Ron "The Black Dragon" Van Clief is a true living martial arts legend. An action movie star, friend of Bruce Lee and the oldest UFC fighter. Born in Brooklyn, New York where he started martial arts training in his early teens. Ron Van Clief also served in the U.S. Marines in the Vietnam War.
BLACK DRAGON NEWS! Click up on "NEWS!" to get all the up to date Black Dragon News. A New Documentary "The Hanged Man" in February. Look out for the Super Weapon 2 in 2023! See what happened at the 10th Action Urban Showcase! WARNER/MEDIA sponsored URBAN ACTION SHOWCASE
Click on "Store" for the latest merchandise, apparel, books and past training book collections and his renowned Autobiography "The Hanged Man". Featured: Official personally autographed poster by Ron Van Clief. Order products directly from ronvanclief@yahoo.com
Ron Van Clief, known worldwide as “The Black Dragon,” is one of the most influential African-American martial artists in history. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1943, he began martial arts training as a teenager and later served in the United States Marine Corps before becoming a New York City Transit Police Officer.
A five-time Karate and Kung Fu World Champion and fifteen-time All-American Champion, Van Clief helped break racial barriers in the martial arts during the 1960s and 1970s. He founded the Chinese Goju system and became an internationally respected teacher, author, and competitor. His dynamic fighting skills earned him the nickname “The Black Dragon,” and he trained alongside many of the era’s top martial artists, including associations with Bruce Lee.
Beyond competition, Van Clief became a pioneer in martial arts cinema, starring in numerous action films in both Hollywood and Hong Kong. He is also remembered for competing in UFC 4 in 1994 at age 51, becoming one of the oldest fighters to enter the Ultimate Fighting Championship. His lifelong dedication to martial arts, teaching, and personal development has inspired generations of practitioners worldwide.
Today, Ron “The Black Dragon” Van Clief remains a legendary figure whose contributions to martial arts, film, and cultural history continue to influence students and instructors around the world.