Boot
Object number2010.101.1 a,b
Manufacturer
Jhoon Rhee
Datec. 1980
OriginUnited States of America
MediumPads; vinyl; nylon
Credit LineGift of Bill Viola
DescriptionPair of red padded mixed martial arts boots with red, white ,and blue stretch bands.DimensionsMeasured laying flat(a) Width: 5.625 ; Length: 12.25 ; Depth: 1.5
(b) W: 6.25 ; L: 12 ; D: 2.25
InscriptionsHandwritten name in black marker on each boot, "RAY WALTERS" [some letters are not capitalized].
MarksInscription on toe of each boot "Jhoon Rhee / U S & Foreign Patented MADE IN U.S.A. / WARNING / USER ASSUMES ALL RISKS OF INJURY".
Historical NotesPart of a collection related to the founding of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Padded boots 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.
Previous owner
Ray Walters
Related person
Frank Caliguri
On View
On viewCollections
c. 1990
2014-2015
c. 1990
c. 1950
Jackson China Incorporated
1950