The Martial Arts History Museum in Glendale, California, became a nexus of Hollywood and combat sports excellence on January 25, 2026, as Museum President Michael Matsuda hosted a gala to honor legendary kickboxing pioneer Benny “The Jet” Urquidez. The event marked the unveiling of the Urquidez Wall Exhibit, a permanent tribute to the man widely considered the most influential figure in kickboxing history.
The red carpet drew a constellation of A-list icons, reflecting Urquidez’s profound impact on the entertainment industry. Among the notable attendees were Keanu Reeves, Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei, and rock star Duff McKagan of Guns N’ Roses. Action veteran Danny Trejo, UFC champion Bas Rutten, Tiger Chan, and Shannon Lee, daughter of Bruce Lee, were also present, alongside many other high-profile figures from film and martial arts.
Urquidez’s connections to these stars span decades. He has served as a teacher and fight choreographer for numerous Hollywood figures and performed in iconic martial arts sequences, famously battling John Cusack and Jackie Chan on screen. The evening featured a VIP unveiling of the exhibit by Matsuda, followed by a presentation with speeches from McKagan and Shannon Lee. A highlight was a congratulatory video message from Jackie Chan, who honored his longtime friend and former screen rival.
“It was a monumental evening as we not only honored one of our greatest pioneers but also raised vital awareness for the museum’s mission,” said Matsuda.
Benny “The Jet” Urquidez remains the most dominant figure in American kickboxing history. Rising to prominence in the 1970s, he maintained a professional record of over 60 undefeated fights with 57 knockouts. Known for his integrity, he refused to be called world champion until he traveled globally to defeat top competitors in their home countries—a feat he achieved. His career spanned three decades, culminating at age 42 when he defeated Yoshihisa Tagami for the WKA Super Welterweight world title. Today, Urquidez is a foremost advocate for the martial arts and is officially inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum’s Hall of Fame, the only officially recognized martial arts hall of fame worldwide.
For more information about the Martial Arts History Museum, visit their site at MAmuseum.com.
