06/08/2026
A nice article on Grandmaster Frankโs many achievements!
The December 1979 cover of Karate Illustrated featured Gordon Franks, one of the standout full-contact karate and kickboxing competitors of his era, as well as a respected instructor and businessman.
Franks began his martial arts journey in 1969 under Pat Worley in Washington, D.C., and rose to prominence after capturing the PKA Super Lightweight World Title in 1975.
He remained undefeated for the next five years, compiling an impressive 18โ1 professional record between 1974 and 1980.
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