ABOUT US

A Short History Of Kajukenbo

Our Instructor

In 2004, Sifu Jason left the school where his training began to pursue other paths. He trained on his own for awhile, teaching a few students privately, and a few years later he went on to continue his training and teaching under Sigung Ed Hernandez. Sifu Jason earned his 5th degree Black Belt in January of 2023 under Sigung Hernandez. 

Sifu Jason has also had some training in Tae Kwon Do, Uechi-Ryu, Kung-Fu, Small Circle Jiu-Jitsu, and Modern Arnis (Filipino Stick Fighting), all of which he incorporates into his Kajukenbo training and teaching. 

Our School

Our instructor, Sifu Jason Pigg, has over 25 years experience in the art of Kajukenbo. Currently a 5th degree Black Belt, he began his training in 1990 at the age of 10 under Professor Eddie Solis in San Pablo, CA. At the age of 16 he became very interested in making the Martial Arts a major part of his life, and went on to earn his 1st degree Black Belt under Professor Solis in 2001. 

Sifu Jason became serious about teaching Kajukenbo as well as training, and rose through the ranks to become a full time instructor for Professor Solis for several years. During that time, he trained with and taught many great kids and adults, some of whom went on to become instructors themselves.

JP's Kajukenbo Karate was established in Pinole, CA, in November of 2014. Teaching the style of KAJUKENBO (a mix of Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, Kenpo and Kung Fu) to children and adults ages 5 and up.

Not only do we focus on self defense, but also instilling confidence, courage, discipline, integrity, respect and self control in all of our students.

Our classes normally start with a brief discussion about Positive Personal Development, (ways of improving ourselves), followed by cardio, strength training and flexibility exercises. The remainder of the classes are focused on our Kajukenbo self defense curriculum.

We also participate in Sport Karate tournaments throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Students with a competitive spirit can test their skills against other martial artists from all over the state. Competition helps students learn good sportsmanship and that hard work and dedication can make all the difference. (Tournament participation is strictly for fun and is not required to advance in rank.)

Kajukenbo was formed between 1947 and 1951 By Professor (Sijo) Adriano D. Emperado, with the aid of 4 other martial artists, in the Palama district near Honolulu Hawaii.

Professor Emperado brought the Kenpo style as well as his background in the Filipino fighting styles to Kajukenbo.  Walter 'Peter' Choo brought the Karate style from his Tang Soo Do background.  Frank Ordonez brought the Japanese style of Jujitsu to Kajukenbo.  Joe Holke brought the Japanese style of Judo with his Kodokan training background.  Clarence Chang brought his Chinese Boxing styles of Northern and Southern Sil Lum Kung Fu / Gung Fu.

Together these men formed what they called the Black Belt Society and built a fighting system that drew the best techniques from all the different styles together and built the first truly American Fighting system, Kajukenbo, the first "Mixed Martial Art".

The name is derived from the first letters of the different styles;

KA - Karate,  JU - Judo and Jujitsu,  KEN - Kenpo,  BO - Chinese boxing.