The Poet (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781545261972)

Mike Stone was born in Makawao, Maui, Hawaii. Stone's first introduction to the martial arts was in Aikido while as a student Lahainaluna High School. After graduating, Stone enlisted in the US Army in 1962. Stone began studying Shorin-ryu Karate earning his black belt in only six months under Herbert Peters while stationed at Fort Chaffee in Arkansas. Well known for his karate tournament success in the 1960s, Stone known for his aggressiveness earned the nicknamed "The Animal" would amass a record of 91 consecutive wins. In 1964, Stone won the sparring grand championship at the first ever International Karate Championships in Long Beach, California. Stone has authored several books, most notably Mike Stone's Book of American Eclectic Karate. Mike also worked as a bodyguard and fitness instructor for singing icon Engelbert Humperdinck. Stone met Elvis and Priscilla Presley in 1967 at the Mainland vs. Hawaii Karate Championships promoted by Elvis' longtime karate instructor Ed Parker. Stone next met the couple backstage at one of Elvis' shows in Las Vegas in 1972. Stone had been working as a bodyguard for record producer Phil Spector. After the show, Elvis invited Stone back to the couple's penthouse suite where Elvis suggested that Priscilla train with Stone. Three weeks later Priscilla made the 45-minute drive to Stone's school in Huntington Beach. Because of the distance Priscilla opted to train with Chuck Norris who had a school in West Los Angeles, which was closer to the Presley home. Stone would make occasional trips to Norris's school to train Priscilla. The relationship soon turned romantic, contributing to Elvis and Priscilla's divorce several months later. Stone and Priscilla would subsequently split up in 1975. Michael was a close and personal friend of Bruce Lee, and Bruce introduced Mike to the movie industry by hiring him as a stunt double for Dean Martin in the Matt Helm series "The Wrecking Crew".