How did American Freestyle Karate evolve from church gyms and civic arenas to world-class championships?

Kaizen: The Way of the Warrior traces the rise of American Freestyle Karate through the people, bouts, and ideas that shaped it. With ringside detail and archival notes, James Cooper spotlights the promoters, fighters, and teachers who turned kickboxing and KO Karate from local spectacles into a movement.

Across crisp chapters and rare photo captions, you'll see the sport's milestones unfold, Warhawks vs. Raiders showdowns, Charlotte's Pro/Am cards, and early world-title nights, alongside portraits of icons such as Chuck Norris, Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, Jerry Beasley, Jeff Doss, and GM Jerry C. Piddington. You'll also explore the mindset behind the mats kaizen and how discipline, faith, and service forged champions on and off the floor.