A Great Loss for the Martial Arts

Martial Arts Legend Chuck Loven passed away on October 6, 2004. A memorial will be held on October 23, 2004 at 1:00 pm. For more information, please contact Pat Burleson at 817-448-9877 or Shelly Loven, Chuck's daughter, at 316-264-7218.

Top ranked nationally in professional competition (1969-1973) Some of the major competitive titles won include: U.S. Heavyweight Champion, Dallas, Texas (1969), U.S. All Martial Arts Champion, Memphis, Tennessee (1970). Texas Champion (1971), Karate Olympics Champion, Houston, Texas (1971). Kansas State Champion (1971). Top Ten National Champion, St. Louis Missouri (1972). He also competed in Professional Team Matches in Los Angeles, California, Dallas, Texas and Washington, D.C.

Established outstanding reputation as promoter and director of following successful tournaments Texas State Championships (1970-1972). All American Karate Championships (1970-1974). Las Vegas Open Karate Championships (1976). Las Vegas Black Belt Full Contact Karate Matches, (1977).

Repeatedly selected head referee in national amateur and professional karate matches (1969-1977).

Subject of numerous articles in Karate Illustrated, Black Belt Magazine, Official Karate (1969-present). Rated as Top 10 Fighter in Black Belt Yearbook (1970 and 1971) Featured in Inside Kung fu in 1977.

Appeared on numerous sports and public affairs broadcasts in Fort Worth, Texas and Las Vegas Nevada, discussing self-defense, rape prevention and aspects of amateur and professional karate competition. Was the subject of and technical advisor for a TV special, Karate: Fact and Fantasy, produced in Las Vegas for the local ABC affiliate.

He is a Seventh Degree Black Belt. Awarded Instructor of the Year, 1971 by the American Karate Black Belt Association. Who's Who in Martial Arts, 1975, Jhoon Rhee award for training outstanding Black Belts, 1971. Has trained 12 National Champions, Police academy students (1968-1974),Federal Security guards in a five state area (1971-1972), and FBI and Secret Service Agents (1968-1977). He was given awards at the Fort Worth Kiwanis and Elk's Lodge for community service.