Elvis Presley's Karate Legacy: From Black Belts to Bruce Lee and Beyond
During a visit to Graceland, President Donald Trump inquired about Elvis Presley's karate skills. The museum's employees shared that Presley held multiple black belts and helped popularize karate in the United States alongside Bruce Lee. Presley's interest in karate began in 1958 while stationed in Germany during his Army service. He earned his first-degree black belt in 1960 and continued to advance, eventually reaching the eighth-degree black belt level. Despite his martial arts expertise, Presley is best known for his music career. He even opened the Tennessee Karate Institute in Memphis in 1974, a few years before his passing at age 42.
Trump, a self-proclaimed fan of Elvis, jokingly asked if he could have taken Presley in a fight. While Trump has not received formal martial arts training, he was honored with an honorary ninth-degree black belt in 2021. His visit to Graceland marked his first time at the iconic estate, where he expressed admiration for the King of Rock 'n' Roll. The museum continues to celebrate Presley's legacy, showcasing his karate achievements and contributions to the martial arts world.