Conversation so far:
What significance did martial arts have in Steven Seagal's life?
The date of his journey has become a point of contention due to Seagal's statement that he studied with Morihei Uyeshiba, the founder of aikido, who died in 1969.
When did he begin martial arts?
1974.
What inspired him to begin?
The date of his journey has become a point of contention due to Seagal's statement that he studied with Morihei Uyeshiba.
What else did you find interesting?
Seagal helped train Brazilian Mixed Martial Artist Lyoto Machida, who credited Seagal for helping him perfect the front kick.

Question: Was Seagal a black belt?
Self-contained rewrite: Was Steven Seagal a black belt?