Gokor grew up on the streets as an aggressive child, frequently engaging in physical altercations with others. However, his life took a dramatic turn when a studio owner, recognizing his potential, invited him to train in wrestling at the age of 5.
As it turned out, Gokor was a natural in the sport, and within a year, he began training in SamBo for at least 4 hours a day. His dedication and talent soon paid off, as he went on to win the Armenian Junior National Sambo Championship in 1971.
Gokor's success in SamBo continued, and at the age of 9, he won his second championship in 1972. The following year, he made a significant step by starting to train and compete in Judo. He won the Armenian Junior National Championship and, although he experienced his first loss against the reigning champion, this setback only motivated him to train even harder.
Between 1974 and 1979, Gokor went on to win all his Judo and Sambo tournaments, solidifying his reputation as a formidable fighter. In 1981, Gokor and his family made the bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles in the United States.
One year later, Gokor began training with the legendary Gene 'Judo' Lebell, further honing his skills. His determination to become an Olympic winner took him to various international competitions, including events in France, Japan, Thailand, Mexico, Germany, Canada, England, and many more.
During this period, Gokor also made a concerted effort to improve his English language skills and added Boxing and Muay Thai to his repertoire. Despite his impressive record, Gokor was ultimately denied the opportunity to compete at the Olympics due to the Russian boycott.
Undeterred, Gokor continued to excel in Judo, while also being introduced to Jiu-Jitsu by a group of Brazilian individuals. In 1987, he acquired his legal US citizenship, and in 1989, he married his loving wife Narine, with whom he had a child, Arthur, born in 1990.
As a father, Gokor felt compelled to retire from competition, but he couldn't shake off his passion for fighting. In 1990, he opened the long-awaited Hayastan Grappling Academy in Hollywood, California, where he trained fighters from all over the world.
After stepping out of retirement, Gokor competed and won at the US Judo Nationals, a testament to his enduring skills. In 1997, he received a special invitation to participate in No-Holds-Barred competitions, where he defeated the champion Mr. Maeda in a mere 51 seconds.
This stunning victory earned Gokor the title of 1997 Judo Instructor of the Year, a recognition of his tireless dedication to the sport. Today, Gokor continues to train and mentor fighters worldwide, with affiliate schools in America, Europe, and Armenia.
In addition to his impressive martial arts career, Gokor has also pursued his dream of becoming an actor and stuntman. He has appeared in numerous action movies alongside fellow martial artists such as Chris Casamassa, Christine Bannon-Rodriguez, Don 'The Dragon' Wilson, Cynthia Rothrock, Eric Lee, and many more.
