Bill Wallace (martial arts)
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Bill Wallace (1 Dec 1945 - ) is an American martial artist, best known as Superfoot, the dominant kickboxer of the 1970s.
He was born in Portland, Indiana, and began his study of Judo and (in February 1967) Shorin-ryu Karate while serving in the U.S. Air Force. After entering the point fighting tournament scene and achieving success there, he switched to full-contact kickboxing. With the coaching help of veteran 'Blood-n-Guts' champion fighter Jim 'Ronin' Harrison, Wallace won 23 consecutive professional fights between 1974 and 1980, becoming the Professional Karate Association middleweight world champion and retiring undefeated. He was known for his extremely fast left leg kicks, especially his roundhouse kick and his hook kick, which was clocked at about 60 mph. He could hit his opponents with two or three kicks in rapid succession, reaching under, over, and around their blocks, and placing kicks with amazing precision. He focused on his left leg due to a Judo-related injury to his right knee. He also suffered the loss of one testicle during a point fighting tournament, when his protective cup was struck at an unfortunate angle.
He studied at Ball State University, earning a bachelor's degree in 1971 in physical education, and in 1976 earned a master's degree in Kinesiology from Memphis State University. He has taught Karate, Judo, Wrestling, and weight lifting at Memphis State University and has also authored a college texbook on Karate and Kinesiology. He is the author of three books: Karate: Basic Concepts & Skills, Dynamic Kicking & Stretching, and The Ultimate Kick, and continues to give seminars. He has also acted, most notably in A Force of One starring Chuck Norris. Wallace was also the first play-by-play commentator for the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993.¹
He is a former member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness, and has worked as a personal trainer for celebrities. In fact, it was Bill Wallace, acting as a trainer and bodyguard, who discovered John Belushi's body following his death of overdose.
"When I decided to become a full-contact fighter, I knew I needed a fighter to teach and coach me. I chose Jim Harrison. Jim is not only an excellent technical instructor, but his tactical and strategical knowledge is unbelievable." - Bill 'Superfoot' Wallace
