Join Sensei Ed Briz as he finishes up interviewing martial arts icon “Superfoot” Bill Wallace, the undefeated middleweight kickboxing world champion and 10th Dan black belt.
Bill and Ed discussed karate training and testing. Bill shared his experience training in Okinawa, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice and understanding the “why” behind techniques. They agreed that testing should be based on a student’s knowledge and readiness, rather than just meeting a set time frame. Bill also highlighted the value of competition in judo and the need to focus on a few key techniques as a black belt.
Bill shared his martial arts expertise, emphasizing the importance of adapting techniques to personal style and finding what works best for each fighter. He discussed his experience in various martial arts styles and how he incorporates elements from different disciplines into his own system. Bill also explained the strategic advantages of using a side-on stance in boxing and kickboxing, highlighting how it can make fighters harder to hit and create opportunities for counterattacks.
Bill shared a personal story about standing up to a bully in high school, where he unexpectedly defeated a larger opponent in a fight, leading to a dramatic confrontation with the principal that resulted in Bill’s expulsion. He also recounted his career in martial arts, including fighting Joe Lewis and winning a tournament in Dallas where Elvis Presley was in attendance, which eventually led to an opportunity to work with Elvis Presley in Memphis, though his father initially wanted him to become a schoolteacher.
Bill talked about his experiences in martial arts, particularly kickboxing, where he became a national champion for three consecutive years. He emphasized the importance of basic techniques and the strategic use of the jab, backfist, and sidekick in fighting. Bill also discussed his approach to self-defense, highlighting the importance of staying on your feet and using leverage to gain an advantage over an opponent. He concluded by reflecting on his proudest achievement in martial arts, which was his undefeated retirement from competition. Bill discussed his fighting career, including his philosophy of always aiming to win and his experiences with injuries and near-death experiences.
He says that he has never wanted to quit fighting, even after severe health issues in 2017. Bill also spoke about his encounters with martial arts legends like Joe Lewis and Bruce Lee, and expressed admiration for Bruce Lee’s philosophy on speed and technique.
Bill and Ed focused on historical martial arts techniques and their evolution. Bill shared his experiences with different martial arts styles, emphasizing the importance of practicality and the militaristic origins of martial arts. They also talked about the role of the “kiyie” in martial arts and Bill’s approach to teaching. The conversation concluded with Bill expressing his desire to be remembered as a decent fighter and his hope for future contributions to martial arts.
Listen now to discover the secrets behind one of martial arts’ most innovative champions.
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