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Learn more about Kajukenbo and why we are different than other martials arts that you know about..
History of Kajukenbo
Kajukenbo is a hybrid martial art that originated in Hawaii in the late 1940s, created by five martial arts masters who came together to form a practical and powerful system for real-world self-defense.
The name "Kajukenbo" reflects the blend of styles: Ka for Karate, Ju for Judo and Jujitsu, Ken for Kenpo, and Bo for Boxing and Chinese Boxing (Kung Fu).
The five founders were Adriano Emperado, Peter Choo, Frank Ordonez, Joe Holck, and Clarence Chang—each bringing their own expertise to the system. Founded in the rough streets of the Palama Settlement in Honolulu, Kajukenbo was built to be adaptable and effective against real threats, combining hard-hitting strikes, takedowns, throws, joint locks, and internal energy techniques. Over the decades, Kajukenbo has continued to evolve while staying true to its roots as a street-smart, no-nonsense martial art.
We are the descendents of the co-founder Uncle Frank Ordonez ...
Uncle Frank was born February 15, 1927 in Puunene, Maui, HI.
During his teens he studied Jujitsu from Sam Luke Sr. an instructor from the Kodenkan Jujitsu of Prof. Okasaki in Honolulu, HI.
This is where he met Joe Mitsuno Holck. After witnessing the bombing of Pearl Harbor from his home, Uncle Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army. While stationed at Ft Shafter in Honolulu, Uncle Frank was on the Army Boxing team with Peter Choo under the training of Thomas Toyama.
Uncle Frank invited Peter Choo to cross train with him and Joe Holck in Jujitsu and with Thomas Young in Kenpo.
This laid the foundation for Kajukenbo. In 1947, while living in Halawa Housing, Uncle Frank invited his child hood friend and God Brother Adriano Emperado, a student of Kenpo Prof. Chow, to come train with Joe Holck and Peter Choo in the abandoned Barracks adjacent to his home. Peter Choo invited his friend George Chang, a kung fu man, to come and train as well.
These 5 Kajukenbo Founders called themselves the Black Belt Society.
They continued to train and develop Kajukenbo until 1949.
At the onslaught of the Korean War, Joe Holck, Peter Choo, and George Chang would be called away to service. Uncle Frank was honorably discharged and was starting a career with the FAA.
The Black Belt Society then agreed to place Adriano Emperado in charge to carry on their legacy. Uncle Frank continued to help teach at the Palama and Wahiawa Branch schools along with Joe Emperado starting in 1950.
In the later 1950's Uncle Frank was transferred to the island of Kwajalein where he continued to teach and authored the Kajukenbo Prayer.
Around that time Joe Holck came up with name Kajukenbo.
In 1960, the Kajukenbo name was registered by Adriano Emperado with the State of Hawaii. In 1968, Uncle Frank drew up the papers for incorporation of the Kajukenbo Self Defense Institute. KSDI Board Members Uncle Frank, along with Ben Kekumu, Philip Doseo, Marino Tiwanak, and Robert Kawakami named Adriano Emperado Professor of KSDI with the rank of 10th Degree. Sometime after, the other founders of Kajukenbo were acknowledged as 10th Degree Co-Founders of Kajukenbo.
Uncle Frank continued to mentor and advise senior members of Kajukenbo. On February 15, 2008, a select few promoted by Uncle Frank formed the Ordonez Kajukenbo Ohana to Honor Uncle Frank's Legacy.
February 15, 1927 ~ October 30, 2017 (age 90)
Senior Advisory Council
Jason Groff
Great Grand Master, 10th Dan
President and Chairman
Great Grand Master (GGM) Jason Groff is a 10th Degree Red/Gold Belt in Kajukenbo and the Successor to the Ordonez Kajukenbo Ohana.
GGM Groff has over 50 years’ experience in martial arts, a U.S. Army Veteran, and retired Law Enforcement Officer. GGM Groff is the Chairman of the Board of the Ordonez Kajukenbo Ohana.
AJ Carroll
Senior Grand Master, 9th Dan
Senior Advisory Council Chairman
A.J. currently teaches small groups, privates and seminars and continues to train and teach in Colorado @ GM’s AJ Carroll's Kajukenbo School of Self Defense
Dean Goldade
Senior Grand Master, 9th Dan
Dean began training with his father in boxing as a young boy and began formal martial arts training in early 1970's. He trained in a variety of systems for over 40 years and achieved many ranks over a lifetime of study:
SGM Goldade currently teaches small groups, privates and seminars in and around Central Texas and continues to train and develop his personal system of Goldade Martial Science a.k.a. “Ke Kaua.”
Manuel Villaseñor
Senior Grand Master, 9th Dan
Manuel started practicing Kajukenbo over 45 years ago and has been the European Representative for the OKO since 2010. He received his 9th Dan from Uncle Frank Ordonez in 2017, and was promoted to Senior Grand Master in 2023.
Currently lives in Azuqueca, Castilla-La Mancha, Spain
Zen Dawson-Giles
Grand Master, 9th Dan
Zen began training with his father in Judo in 1974 – from this began an obsession for the Martial Arts. Zen trained and studied a wide variety of systems. Along the way he has had the honor to be recognized by several great instructors:
Grand Master Dawson-Giles currently teaches small groups, privates and seminars and continues to train and teach in Colorado.
John S Truman Jr.
Grand Master, 9th Dan
John began studying Kajukenbo in 1975. During his long career, he has studied in seminars under three of the five founders of Kajukenbo and was promoted by Uncle Frank Ordonez.
Kajukenbo - 9th Dan Grand Master
He has studied directly under Dai Shihan Vinson Holck and Great Grandmaster Jason Groff and currently teaches classes in Tucson, AZ.
Mike Fermin
Grand Master, 9th Dan
Mike Fermin began training in 1968 and earned his first black belt in 1980.
Kajukenbo - 9th Dan - Grand Master
Teaching since 1977, he now offers small group and private classes at Fermin Martial Arts in Pinole, CA.
Steve Shover
Professor
Steve has been practicing the martial arts since 1968 and teaching since 1975.
Kajukenbo - 8th Dan ProfessorKenpo - 10th Dan
He is an instructor at Professional Self Defense Institute in Grand Junction, Colorado and currently lives in Glade Park, CO
Ron Baker
Professor
Ron is an OKO Lifetime Member and holds his 8th Dan Black Belt.
Kajukenbo - 8th Dan - Professor
He is a certified Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Specials, under the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
OKO School Directory
Ready to learn the art of Kajukenbo? Find a school near you in our local directory.
United States
On the Rock
Arizona
Karate for Christ
Michigan
Wolf Den Martial Arts
Nevada
Island One Martial Arts
California
Napier's Martial Arts
Ohio
Puerto Rico
Goshin Jujitsu
Puerto Rico
Europe
Villasenor
Spain
De Mingo
Spain
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kajukenbo?
Kajukenbo is a hybrid martial art that blends Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, Kenpo, and Boxing. It was developed in the 1940s in Hawaii to create an effective self-defense system.
Who founded Kajukenbo?
Kajukenbo was founded by five martial artists: Adriano Emperado, Peter Choo, Joe Holck, Frank Ordonez, and Clarence Chang. They combined their knowledge to develop a practical, street-effective martial art.
What does “Kajukenbo” stand for?
The name represents the arts that influenced it:
Ka - Karate (strikes & kicks)
Ju - Judo & Jujitsu (throws & joint locks)
Ken - Kenpo (speed & hand techniques)
Bo - Boxing (footwork & punching)
Is Kajukenbo effective for self-defense?
Yes!
Kajukenbo was designed for real-world self-defense. It emphasizes adaptability, striking, grappling, and situational awareness, making it effective in various situations.
How does Kajukenbo compare to other martial arts?
Unlike traditional martial arts that focus on forms or competition, Kajukenbo is a mixed system that prioritizes practicality. It teaches students to adapt to real-life confrontations by combining multiple fighting styles.
What are the different styles of Kajukenbo?
Kajukenbo has evolved into several branches, including Original Hard Style, Tum Pai, Chuan Fa, and Wun Hop Kuen Do. Each variation places different emphasis on striking, grappling, or soft techniques. One art, four branches, many styles.
Is Kajukenbo suitable for beginners?
Yes!
Kajukenbo is designed to be accessible to all skill levels. Beginners start with basic techniques and gradually progress to more advanced self-defense applications.
Does Kajukenbo include weapons training?
Some schools teach weapons training, incorporating sticks, knives, and improvised self-defense tools. However, the core focus is on unarmed combat.
Can Kajukenbo be practiced for fitness?
Absolutely!
Training in Kajukenbo improves strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination. Many practitioners find it to be a great workout while also learning self-defense.
Where can I learn Kajukenbo?
You can study at any of our school chapters in the directory above.
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