Robert Wall

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Lore & Background

Wall's martial journey expanded far beyond a single style. He studied Judo under Gene LeBell, Okinawan Shorin-Ryu under Joe Lewis, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under the Machado Brothers. In 1968, Joe Lewis sold his share of their studio to Chuck Norris. Wall went on to appear in several films featuring Norris, including Code of Silence (1985), Firewalker (1986), and Hero and the Terror (1988). A major chapter in his life was a public rivalry with Steven Seagal between 1988 and 1992. It began when Seagal made disparaging comments about Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, and other American martial artists, claiming he would fight to the death anyone who believed they could defeat him. Indignant, Wall gathered a group nicknamed the "Dirty Dozen," including Benny Urquidez, Bill Wallace, Howard Jackson, Roger Carpenter, Allen Steen, Jim Harrison, Dennis Alexio, Richard Norton, Billy Robertson, Pat Burleson, and William "Blinky" Rodriguez. Gene LeBell and Gerard Finot were potential members, with Karyn Turner as a possible promoter. While some members like Urquidez and Burleson later became unhappy with the concept, others like Rodriguez stood by it, stating, "just by not accepting the challenge, Seagal tells us where he's at."

In Their Own Story

The conflict with Steven Seagal created significant tension within the martial arts community. Some critics derided the "Dirty Dozen" as an overreaction that promoted violence. Gene LeBell later revealed that the affair was hurting him professionally and forced him to withdraw from the group. Despite internal disagreements, the campaign highlighted Wall's defense of American martial artists and Bruce Lee's legacy. Beyond this rivalry, Wall achieved high rank, becoming a 9th degree black belt under Chuck Norris. He co-founded and served as CEO of World Black Belt Inc. In 1975, he authored Who's Who in the Martial Arts and Directory of Black Belts (Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 75-2280), the first book of its kind for martial artists. His final film role came in 2009 when he starred as a bodyguard in Blood and Bone.

Reader's Guide

Robert Wall's career offers specific milestones for students of martial arts history. His early training under Gordon Doversola led to opening the Sherman Oaks Karate Studio with Joe Lewis in 1966, a venture that ended when Lewis sold his share to Chuck Norris in 1968. For film enthusiasts, his work is documented in three Bruce Lee projects: The Way of the Dragon (1972), Enter the Dragon (1973) where he played O'Hara, and Game of Death (re-cut in 1978), noting that he only appeared with Bruce's stunt double in the latter. His versatility is shown by roles in Chuck Norris films like Code of Silence (1985), Firewalker (1986), and Hero and the Terror (1988). In his personal life, Wall remained active as an educator and author until his death in Los Angeles on January 30, 2022, at the age of 82.

Did You Know?

• Robert Wall appeared in Game of Death only with Bruce Lee's stunt double.
• He co-founded the Sherman Oaks Karate Studio with Joe Lewis in 1966 before selling it to Chuck Norris in 1968.
• Wall authored the first book of its kind for martial artists, Who's Who in the Martial Arts and Directory of Black Belts, in 1975.
• He formed a group called the "Dirty Dozen" between 1988 and 1992 to challenge Steven Seagal after Seagal made disparaging comments about Bruce Lee.
• Wall held a 9th degree black belt under Chuck Norris.