasing), if you have a burning desire, you have what it takes to achieve it! I think you will do anything you put your mind to… most people do not realize that until later in life.

   Take care,

   John W. Zimmer

3. Krav Maga 411, December 31, 2007:

   I think one thing we have to remember for sure is that Elvis loved the martial arts and did as much as he could to turn other people on to them. I heard that when Bill “Super Foot” Wallace was injured and had to have surgery Elvis came through with some much needed financial support. I also heard that when they were auctioning off some of Elvis’s karate gis there was blood on them, that goes to show he wasn’t fake training.

4. John W. Zimmer, December 31, 2007:

   Wow… I had heard the the King was helpful but did not know the details. Thanks!

5. Joy Ruiz, January 16, 2008:

   Wow. This is an amazing entry. Never did the thought of Elvis being a black belt entered my mind. Thank you very much for your comment in my blog. Maybe I’m just burnt out but I really love karate. Even though sometimes, I want to quit, I am confident enough to say that whatever happens, I’ll continue training. Thanks also for the tips. God bless you.