Ron "The Black Dragon" Van Clief, a martial arts legend, was born in 1943 in Brooklyn, New York. He began his martial arts training in his early teenage years, and by the time he was in his early 20s, he had already started to make a name for himself in the karate world.
At 5 feet 10 inches and 190 pounds, Van Clief was an imposing figure, known for his speed, power, and toughness. He went on to win an impressive 10 New York State Full-Contact Karate Championships, as well as multiple Karate Point-Fighting Titles.
By the early 1970s, Van Clief had earned his 10th Degree Black Belt, a testament to his dedication and skill. His karate record stood at an impressive 110-8, a feat that few others could match.
Despite his impressive record, Van Clief's greatest challenge came in 1994, when he launched a comeback at the age of 51. On December 16, 1994, he faced off against former World JuJitsu Lightheavyweight and Ultimate Fighting World Champion Royce Gracie.
The Black Dragon landed one good punch, but was quickly taken to the canvas, where he engaged in a valiant battle before ultimately being choked into submission. This marked the end of one of the greatest fighting careers in martial arts history, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence martial artists to this day.
Person Biography:
Ron "The Black Dragon" Van Clief was born in 1943 in Brooklyn, New York.
