Benny Urquidez (born June 20, 1952) is an American kickboxer, martial arts choreographer and actor. Nicknamed The Jet, Urquidez was a non-contact karate competitor who later pioneered full-contact fighting in the United States. He made the transition from point to full-contact karate in 1974 the year of its inception in the USA, frequently fighting in bouts where the rules were ambiguous and contrasts in styles were dramatic.
Urquidez is also known for once holding the rare achievement of six world titles in five different weight divisions, and remained largely undefeated in his 27-year career.
Between 1974 and 1993, he amassed a documented professional record of 49-1-1 (win-loss-draw) with 35 knockouts and two controversial no-contests, although he is also supposed to have an additional record of 10-0-1 (10 KOs) in undocumented professional fights, making a total of 59-1-2-2 (45 KOs). Black Belt magazine voted Urquidez “Competitor of the Year” in 1978.
He has also appeared in occasional acting roles, mostly in action films during the 1980s and 90s, starring alongside Jean-Claude Van Damme and Jackie Chan.
Benny the Jet has remarkably achieved Black Belt or equivalent ranks in the following styles:
Black Belt in Kenpo Karate
Black Belt in Muay Thai
Black Belt in Taekwondo
Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Black Belt in Shotokan Karate
Black Belt in Kajukenbo
Black Belt in Kendo
Black Belt in Kickboxing
Today Benny The Jet keeps busy travelling the world conducting seminars and training Instructors in his modern style named Urquidokan. GIANT instructors and students have met and trained with Benny on several occasions.
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