In this episode, Tony Bell shares how a childhood choice between football and karate sparked a lifelong journey in martial arts. From training under Sensei Virgil Kimmey with his brother Melvin, to competing with the USC Karate Club, Tony reflects on the bonds, battles, and mentors—like Sam Chapman and Ronnie Barkoot—that shaped him. Beyond Karate, he opens up about caring for his elderly parents and the deep values of service, legacy, and tradition. Spanning the 1970s to today, Tony’s story is a powerful reminder of why we preserve the past while guiding the future of martial arts.
