Jamaican Inducted into World Martial Arts Hall of Fame

‘Shihan’ Newton James has been inducted into the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of several other martial arts legends.
At the induction ceremony held in April, James was awarded the title of “Hanshi” and promoted to a ninth degree Black Belt, making him the first Jamaican to achieve such an accomplishment in the field of martial arts.
James’ career in martial arts spans a period of four decades, which began at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) headquarters in Kingston in 1968. He travelled throughout Jamaica doing demonstrations in the sport to raise funds for the YMCA and the less fortunate children at the institution.
As he excelled in the sport, James was selected as a member of the several teams representing Jamaica abroad in various tournaments. In 1975, he was chosen to represent Jamaica in the First World Karate Championship in Japan, at that time proving to the world that Jamaica was a contender in martial arts.
He migrated to the United States (US) in 1978 where he continued his training at the karate headquarters in New York City. There, along with his training, he was also teaching new students the art of Seido Karate. It was during that time that he was introduced to the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame by his fellow Karateka and close friend, ‘Shihan’ William Oliver, his senior and martial arts champion.
As he travelled throughout the US, James continued participating in various karate championships, was also featured in trade publications, and did short stints in a number of television productions.
In 1989, James relocated to Miami where he began his own training studio teaching police tactical self-defense, and wrestling.
James will show off his martial arts skills on the big screen in the soon to be released movie ‘Rebel’.