ABOUT US

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What is Kajukenbo?​

Kajukenbo is a mix of Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, Kenpo, and Boxing (both Chinese and Western). This art was founded in Hawaii in 1947 at the Palama Settlement in Honolulu by Adriano Emperado, Joseph Holck, Peter Young Yil Choo, Frank F. Ordonez, and Clarence Chang. This art focuses on practicality and realistic application of techniques for self defense situations. In its conception, Kajukenbo followed a simple rule, if a technique worked consistently on the street, then it stayed, if it did not, then it was removed.

This central rule, that emphasized effectiveness, lead to the creation of many branches and variations of the art as teachings were constantly evolving. 

Today our lineage aligns closest with the Chu'an Fa branch.

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NW Kajukenbo Club was started by Sifu Devin Wear in November of 2020.

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Where does Kajukenbo fit amongst other arts?

The term "Martial Arts" refers to a large family of movement practices whose defining qualities can vary widely. From the ideologies/philosophies/purposes behind their practice, down to the ways in which practitioners physically engage within the art. Some will primarily train weapons while standing, some focus on restraining/submitting opponents on the ground, and some practice techniques to avoid conflict all together.

So where does Kajukenbo fit in?

The answer is not necessarily straight forward.

Kajukenbo is a self defense art. It is a mixed martial art. And it is also a draws from a traditional background.

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Self defense: The art exists largely in the arena of self defense. This focus shapes our training in a couple ways. A good portion of time in class will be spent with a partner drilling techniques back and forth on each other's bodies, since understanding and sharpening one's grasp of the relationship between their opponent's body and their own is essential to effectively training for self defense.

The scope of techniques used is affected as well. Since the art is not training for competition within a closed ruleset, there is no designation of legal or illegal techniques. You will encounter plenty of techniques that would be seen in a competitive setting (Karate, Judo, etc...), as well as some variations or even entirely different techniques that would generally not be permitted in a sport setting.

But self defense manifests, not only in the physical aspects of the art, but also in the overall culture of training. We operate with heavy emphasis on personal/community empowerment. Taking extra care to ensure that empathy, inclusivity, and respect are pillars felt by all who practice. We're stronger when we work together.

Mixed martial art: Kajukenbo in its creation is by definition a mixed martial art. Though that title can sometimes be misleading, as the term MMA now is most commonly associated with the octagon and UFC fighters. And while Kajukenbo does have a handful of of names recognizable in that arena, our practice of mixed martial arts is slightly different. ​Where as the sport of MMA trains linearly towards one purpose (unarmed competition against a single opponent), we train for adaptability to a variety of self defense circumstances (engaging against weapons, multiple attackers, etc...). We also practice an array of traditional and modern formwork/kata (rehearsed movement sequences) both partnered and individual. And though there are differences in purpose and approach between modern MMA and Kajukenbo, both find common ground in the belief in and implementation of training against resistance. Sparring is a staple of our practice. We learn from tradition, we drill with cooperation, and we test with resistance.

Traditional roots: Though not a traditional art itself, Kajukenbo pulls heavily from the training practices of the various arts from which it was created. At times it may even look indistinguishable from its contributors. Partnered and individual formwork/Kata (rehearsed movement sequences), Kali/Escrima stick patterns, deep stances, hardstyle blocks/strikes, and Chi Sao (sticky hands) concepts all contribute to the mix that is Kajukenbo.

The art puts heavy emphasis on learning these movements and patterns. Giving students a foundation of practices that develop power generation, muscular endurance, flexibility, body connection, and an appreciation for where our modern movements originated.

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