Protector, Body
Object number2010.101.4
Datec. 1980
Mediumleather; polyester; cotton
Credit LineGift of Bill Viola
DescriptionBlack leather head pad. Lined with soft brown leather. Flaps for covering ears had twoDimensions10 x 12.25 in. (25.4 x 31.1 cm)MarksLabel on lining "OFFICIAL ACCORDING TO / 10 USA/ABF OZ. / SPECIFICATIONS".
Historical NotesPart of a collection related to the founding of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Training equipment used by donor Bill Viola to train fighters for the first MMA bout, held in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Though billed as a “Battle of the Tough Guys,” the March 1980 event featured the mix of boxing, wrestling, and martial arts fighting that is today considered mixed martial arts. Donor Bill Voila, a karate teacher, served with Frank Caliguri as one of the planners and promoters of the event.
Related person
Frank Caliguri
On View
Not on view
1980-1989
