Butler natives Jimmy Stewart (left) and Robert Zang were both presented with their International Karate and Kickboxing Hall of Fame plaques during a ceremony Dec. 9 at Butler's City Building. Both were honored by the city with a day named in their honor.

The city of Butler recently honored two of its very accomplished sons.

At the city building Dec. 9, Jimmy Stewart and Robert Zang were given keys to the city along with both having a day named in their honor. Dec. 10 was designated as Robert Zang Day and Dec. 11 Jimmy Stewart Day.

The recognition came in the wake of both men being inducted into the International Karate and Kickboxing Hall of Fame in November.

“They usually hold a banquet for the inductions in Cleveland, but didn't have it this year because of COVID,” said Stewart, a 1979 graduate of Butler High School. “They sent the hall of fame plaques and they were presented to us at the city building.

“It was a very nice gesture. Not many people get a day named after them. State representative Marci Mustello (R-11th), Butler mayor Ben Smith and city councilman Jeff Smith all had a hand in planning the ceremony and deserve a lot of thanks.”

Stewart, who retired from professional kickboxing in 2008 with an undefeated record of 19-0 and 14 knockouts, earned three World Championships during a 12-year career. He was previously inducted into three other halls of fame — U.S. Kickboxing, Action Magazine and the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame.

Zang, a 1995 Butler graduate, went 10-0 in an amateur kickboxing career in the 1990s. Competing in taekwondo, he has earned 14 U.S. Open titles and has been crowned grand champion 80 times over five decades and is still active.

Stewart and Zang got their start in martial arts in the 1980s at Master Bruce Cummings' School of Champions in Butler.

“When the movie 'Karate Kid' came out (in 1984), it seemed like all the kids around here wanted to try it. I was ahead of the curve,” said Zang, who now lives in Wexford. “I started when I was four years old and never quit.

“I'm small for this sport, just 5-foot-8. Some of the guys I've competed against have been 6-4 or taller. I've been doubted my whole life, but growing up in Butler gave me an edge. I wouldn't be who I am without Butler.”

Stewart picked up martial arts in his 20s to get in better shape, but even then he had bigger plans.

“I always wanted to get into competition, but I first had to learn the skills,” he said.

Stewart quickly learned that the mental aspect of competing is just as important as being physically ready.

“At the start, you're nervous going into competitions,” he said. “As you get more experienced, you learn to channel that and use it to your advantage.

“Martial arts has given me all the discipline I need. It plays a part in every aspect of my life.”

Stewart and Zang relish the opportunity to pass on their passion and knowledge of martial arts. The former currently oversees kickboxing and taekwondo students at the Stewart Center on East Jefferson Street in Butler.

Between his do-jang in Wexford and his work at Provident Charter School in Pittsburgh, Zang works with over 500 students. He plans to open a studio in the South Hills later this month.

Zang models his instruction after Grand Master Jong Soo Park, one of the 12 original masters of taekwondo in the Korea Taekwondo Association whom he studied under for over a decade.

“Competition is about bettering yourself, physically and mentally,” said Zang. “Teaching is different. You're helping people reach their goals and they see the improvement in themselves. It's so rewarding.”

Matt Marshall, an attorney in Butler and Cranberry Township and a fifth degree black belt, attended last month's ceremony.

“Master Stewart is the greatest kickboxer I've ever seen and Grandmaster Zang has had an incredible career as well,” he said. “It was gratifying to see them honored.”