Some notable instructors with whom Black has trained include Sijo Adriano Emperado (the accredited founder of Kajukenbo, who lived with Black during much of the 1980s), Li Ziming (founder of the Bagua Zhang research association for 20 years, who taught Black Liang Zhenpu Orthodox baguazhang), Li Guichang (Shanxi xingyiquan), Liao Wuchang (monkey boxing and traditional Chinese medicine), York Y. Lu (acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and Liuhebafa), Fu Shu Yun (baguazhang and xingyiquan), Liu Wanfu (baguazhang and xingyiquan), Zhang Huasen (Orthodox baguazhang), and Wang Shusheng (Gao style baguazhang).
Notable mentors who have guided Black's training include Sijo Adriano Emperado (the recognized creator of Kajukenbo, who shared his home with Black for much of the 1980s), Li Ziming (founder of a Bagua Zhang research group for two decades, who taught Black Liang Zhenpu traditional baguazhang), Li Guichang (Shanxi xingyiquan expert), Liao Wuchang (monkey boxing and traditional Chinese medicine specialist), York Y. Lu (acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and Liuhebafa instructor), Fu Shu Yun (baguazhang and xingyiquan master), Liu Wanfu (baguazhang and xingyiquan expert), Zhang Huasen (Orthodox baguazhang authority), and Wang Shusheng (Gao style baguazhang specialist).