Bill “Superfoot” Wallace had built his life around karate, but in 1973 a serious leg injury threatened everything. Wallace was already a nationally known competitor and his left leg would eventually become so famous for its speed that it inspired his nickname. At the time, though, the injury was serious enough that many around him believed his fighting career might be finished.
That was when his friend Elvis Presley stepped in. According to Graceland, Elvis moved Wallace into Graceland while he recovered and brought in a renowned acupuncturist from Los Angeles to treat him. It was an extraordinary level of help for a friend whose future in martial arts suddenly looked uncertain.
Bill “Superfoot” Wallace Talks About His Friendship With Elvis Presley
Wallace later spoke warmly about his years around Elvis, remembering training with him and spending time at Graceland. Elvis took martial arts seriously enough that Wallace said his side kicks and punches looked impressive, although Wallace avoided full-contact sparring with him because an injury to Elvis’s face, voice or body could interfere with his performing career.
The treatment apparently became a turning point. Graceland records that only a year after the injury, Wallace turned professional and captured the Professional Karate Association middleweight championship. He went on to dominate the sport and eventually retired in 1980 as an undefeated professional champion after 23 straight victories.
And Elvis continued supporting him after the comeback. Wallace remembered Elvis giving him a motorcycle after he won the championship in September 1974. The two remained connected through the Memphis martial arts scene, where Wallace trained with Elvis and members of the Memphis Mafia.
Elvis Presley is remembered for “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog,” sold-out concerts and a career that transformed popular music. But when his friend’s livelihood looked like it might disappear, Elvis reportedly offered something far more useful than flowers or encouragement. He gave Wallace somewhere to recover and brought help directly to Graceland. A year later, “Superfoot” was a world champion.