Grand Master J. Pat Burleson (Father of American Karate), Grand Master Jhoon Rhee (Father of American Tae Kwon Do), Grand Master Buddy Hudson (President of the Professional Black Belt Association / Pro Black Belt Academies) 

Grand Master Buddy Hudson

9th Degree Black Belt

Grand Master Buddy Hudson boasts a remarkable martial arts journey as a 9th-degree black belt in American Karate and American Taekwondo. Throughout his illustrious career, he has honed his skills in multiple martial arts styles. Notably, Grand Master Hudson is celebrated as an International Instructor and champion, earning prestigious recognition as an inductee into both the International Karate Hall of Fame and the Masters Hall of Fame. His achievements include securing a World Games Silver Medal, clinching the title of 7 Time National Fighting Champion, and reaching the esteemed status of a 1988 Olympic National Finalist.

Beyond his personal accomplishments, Hudson has demonstrated exemplary leadership by serving as the former President of the United Taekwondo Alliance and the United States Taekwondo Federation. With over four decades of martial arts experience, he is widely acknowledged as a mentor and influencer in the martial arts industry.

Hudson’s journey began at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he commenced his martial arts teaching career. In 1981, he earned his National Instructor Certification and embarked on his journey as the proprietor of his first full-time professional academy in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. In 1985, he was entrusted with the role of director of operations for the United States Taekwondo Federation, leading him to relocate to Little Rock.

Throughout the past 40 years, Grand Master Hudson has nurtured and guided countless students to the coveted black belt level, with many of them ascending to national and international instructor ranks. His personal martial arts education has encompassed training with revered Grand Masters and Martial Arts Pioneers from around the globe, including luminaries like:

• General Choi Hong Hi (Founder)
• Grand Master Nam Tae Hi
• Grand Master Jhoon Rhee
• Grand Master Park Chung Tae
• Grand Master J. Pat Burleson
• Grand Master Bo Hardy
• Grand Master Ron Turchi
• Grand Master Scott McNeely

Notably, Hudson dedicated numerous years to training alongside Grand Master J. Pat Burleson, a true pioneer and legend in the Martial Arts Industry, affectionately known as the “Father of American Sport Karate.” Burleson’s influence extended worldwide, earning respect from martial arts pioneers like Jhoon Rhee, Chuck Norris, Bob Wall, and Bruce Lee.

Master Hudson is not only a celebrated martial artist but also the visionary founder and CEO of the Professional Black Belt Association and Professional Black Belt Academies. His innovation in martial arts curriculum development is evident in the unique student curriculum he crafted, blending elements of American Taekwondo, Kickboxing, American Karate, and JiuJitsu. What sets the Professional Black Belt Academy apart is its distinctive business model, enabling affiliated martial arts instructors to own and operate some of the most successful martial arts schools in the country. Grand Master Hudson designed this specific model to empower instructors to thrive in the martial arts industry, all while building long-term residual income for retirement, much as he has done throughout his remarkable career.