Greg Baines

Greg Baines
Medal record

Mens Karate
Competitor for USA
Northern Pacific Nationals
Gold	Gold	1967

Greg Baines was a former professional karate fighter. For a time, Baines was the top heavyweight karate fighter in the nation.^[1] Also known as Greg "ohm" Baines.^[2] In the 1967 All Star Championships, Baines earned a Gold medal in the brown belt heavyweight division.^[3] In the 1967 International Karate Championships, Baines was the brown belt heavyweight champion.^[4] Baines faced Joe Lewis in the first ever full contact professional kickboxing fight^[5] and the fight is considered the birth of American Kickboxing.^[6] This match brought forth the upcoming United States Karate Championships.^[7] Baines was the favorite in the match.^[8] At the time of the match, Baines was the reigning California heavyweight karate champion.^[9] The match tooke place in 1970 in Los Angeles.^[9] The fight was stated to be no holds bared however kicks to the head were not allowed.^[10] Baineslost via knockout in the second round.^[5] This fight showed the effectiveness of Bruce Lee's fighting system.^[11] Baines was proficient at the backfist.^[12] According to Steve Sanders Baines had a street effective and tournament fighting style.^[13] He was a student of Bruce Lee student Jesse Glover.^[14]

Personal life

Baines was a black muslim and a native of San Jose.^[11] Baines died in a car accident.^[15]

Greg Baines

Personal life

See also

References