Who Is Benny Urquidez? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Benny Urquidez, born on June 20, 1952, is a prominent American kickboxer and martial artist renowned for his contributions to the world of martial arts. As of 2025, Benny is 72 years old and remains a celebrated figure within the kickboxing community. His impressive career has earned him numerous accolades and a revered status among both fans and practitioners. His journey into martial arts began at an early age, and with hard work and dedication, he emerged as a champion in the sport.
| Occupation | Martial Artist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 20, 1952 |
| Age | 72 Years |
| Birth Place | Tarzana, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Benny Urquidez's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at an impressive height of 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm), Benny possesses a strong and agile build that has been instrumental to his success in kickboxing. His fighting weight has varied throughout his illustrious career but is often reported around 140-145 pounds (63-66 kg). His well-maintained physique is a testament to his disciplined training regime and commitment to physical fitness.
Benny Urquidez (born June 20, 1952) is an American former professional kickboxer, martial arts choreographer and actor. Nicknamed "The Jet", Urquidez was a non-contact karate competitor who later pioneered full-contact fighting in the United States.
He made the transition from point to full-contact karate in 1974, the year of its inception in the US, frequently fighting in bouts where the rules were ambiguous and contrasts in styles were dramatic.
Urquidez is also known for once holding the rare achievement of six world titles in five different weight divisions, and remained largely undefeated in his 27-year career.
His only loss came in a Muay Thai match which was shrouded in controversy, as Urquidez had only agreed to a no-decision exhibition, a clause which was ignored when the fight had ended.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Benny Urquidez is known to keep his personal life private, and there is no publicly available information about his current relationship status or any potential boyfriend or girlfriend. Previously, he has been linked to a few notable individuals, but he has always prioritized his career and family over his romantic life. Benny has children, but details about them are also kept under wraps, affirming his preference for a private family life.
Net Worth and Salary
Benny Urquidez has built an impressive net worth over his storied career, estimated to be around $5 million as of 2025. Much of his wealth comes not only from his kickboxing matches but also from his ventures in martial arts cinematic experiences, where he has directed and choreographed fight scenes. His continued influence in the martial arts industry means he also earns a substantial income from endorsements, teaching, and coaching upcoming fighters.
Career, Business, and Investments
Benny Urquidez's career spans several decades, making him one of the pioneers of kickboxing in the United States. Having won multiple championships in various weight classes, he is often referred to as the “Jet” for his exceptional speed and skill in the ring. Besides competing, Benny has ventured into acting, appearing in numerous films and television shows that highlight martial arts.
In addition to his fighting career, Benny has successfully owned and operated his martial arts school, where he trains students in various forms of fighting disciplines. His investments in health and fitness-related businesses indicate his commitment to promoting an active lifestyle and maintaining the essence of martial arts culture.
After 1980, Urquidez' ring appearances became less frequent. Between 1981 and 1984 he fought only sporadically. In 1984, he fought Ivan Sprang in Amsterdam under modified Muay Thai rules (no elbows), winning by 6th-round TKO. His ring career largely came to a halt after 1985, and he retired after facing Yoshihisa Tagami at the age of 41.
Subsequently, Urquidez became devoted to acting, teaching kickboxing and martial arts choreography. Urquidez's late brother Reuben was also a competitive martial artist and actor; they appeared together in a 1982 training video, World Of Martial Arts, along with Steve Sanders (karate), Chuck Norris and John Saxon.
Van Halen lead singer David Lee Roth dedicated the band's hit 1984 song "Jump" to Urquidez, of whom Roth was a student.
Social Network
Benny Urquidez has a significant presence on social media platforms, where he connects with fans and martial arts enthusiasts. You can find him actively sharing insights into his training routine, inspirational quotes, and clips from his fights and coaching sessions. Binge-watching his content on platforms like Instagram and Twitter allows fans to stay updated on his current endeavors and witness his contributions to the martial arts community.
Urquidez founded The Jet Center in 1981. The concept for an upscale dojo came from Urquidez's experience from competing in Japan around 1978, being exposed to facilities like the New Hotel Japan in Akasaka.
The center served as a filming location for multiple Hollywood productions, including Split Decisions, Mike Hammer, Hunter, Murder, She Wrote, Scarecrow and Mrs. King, Jake and the Fatman, amongst other. The facility closed in 1994 during to the extensive damages by the Northride earthquake.
Education
While specific details about Benny Urquidez's educational background are limited, it's known that he began training in martial arts at a young age, which emphasized practical experience over formal education. His knowledge in martial arts has made him an expert and sought-after instructor, demonstrating that dedication and passion can sometimes outweigh traditional academic paths in terms of achieving success in specialized fields.
Benny began competing in 1958, at the age of five, in "peewee" boxing and wrestling in Los Angeles. His martial arts instruction started when he was seven years old; his first formal teacher was Bill Ryusaki. Urquidez received his black belt at the age of 14, a highly unusual feat in the 1960s. His siblings also achieved the rank of black belt.
His sister Lilly Rodriguez was a pioneer in kickboxing for women, and their late brother Reuben Urquidez appeared with Benny in a documentary on the combination martial art budojujitsu.
