Kajukenbo - Modern Kajukenbo

Modern Kajukenbo

Kajukenbo, as it stands today, has more grappling moves than regular kenpo and incorporates joint-breaking, low blows, and combination attacks. While it does include some competitive elements its primary focus is on realism and practicality. It is generally thought that "unfair" moves, such as strikes to the eyes or groin, are perfectly acceptable as is whatever else the practitioner feels is necessary to get home that day.

Training workouts emphasize cardio conditioning and functional strength. While individual schools may show variation, it would not be unusual to train with sandbags or boxing gloves. There are core self-defense techniques at the heart of Kajukenbo and most schools eschew impractical, flashy moves and acrobatics. Most kajukenbo curricula feature counter-attacks to punches, kicks, grabs, as well as using knives, sticks and guns. While this base of common knowledge will keep schools' styles similar, there is plenty of room for variation. Given how different the four foundational styles of Kajukenbo are it is impossible to fully incorporate everything and some specialization is inevitable. This openness tends to encourage schools to incorporate other arts, such as eskrima or aikido, into their practice.

Some schools of Kajukenbo feature 26 katas that are broken down into 13 "pinyans" (also called "Palama sets" in some schools) and 13 "concentrations". Each of the concentrations have their own name. For example concentration number one is titled "crane strike/tiger claw", as it features that particular strike. Katas are incorporated into Kajukenbo to help the student refine their skill. Every movement in the katas has a function. For example the first movement in pinyan 1 is a right outward block while stepping back into to a right forward stance. This movement would be used to block a punch. Some katas also focus on multiple enemy combat.

An important part of some kajukenbo classes is the Kajukenbo Prayer, written by Frank Ordonez, although a fair number of schools are completely secular. In some classes it is customary to end class with reference to the Kajukenbo trinity: spirit, mind, and body (each with their own hand sign). After the trinity students and instructors alike open their hands to represent peace and then bow their heads in respect. A stylized Kajukenbo salute is also part of many school customs: students salute the American flag and their instructors to show respect. Students and instructors alike salute black belts when they enter the training floor.

Ranking hierarchies vary widely from school to school. One common belt order is as follows: white, orange, purple, blue, green, brown (3 levels), student black, followed by the various degrees of black belt. Some schools have "in-between" belts that feature a white or black stripe running down the center of the belt. Black belt rankings and titles can also vary, but student black belts through to second degree students are usually given the title of "Sibak" or "Sisuk". Third through fifth degree are given the title of "Sifu". Sixth and seventh are called "Sigung". Eighth degree black belts are "Professors", and ninth degree is a "Grandmaster". The founder, Adriano Emperado, held the title of "Sijo" and is a 10th degree black belt. The titles given to the black belt ranks are Chinese (Cantonese) names. Sijo, being the highest rank, means founder. Sigung means the teacher's teacher, Sifu means teacher, Sibak means teacher's assistant. The literal translations are: Sijo—Founder or grand master (Great Grandfather); Sigung—Instructor's Uncle; Sifu—Instructor (Father); Simu—(female) Instructor (Mother), or wife of instructor; Sibak—Instructor's brother (Elder Uncle); Sisok—Junior (or assistant) instructor. There are also other titles that, while used, are much less likely to be found in a training environment or used by students.