The 1997 June Black Belt Magazine cover featured the most unforgettable face in martial arts cinema: Gerald Okamura.

You know his face and the weapons he carries!

Few martial artists have left a mark on cinema as enduring—and as understated—as Gerald Okamura. Born in 1940 in Hilo, Hawaii, Okamura represents a generation of warriors whose skills were forged long before martial arts became a Hollywood commodity.

A 5th-degree black belt. His training included kendo and aikido, and his deep understanding of combat led him to design specialized weaponry of his own.

Okamura entered the film industry through stunt work in 1975, earning his first credited role in 1980. Over the decades, he became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable martial presences, appearing in 39 feature films. His work spans cult classics and blockbuster hits alike, including Big Trouble in Little China, Samurai Cop, Ninja Academy, Ring of Fire, Blade, and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.

Beyond film, Okamura became a familiar figure to television audiences as Kai-Ogi in Mighty Morphin Alien Rangers, a sensei in Power Rangers Wild Force, and Chao Chong in VR Troopers. Whether portraying villains, warriors, or mentors, he brought authenticity rooted in real-world skill.

Gerald Okamura’s legacy isn’t defined by flashy headlines—it’s defined by decades of disciplined training, hard-earned respect, and a career that helped shape the look and feel of martial arts on screen. A true Black Belt icon, then and now.

Learn more about this cover and the entire magazine preserved in digital format: https://www.blackbeltmag.com 

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