Hawaiian Kenpo Jujitsu

Hawaiian Kenpo / Jujitsu is a modern expression of Kajukenbo. In addition to the base arts of Kajukenbo we incorporate a heavy influence of weapons material from the Filipino martial arts, as well as a deeper study of Ju-Jitsu, Submission Wrestling / Freestyle MMA and Combatives. We have seamlessly blended these methods to develop a very practical and effective method of combat. Hawaiian Kenpo / Jujitsu is truly combat based “Mixed Martial Arts”.

Kajukenbo was founded in 1947 at the Palama Settlement on Oahu, Hawaii. It developed from a group called the "Black Belt Society", which consisted of 5 black belts from various martial arts backgrounds who met to train and learn from each other. This was the beginning of an evolutionary, adaptive style designed to combine the most useful aspects of the arts. Kenpo emerged as the core around which this new art was built. Although not credited by name, other influences include Western Boxing (Choo was Hawaiian Welterweight Champion) and Escrima (Emperado also studied Kali /Arnis / Escrima). Below is a breakdown of each founder and their contribution.

Peter YY Choo – Karate & Western Boxing

Joseph Holck – Kodokan Judo

Frank Ordonez – Kodokan Ju-Jitsu

Adriano Emperado – Kenpo & Arnis or Escrima

Clarence Chang – Kung Fu

The emphasis during training was on realism - so much so that students routinely broke bones, fainted from exhaustion, or were knocked unconscious. Nevertheless, the reputation of this tough new art drew more students and Emperado opened a second school at the nearby Kaimuki YMCA. Soon Emperado had 12 Kajukenbo schools in Hawaii, making it the second largest string of schools at the time. John Leaning, who earned a black belt from Emperado, brought Kajukenbo to the mainland in 1958. Since that time, Kajukenbo has continued to flourish and grow. From its beginnings, Kajukenbo was an eclectic and adaptive art. As time has passed, Kajukenbo has continued to change and evolve. Currently, there are 4 distinct, "recognized " branches of Kajukenbo: Kenpo ("Emperado Method" or "Traditional Hard Style "), Tum Pai, Chuan Fa & Won Hop Kuen Do. It also includes various methods including the Gaylord Method, Ramos Method, & Halbuna Method. In addition, there are numerous "unrecognized" branches, including CHA-3 and Kenkabo.

How I teach and what I teach:

While this may be confusing for an outsider, it is the “essence” of the art. Students are not required to mimic the teacher, but are encouraged to develop their own "expression" of the art. Hawaiian Kenpo-Jujitsu is our expression of the art of Kajukenbo.

Through my travels around this country I’m very fortunate to get to train and interface with a wide variety of martial artists. Some years back I met Dean Goldade who is truly a spectacular martial artist. He has a great respect for tradition and is incredibly innovative in his approach to teaching and blending arts into a truly devastating system. Since my first meeting with Dean I was a student and now I call him friend.

I am very fortunate to hold the rank of 5th Degree Black Belt in Hawaiian Kenpo Jujitsu and I teach all of his material under his direct tutelage and authority.