The History of Martial Arts in Arlington 1980-1990

With martial arts gaining momentum among kids and adults, 1984’s Karate Kid inspired a new generation of martial artists. Its sequels kept martial arts in the public eye and studios like Grandmaster Kang’s Tae Kwon Do College and Jhoon Rhee’s Arlington location thrived. Locally, Charlie Lee, a student of Jhoon Rhee, was a phenom of the competitive Karate scene, winning the North American Sport Karate Association World Championship every year from 1983-1988 as well as competing on the 1983 and 1985 World Champion U.S. Karate Team.

Already firmly established in Arlington through studios like those run by Master Kang and Jhoon Rhee, Taekwondo took the international stage at the 1988 Olympics further cementing its position as one of the most popular martial arts.

Meanwhile on television, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles debuted in 1987 and became an immediate hit. Kids across the country were throwing kicks, sweeping legs, and saying “Cowabunga, dude!” Martial arts seemed to be everywhere.

In 1989, Robert LaPointe opened White Birch Kung Fu on Columbia Pike. LaPointe began training in martial arts in 1974, earning black belts in Kenpo Karate and Tien Shan Pai Kung Fu. Always looking to expand his knowledge, LaPointe attended the first World Tai Chi Conference in Beijing, China, in 1994 and incorporated Tai Chi into the studio’s offerings.

That same year, Don Lyon sensi established Aikido of Arlington. Aikido seeks to divert harm from one’s self without inflicting injury on someone else. It is often called the “Art of Peace.” Lyon sensei had studied under Morihiro Saito sensei in Iwama, Japan. Aikido of Arlington is currently led by Yvonne Thelwell sensei.

The early 90s saw martial arts become a dominant cultural influence across media. From TV shows like Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers to video games like Street Fighter II and Mortal Kombat to music like the Wu Tang Clan’s debut record Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) which was heavily influenced by Kung Fu martial arts films, martial arts were mainstream entertainment.