Keepers of the Flame

This event is open to all styles and ranks and those interested in effective self defense and the traditional training methods of Kenpo and Kajukenbo.

Keepers of the Flame showcases the preservation of knowledge and traditions in the martial arts. This year, you will have the opportunity to see this in action as we train in Kajukenbo with Senior Grandmaster Rick Kingi and Grandmaster Jesse Corpus.

Both SGM Kingi and GM Corpus are working to preserve and share Kajukenbo knowledge and traditions. Not only are they key members of the Kajukenbo Board of Advisors, but both continue to share their knowledge with Ohana at their dojos and in seminars as Kajukenbo expands throughout the United States and in many countries around the world.

Kajukenbo was founded in 1947 in the Palama Settlement on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The five black belts who were responsible for creating Kajukenbo are: Peter Y. Y. Choo, Joseph Holck, Frank Ordonez, Adriano Emperado and Clarence Chang. These five martial artists got together and trained, and learned from each other to develop this effective fighting art. Their emphasis in training was on realism. If a technique worked consistently, it was kept as part of the system.

Senior Grandmaster Rick Kingi has been training in Kajukenbo with GGM Carlos Bunda since 1962, shortly after Kajukenbo was brought to the mainland United States by John Leoning. SGM Kingi received his black belt in 1968. He began teaching in his garage in 1969 and opened his school in 1981. SGM Kingi received his 9^th degree black belt from Founder Sijo Adriano Emperado in 2002. SGM Kingi’s wife and four children are all black belts, and his youngest son, Professor Robert Kingi, now runs the school. Kingi’s Kajukenbo continues their mission to equip students with the tools and knowledge to overcome challenges in life.

Grandmaster Jesse Corpus began training in Kajukenbo in 1971. GM Corpus received his 9^th degree in 2015 and became Chairman of the Kajukenbo Board of Advisors in 2019. As the CEO and Chief Tribal Leader of JCMA & Affiliates, he focuses on emphasizing an Ohana oriented environment as he serves future leaders.