When I was growing up and getting into martial arts, watching kung fu films and hearing about the legend of Bruce Lee, I also stated buying martial arts magazines> One name which would crop up on a regular basis was Benny "The Jet" Urquidez. Referred to as "The Jet" due to his speed and accuracy when striking, Benny Urquiduez contested over 200 bouts in his fight career including some 58 title fights. There is some dispute over whether his record - win-lose -draw - is 58-0-0 hence making him undefeated in 58 fights, or, as two of the fights were deemed "no contest" and in some quarters one fight was seen as a loss - his 1978 bout against Prayout Sittiboonlert - in which he loss by decision as you can see below.
To say The Jet was a proficient or even prolific martial artist is somewhat of an understatement. He gained his black belt in karate at the age of fourteen, going on to gain black belts in eight other martial arts disciplines. He is also credited with having introduced full contact karate/American kickboxing to the West, having before that competed in points only semi-contact karate.
Undoubtedly a great fighter he fought and won fights in five weight divisions - there will always be a slight cloud over his achievements due to his own insistence of maintaining a record of never having been defeated.
What is not in doubt and cannot be disputed is his talent and ability, which he took into films. His slighty unusual look, descended as he was from Blackfoot Indians and Spaniards, gave him the perfect "deadly henchman" look. This is showcased brilliantly in a clip from the film "Wheels on Meals" when he fights a very youthful Jackie Chan.
These days The Jet still imparts his vast knowledge of martial arts at his gym in Hollywood. He also teaches film and stage fighting, whilst retaining a zest for the path - martial arts - that life had set out for him.
