Black Belt's very first issue came out in April 1961. It was 68 pages printed in 5" X 8" format and consisting of seven articles, a short story, and an editorial. On that first cover an artist had drawn an illustration of a judo player throwing another using a modified shoulder throw. The editorial introduced the magazine to the public and the lead story featured Kododan judo and its founder Jigoro Kano. Judo topics comprised four articles and the short story while aikido, kendo and karate had one each. There was a report about the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) Judo Championship along with stories regarding judo programs in San Diego, California and at San Jose State College. There was a short story written by Air Force General Thomas Power. Readers found it interesting that judo had become a big presence in the United States Air Force and airmen the Strategic Air Command had been doing defensive tactics judo courses since 1952. The long standing relationship between Black Belt and all branches of the United States military began with that story. Aikido's topic featured expert Koechi Tohei. Kendo was about Torao Mori who excelled in both kendo and fencing. The karate story introduced Ed Parker who expounded on his kenpo karate style.