Episode Description
In this exhilarating episode, we dive into the life of Ron ‘Black Dragon’ Van Clief, exploring his journey from martial arts champion to cinema legend. Witness his dynamic transformation from UFC Commissioner to a revered figure in martial arts films, and discover the stories behind his iconic roles and groundbreaking contributions to the genre.
Guest Biography
Ron served as the UFC Commissioner from 1995-1996. He retired from karate competition at the age of 60 after winning the 2002 ALL AMERICAN OPEN KARATE/KUNGFU CHAMPIONSHIP. Ron started competing in the Brazilian Jujitsu Championship at the age of 74 fighting competitors half his age. A prolific author of 11 books, six of which have been published, three screenplays DIVE, SKINHEAD and RETURN OF THE BLACK DRAGON, THE MANUAL OF THE MARTIAL ARTS (1981), THE RON VAN CLIEF GUIDEBOOKS SERIES (5 VOLUMES), BLACK HEROES OF THE MARTIAL ARTS (1996), THE HANGED MAN The Story of Ron Van Clief (2011), BLACK HEROES OF THE MARTIAL ARTS 2,3 & 4 (2019-2022). He has produced the documentary THE HANGED MAN (2021) which is available for world distribution. Ron is in post-production with the animated film THE TAO OF THE BLACK DRAGON Van Clief Productions, and Daetrix Master Art Co-Production 2022. On March 3, 2022 Ron Van Clief was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame by Arnold Swartzenegger and Dr. Robert Goldman at the Arnold Classic Sports Festival. At present, Ron is editing his latest book, Zentences: The Tao of the Black Dragon (2022 release). For the past 11 years, he has trained in Relson Gracie Jujitsu and started competing at the age of 72 in bij. Ron lives with his wife, Kathy, and son, Kai, in Honolulu, Hawail.
Host – G. Keith Alexander
Born and raised in Chicago, G. Keith Alexander as a young boy had dreams of becoming a disc jockey and eventually became music director, afternoon jock, and leader of the launch team for his native city’s new station WGCI. His baritone delivery has also resounded over the airwaves of Disco 92 WKTU, 98.7 KISS-FM, former jazz station WRVR, Inner City Broadcasting’s WBLS in the Big Apple, Clear Channel’s Jammin’ 105, and Infinity’s New MIX 102.7.
G. Keith is also the host of “What’s Hot! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander”, the first podcast hosted on the HarlemAmerica Digital Network. He talks with a great variety of influential black voices in the entertainment industry like Gloria Gaynor, Keith David, Dionne Warwick, Darrin Henson, Phylicia Rashad, and more.
Episode Description
In this exhilarating episode, we dive into the life of Ron ‘Black Dragon’ Van Clief, exploring his journey from martial arts champion to cinema legend. Witness his dynamic transformation from UFC Commissioner to a revered figure in martial arts films, and discover the stories behind his iconic roles and groundbreaking contributions to the genre.
Host – G. Keith Alexander
Born and raised in Chicago, G. Keith Alexander as a young boy had dreams of becoming a disc jockey and eventually became music director, afternoon jock, and leader of the launch team for his native city’s new station WGCI. His baritone delivery has also resounded over the airwaves of Disco 92 WKTU, 98.7 KISS-FM, former jazz station WRVR, Inner City Broadcasting’s WBLS in the Big Apple, Clear Channel’s Jammin’ 105, and Infinity’s New MIX 102.7.
G. Keith is also the host of “What’s Hot! HarlemAmerica with G. Keith Alexander”, the first podcast hosted on the HarlemAmerica Digital Network. He talks with a great variety of influential black voices in the entertainment industry like Gloria Gaynor, Keith David, Dionne Warwick, Darrin Henson, Phylicia Rashad, and more.
Guest Biography
Ron served as the UFC Commissioner from 1995-1996. He retired from karate competition at the age of 60 after winning the 2002 ALL AMERICAN OPEN KARATE/KUNGFU CHAMPIONSHIP. Ron started competing in the Brazilian Jujitsu Championship at the age of 74 fighting competitors half his age. A prolific author of 11 books, six of which have been published, three screenplays DIVE, SKINHEAD and RETURN OF THE BLACK DRAGON, THE MANUAL OF THE MARTIAL ARTS (1981), THE RON VAN CLIEF GUIDEBOOKS SERIES (5 VOLUMES), BLACK HEROES OF THE MARTIAL ARTS (1996), THE HANGED MAN The Story of Ron Van Clief (2011), BLACK HEROES OF THE MARTIAL ARTS 2,3 & 4 (2019-2022). He has produced the documentary THE HANGED MAN (2021) which is available for world distribution. Ron is in post-production with the animated film THE TAO OF THE BLACK DRAGON Van Clief Productions, and Daetrix Master Art Co-Production 2022. On March 3, 2022 Ron Van Clief was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame by Arnold Swartzenegger and Dr. Robert Goldman at the Arnold Classic Sports Festival. At present, Ron is editing his latest book, Zentences: The Tao of the Black Dragon (2022 release). For the past 11 years, he has trained in Relson Gracie Jujitsu and started competing at the age of 72 in bij. Ron lives with his wife, Kathy, and son, Kai, in Honolulu, Hawail.
