1974 : Karate vs Kung Fu The Untold Story of Tayari Casel vs Soke John Davis

The Year was 1974 The Year on Top
For Sports Music TV And Martial Arts

The match between Tayari Casel and Soke John Davis was highly anticipated, marking a significant moment in martial arts history. Casel, who had previously graced many magazine covers, would now be featured on what would become an iconic cover titled "Karate vs. Kung Fu." This event not only showcased the clash of these two prominent styles but also highlighted the rising popularity of martial arts in mainstream culture. The excitement surrounding the match set the stage for a legendary showcase.

Tayari Casel’s journey through the martial arts scene was marked by many victories and a few losses, but his remarkable record and resilience shone through. Originating from the tough streets of Chicago, he navigated the challenges of New York City, including Brooklyn and the Bronx, where many skilled fighters resided. Casel became a legendary figure in kung fu, particularly highlighted by his match against Lil John Davis, a student of Grandmaster Moses Powell. This bout, held at Madison Square Garden, drew an impressive 19,567 spectators and remains one of the most memorable events in early MMA history, showcasing the excitement of the golden age of martial arts.

Soke John Davis was a formidable martial artist, known for his hard-core Shotokan karate combined with jiu-jitsu for takedowns. A student of Grandmaster Moses Powell, he had a reputation that inspired fear among opponents. In his latest match, he faced Tayari Casel, a kung fu practitioner with a fluid and deadly style, particularly known for the Snake Viper technique.

Tayari brought a unique perspective to martial arts, particularly in the Golden Era, blending his kung fu with a champion's heart. Transitioning from Chicago to New York, he faced formidable opponents like Benny the Jet Urquidez, Happy Robot Crump, Hawk Frazier , Wildcat Molina, Clarence Boone, Fred Miller, Superfoot Bill Wallace. And many more . His battle-tested experience and courage were essential in navigating a competitive landscape filled with skilled fighters. Casel’s resilience and skill set him apart in the martial arts community as Chuck Norris chose him for USA v Puerto Rico and had an instant target 🎯on him in his words

Soke John Davis, known for his rough and rugged hardcore Shotokan karate, trained under Grandmaster Moses Powell, who specialized in jiu-jitsu. This combination provided Davis with an edge going into his match. However, he faced a formidable opponent in Tayari Casel, who specialized in the Chang Kwan and Snake styles of kung fu, honed under the teachings of James A Jones and Ray The Chicago Tiger Cooper aka as Mfundishi Nganga Tolo Naa . The matchup posed a significant challenge, as Casel's skill, fluidity, and deadly strikes could potentially counter Davis's aggressive approach. The question remained whether Davis's mixed martial arts background would be enough to overcome Casel's expertise.

Tayari Casel, representing kung fu, faced John Davis, a proponent of shotokan karate, in a highly anticipated match that epitomized the rivalry between these two martial arts styles. This clash, celebrated as one of the premier events of the golden era of Martial Arts , captivated audiences as it showcased the strengths of karate against the fluid techniques of kung fu. The match was a defining moment in martial arts history, symbolizing the intense competition and respect between different fighting disciplines.

The match between Tayari Casel and John Davis was so closely contested that opinions varied widely among fans of different martial arts. Karate and jujutsu practitioners often favored Davis, while kung fu and Capoeira had Casel for the W

This moment of going to the Judges scorecards underscored the intensity of the competition and highlighted the razor-thin margins that defined the bout, making it a memorable clash in martial arts history.