Joe Charles, the Manhattan Beach institution known as GI Joe, had a stroke on Wednesday during a mixed martial arts training session. He is recovering in the intensive care until at Downey Medical Center and is in stable condition, according to his sister.
Charles, 56, is known for the GI Joe Boot Camp he has run at the Manhattan Beach Pier since 2000.
In the 1990s, Charles fought throughout the world in mixed martial arts competitions, including Ultimate Fighting Championships and Absolute Fighting Championships.
After retiring from competition he began training other mixed martial arts fighters in the sand at the Manhattan Beach pier. In 2000, the City of Manhattan Beach invited him to lead a fitness class for the public at the pier.
Since then, he has used his experience to teach others. On Jan. 3, Charles, who is 6’1” and weighs 310 pounds, celebrated the 15th anniversary of his city-sponsored bootcamp by inviting challengers to take him on at the Joslyn Center in Manhattan Beach. He even offered them some advice.
“If you’re 500 pounds, just sit on me,” he said. “If you’re a small guy, I’ll let you start with me in a submission hold.” ER
