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What is Kajukenbo?
KAJUKENBO ORIGINS
Kajukenbo is a mixed martial art originating from the Palama Settlement of Oahu, Hawaii during 1947 to 1949. Its birth came from five martial artists of different styles who began training together, titling themselves the "Black Belt Society."
Their goal was to combine the most practical aspects of each individuals art form.
Doing so, they created a combat style that proved effective against the violence in their environment.
In 1950, one of the five men, Adriano D. Emperado, and his brother, Joseph Emperado, opened this art to the public in formal classes. They called the school the
Kajukenbo Self Defense Institute (K.S.D.I.).
Sijo Adriano D. Emperado founded this new martial art system and paved the path for the future. Since its creation Kajukenbo has grown into a worldwide organization consisting of several branches and schools.
DISCIPLINES AND PRINCIPLES
Kajukenbo from the beginning has been a mixed martial art. Originally forming from the main five styles brought by the five creators.
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KA - Tang Soo Do Karate (Professor Choo)
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JU - Kodokan Judo (Professor Holck) &
Sekeino Jujitsu (Professor Odrenez)
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KEN - Old Pine Tree Kenpo (Sijo Emperado)
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BO - Chinese & Western Boxing (Professor Chang)
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Over time different branches have introduced a variety of styles & methods within the Kajukenbo system. In its core, Kajukenbo was developed to allow these differences. Free expression within the art form and exploring knowledge from different sources is important to the foundation of Kajukenbo.
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Newell's Kajukenbo strives to follow the Emperado Method. This method focuses on two ideals. First, to avoid making our art rigid we strive to learn and adapt our art as new knowledge is gained. Second, we make contact when we train. To ensure our art remains effective it is important to practice with a sense of realism. We believe you fight as you train, so we train hard and we fight dirty. This tough approach is what gave Kajukenbo its reputation as a solid response to real dangers in the world.
NEWELL KAJUKENBO'S INSTRUCTOR
Sifu Ethan Newell discovered a love for martial arts early on in life. As a child with little natural skill for regular sports and having faced bullying in school there was a desire to find answers to both problems. His grandfather set him on the path when he placed him in a Shaolin Kenpo class for a summer at the age of 11. Quickly a love developed for the sport.
After that summer he came back home to Phoenix, Arizona in search of a school. He found his martial art home at
Hoyt's Kajukenbo.
Sigung Greg Hoyt began teaching Ethan in the Emperado Method of Kajukenbo. The classes were hard, but the education was fulfilling. The curriculum expanded over Kickboxing, Jiu Jitsu, weapons defense and new styles/ideas were introduced often. Sparring was regular to help learn how to overcome pain, and to apply what was learned in a realistic situation. Years of training under Sigung Greg nourished a passion for martial arts. Ethan earned his third degree black belt and the rank of Sifu in June of 2021.
Around 2012 he was introduced to Sensei/Guru Michael Koerner who began teaching Bujutsu Judo and Silat at Hoyt's Kajukenbo. This training gave new perspective to the softer styles of martial arts. Focusing on fluid motion, body mechanics, and implementing weapons often. The classes helped expand creativity and flow in forms.
Not too long after he also began studying Judo under Sensei Todd Venzian. Sensei Todd and Sifu Ethan would teach each other, combining Sport Judo takedowns with striking to find ways traditional Judo can be used in combat. He earned his Orange Belt in Judo in 2016 under Sensei Todd's mentorship.
During the Covid-19 pandemic training was moved to an outdoor park where Sifu Ethan kept teaching alongside Sigung Greg and Sifu George Davis. In July 2021, he moved to Orlando, FL with his family to start a new adventure. The students in Phoenix continue to train at "The Line Kajukenbo" under Sifu George.
Sifu Ethan now teaches Kajukenbo in the Orlando area and continues to cross train with new arts as opportunities arise.
