Martial Artist Who Trains In Essex County Earns Competition Honors

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A Verona High School alumnus who trains at a martial arts school in Bloomfield recently took home top honors in the North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA) world tour, one of the most prestigious karate tournaments in the United States and Canada.

Alexander Buoye, 49 – who studies at Al Bender’s Kung Fu Academy – has been training in the art of Northern Shaolin Kung Fu for more than 15 years. Recently, Buoye battled his way to the top of the 18+ Men’s Black Belt Chinese Forms and Weapons Divisions for the 2022 NASKA World Tour.

This year’s tour consisted of 10 events held across the U.S. and Canada. Buoye competed at tournaments in Rhode Island, New Jersey, Minnesota, Florida and Canada during the season, capturing eight gold and five silver medals.

“For me, it’s about proving to myself what is still possible,” Buoye said when asked what keeps him motivated throughout the year.

“It’s also about setting an example for my son, Xavier, to show him what can be achieved when you focus on a goal and don’t quit,” Buoye said.

Buoye graduated from Verona High School in 1991. He holds multiple degrees from the University of Notre Dame, and is an associate professor of marketing at St. John’s University in Queens, NY. He currently lives in Long Valley with his wife, Arleen, son, Xavier (15), two dogs and a cat.

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