Inducted into A.M.A.H.O.F. (Inc)
AMAHOF Martial Arts Ambassador
W.K.U.H.O.F for 2026
AMAHOF Martial Arts Ambassador
Benny “The Jet” Urquidez is one of the most influential martial artists and full-contact fighters of the modern era. Born in 1952 in Los Angeles, California, into a family of professional fighters, he began competing in boxing and wrestling at the age of five and earned his first black belt by fourteen, ultimately earning nine black belts in nine different arts. His early training spanned Kenpo, Shotokan, Judo, Taekwondo, Aikido, and other systems, forming the foundation of the dynamic style that would later define his career.
A pioneer of American full-contact karate and kickboxing, Urquidez helped shape the sport from its earliest days in the 1970s. Known for his speed, precision, and adaptability, he competed internationally at a time when cross-style and cross-rule bouts were still uncommon. He achieved the rare distinction of holding six world titles across five weight divisions and maintained an extraordinary professional record, with an unprecedented title defence ring record of 62 wins, 57 knockouts, and 0 losses. Black Belt Magazine named him Competitor of the Year in 1978, and in 2019 he was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame.
Beyond the ring, Urquidez became a sought-after instructor, stunt coordinator, and fight choreographer. He founded the Ukidokan system. Ukidokan combines nine different styles creating “Ukidokan” karate, meaning a way of life, also referred to as internal training. Ukidokan bears the distinction of being the only new age system recognised by the governing bodies of Japan as an official martial art. He has trained numerous Hollywood actors, fighters, and martial artists from champions to beginners, bringing his authentic martial arts movement and style to film. His on-screen work includes memorable roles alongside Jackie Chan in Wheels on Meals, whose famous fight scene is often touted as one of the best and most influential in cinematic history, and Dragons Forever, as well as the cult classic Grosse Pointe Blank.
Urquidez has written four instructional books, released a biography, eight instructional videos, and countless online tutorials and classes. He is soon to be featured in an
upcoming documentary film about his life to be released in late 2026. Benny “The Jet” Urquidez remains a global icon, a trailblazer whose skill, innovation, and longevity helped define modern kickboxing and continues to inspire generations of martial artists around the world.