The Black Dragon Fighting Society

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IFAA John Keehan Historical Society
IFAA Official Black Dragon Fighting Society

In the 60S and 70s John Keehan was one of the most notorious figures in American martial arts. He ran dojos and had sidelines in salons and porn shops. He took a pet lion cub for strolls by Lake Michigan. He trained minorities and caught flack for it, and after one fight—part of Chicago’s “dojo wars” of the 60s and 70s—he was implicated in the death of one of his students.

He was also a fierce self-promoter: comic-book readers might know him best as Count Dante, the persona Keehan used to sell membership in his Black Dragon Fighting Society, as well as a pamphlet, World’s Deadliest Fighting Secrets, that promised to teach readers how to maim, disfigure, and kill.

This site is dedicated to preserving the history of The Black Dragon Fighting Society and its founder, John Keehan (aka Count Dante).

Keehan with a diverse student body and pet lion (circa 1965)

Keehan demonstrating “Monkey Stealing a Peach”
in his book, “World’s Deadliest Fighting Secrets”

It is with sadness we report the passing of Sijo Adrian Emparado on April 5, 2009.

The BDFS extends its condolences to the family and students of Sifu Emparado.

NOTICE: The Black Dragon Fighting Society International is a registered international organization domiciled in South Africa (PTY, Ltd). The original members of the BDFS listed herein have been granted permission to operate under this organization, with all the rights and privileges therein.