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Kajukenbo

In 1947, in the Palama Settlement of Hawaii five martial artists got together and formed a pact: they would take two years to creat the ideal fighting art, one that would make them invincible in the toughest streets of Hawaii. These five men were Frank Ordonez, P.Y.Y. Choo, Joe Holck, Clarence Chang and Adriano Emperado . This organization became known as the notorious Black Belt Society. In the beginning they trained only a few top artists in this art form. However, later they began to teach this style to the public and the name of the school was called the Kajukenbo Self-defense Institute. In 1950, there were a total of 12 schools under Adriano Emperado , after the Black Belt Society split up. There are currently four branch styles within the Kajukenbo system including: Kajukenbo Kenpo, Tum Pai , Ch'uan-Fa and Wun Hop Kuen Do . The system has grown such that there are currently 100's of Kajukenbo schools and it is taught in many countries throughout the world.

The word Kajukenbo is derived from the letter of the styles that contributed to the creation of the art. Together they make up the Kajukenbo motto: Through this fist art one gains long life and happiness.

KA

(long life) - comes from the word Karate, an art form that places the emphasis on hard and powerful techniques. The karate influence was from Tang Soo Do brought by P.Y.Y. Choo.

JU

(happiness) - comes from Judo and Jujitsu, art forms that emphasize throwing, locks and sweeps. The judo and jujitsu influence was from Kodenkan Danzan Ryu brought by Joe Holck and Se Keino Ryu brought by Frank Ordonez.

KEN

(fist) - comes from Kenpo, a form of karate that not only stresses the hard and powerful movements, but emphasizes multiple and fluid hand techniques. The kenpo influence was from Kosho Shorei Kenpo brought by Adriano Emperado.

BO

(style) - comes from Chinese and American boxing. Chinese boxing means Kung Fu, which puts emphasis on flexibility and agility, parrying and evasive movements that flow together. The Chinese boxing influence was from Northern and Southern Sil-lum styles brought by Clarence Chang.