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Rare original program for the 1967 National Karate Championship held at the Washington D.C. Armory on May 6, 1967, 12 pages, 9 x 12, signed and inscribed inside over an image of Lee as Kato from The Green Hornet in black felt tip, “To Ken, Best of luck, Bruce Lee,” who adds his 'Loong' character below his signature, which represents the Chinese character of a dragon. The page lists Lee as the “Guest of Honor,” and states: “Bruce Lee, the Kato of ‘The Green Hornet’ congratulates all the officials and competitors and wishes good luck to the finalists in the karate matches tonight.” A page dedicated to “Outstanding Champions of Past Tournaments” shows an early image of future movie star Chuck Norris, “Champion, 1967 Champions Tournament.” In fine condition, with light handling wear. Accompanied by full letters of authenticity from PSA/DNA and Beckett Authentication Services.
During his lifetime, Bruce Lee appeared at select tournaments as a special guest, judge, or performer. Jhoon Rhee, the father of American Taekwondo, first met Bruce Lee in 1964 at Ed Parker’s Long Beach International Karate Championships and, impressed with Lee’s showmanship, invited the young martial artist to collaborate on future projects and events. Lee appeared at several Jhoon Rhee national championships, where he famously performed feats like his two-finger push-up and his one-inch punch and served as either a special guest or a celebrity judge.
The Marc and Mary Perkins Collection.
