Former Wellston area resident John Perry is pictured holding the plaque he received when he was honored at the international G.O.A.T. Awards for his lifetime achievements in the field of martial arts. (Photo Courtesy of John Perry)
Grandmaster John Wilbur Perry, a 7th-degree black belt and respected martial artist from Jackson, was selected to be honored at the prestigious G.O.A.T. Martial Arts Awards Weekend, a global gathering of the greatest of all time in martial arts, which took place from Aug. 14 to Aug. 16 at the Tanglewood Resort in Pottsboro, Texas.
This once-in-a-lifetime event recognizes martial artists from around the world who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership and lifelong commitment to the martial arts community. Honorees were flown in from over 25 U.S. states and countries, including Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, Guyana, South Africa, Australia and Israel.
Grandmaster John Perry has been involved in martial arts for 52 years. He is a 1987 graduate of Wellston High School and has a Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine degree from the American Institute of Alternative Medicine. He holds black belts in the styles of Jidokwan taekwondo, Tomiki aikido, Kenpo karate, Shaolin kung fu, Kwok wing chun and Yang tai chi chuan. He has many awards from the International and United States Black Belt Halls of Fame, along with countless others. Grandmaster Perry was considered as a pioneer in the “blood and guts” era of martial arts for fighting and competition. There were no pads or protection worn, and all bouts were full contact.
Perry stated, “I thank God for the gifts He has given me and the people who have come before me to teach, guide and inspire me. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13.”
The weekend included the red-carpet arrival and media coverage by World Martial Arts News and Martial Arts Extraordinaire Magazine.
Grandmaster Perry received a plaque, custom ring and a polo shirt during the ceremony.
G.O.A.T. Awards founder Grandmaster Lawrence Arthur, a 10th-Degree Black Belt and lifelong martial arts educator, described the weekend as “a tribute to the masters who have shaped our path, and an inspiration to those still walking it. The G.O.A.T. Awards are not about ego — they’re about legacy.”
Honorees were nominated by peers and selected by the Grandmasters Council for their lifetime of excellence, leadership and embodiment of “kaizen,” the Japanese principle of continuous improvement.
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