Kajukenbo

Art

Overview

American hybrid martial art developed in the Palama Settlement of Hawaii by five martial artists from different disciplines. One of the first mixed martial arts, combining karate, judo, jujitsu, kenpo, and boxing.

Country of Origin

United States (Hawaii)

Founded

1947

Combat Effectiveness

Overall Combat Rating

7/10

History & Origin

Founder

Adriano Emperado and the Black Belt Society

Lineage & Key Figures

Lineage

Structure & Training

Signature Techniques

Palama Sets (Grab Defense) — 26 named techniques for escaping grabs, unique numbered system (Palama 1-26)Combination Striking into Takedowns — the original 'MMA concept' of flowing from punches/kicks into throws/locksKajukenbo Punch (Modified Vertical Fist) — rapid-fire vertical fist punches to multiple targets while advancingTrick Techniques — deceptive setups where feinted strikes draw predictable reactions, then exploit the openingStreet Defense Scenarios — techniques specifically designed for real Hawaiian street violence (multiple attackers, weapons)

Core Technique Classes

StrikingThrowingJoint locksGround fightingSelf-defense

Sub-Types

hybridamerican martial art

Competition

Medical & Safety

Danger Rating

high/10

Sources & References

[1] Bishop, Joey & Roop, Ray. Kajukenbo: The Original Mixed Martial Art. 2015. — link

[2] Emperado, Adriano. Kajukenbo: History and Self-Defense. Various editions.

[3] John Bishop. The History of Kajukenbo. (1991)

Primary Source

Jay Sison & various contributors. Kajukenbo: The Original Mixed Martial Art. (2009). ISBN: 978-1934903100.

Geography & Status

Status

Competitive SportActive

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