Name: Weed-Corley-Fish South Chapel
Address: Austin, TX

Cousin Joe,
Sure do miss dropping in at the shop so we could catch up. I was left with many treasured memories. You are loved, missed and definitely not forgotten❤️😇

Sensei.  Tiger here.  I will never forget the first day my father took me to your Soryu karate club Feb 1966.   My father passed away Nov 21 2023 at age 94.   Both you and him my mentors.   Your soul lives forever Sensei.   Thank you for all your teachings .   You are so missed by all who loved you.   OSS!!     We will all one day see each another one day.   -   Shalom.

Seems like only yesterday when we were visiting with one another and talking about the good old days, i cheeriest those moments.
Your memory lives on

Sensei. I will never forget you. I miss you Sensei.  Tiger.  Your student. 

Thank you Jesus for allowing my Dad to my dad. I am so thankful for the lessons he has taught me.  Jesus made me and my dad educated me. Dad mad me the Strong, Bold, and confident woman I am today. I Love and miss you Dearly. ❣️❤️

It's been two years. Cousin Joe you continue to be remembered, loved and treasured. Because heaven is real, I'll see you again.

 

You continue to be in our hearts and mind.
You're only a thought away, never forgotten !

I miss you 😢, Sir!!!!
James Debrow, Special Ranger 
Texas Department of Public Safety 

Today, I find myself thinking of my cousin Joe.  He was a fine, loving, caring special man.  I miss the infrequent, unannounced  visits, I would make to his trophy shop, to say hi and catch up.  

Cousin Joe, you are loved and never will be forgotten.  You left your mark on many of us.  Because I believe that Heaven is real, I will see you again.  Love you cuz!

I trained under Mr. Alvarado while I was in college in Austin. I had just taken a part time job as a bouncer in a club on 6th street. The year was 1980. I called around to a few of the karate schools and told them I was looking for a school that let the students fight. I needed the hands on training. I remember him laughing on the phone when I told him that. He said don't worry son, you will get plenty of chances here for that. I quickly learned why he was laughing. I went home black and blue after fighting 4 students one after the other on my first day. Thankfully they were also beginners. It was pretty funny, and painful. I had so much respect for him. He was a great teacher and motivator. Rest in peace Mr. Alvarado. It was an honor to know you.

Joe was a great person with a big heart. When I was going to UT in the early 80’s he allowed me to train  at his Dojo on Riverside-even though I was a poor college kid with little money for monthly fees. I always remembered his kindness to me and have tried to pay it forward. Thank you Sensei!

I remember meeting Grandmaster Alvarado when he had the Dojo and Martial Arts supply on Riverside Drive here in Austin Texas and he looked at me with those piercing eyes of his and he asks me who I was and who did I study with? I would come in from time to time after that and one day he said to me just out of the blue, “You are going to be something in Martial Arts!” Grandmaster Alvarado, I thank you for your kindness throughout the years! Now rest well Grandmaster, rest well! Oss! 
                                                                                                            +Jeffrey L Hollins

Joe Alvarado was the first member of the Austin martial arts community that I met when I moved here in 1973.  His Soryu organization dominated South Austin with several locations.  Since his passing I have seen the many tributes that his students have left to him about how he positively impacted their lives.  This is the true measure of an instructor, not how many champions he produced even though he produced some of the best seen in Texas, but how he has improved the lives of those who come to him for training.  His legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of those whom he touched.  Most sincere condolences to the Alvarado family, his friends, and his students for your loss.

Mr. Grand Master Joe Alvarado (Martial Arts Texas Legend and Hall of Famer) was my teacher and mentor. We trained and collaborated in police defensive tactics at the Austin Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety. He was masterful and creative. I love and will miss my teacher, mentor and friend!
Sergeant James Debrow, Texas Department of Public Safety (State Trooper Training Academy), Retired,
Grand Master and Hall of Famer 

Joe was once a member & always a proud supporter of the Austin Police Bass Club.  He kept us in shirts and patches and numerous award plates over the years.  As a Tribute to Joe, the Austin Police Bass Club is donating the Club's tournament fees of 2020 to C.A.S.T. for Kids in Joe's memory.

To the Alvarado Family-
Your pain must be so immense it is almost unbearable.   Please know how loved GMAlvarado is and how many thousands of lives he made better.   If he was a Judge in your ring,  there was no doubt you would be treated fair and honest.  He was kind to me & never did I hear him utter a bad word about any other person.   He made a positive difference , and his legacy will live on forever and ever.  May God bless you and comfort you in your loss.  Many condolences,  Janette Kurban 🙏

I met Joe in 1968 at a tournament in Galveston Texas.  It was my first competition as a black belt and it might have been his. He was quiet, strong, and tough. He made a great impression on all the black belts. Through the years he proved himself as a fighter, great teacher, and promoter. He was a superb referee who was skilled and fair. He was a leader and founder of  the AOK.  He did so much for so many.  Joe was loved  and respected.    I will miss those phone calls and long discussions about defensive tactics for police officers.  I miss you, Joe. Until we meet again...

Thank you for bringing Soryu to Texas. Joe was always kind and of quick wit. 
I enjoyed hearing his stories about the early days of Soryu.  So sorry to hear of his passing. RIP Mr. Alvarado.

Thanks, Joe, you will always be my senior.  Joe taught me how seriously one must take your martial arts training. RIP, Joe

Father Joe,

Sir I owe so much to you. I first met you in 1986, you came to our unit and rode out with myself and Todd Myers. After that night the rest is history. We spent so much time together learning  self defense from you and coming to your shop spending all our money on Police Shirts that you made personally for Todd and I. When Todd passed away, you and I spoke hours about all the Todd stories. Now that you are gone, I have no one to share any more stories about the three of us. But now you and Todd can share our stories. I spoke with you the week you got sick, even then you were full of jokes. I miss you and Love You Sir.

Anthony (A.J.) Johnson

It is 1980 and I blew  into Texas Karate  from Hawaii, Joe was one of the Texas Legends who influence my career in Texas  though the years we would share so much .
I have had the Sport  Karate Museum  in Texas since 1998 and Joe helped me with Texas History 
He allowed me to adopt Rooster , one of his students he raised  for my SixFlag 
Karate Shows at Astroworld in the early years.
This is the Joe I loved , it is Rooster Machens Roast in Houston , Saturday night at the Banquet , everybody is dressed up wearing Suits and Sunday go to meeting clothes , here comes Joe wearing. pair of Shorts , Hawaiian Shirt and FlipFlops  and he comes up to me and says”Gary , I dressed up just for you, and then he gave me a personalized Duffle bag , he made with the Museum logo on it , man ,I loved this guy , Prayers  to the family and his BlackBelts , Joe Alvarado R.I.P , thanks for being my friend and mentor 
Professor Gary Lee
www.sportkaratemuseumarchives.com/home.html
Adoptive Texan  thanks to Joe 

I will miss him.  He was a larger-than-life figure in this world.   I offer my condolences to his family and friends.  

It is with heavy heart that I mourn the passing of my Sensei, my mentor, my father, Grand Master Joe Alvarado.  He was a great teacher and an inspiration for his students to excel and be the best they are capable of.  

The years I spent studying karate under your tutelage were some of the best years of my life.  I will see you in Heaven.  

Buzzy 

Rest In Peace brother , you taught us well ... 

As a young policeman you never think you’re going to use your training when it comes to the prevention of deadly force but in the spring of 1987 I was confronted with a armed suspect who pulled a gun on me and held it to my face. My reactions were exactly what Joe had taught me. Within seconds I was able to disarm the suspect and take into custody without any incident. I attribute this to a life-saving event, mine!  If it would not have been for Joe’s precise training I would not be here today. Through the years I remained  in contact with Joe and always appreciated his candor and work ethic.
 Joe will be missed by the many he touched in this very small world. 
May he rest in peace and God take his soul. 🙏🏼

     I met Mr. Alvarado in 1992 as a cadet at APD. He was our DT instructor. He was tough on us but he taught us all so much. The things we learned saved my behind over the course of my career more times than not! I spent all but 4 years in the street. 
      I continually went to his trophy shop over the years not only to buy things but to just talk. We spent many days talking about anything and everything.  He would still take so many moments to teach me new techniques or we would go over old ones. When my husband Brian and I got together in 2010, (also an APD officer but not trained by him).  He would take time to teach him techniques that also saved him in several situations. 
     I will miss our conversations and his mentorship. He was an incredible man, teacher and friend to me and my husband.  So many of us held him in very  high regard and great respect.

Rest In Peace Sir we will never forget you. 

Your friends and students, 

Michelle and Brian Yarger 


It is with great sadness that we heard of Joe’s passing.  I met Joe almost 50 years ago when he rode with APD officers on the street.  It was obvious he was someone very special, very pro-police, and willing to get involved by conducting in-service defensive tactics training sessions.  I had the pleasure of working with Joe for 10 years at the Austin police academy where he was the Defensive Tactics Instructor for cadet training.  Joe taught hundreds of cadets and was instrumental in giving the new officers the confidence they needed to do their jobs on the street.  He was always upbeat and optimistic but, most of all, a humble man who valued de-escalation over force.  I am glad we stayed in touch over the years and I will miss talking to him.  We offer our deepest sympathies to the family for your loss.  May your memories comfort you in your time of sorrow.

I was very sadden to hear of Grandmaster Joe Alvarado's death... it was like a part of my heart was missing..he was my mentor and reason for being involved in the Martial Arts back in the 60s with Soryu Karate and still to this date with Taekwondo.. if it were not for him giving confidence and strength to believe in myself back then, I honestly don't think I would be where I am now in the Martial Arts.. one motto I will never forget that he instilled in me as a student is, "Defend with Honor".. thank you GM Alvarado..
 My prayers and deepest condolences go out to his family..
Rest In Peace,  dear Grandmaster....

 Mr. Alvarado

I am going to miss you so much you were like a 2nd Dad to me.
Going to miss our trips to WnStar Casino. Going to miss trying to teach you how to play Golf. I am so proud of being one of your Black Belts. Thank you for your Friendship,Guidance and the Love you had for me. I'm going to miss you.

Love you
Johnny Benites
Sorry Karate

Like so many others who were drawn to Joe by his charm, courage, and warmth, I am deeply grieved and saddened by his unexpected death. May the love of family and friends comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
Mack DeLeon, CSA - Austin, TX


My most sincerely condolences to all of Joe's family. He was a very good and honest person. 

My prayers and condolences goes out to the family and friends of Mr. Alvarado. He was a great instructor to the 74th cadet class of the Austin police department. His training was outstanding to many police officers who were involved in his defensive tactics (geronimo). I truly thank him for his spirit in wanting us to be safe while protecting and serving the community. Service and sharing  is what Joe was about as he shared his  experiences and knowledge. I thank GOD for putting him in my life, before and during my APD career. Thank you family for letting us experience greatness from a wonderful person.  You will never be forgotten by your friends and APD family. 
See you later my friend.

Duke Kinley and family 

What a friend, family member to APD. Joe you gave so much of yourself to train and give to others. You leave a huge void in the APD family. The APD Bass Club always and forever will be thankful for all the shirts and embroidered bags you made for us. Heaven has a new gate keeper. To family, hugs, condolences, prayers.

Mr Joe
You will be missed by so many.  But your in Heaven now what a blessing that God has  called you home.  No more pain . You were a great man, kind and wonderful.  Family we are very sorry for your loss.  We ask God to continue to bless everyone 🙏🙏🙏
From
The Arizmendez Family & the Late Rudy Hernandez Sr  and Family 

My heart broke when I heard of cousin Joe passing into Heaven.  Growing up, I would be star struck when my dad would take me to Johnston High football games, because cousin Joe was quarterback.  The girls on the bleachers would cheer loud for him and I would just have to let them know that he was my cousin, LoL 

I remember when he went off to serve his country in the Viet Nam war. My young heart was scared for him. He was my hero.  Cousin Joe always greeted me with such love whenever I would go to his trophy shops.  I am left with treasured memories.  My condolences to my cousin Dolores and his children.  Joe will continue to live through each of you, because y'all are his Legacy.  

Karate Joe - you will never be forgotten!  You will always be loved and remembered.
 

God bless All of You Mrs Alvarado, and children.  I have been praying since I found out Sensei was sick. I have prayed until my tears would not stop.  Sensei to me was the greatest of them all. A Great Grandmaster of SORYU KARATE. I was his student until the end. His legacy will live in history. I send all of you my heart felt condolences and love to each of you.  We will miss him very much.  The pain is deep In our hearts.   The book I am writing on Soryu Karate is dedicated to him. Shalom shalom .    Sensei I love you.     Respectfully  TIGER.  

My condolences to the family !
May the good Lord left you up & give you strength in a time like this.
I had the honor in meeting Joe at his shop on Congress & Sheraton with my husband Rick. My husband always looked up to Joe for guidance after he lost his dad.
Joe was always very friendly & made us feel like family. When we would go see him at the shop are at Vic’s BBQ he always ask for everyone & also talked about seeing his grandkids he loved his family & his extended family in blue.
God Bless 
Margaret Medrano

Alvarado Family there is nothing I can say that will take the pain away other than to say I will pray for healing and peace. Joe you know that after my dad, Rocky Medrano, passed away you were the one I turned to for guidance, inspiration and instruction of policing. I have lost so much again but heaven has gained so much more. Go easy on God with a take down because he just might put you in "Time Out".

I knew Joe since I was a little kid, I fought his karate tournament many years. He was a great man and was someone special to me. RIp ole friend. 

Rest in Peace my friend.  I wish we could have gone fishing again.

Condolences to Dolores and family from Lee Roy and my sister Anna. We all went to elementary school and high school. RIP Joe. 

Lee Roy Lopez - Pflugerville
Anna Lee from  Chicago.

OBITUARY

Joe Alvarado Jr.

July 31, 1944 – January 12, 2021

Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services

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