Ron Van Clief 9-20-25 12.36 PM

Story by: Gail Nobles
Cover illustration by Gail Nobles

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a remarkable figure in the world of martial arts and film—Ron Van Clief. Born on January 25, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, this multi-talented individual has worn many hats throughout his 82 years. Known affectionately as "The Black Dragon," he's made his mark both as a martial artist and as an acclaimed actor.

Ron holds black belts in several disciplines, including Kung Fu, Karate, Judo, and Taekwondo, to name just a few. This impressive skill set showcases his deep passion for the martial arts, and he even founded his own system, the "Chinese Goju System," back in 1973. His journey led him to learn from giants in the field, like Moses Powell and George Coffield.

Ron first stepped onto the big screen with the 1974 Hong Kong film "The Black Dragon," where he starred alongside Jason Pai Piao. His presence in films during the 1970s was significant, especially in the burgeoning genre of blaxploitation and kung fu, which celebrated African-American martial artists. Ron carved a niche for himself during this era, much like Jim Kelly did in the iconic film "Enter the Dragon."

He starred in several notable films, including "Bamboo Trap" in 1975 and "The Black Dragon's Revenge" in 1975, which even paid tribute to the legendary Bruce Lee. His roles highlighted not just his fighting skills but also his charisma and screen presence. Over the years, he appeared alongside other stars, including Lee Van Cleef in “The Squeeze” in 1977 and even contributed as a fight choreographer for "The Last Dragon" in the mid-1980s.

In addition to his acting career, Ron lent his voice to the international television series "Kung Faux," showcasing his versatility. He has also been a dedicated member of the Screen Actors Guild for over three decades, which speaks to his commitment to the film industry.

Today, Ron Van Clief stands as a pioneer and an inspiring figure in both martial arts and cinema. His legacy continues to influence and motivate aspiring martial artists and actors everywhere. So whether you're a fan of martial arts, films, or both, Ron's story is definitely one worth remembering!

I'm Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to Ebonliner.

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:01):
Today we're shining a spotlight on a remarkable figure in
the world of martial arts and film. Ron Van Cleef
born on January twenty sixth, nineteen forty three in Brooklyn,

(00:23):
New York. This multi talented individual has worn many hats
throughout his eighty two years. Known affectionately as the Dragon,
He's made his mark both as a martial artist and
as an acclaimed actor. Ron holds black belts in several disciplines,

(00:51):
including kong fu, karate, judo, and taekwondo, to name just
a few. This impressive skill set showcases his deep passion
for the martial arts, and he even founded his own system,

(01:12):
the Chinese Gold Juice System, back in nineteen seventy three.
His journey led him to learn from giants in the
field like Moses Powell and George Cowfield. Ron first stepped
onto the big screen with the nineteen seventy four Hong

(01:36):
Kong film The Black Dragon, where he started alongside Jason
pie pl. His presence in films during the nineteen seventies
was significant, especially in the burgeoning genre of black exploitation

(01:57):
and kong fu, which celebrated African American martial artist Ron
carved a niche for himself during this era, much like
Jim Kelly in the iconic film Enter the Dragon. He
starred in several notable films, including Bamboo Trap in nineteen

(02:20):
seventy five and The Black Dragons Revenge in nineteen seventy five,
which even paid tribute to the legendary Bruce Lee. His
rolls highlighted not just his fighting skills, but also his
charisma and screen presence. Over the years, he appeared alongside

(02:44):
other stars, including Lee van Cleef in The Squeeze in
nineteen seventy seven, and even contributed as a fight choreographer
for The Last Dragon in the mid nineteen In addition
to his acting career, Ron lent his voice to the

(03:06):
international television series Kong Foe, showcasing his versatility. He has
also been a dedicated member of the Screen Actors Guild
for over three decades, which speaks to his commitment to
the film industry. Today, Ron van Cleef stands as a

(03:30):
pioneer and an inspiring figure in both martial arts and cinema.
His legacy continues to influence and motivate aspiring martial artists
and actors everywhere. So whether you're a fan of martial
arts films or both. Ron's story is definitely one worth remembering.

(03:57):
I'm Gael Nobles. Thank you for listening to Eben Leiner.
Today's topic Ron van Cleef