a conversation with Benny Urquidez and Bill Wallace

[@CameronQuinnKyokushinKarate]

Once, in 1990, these two great men were at my dojo in Brisbane Australia. We had a bit of free time after training and Bill said, “Well, what can we do?” I said, “You know, my folks live about an hour away and my dad is a big fan and he’d love to meet you.” And Bill said, “Well what are we waiting for?” So I phoned home and said I am coming for lunch and have some friends with me. Dad knew Bill and Benny were in town so he suspected who the friends I was coming with were. He was a huge fan. Mum said he was like a little boy, looking out the window every 5 minutes to see if we had arrived. Anyway, we spent maybe 5 or 6 hours taking it easy, eating a nice afternoon tea, enjoying the peace of the river we lived on. At one stage Benny and my dad sat out by the river for about an hour and a half, talking, respecting each other. My dad was a beautiful soul, very saintly, who had fought in WW2 and he loved warriors. And Benny is very intuitive. He felt my dad’s purity and love. I had a column in a martial arts magazine where I interviewed all kinds of great martial artists, including Bill and Benny. And my dad would always read the interviews with different martial artists and ask me, “Yes, but is he as good as Benny?” “Benny who?” I would ask. “You know, Benny!” “No, who?” “Benny Uckidy, Benny Ookaday. You know who I mean!” Lol, he couldn’t pronounce Benny’s name. It was a lovely afternoon, and Bill and Benny gave so much love with their time. My dad passed away about a month later, he was 75 and had cancer, and he was so happy to have met these fine men. So to this day I only have good things to say about how much kindness and humility these legends have.

[@superstrangevideo]

Awesome story bro! I have a tear in my eye. My heart goes out to you for your loss brother. Thanks for sharing.

[@COMB0RICO]

Beautiful story, sir. Thanks from Texas.

[@CameronQuinnKyokushinKarate]

@SONIC ART I think Benny has murdered a lot of people with his greatness.

[@carpejkdiem]

Amazing story! Warms the heart. Just awesome in every way!!!! - Blessings to you and yours (sorry for your loss.)

[@bhenderson7651]

I can picture the whole story, thanks for sharing that gem.

[@Lu_Bu__]

Benny is definitely my inspiration, got real far from a depressed borderline anarexic kid to a healthy young man. Thank you Benny stay safe

[@Scorch1028]

Yeah, Benny Urquidez trained in multiple styles during a time when most martial artists were locked into "one style for life."

[@alexmccrorie4195]

I amazed how humble those two legends are , and both were unbeaten as professionals.

[@DoOver2006]

Absolutely two great legends in Martial Arts.. I still watch Benny Urguidez older fights in awe.. I don't believe there is or has been a better kick boxer than Benny "The Jet" Urquidez.

[@illuminatingpath_]

I'd say he's the greatest combat athlete of all time for real the guy has like 8 black belts in grappling too

[@diontimothy1720]

Agree

[@Scorch1028]

Benny Urquidez competed when the sport of kickboxing was in its infancy. He grew up training in basic point fighting karate, and he was a teenager by the time that full-contact karate/kickboxing had an international audience. Benny could defeat Thaiboxers at a time when very few Western kickboxers could. Benny was able to "rapidly adapt" to the Muay Thai thigh kicks, while other western fighters' maintained their 45 degree angle and got their thighs destroyed. A few years ago, Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson said that Muay Thai thigh kicks should be banned from MMA. Well, Benny Urquidez was more "adaptable" 40+ years ago, than Wonderboy is today.

[@mercerconsulting9728]

Attended a clinic in Boulder, CO with Bill Wallace in the mid 1970s. I've retained what I learned about his kicking techniques. Even at 68, I still impress people with my kicks. Thanks, Bill!

[@canarc1]

The combined talent of these two warriors is quite mind boggling. I feel very blessed to have been part of that era of the golden years of martial arts.

[@rockyclick371]

This is humbling. Two absolute geniuses at their art. All I can do is sit and watch

[@OldSchoolCombat]

Thanks for this great interview! You did a great job!

[@touchinggloveswithbendos9126]

Two absolute legends of the fight game here... How amazing is it that we get to tune into a casual chat between them?

[@BoYcLuE]

I can watch these legends talk for hours. I just had a smile throughout the entire conversation.

[@warrior3214]

One of the best videos ever, what champions! great upload, thankyou.

[@tonyharris2849]

I trained with Steve Mohamed for a short of time he was a great instructor thank you for mentioning hammer Mister Wallace

[@IS-xk3iq]

Outstanding conversation. It basically some up the 1960s and 70's martial arts. I recall in an interview Bill Wallace said that nowadays the new martial artist incorporating jujitsu and mix martial arts are better, for they have more tools in their toolboxes. I think those who take Krav Maga wish to discard the mannerisms of traditional karate and just practice real life self defense. Some very fortunate WW11 veterans returned to America with martial art skills, such as Dan Ivan, who brought Fumio Demura Sensei to America. It was that generation who taught the likes of Benny and Bill. Kudos to them with the utmost respect.

[@quantumfx2677]

I was very fortunate I got to spend a lot of one on one time with Bill Wallace in 1991! We talked about the movies and how Van Damme got started and Chuck Norris powerful kicks. Bill could kick me in the back of the head just being a foot away from me. Awesome guy!

[@grillaleaf8110]

KZbin is amazing. I had no idea who these individuals were. I stumbled into "Benny" last night and it led me down quite the interesting path. Stories they have are incredible!

[@mariorauldelapena2052]

Mis respetos!!! Impresionante!!! Muchas Gracias!!!

[@stacywilliams1710]

Two great Martial Artists. Thank You for your skillful knowledge.

[@juliovaldez4064]

The best los mejores

[@zhihonghuang5203]

2 legends of full contact fighting - thanx for posting this.

[@alexismontalban515]

What a class act these two legends are. Thanks for all the memories. This is what martial arts is really about: Character, humility and discipline. God bless 'em.

[@ShukokaiStu]

So nice to of you to share these two legends with us. Thank you.

[@azlaroc12]

True champions here. Professional in and out of the squared circle. Respect.

[@jerryh2954]

These two guys are amazing fighters. Thanks for sharing this!

[@georgeherrera9464]

Two living Legends. God bless Bill Wallace and Benny Urquidez.

[@roccon1338]

Back in Yellowknife, NWT Canada as a 10 year old, I used to read about Benny in a karate magazine. These two are still leading the pack as the most natural guys around.

[@billyclub9863]

Glad to hear Mr. Demura get a shout out. Started with Uncle Fumio in '68. Sensei, R.I.P.

[@pablojose9582]

Thank you for sharing this. I was just happy to listen.

[@BeholdTheTruth79]

Great video. Both men are living legends, old school martial artists, so tough yet so humble. Just think how many great stories these gentlemen must have that they could tell, I think it's safe to say we'd all like to hear every story they have.

[@cavinmurray8601]

Thanks for sharing this conversation

[@ivanpinto8723]

Man, i hope someday these talks reach out to every Martial artist who walk the path of Fighting, its just awesome to listen to them

[@spanishlarc31]

Love to hear these remembrances

[@tomg2946]

Im really glad to see this. Two of the greatest US 'karate' fighters ever. Bill was number one point fighter for years, then went through as middleweight champ in full contact for 6 years at the top. Benny a star point fighter, and reigned in lightweight kickboxing including beating the top Japanese, Thai fighters. Between them they represent the development of fighting leading to mma today. At one time, Bill won BlinkyRodriguez, Bennys brother in law, and an interview like this might have been abrasive then, as some dispute in that over refs timekeeping after Blinky hot Bill with hard shot, but Bill won. But, as Benny said, the bond and honor system these fighters grew up in overcomes this kind of thing. They clearly respect each other deeply. I just wouldve liked to have seen Joe Lewis , talking with them like this, and throw in Arnold Urquidez too, who was a top heavyweight blood n guts fighter back in the late 60s, with great front kicks, and one of the few who toe to toed it with Joe. RIP Joe and Arnold. Thanks for this upload.

[@melvintate8186]

Man love both of these guys ❤️,God bless them both!!

[@nikolaipotapenkov8823]

I am just honored to watch such a Wonderful 2 super stars in Martial art.. Thanks for inspiration...Absolutly fantastic .

[@FINDINGFITNESS101]

The days when martial artists had honour, respect and humility! Both legends!

[@mikevaldez7684]

These guys are awesome, so great, so cool. I love them!

[@stevelondoner985]

Top, top guys.. and Super GOAT's in their own fields. I loved meeting Bill at the 1985 GIKO Show in Birmingham UK (with Cynthia Rothrock, George Cheung, Tadashi Yamashita...)... pity Benny wasn't there, as I'd seen him in the Jackie Chan flick "Wheels On Meals", the same year, with one of the best choreographed Martial Arts fight scenes I had seen in a while back then. Great chaps.. and always humble, too. Love them both. 🤩

[@jamesmartin4902]

Two goats right here when I was a young martial artist these two and Bruce Lee where my freaking idols! Great to see you guys, I won a lot of challenges off of techinques/strategies I learned from watching you two. God Bless!

[@NMFILMPRODUCTIONS]

Two of the greatest of all time.

[@jafo3814]

Yes, Bill and Benny are indeed HONORABLE men. Respect to both...

[@naturallyaspirated7829]

Benny's smile lights up the room Always love to watch the guy

[@kevindean1327]

Two great guys. Benny has to be one of the nicest guys ever!!!

[@hassanechetouane1092]

Bill and Benny! you are two marvellous and kind person.

[@NJ-fi8or]

Mr. Urquidez and Mr. Wallace You two were my inspiration to start Full Contact Karate and after 39 years of training I'm still going strong. I will Honor the two of You By continuing The Bushido Code God Bless

[@tbost11]

Thank you for this 2 fathers of American karate like watching Yoda and obi wan talk thank you

[@The-Sigma-Principle]

I see two old men who can still definitely beat any regular young guy in a street fight now 😉

[@francescodelisi139]

Benny could destroy even a trained fighter

[@notyou8716]

@@francescodelisi139 Older fighters have a lifetime of trained muscle-memory that younger fighters don't have. That counts for a great deal.

[@The-Sigma-Principle]

@@francescodelisi139yes. true fact that i believe so

[@billy22oenix]

Agree, . . . Different Food, Different Training, Different Healthy Lifestyle . .

[@AJ-77]

Súperfoot is ver6 old but an amazing master and Benny could Breath the 80% of the Planet easily.

[@SamSoMite421]

This is going to turn into a classic chat by two legends.

[@philpowell1162]

I met Benny the jet back 2010 at My old fight gym. His one of the best martial artists ever and one of the most humble men you will ever meet! His a beast and a gentleman !

[@waynewayne9973]

Love the Honesty of these 2 Living Legends!

[@insanelook]

Huge respect for you both guys !

[@NYgolfguy]

Legends. Great to see them together sharing memories!

[@mrtrik71]

100% it shows who these men are very rare fantastic heartfelt story

[@robertoalvarado3884]

Two great Champions with Niagara Water bottles next to them the great company I work for. It was honor to meet both of them🙏🏻 Bill Wallace and Benny the Jet.

[@BladeRunner-PFK]

Good old days! Grew up watching these guys before I got into Australian national team!

[@jamesmiles5662]

Two absolute legends and warriors,still watch bill wallace videos great kicker,

[@marccano5061]

These two legends were a big part of my youth while going to college

[@DavidLee-no9uc]

Two of my Favorite Famous Martial Artists!.. I've met Bill, Never met Benny but I am confident he's a great guy!.. Respect!.. 3:)

[@nubiankenpo]

Legendary men and stories. Salute..

[@leonardlongoria1891]

2 legends in 1 room. It doesn’t get better than this!

[@bruceleroyhoffman]

As a long time subscriber of Black Belt kagazine I know these guys quite well.

[@Sacciuiguai]

I could listen to these two for 10 hours straight

[@DBlizt2k6]

Love to see two of the greats from martial art history talking about the foundation of Martial Arts and honor. I would love to get to meet them one day.

[@bws205]

2 massive legends...back in the 70s & 80s, these were probably the 2 biggest names in martial arts

[@samuelbrown3693]

Wow, love these guys..grew up in the same stuff,,, tried to imitate super foot..( never could though)..........they where and still are my heroes.......!

[@Bengun67]

Gosh, I wish I could adopt a Grandpa - Grand master ( one or the other , just AWESOME ! )

[@jayscroggins.thunderboy3064]

Both my favorites ✊🏽👍🏽

[@marccano5061]

Holy shit! Did you see his jab?! After all these years,,,,it's incredible Bill Wallace

[@rilledulu]

[@MrSquaremind]

Two master! Respect!

[@craigpradarelli322]

They discuss karate the way karate should be done.

[@jquest43]

they left karate years ago..both are boxers now,with kickboxing

[@AztecUnshaven]

@@jquest43 false, Benny embraces Karate and boxing and Judo. He emphasizes his hybrid system, "Ukidokan", and stilll praises his Kenpo teacher (Bill Ryuzaki) and Ed Parker greatly.

[@jquest43]

@@AztecUnshaven watch him fight..BOXING,plus judo,AND KICKBOXING,you dont know fighting..however bennys system is great

[@AztecUnshaven]

@@jquest43 lol where do you think Benny's "kickboxing" comes from? Benny is an established Sensei for a reason. Benny's kickboxing is strongly rooted in his Kenpo Karate.

[@jquest43]

@@AztecUnshaven where is benny teaching today?

[@stevevandien310]

Two of the great men in American martial arts. Love 'em both.

[@3kmartialarts]

I meet you both, many years ago in Chile, then here in the USA. Not only do I admire them as a Martial Artist, I admire them for the accessible, humble and friendly and easy to converse with them. One day, I saw Bill Wallace entering a restaurant, I could not believe it, I approached him, but I did not dare to speak to him, then I sent him a message, and he answered me, and he told me, why did not you come and talk to me? Talk to Benny once in a tournament, I will never forget the kindness, and the long conversation, they are so accessible that they give you a lesson in humility.

[@cor2250]

Osu

[@keithbaugh6300]

You're the greatest!

[@BWater-yq3jx]

Imagine checking out this gym, and spotting Superfoot and Benny the Jet over there just having a chat...

[@tommystevenson2921]

outstanding........love this

[@ChosenWon]

This is great.

[@stevewhitaker1705]

Two all time greatest

[@frankiebey1279]

Amazing Video!

[@isiagadiakite1552]

Even you listening the talk you can learn how to fight I love fighting but this Legend are extra ordinary all my respect for this Legendary great guy great fighter great 👍 video

[@benitomaldonado7080]

Taking me back when martial arts had honor . Training was real and sparring was real also . God bless you both . Osu 👊

[@eddiemaiden2012]

This is awesome Their minds are as sharp as their kicks 🦶 🥋

[@deodurant5776]

Legends of the ring. Nothing but respect for this guys.

[@taktisk2158]

2:12 those punches were snapped out quickly. Imagine getting hit by one of these guys. Benny doesn’t even seem to notice.

[@webmediafactors4]

I love seeing the subconscious at work. Wallace Sensei demonstrated speed and Urquidez Sensei follows up by demonstrating strength.

[@speedoflight9005]

Bill must be 134. But in good shape, man!!

[@jonmati778]

Very Nice

[@keithjames3024]

One of my favourite kickboxers of all time - Bill Wallace!

[@cor2250]

My Both fav 👊💯

[@agustinmarioquiroga3776]

Great stuff

[@roberttasker3323]

Two of the best

[@ruiseartalcorn]

Two great masters!!! :)

[@weskal5490]

Two of the greatest legends. Both humble and genuinely nice guys that always fought with honor and respect for their opponents. Not like some of the loud-mouthed tantrum chucking show ponies of today. Connor Mcgregor would have easily been put on his ass by either of these champion of champions.

[@samuelbrown3693]

Great comment...honor and respect.

[@MrCastiel28]

Back when martial arts taught codes of behavior and ethics to complement martial skills being passed on to they're practitioners. Now it's just about the combat aspects of it and the philosophy is discarded-its tragic. That's why I dont think there are many true martial artists anymore, certainly not in mma; they're just sports combatants. Sporting a bunch of tattoos and talking a bunch of trash does not make one a warrior. These 2 are from a bygone era that I think is sorely needed now

[@chrishooper8260]

True fighters and true men these 2 men. Not like fighters today. Arrogant and full of themselves. The true art is taught by very few today. A real shame.

[@brandonhigh1191]

My 2 favorite martial artist of all times side by side. What combined knowlege and expieriance

[@mrtrik71]

Love these guys

[@dj-vg4uu]

2 think they both played against jackie chan in his movies!

[@keithbaugh6300]

Never will forget meeting you at Felipe's tournament in Centralia

[@shephusted2714]

you guys were great fighters and still would be today but it is on another level now in terms of competition - there does not seem to be one dominant style it is a fusion of all the best #parity

[@humandiscoball3393]

just time, I saw his fights. And I'm complete surprised by his technique.

[@maureiraomar]

Ñ happy to see two world champions

[@bradley_smith]

The Bushido Way, Yes Benny - Honour, Respect amongst fighters

[@TheBlueRage]

What they both have in common....Bruce Lee. I came here searching for Bill Wallace comment on Bruce Lee. I believe The Jet trained Shannon Lee.

[@JJ-bt7nx]

They were both in Jackie Chan movies too.