Gary Alexander: A Giant Among Men

We honor the life and legacy of Gary R. Alexander, Black Belt Magazine 1975 Hall of Fame Inductee  father, martial artist, champion, teacher, author, actor, and proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran, serving with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, Fleet Marine Force in the Pacific during the 1950s.

Alexander passed on September 25th, 2025 at age 87.

Known as the “Isshinryu Hammer,” he was celebrated for his powerful technique, fearless spirit, and pivotal role in shaping the presence of full-contact karate in the United States.

Alexander began training in Isshin-ryu karate under Don Nagle at the Jersey City YMCA in 1959. His discipline and natural ability quickly propelled him to the forefront of competition.

Photo credit: Gary Alexander

On November 17, 1962, as a 3rd Dan, Gary Alexander won the 1st Canadian Karate Championship sponsored by Mas Tsuruoka.

From the 1963 summer issue of Black Belt Magazine

In 1962, he captured the first international bare-knuckle full-contact karate championship at Madison Square Garden, sponsored by the legendary Mas Oyama. These victories marked a new era in competitive karate, where matches were decided by the last fighter standing a fighting format popularized by the Kyushinkai Karate tournaments of their era.

Pictured with Mas Oyama 1962. Photo credit: Gary Alexander

His influence extended far beyond competition. As a tournament promoter and one of the earliest creators of video based instructional lessons Alexander grew his martial arts empire to include over 2000 members in his New Jersey based organization.

From the May 1975 Black Belt Magazine Archive

Photo from his early tournaments as he moved from fighter to promoter

In 1974, he was named Black Belt Magazine’s Co-Instructor of the Year, and in 1975, he was inducted into the Black Belt Magazine Hall of Fame. He was also honored by the Action Martial Arts Hall of Fame, the World Karate Union Hall of Fame, and the Australasian Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

He played a role in introducing martial arts to popular American culture through his appearances in film and television, including Avenging Force (1986) with Michael Dudikoff and Gideon Oliver (1989) with Lou Gossett Jr. He further contributed to the martial arts community as the producer of a 20-part instructional video series and as the author of Unarmed and Dangerous: Hand-to-Hand Combat and Defense Systems.

Through his victories, his teaching, his writing, and his service, Gary Alexander’s influence continues to shape generations of martial artists. His legacy is one of courage, perseverance, and dedication a standard to which we all aspire. Rest in peace Sensei you will be missed, loved and remembered.