Draft:Robert Brutus Beal
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Robert Brutus Beal
Robert Brutus Beal (born February 22, 1938) is a renowned retired American amateur boxer, martial artist, and the cofounder of Bushido Karate. He holds a 10th Degree Black Belt in Bushido Karate and is recognized for his substantial contributions to mixed martial arts. Beal is an inductee of the Illinois Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the Illinois Boxing Hall of Fame.
Early Life and Family Background
Born to a family with deep roots in combat sports, Beal was primarily influenced by his biological father, Harold “Ray” Lett, a former heavyweight champion of Michigan known for facing Jack Dempsey in an exhibition bout. Frank Beal, his father who trained with Billy Miske, also played a vital role in his early boxing training.
Influential Coaches
Beal’s development as a boxer was shaped by several notable figures:
• Mike Triolo, head of the Catholic Youth Organization, guided Beal during his early boxing years. • Johnny Coulon and Tony Zale, both esteemed boxers, served as Beal’s mentors, providing invaluable insights and skills.
Amateur Boxing Career
Beal’s amateur boxing career, highlighted by 4 CYO championship victories, AAU heavyweight champion, and won an Olympic qualifying bout against Pete Rademacher but broke his hand, allowing Rademacher to qualify. Beals brittle hands from boxing would force him to give up his pursuit of professional boxing and set the stage for his later pursuits in martial arts.
Transition to Martial Arts and Collaboration with Fred Degerberg
After his boxing career, Beal ventured into martial arts, leading to the development of Bushido Karate. Beal trained under Ted Amos at Byakko Do Karate Kai, the Way of the White Tiger. A significant figure in this phase of his career was Fred Degerberg. Beal’s collaboration with Degerberg, a future martial arts legend, was instrumental in blending various martial arts disciplines into Bushido Karate and later, the Degerberg Blend. This innovative approach paralleled Bruce Lee’s development of Jeet Kune Do and contributed to the evolution of mixed martial arts.
Teaching Career and Contributions to Martial Arts
Beal and Degerberg’s partnership extended into instruction, where they trained a diverse range of students. Beal’s mentoring encompassed not only boxing contenders but also law enforcement officers. He retired from teaching in 1997, leaving a lasting impact on martial arts training and methodology.
Recognition and Retirement
Beal’s contributions have been featured in various publications, including Black Belt Magazine, and recognized by local media. His induction into the Illinois Martial Arts Hall of Fame and the Illinois Boxing Hall of Fame underscores his influence in both boxing and martial arts.
References:
1. [Sources detailing Beal’s background and training with Fred Degerberg] 2. [Records of Beal’s amateur boxing achievements] 3. [Articles on Beal’s martial arts contributions, including his work with Degerberg] 4. [Black Belt Magazine features and local media coverage]