Richard Barathy was a martial artist, actor, and author who amazed the world with his incredible speed, power, and technique. He was known as the “fastest man in martial arts” and the “man with very fast hands”. He could break blocks of granite with his fist, kick a cigarette out of someone’s mouth, and perform spectacular feats of agility and strength. He also appeared in several movies and TV shows, such as Caged Fury, Airwolf, and Snake Eater. But behind his impressive achievements, there was a tragic story of a man who battled a chronic and incurable disease that eventually claimed his life. What was Richard Barathy’s cause of death, and how did he overcome the odds to become a legend in martial arts?
A Passion for Martial Arts
Richard Barathy was born on December 17, 1947, in Elmont, New York. He lost his left eye at the age of three, due to a childhood accident. He also contracted lupus erythematosus, a rare and serious autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and damage to various organs and tissues. He suffered from frequent bouts of fever, pain, and fatigue, and was given last rites several times before the age of 21. He was told by doctors that he would likely be bedridden for life, but he refused to accept this fate.
Instead, he developed a passion for martial arts, which he saw as a way to improve his physical and mental health. He started training in karate at the age of 12, and later learned other styles, such as taekwondo, kung fu, and boxing. He also studied anatomy, physiology, and psychology, and devised his own system of weight training, which he called “mind-body weight training”. He believed that the mind and the body were interconnected, and that by controlling his thoughts and emotions, he could enhance his performance and heal his body.
He also became fascinated by the concept of speed, and dedicated himself to mastering it. He practiced his techniques thousands of times, until they became second nature. He also used various methods to increase his reaction time, such as catching flies with his bare hands, dodging bullets, and playing video games. He claimed that his hand speed was once clocked at 130 miles per hour, and his leg speed at 82 miles per hour. He could punch faster than the human eye could see, and kick faster than the speed of sound.
A Career in Entertainment
Richard Barathy’s extraordinary skills caught the attention of the media and the public, and he soon became a celebrity in the martial arts world. He appeared in numerous magazines, TV shows, and live demonstrations, where he showcased his amazing abilities. He also competed in several tournaments, and won many titles and awards.
One of his most memorable appearances was on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in 1979, where he broke 16 inches of flaming granite with his fist, and accidentally set his arm on fire. He also performed in front of thousands of spectators at Madison Square Garden, where he broke 23 inches of ice with his elbow, and 12 inches of concrete with his head.
He also pursued a career in acting, and starred in several movies, such as Caged Fury, Body Trouble, and Snake Eater. He played mostly villainous roles, where he used his martial arts skills to fight the heroes. He also appeared in TV shows, such as Airwolf, where he played a terrorist named Mustafa.
He also wrote a book, titled The Body You Want, where he shared his secrets of mind-body weight training, and how to achieve optimal fitness and health. He also planned to write another book, titled The Fastest Man in Martial Arts, where he would reveal his techniques and philosophy of speed.
A Mysterious Death
Richard Barathy’s life was cut short on October 21, 1996, when he died at the University of Pennsylvania Heart Center, at the age of 49. He had undergone a heart transplant surgery, after suffering from several heart attacks due to his lupus condition. He had received a new heart from a 17-year-old donor, and the operation was successful. However, he developed a severe infection, which his weakened immune system could not fight off. He died from complications of the infection, leaving behind his wife, son, stepchildren, and grandchildren.
Richard Barathy’s death was not widely reported or mourned by the media or the public, as he had lived a low-profile and private life in his later years. He had also distanced himself from the martial arts industry, and focused on his family and friends. He was cremated, and his ashes were scattered in the Puget Sound.
Richard Barathy’s life and death remain a mystery to many, as he was one of the most remarkable and influential figures in martial arts history. He was a man who defied the odds, and achieved greatness despite his physical limitations and challenges. He was a man who inspired and amazed millions of people with his speed, power, and technique. He was a man who lived and died by his own terms. He was, in the words of his friend and fellow martial artist James Quinn, “a true warrior”.
