Mike Stone (karate)

Biography

Mike Stone was born in Makawao, Maui, Hawaii. Stone’s first introduction to the martial arts was in Aikido while as a student Lahainaluna High School. After graduating Stone enlisted in the US Army in 1962. Stone began studying Shorin-ryu Karate earning his black belt in only six months under Herbert Peters while stationed at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas. Well known for his karate tournament success in the 1960s, Stone known for his aggressiveness earned the nicknamed “The Animal” would amass a record of 91 consecutive wins. In 1964, Stone won the sparring grand championship at the first ever International Karate Championships in Long Beach, California. Stone has authored several books, most notably Mike Stone’s Book of American Eclectic Karate.

Stone met Elvis and Priscilla Presley in 1967 at the Mainland vs. Hawaii Karate Championships promoted by Elvis’ longtime karate instructor Ed Parker. Stone next met the couple backstage at one of Elvis’ shows in Las Vegas in 1972. Stone had been working as a bodyguard for record producer Phil Spector. After the show, Elvis invited Stone back to the couple's penthouse suite where Elvis suggested that Priscilla train with Stone. Three weeks later Priscilla made the 45-minute drive to Stone’s school in Huntington Beach. Because of the distance Priscilla opted to train with Chuck Norris who had a school in West Los Angeles, which was closer to the Presley home. Stone would make occasional trips to Norris’s school to train Priscilla. The relationship soon turned romantic, contributing to Elvis and Priscilla’s divorce several months later. Stone and Priscilla would subsequently split up in 1975.

Karate career highlights

In 1963, Stone wins the Southwest Karate Championship in the black belt division. The promoter is Allen Steen who holds a victor over Stone and Chuck Norris. At Ed Parker's 1964 Internationals Karate Championship, Stone defeats Harry Keolanui in the finals to become Grand Champion. In Chicago that same year, Stone scores victories over Ray Cooper and Mills Crenshaw to win the First World Karate Tournament. At the U.S. National Karate Championships in 1965, Stone wins the championship by beating Walter Worthy. Also that year, Stone again wins Ed Parker's International Karate Championship by defeating Art Pelela and Tony Tulleners. Three years later, Stone wins the World Professional Karate Championship on November 24, 1968 by beating Bob Taian by points decision. In 1969 at the U.S. National Karate Championship, Stone loses an upset decision to Victor Moore. At one point in his career, Stone is credited with winning either 90 or 91 consecutive karate matches.

Personal life

Stone has been married three times. He met his first wife, Mary Ann Dobbs, while in the army stationed at Fort Chaffee. He met his second wife, Francine Doxey in Newport Beach where he was working as a bouncer. In 1985, Stone sold all his possessions and moved to an isolated island in the Philippines where he and his current wife Taina live.