Joe Lewis studied Shorin-ryu Karate with Eizo Shimabuku, Chinsaku Kinjo and Seiyu Oyata in Okinawa while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, earning his black belt in a mere seven months. He studied with the influential martial artist and Jeet Kune Do founder Bruce Lee. [4] Hong Kong cinema historian Bey Logan says Lewis was the original pick of Bruce Lee for the villain Colt in Way of the Dragon, but that Lee and Lewis had a falling out before the film and thus Chuck Norris was tabbed instead.

Joe Lewis is an American kickboxer and point Karate fighter whose success in the ring in the 1960s and 1970s is still legendary. He has twice been voted the greatest fighter in karate history, [1] and has attained the titles of "World Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion," "World Heavyweight Karate Champion," [2] and "United States National Black Belt Kata Champion." [3]In a career spanning three decades, Joe Lewis has won more titles, set more records and instituted more innovations than anyone in the history of Sport Karate.
When it comes to teaching people of all ages and levels of experience how to fight in the ring or self-defense, nobody can touch Joe Lewis.
Today, Joe Lewis is the Director of the Joe Lewis Fighting Systems Organization (www.joelewisfightingsystems.com). He teaches over 100 seminars and clinics each year in addition to hosting an annual Black Belt Only Conference for the elite members of his organization. He is in constant demand for appearances at martial arts tournaments and events worldwide. He lives in Clearwater Beach, FL and has two children, Cameron and Kristina Lewis.
In the mainstream, Bruce Lee is recognized as the ultimate martial arts icon, but within the world of real martial arts, the premier star for the past three decades has been the man twice voted as the Greatest Fighter in Karate History, Joe Lewis. Joe Lewis is peerless in his accomplishments as a fighter, instructor, and now author

He has twice been voted the greatest fighter in karate history, [1] and has attained the titles of "World Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion," "World Heavyweight Karate Champion," [2] and "United States National Black Belt Kata Champion." [3]
Joe Lewis won the World Heavyweight Kickboxing Championship on January 17, 1970 with a second round knockout over Greg Barnes. Lewis defended his title with 11 straight knockouts. He is the only kickboxer to be featured on the cover of The Ring Boxing Magazine. Lewis retired from kickboxing to become a movie actor. In 1975 he launched an unsuccessful comeback in which he dropped back-to-back decisions to Ted Limoz and Ross Scott. Lewis retired with a 12-3 (12 knockouts) record
Joe Lewis is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He has acted in films and on TV[7], and was briefly married to actress Barbara Leigh. Today he continues to give seminars and work in the entertainment industry.