The Red Headed Stranger dons a black belt!
Living legend Willie Nelson has an incalculable list of credentials attached to his storied career. As he turns 81-years-young today he can add another – a fifth-degree black belt in the martial art of GongKwon YuSul.
Nelson received the honor yesterday at the Master Martial Arts studio in Austin, Texas from Grand Master Sam Um. During the ceremony Willie didn’t show off any of his chops but Un assured the crowd on hand that the man could hold his own against anyone.
Here’s a brief interview via KVUE in which Nelson talked about his history with the discipline and the advantages it has provided him as he still soldiers on playing countless dates on his never-ending tour:
Willie said of his 20 years in practice, “Lot of fun. Lot of confidence when you accomplish something. So I would recommend it to anybody, any age.”
He also credited martial arts with helping him maintain his relentless schedule, “I don’t think I would have been able to do it if I didn’t do something you know – diet, exercise all those things. This just happens to be my favorite way of exercising.”
When Nelson first came to Un’s studio the Master said he was concerned about the prospect because of Willie’s age. 20 years later he confessed, “He [Nelson] has more stamina than I do.”
