Women Kickboxing Pioneer Lilly Rodriguez Passes Away Lilly Urquidez-Rodriguez, the first women’s world kickboxing champion and highly respected trainer, passed away on January 13th 2007 at the UCLA Medical Center from renal failure. She was 59. She was one of ten children of Arnold and Lupe Urquidez; Eva (Alexis), Arnold, Mando, Linda, Lilly, Delores, Reuben, Benny, Adam (Smiley) and Alfred. She fought competitively in the 1970’s and 1980’s, a time when few women entered the ring to fight. Fighting came naturally to Lilly. Her father Arnold was a professional boxer and her mother Lupe was a professional wrestler. Her brothers were martial-arts legends Arnold, Reuben, Benny “The Jet” and Adam “Smiley” Urquidez while her husband, Blinky, was a kick-boxer. She was inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum’s Hall of Fame in 2003, preceded by Benny in 1999 and followed by Arnold in 2004 and Blinky in 2005. We at World Black Belt are deeply saddened by the loss not only of a pioneer and a legend, but a respected friend. World Black Belt sends our condolences and prayers to the Rodriguez's family and friends. The viewing is scheduled for: January 22nd, 2007 7:00 – 9:00 PM, Monday Evening Church of the Way 14300 Sherman Way Van Nuys, CA 91405 (818) 779-8000 The Funeral Services will be held on: January 23, 2007 11:00AM – 12:30PM, Tuesday Morning Church of the Way 14300 Sherman Way Van Nuys, CA 91405 (818) 779-8000 Internment will follow after the services as: San Fernando Mission Cemetary 11160 Stranwood Avenue Mission Hills, CA 91345 (818) 361-7387 Tarzana Florist has been kind enough to offer discounts on floral arrangements for World Black Belt members. They are located at: 18764 Ventura Blvd Tarzana, CA 91356 (818) 345-7484

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Thunderwolf .: If I'm not mistaking I believe that the funeral on the 23rd is scheduled for 10:00 AM not 11:00 AM. but you might want to follow up on that. Thunderwolf

Customer Service WorldBlackBelt: The Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00 am.

Art Camacho: Lily, was not only a great fighter and martial artist but a gentle and loving person. I was so touched by her warmth and kindness more than anything. The martial arts community and in particular the boxing/kickboxing community is all the better because of her. She'll be sorely missed. May God continue to bless her soul in heaven. Art Camacho

Sid Campbell: The first time I met Lilly I was touched by her warm smile and genuine friendliness. After chatting with her a while it was like I had known this wonderful and dear lady for years. The first time I seen her fight, I wondered how this could be the same person that was so gentle, kind and warm-hearted. In the ring she exhibited all of the fierceness, savvy, determination and champion qualities of all of her brothers. She was a warrioress in the truest sense of the word. But outside of the ring she was the dearest woman anyone could have the pleasure of knowing. Lilly, I will always miss you girl...You are the best and may god keep and hold you close forever. Mahalo for being my friend, I will always cherish the memories of time together. Malama pono, Sid Ka'imi Campbell

A.J. Verel: A.J. Verel: Lilly was one of those few genuine people who projected her kindness and warmth to all whom she met and whose fighting spirit made her the pioneer, warrior and champion she was. We will miss you. A.J. Verel - CEO Pro Martial Arts Hall of Fame and Museum

Ventura Silva: the world lost a great fighter, and a great inspirational women for the kick boxing comunity. I remember when Benny and his brothers come to Tijuana for the big tournaments in the 70's and early 80's, I have the oportunity to meet Lily, And I was impressed with her skills in the martial arts, she was a great leader, fantastic fighter, and a wonderful person, God Bless her in the heaven where she continues to be the number #1, Master Ventura Silva from Tijuana Mexico,

Ron Thompson: I am deeply saddened to hear of this loss in the martial arts world. Our condolences go out to the family. Please send our regards, and our prayers go out to the family. God bless you all.

Mike Dinichert: Just by now I saw on the internet that Lilly passed away on January 13th and still cannot believe it. As I went to the US in the early 90s and stayed there many years, I felt being the happiest person on Earth; able to spend almost every day at the Jet Center in Van Nuys; working out among others and being so close to the most wonderful people I have ever met such as Benny, Sahra, Blinky and Lilly. After a while being there, they made me feel so close to them just as being part of their family. I remember Lilly as a very nice, good looking wonderful woman, but also as a trainer and coach in excellence. I still remember and see Lilly coaching me; lucky guy I was to have her in my corner during my professional kickboxing career such as in Chihuahua (Mexico). She was a great, caring and lovely person. I feel very sad that she left us so tragically, but one thing I know, is that everyone who met her will remember and keep her in his heart forever such as we have known her. We all will miss you Lilly… Mike