Willie Nelson to Receive 5th-Degree Black Belt
Willie Nelson with Master Martial Arts Class – c/o Master Martial Arts
Willie Nelson might be about to turn 81-years-old and be regarded as one of the world’s most famous living pacifists, but apparently hiding behind his friend-to-all disposition and grandfatherly sweetness is a mean roundhouse kick and lethal karate chop.
You may not see Willie step into the octagon anytime soon, but apparently he’s been training for 20 years in the art of Gong Kwon Yu Sul—a modern Korean martial arts system similar to Tae Kwon Do that “emphasizes the application of striking, locking and throwing techniques in practical, free-flowing fighting situations, rather than static situations.” Willie has been training in the art so long he will be awarded his 5th degree black belt in the discipline on April 28th in Austin—the day before his 81st birthday. Grand Master Sam Um of Austin will be doing the honors at his Master Martial Arts studio as part of a promotional event.
10 Badass Willie Nelson Moments
Willie Nelson has been studying martial arts most of his life, starting in Nashville when he was a burgeoning songwriter. “I got into some martial arts and kung fu,” Willie told Men’s Health Magazine last year. “I liked it. We used to offer kung fu lessons to the kids in town. It’s good for you.” Apparently Willie trains on his famous tour bus The Honeysuckle Rose while on tour to pass the time and to stay healthy.
Speaking of tours, Willie is getting ready to embark on a landmark tour starting May 1st with Alison Krauss, Jerry Douglas, as well as select dates with Jason Isbell, Kacey Musgraves, and The Devil Makes Three.
Move over “World’s Most Interesting Man”, Willie Nelson might have you beat.
April 16, 2014 @ 5:17 pm
Badass moment #11!
April 16, 2014 @ 6:55 pm
hopefully he can use his moves on Florida Georgia line
April 16, 2014 @ 7:52 pm
This reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Kramer fights little kids in his karate class. “Kramer you’re fighting children!?” Nevertheless, Willie’s a badass.
April 16, 2014 @ 9:10 pm
Kung Fu Willie! Long live Willie Nelson!
April 16, 2014 @ 9:57 pm
Well, this is certainly the last thing I expected to read about this morning when I woke up ….. that and Johnny Cash really being alive and in hiding. Willie Nelson is a man of many parts, apparently. Thanks for reporting, Trigger!
April 18, 2014 @ 3:30 am
In the “Who Knew” catagory Willie Nelson will receive his 5th Degree Black Belt in the art of Gong Kwon Yu Sul, a modern Korean martial arts system.
http://www.nashville.com/music/2014/04/willie-nelson-to-receive-5th-degree-black-belt/
April 22, 2014 @ 12:19 am
Don’t mess with “Texas”! . . . You don’t want “US” to open up a can of “Willie Chillie” .. Remember, Willies Watching! & Texas loves their Willie! ( Bring home the belt Willie)