The 2026 Commemorative Who’s Who in the Martial Arts Legacy Biography Book is respectfully dedicated to the extraordinary pioneers, founders, teachers, competitors, and visionaries who helped establish martial arts in America.

We honor legends such as O’Sensei Jan Wellendorf, whose leadership, teaching, innovation, and commitment helped build generations of martial artists and preserve the history of our arts. His influence holds a special place in the history of the Who’s Who in the Martial Arts legacy.

We also recognize the pioneering contributions of such historic figures as Dale Brooks, James Pat Burleson, David Castro, Pat E. Johnson, Mikie Rowe Moore, Chuck Norris, Jhoon Rhee, Allen Steen, Jan Wellendorf, James Whites, and the many other masters whose names echo throughout the history of martial arts in America.