Legendary martial arts tournament fighter and five-decade karate instructor praised
By W. Thomas Smith Jr.
Midlands-area Karate legend and lifelong martial arts tournament fighter and instructor Mike Genova welcomed throngs of students, primarily children with parents and grandparents; fellow fighters; and lifelong friends to his Columbia-Elgin studio GENOVA FAMILY KARATE, Saturday, May 31: The gathering of more than 500 guests celebrated Genova Karate’s 50th anniversary in business.
Genova himself says he is not going anywhere. “This is not my retirement,” said the 10th-degree black belt and S.C. Black Belt Hall of Fame (SCBBHOF) inductee. “I work everyday. The children [Genova’s students] keep me young, and I want them to be good citizens in life embracing Christian values.”
Fellow members of the SCBBHOF had much to say about Genova’s success and what he has brought to the community since 1975.
Black Belt Hall of Famer and Hollywood martial arts movie star Keith Vitali points to his and Genova’s lifelong bond. “What a tremendous day celebrating my very good friend Mike Genova’s 50th karate school anniversary,” said Vitali, a 10th-degree black belt, former #1-ranked U.S. karate champion, and one of BLACK BELT magazine’s top 10 fighters of all time. “Mike was my best friend, training partner and traveling companion as we competed in martial arts tournaments throughout America and I am so honored that Mike remains my very good friend until this day.”
Vitali’s younger brother, retired U.S. Marine Col. Steve Vitali, who commanded Marines and foreign forces in both Iraq and Afghanistan, is also a SCBBHOF inductee.
“Mike is a true South Carolina karate pioneer who opened his dojo doors to his fellow black belts to work out with each other, thereby building a unique camaraderie and greatly enabling the conditions for all to significantly sharpen our karate skills,” said Col. Vitali. “Not only was Mike instrumental in the formation of the nationally recognized Columbia Karate Competition Team that won many regional and national honors, but all of us who competed on the national stage became better practitioners because of him.”
Bruce Brutschy, also a 10th-degree black belt, acclaimed tournament fighter and SCBBHOF inductee, agrees.
“What Mike has brought to our various martial arts communities within the broader karate community is simply unprecedented,” said Brutschy. “He’s great for several reasons; not the least of which has been his competitive spirit and what he has instilled into the hearts and minds of generations of martial artists.”
Dr. Tom Mullikin, director of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, renowned global expedition leader, and an SCBBHOF inductee, said: “I took my first lesson from Genova Karate in 1980. Mike’s impact and influence on me and thousands more is immeasurable. His life is a testament to dedication and excellence: a true community, state and national legend.”
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, one of only two honorary black belts, nationwide, awarded by the SCBBHOF, said: “Mike Genova has positively impacted so many lives in his 50 years teaching martial arts. His schools have never been about fighting but all about teaching life skills and good decision making. I am honored to have known him over 50 years and to call him my friend.”
Lott, who was named National Sheriff of the Year 2021 by the National Sheriff’s Association, was also presented a Samurai sword from Genova several years ago.
The color detail – flags and rifles – for Saturday’s celebration were presented by Lott’s Richland County Sheriff’s Department honor guard. Lunch was catered by Little Caesars Pizza in Elgin. Ice cream was served by Scoop of Heaven Homemade Ice Cream, also in Elgin.
Among the hundreds of guests attending the 50th anniversary celebration of Genova Family Karate were U.S. Congressman Joe Wilson.
According to Genova, “It all started out with fighting and trophies, but it all evolved into teaching children to listen to your parents and listen to your teachers. Clean your room. Do well in school and be kind to one another. THAT is the essence of martial arts.”
– W. Thomas Smith Jr. is a formerly deployed U.S. Marine infantry leader and a New York Times bestselling editor. In 2022, he was awarded an honorary black belt by the S.C. High Dan Board (the Palmetto State’s martial arts governing body, all SCBBHOF inductees). As such, he became the second honorary black belt to be so honored by the SCBBHOF, nationwide. Visit Smith online at http://uswriter.com.
