Martial arts enthusiasts gathered together Friday night at the Night of the Masters Awards Ceremony to honor the remarkably-talented celebrities and dedicated martial arts masters who together have showcased awe-inspiring fighting scenes on the big screen and who have entertained audiences around the world over the past 30 years.

Maryum “May May” Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali, Grandmaster Jerry Bell (C), Celebrity Artist Mark Richmond, aka Skidone R)

The event, hosted by Black Ryu, organized by 6 Degrees Deep and sponsored exclusively by Knockout Energy Drink, bestowed a special award on boxing legend, Muhammad Ali, presented by Grandmaster Jerry Bell. Bell called Ali, “The greatest defense master of all time.” Bell continued, “My brother, Muhammad, I love him. I love him.  He has brought a lot to this planet. If it were not for Muhammad Ali, there would be no boxing…He is my brother, my strength, and my guide. And we both serve the same God.”

Maryum “May May” Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali

Maryum “May May” Ali, Muhammad Ali’s daughter, accepted the award on behalf of her dad. You can watch her beautiful acceptance speech below. She said, “Dad is in Arizona. The martial arts discipline my dad has and his spirituality have made the Parkinson’s easier because he’s so peaceful and serene and accepts everything God has given him and considers everything a blessing. So, don’t worry about him, he is doing well. Keep him in your prayers. He has 24-hour care now, but thanks you very much.”

Live blindfolded demonstration using a sword – watch video below.

May May Ali with Olympian and world boxing champion, Moses “Eagle” James

April Sutton, Emcee for the evening and the youngest inductee in the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1993 for her outstanding television reports on Black Entertainment Television

(Left to Right) Lawrence Hilton Jacobs (Welcome Back, Kotter, The Jacksons), Bokeem Woodbine (Ray, Saving Grace, Crooklyn, Dead Presidents), Damon Whitaker (Ghost Dog, Mr. Holland’s Opus), Damion Hall, R&B musician and member of the band, Guy

(Left to Right) Olympian and world boxing champion, Moses James, R&B musician of the group Guy, Damion Hall, Brandon Johnson of Disney’s Shake It Up!

Royce Clayton with wife, Samantha Davies. Clayton is a former MLB player and world series ring holder. He is in the upcoming 2011 film called Moneyball starring Brad Pitt. Davies was a track sprinter for the United Kingdom, who participated in the 200-Meter race at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.

Brooke Lewis, B Movie Golden COB Awards 2010 For Best Scream Queen of 2009

Matt Holeman, CEO of Knockout Energy Drink (L) with Olympian Moses James (R)

Brooke Lewis (R) and Maureen “Mo” Whelan (L)

Beau Nelson (R) and Alex Ballar (L) of the upcoming movie, Zombie Drugs

Grandmaster Jerry Bell

Award recipients with Bokeem Woodbine

Celebrity Artist Mark Richmond aka Skidone painting a portrait of Muhammad Ali as part of a live art performance throughout the awards ceremony

May May Ali, Mark Richmond, Sheba Khodadad

Guests included: Maryum May May Ali, Damon Whitaker (Ghost Dog, Mr. Holland’s Opus), Lawrence Hilton Jacobs (Welcome Back, Kotter, The Jacksons), Royce Clayton (Money Ball), Brandon Johnson (Shake It Up! Hanna Montana, Malevolence), Bokeem Woodbine (Ray, Saving Grace, Dead Presidents, Crooklyn), Olympian Moses “Eagle” James, April Sutton (Youngest Inductee in the Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1993 for her outstanding television reports on Black Entertainment Television), Brooke Lewis (Vamp It Out, Sprinkles, Circuit Riders), Beau Nelson (Zombie Drugs, Empress Vampire), and Alex Ballar (Zombie Drugs, Feeding Grounds, Just Bad).