Kajukenbo (Emperado True Method)

Kajukenbo is A Hybrid martial art from Hawaii. Kajukenbo is the name the founders came up with to describe the various arts forms from which this style is derived. KA for Karate, JU for Judo and Jujitsu, KEN for Kenpo, and BO for Boxing. (Kajukenbo)

It was developed between 1947 and 1949 in the Palama Settlement on the Island of Oahu. The art was created through the efforts of five martial artists, each with a different specialty. They were Peter Choo, Frank Ordonez, Joe Holck, Goerge Chang and Sijo Adriano D. Emperado.

Adriano D. Emperado- Hawaiian Kenpo, Escrima

Joseph Holck- Judo, Jujitsu

Peter Choo- Tang Soo Do, Shotokan, and Boxing

Frank Ordonez- Jujitsu

Clarence Chang- Kung Fu, Boxing

In the late 1940s, the Palama Settlement was a very violent area. Due to this environment, the five founders came together with the goal of developing an art that would be practical and effective in a street fight. They sought to develop a style that would complement each of their individual styles and yet allow for effective fighting at a greater variety of ranges and speeds. In its conception, they followed a simple rule; if a technique worked consistently on the street (or against each other), then it stayed in the system. If it did not, then it was discarded. This allowed the style to maintain its self defense focus, while covering limitations found within each of their traditional arts. The training was notoriously brutal. Sijo Emperado had a motto “The workout isn’t over until I see blood on the floor.” He also believed that “the best teacher is pain.”

Kajukenbo has proved to be an improvement-based, continuously evolving and open form. Kajukenbo continues to evolve with each generation and maintains its primary focus on realism and practicality. There are no “unfair” moves or techniques in Kajukenbo. Every target on an attackers body is a “green light.” Kajukenbo training incorporates a blend of striking, joint locks, and weapons disarmament. The art is practiced all over the world in many different countries. Students are not taught to mimic their Instructors, but rather to develop their own expression of the art.

The Deadly Art of Eskrima

Emphasizing weapons, fighting with blades, hardened-sticks and improvised weapons, eskrima is a deadly, combat proven, type of Filipino martial arts. Even though training begins with weapons, empty-hand methods are also core parts of the art as the weapon is basically an extension of the body.

Introduced to non-Filipino’s in 1521, eskrima was used in combat when Spanish invaders led by Ferdinand Magellan arrived to stake claim on the Philippine islands. During the invasion, native resistance fighters from the island of Mactan, armed with sticks, killed many of the Spanish including Magellan himself. After Magellan’s death, the Spanish prohibited the practice and teaching for eskrima, additionally prohibiting Filipinos from having and carrying full-sized swords.

Filipinos began to adapt eskrima to use different, and smaller, weapons. Eskrima fighters use a variety of fighting styles and weapons. Using whatever is available at hand as a weapon is a key part of what students are taught. The main training focus is in the repetition of the moves. Repeating/drilling the techniques over and over helps with speed gains and reaction times. Quick reaction and decision-making is stressed, along with the speed of strikes and counter-strikes.

Eskrima is one of the Philippines’ most popular and deadliest martial arts. It is the national sport of the Philippines, and has a very long history of combat use. Students are taught to train with weapons from the very beginning. This is a big difference form other martial arts that progress from empty-hand techniques to weapons training.

I want all my students to learn and become better than me!

I've always been the warrior type, I will train until I pass-out. I've always been that way!

I care about my students more than I do their money.

I expect all my students to be honest, helpful and respectful.

Who's Next?

I don't tap!

Conquer or die!

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.

Even if you fall on your face, you are still moving forward.

Sifu Art Hugues
Sifu Art Hugues