photo by Catrina Marchetti
Hand to Hand’s martial arts program provides training in the eclectic art of Kajukenbo. It is a practical and beautiful martial art that combines the best techniques and training methods of five traditional martial arts systems.
The name KAJUKENBO was created by combining the first few letters of each style: KA (Karate), JU (Judo and Jujitsu), KEN (Kenpo), and BO (Chinese boxing).
Ancient and modern training methods are combined towards reaching the goals of integration of mind, body, and spirit, as well as practical self-defense skills and development. Students of this art develop excellent body conditioning, power, balance, and fluidity of movement.
Training includes the study of basic techniques, forms, fighting strategy, practical self defense, and traditional weapons practice.
There are four branches of Kajukenbo: Original style (Kenpo Karate), Ch’uan Fa, Won Hop Kuen Do, and Tum Pai. Here at Hand to Hand we train in the Gaylord Method of Ch’uan Fa Kajukenbo.
Lineage & History
The word “Kajukenbo” is derived from the letters of the combined styles that make up this eclectic art. Together they make up the Kajukenbo motto: Through this fist way 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 - an empty handed, traditional Korean martial art – brought by Peter Young Yil Choo.
JU (happiness) comes from both Judo and Jujitsu, Japanese martial arts consisting primarily of grappling techniques, 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 boxing. Chinese boxing, or Kung Fu, puts emphasis on flexibility and agility and flowing, evasive movements. The Chinese boxing influence comes from Northern and Southern Sil-lum styles brought by Clarence Chang.