Countdown to Kimbo's first fight

In 1971 Gokor competed in his first tournament and won his first Armenian Junior National Sambo Championship. He won all of his matches quickly and with ease.

At the age of nine, Gokor fought in his second Junior National Sambo Championship, taking first place in the 10 - 12 year old division. He won the Gold Medal and qualified to go to Russia to fight in the '72 Soviet Junior National Sambo Championships.

1973 was a big year for Gokor, beginning his training in Judo; he would go onto win Armenian Junior National Championship and then compete at the Russian Junior National Judo Championships. It was in Russia at these games that Gokor would experience his first loss. Making it to the finals, Gokor would go home with a Silver Medal after losing by referee's decision to the three times Soviet National Champion. This loss haunted Gokor and drove him to train even harder, promising himself that he would never lose another competition in his life.

1974 brought Gokor back to Russia to fight in the Soviet Junior Judo and Sambo National Championships. Fulfilling his promise to himself, Gokor took Gold Medals in both competitions.

From 1974 through 1979 Gokor continued to compete and win competitions in both Judo and Sambo not only in the Soviet Union, but Europe and at the world games.

In 1980 Gokor qualified for the Soviet Olympic Judo team, but was passed over for an older more experienced athlete, who went to win the gold. Gokor although greatly disappointed by not being able to compete in the Olympics.

One year later Gokor and his family would find themselves moving to America. (Los Angeles).

Gokor didn't give up on his dream of competing for Olympic gold. He was rewarded for his perseverance by meeting and training with the Legendary "Judo" Gene LeBell. Gene began teaching Gokor techniques he had never encountered before, and quickly Gokor added these techniques to his training.

These were tough times for the seventeen-year-old Gokor who was training, learning English, working and trying to learn as much as he could about American Culture.

Starting in 1982 Gokor began competing in Judo Tournaments again, and Professional No-Holds-Barred fights. Some fights were for money others just for the experience and excitement.