Kajukenbo was the very first martial art founded in the United States in 1947. Five masters of martial arts that included Tang Soo Do, Se Keino Ryu (Judo), Kodenkan Danzan Ryu (Jujitsu), Kosho Ryu (Kenpo Karate) and Chuʼan Fa Kung-Fu (Chinese Boxing) formed an extremely effective and deadly mixed martial art to protect themselves and their people from the burgeoning violence in the Palama settlement on Oahu, Hawaii. Their objective was to develop a versatile 'street fighting' style by combining the best of their individual arts. Today, Kajukenbo is considered the first true mixed martial art.

     Kajukenbo took many of the formalities and spiritual wisdom found in traditional martial arts and combined it with the necessities of protecting one's self on the street. In 1950 the founders opened the first Kajukenbo school, giving birth to the Kajukenbo Self Defense Institute (KSDI). Led by our founder and teacher Sijo Adriano Emperado, Kajukenbo has become one of the world's most effective self-defense systems.

     Through its techniques, Kajukenbo allows an individual to discover themselves. It encourages discipline, promotes confidence, and fosters creativity.

     From children to adults, each gains the skills necessary to not only succeed with defending themselves but also living a successful life. While Kajukenbo began with 5 original martial arts, it is constantly evolving and now has influences from all over the world. Due to its free flow and freedom of expression, Kajukenbo allows each individual to use techniques that work best for them.