1974 Elvis Presley Signed Karate Certificate for Sonny West's "3rd Degree Brown Belt"

The offered official International Kenpo Karate Association (IKKA) certificate confers upon “Sonny West” the rank of “3rd Degree Brown” belt. The certificate, numbered 7080 (Jerry Schilling’s similar certificate was numbered 7091), is signed on the “Rank” line by Elvis Presley, 7th AMA and on the “Witness” line by Dave Hebler, 6th Black on August 25th, 1974 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The certificate also includes facsimile printed signatures of Edmund K. Parker and David A. Hebler.

Karate was an important part of Elvis Presley’s life and provided Elvis with spiritual contentment. He embraced it with open arms by practicing its skills and teachings in all aspects of his life. Elvis began taking karate lessons in 1958 while stationed in Germany from Jürgen Seydel, and took private lessons during his time off with one of Japan’s top Shotokan stylists, Tetsuji Murakami. Elvis continued his devotion and dedication to karate throughout his career, training with Kenpo Master Ed Parker, Hank Slomanski and Kang Rhee. Elvis studied under Kang Rhee in the early ’70s, during which time he received his seventh-degree black belt in 1973. Karate was not a passing fancy for Elvis, but an integral part of his life, affecting every aspect of his activities, from demonstrating karate moves on stage during his concerts, to incorporating its values into his spiritual beliefs. Elvis’ close friends joined him in this passion and participated alongside Elvis in his continued studies of the art. The certificate measures 8 1/4 by 10 7/8 inches and is accompanied by a letter of authenticity from Graceland Authenticated. Near Mint condition.