JUDO IN THE UNITED STATES MILITARY

Judo from its very beginning has been a self-defense and combat discipline. The original Judo from Jigoro Kano was and still is a full featured combat discipline which formed the basis for many Military and Police tactics around the world.

Judo served well as an official system of Japanese Imperial armed forces and Japanese police. In 1886 the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Academy hosted a tournament between the Kodokan (The Kodokan Institute, is the headquarters of the worldwide judo community in Japan.) and the prominent Jujutsu style, to determine which "style" the Academy would adopt into their training regimen. Out of the tournament's 15 matches the Kodokan won 12 and had 1 draw. The reason why the Kodokan was so successful at this historic meeting lies in one word: Randori. Randori or free sparring trained Kanos judokas in as close to real life and death combat as possible.

Judo was probably the first Japanese martial art introduced to the west, most notably through the U.S. military in the modern era. As American GIs were introduced to the Japanese culture from the early 1900’s onward it was inevitable that the martial art of Judo found its way into the American culture.

CPT. Allen Corstorphin Smith of the United States Army trained at the Kodokan in Japan. CPT. Smith was awarded a  judo black belt from the Kodokan in Japan in 1916 and was the hand to hand combat instructor at the Infantry school at ft, Benning Georgia.

Various aspects of Judo were taught to all U.S. military police as an effective way to deal with arresting and controlling drunken, brawling GIs without seriously harming them.  The great Judo legend Masahiko Kimura shared a story in his biography about being approached shortly after WWII in the summer of 1946 by a Capt. Shepherd of the U.S. Military Police to train Military Police personnel in Judo.

The United States Air Force has at times in its history been at the forefront of Combatives Training. Soon after the establishment of the Air Force as a separate service in September 1947, GEN Curtis Lemay was appointed as the Commanding General of the Strategic Air Command (SAC). GEN Lemay, who had masterminded the US air attacks on the Japanese mainland during World War II, knew that more US bomber groups in Europe had suffered more combat casualties than the US Marine Corps had in the pacific. Many of the lost Airmen ended up as German Prisoners of War. He was determined that all of his flying personnel would have a working knowledge of hand-to-hand combat to aid in escape and evasion.

In 1951 GEN Lemay appointed Emilio "Mel" Bruno, his Judo teacher and a former national American Athletic Union (AAU) Wrestling champion and fifth degree black belt in Judo, to direct a command wide Judo and combative measures program. He devised a program combining techniques from Aikido, Judo and Karate. In 1952 the Air Training Command took over the program. The Commanding General was General Thomas Power. Because of the deficiency in qualified instructors, Power sent two classes of twenty four Airmen to train at the Kodokan for several weeks. Based upon the success of this trial and after an official delegation from the Kodokan toured SAC bases in the United States, Bruno set up an eight week training course at the Kodokan. Students trained eight hours a day, five days a week and upon return to the United States were assigned throughout SAC. The course was a Japanese designed mix of judo, aikido, karate and taihojutsu.

From 1959 to 1966 the Air Force Combative Measures (Judo) Instructors Course was taught at Stead Air Force Base in Reno Nevada. The 155 hour course consisted of: 36 hours fundamentals of judo, 12 hours aikido, 12 hours karate, 12 hours Air Police Techniques, 12 hours Aircrew self-defense, 18 hours judo tournament procedures, 5 hours code of conduct and 48 hours training methods. There were also a 20 hour Combative methods course and a 12 hour Combative survival course for Aircrew members.

Being recognized as so effective in combat, Judo became the basis for most of the hand-to-hand combat skills taught to soldiers in basic training throughout all branches of the U.S. military.

Combatives, US Army Field Manual FM3-25-150, Department of the Army, 18 January 2002, Washington D.C.

 "Strikes are an inefficient method of ending a fight. However, they are a significant part of most fights, and a solider must have an understanding of fighting at striking range. It is important to note that while at striking range, you are open to being struck. For this reason, it is often better to avoid striking range."

US Marine Corps Close Combat, MCRP 3-02, Department of the Navy, 12 February 1999, Washington D.C.

 "Marines should avoid being on the ground during a close combat situation because the

battlefield may be covered with debris and there is an increased risk of injury. However, many close combat situations involve fighting on the ground. The priority in a ground fight is for Marines to get back on their feet as quickly as possible."

Judo is a sport but it is much more "combatives" oriented.  The judoka trains at grappling range, a close quarter combat range developing avenues to quickly put an end to a hand to hand or close quarter combat situation. Current Judo rules on groundwork foster such a mindset – execute and explode into a groundwork submission technique in a matter of seconds or get back on your feet.  Judo also prepares you mentally and physically to withstand the rigors of an assault. There is a reason that old school law enforcement and the United States military taught Judo...IT WORKS.

Department of Defense. Department of the Navy. U.S. Marine Corps

"Judo instruction is one of the high spots in the life of the latest addition to the Leatherneck Marines here. An instructor shows a recruit how to make the enemy's bayonet useless. Cpl. Arvin Lou Ghazlo, USMC, giving judo instructions to Pvt. Ernest C. Jones, USMCR.", 04/1943

JUDO: TOUGHER THAN THE REST

By Barron Shepherd

             It has been a long while since I have written on my judo blog page but it seemed appropriate that I start back posting. I am now 50 years old and still training in judo starting a new judo program in my hometown and even more appropriately in the exact same place where I learned judo. So I am highly stoked highly motivated. So here is my rant for the day. 

 For everyone who told me that 50 is old or those who call me an old man…. To the guys who are half my age and feel they are better stronger and faster because they're younger…. LISTEN UP!!! The question isn't can I keep up with guys half my age, the question is... CAN THEY KEEP UP WITH ME!

Don’t let others define who you are or what you want to do. Set your own goals. My goal in the martial arts has never been to be a 10th degree black belt or a GRAND MASTER. It has always been about being effective and being the best I can be. It hasn't been about riding the skirt tails of a known martial arts personality. It isn't about notoriety. It's not about having the biggest school with the most trophies. It has always been about blood sweat and tears hard training and putting in the work needed to be in shape and be the best that I can be.

I didn't start training in judo until later in life. In 1991 at the age of 26, I stepped into a judo class for the first time. Judo was like no other style I had trained in and I was assured of two things by the Judo instructor; Rank would nt come easy nor would it come fast. I was told by the instructor that this would be an endeavor that would take years of hard work. My Judo instructor wasn't kidding.

Finally seven years later in 1998, I tested and was awarded shodan. I had never taken as much pride in achieving something as I did when I had achieved my shodan rank in Judo. I hold higher ranks in other styles but the rank I have been most proud of are the shodan and nidan ranks I attained in judo.

As I look back, my judo experience was like developing a taste for beer, at first it was tough and unpleasant but after awhile I got used to it and then eventually began to enjoy it. This however would take years of showing up to class. A lot of times during those I would ask myself, "what am I doing here?" Being too stubborn to quit after several years I attained brown belt. It was nt until brown belt that a love for judo developed. 

 I have been involved and trained in a few martial arts, MMA, Wrestling, Kick boxing and boxing. However, if I was to compare all of my experiences and training I would say that Judo by far was the toughest. I am not putting the other styles down in any way. I enjoyed training in each and everyone of them. But Judo offered the ultimate in every aspect of sports, martial arts and self defense.

Judo prepares you mentally and physically to withstand the rigors of an assault. There is a reason that old school law enforcement and military taught Judo...it works. It’s  a more complete close quarter combat system and combat sport because it has both standing and ground fighting skills. Judo also provides a better sense of true accomplishments because there is no “make believe” in its training. There is no faking it. You throw and you get thrown, in either situation it requires skill in technique and mental and physical toughness.

There is fit and there is “fighting fit. There are individuals who are fit for their chosen sport or activity and then there are those who are fit for fighting. Judo falls into the latter category. Judo uses finesse but, requires a high degree of other attributes like strength, power, endurance, speed, et You cannot be successful in judo and be out of shape. I don't do judo to get in shape. I get in shape to be good at judo. 

The physical demands of Judo are unique and rather complex.  A Judo fight is too long to be pure anaerobic effort, but too intense to be aerobic purely. Part of what makes judo so tough is the fact that rounds require five minutes of constant contact between competitors. 

Judo is more difficult than MMA or any other martial art.  When it comes to sparring for MMA during practice sessions, competitors rarely give 100 percent to prevent injury. Judo is a rigorous and demanding physical activity. In judo practice you can give 100 percent and engage with your opponent constantly using everything you have physically in randori/free practice/sparring.  In MMA one is able to train in different techniques and disciplines which make MMA “more forgiving on the body than judo.

In Olympic-style wrestling there are three two-minute periods with one-minute breaks between rounds… For boxing, you fight for three minute rounds with a one minute rest between rounds. In boxing, you can just stand in front of your opponent lay on the ropes or just dance around and or pace yourself.  In Brazilian jiujutsu you can get into positions and rest and pace yourself. You can be on your back in the guard and reserve energy while as your opponent expends his.

In judo there are no rounds or periods or rest. A Judo match can consist of five to ten minute time frames, when compared to other sports activities, the aerobic demands of judo are quite intense. The time involved is often greater than the time of an Olympic 1500 meter race.

The demands on the grip are very high Judo players pull and tug on each other’s jackets incessantly. Grips, grip strength and grip fighting remain constant and consistent thru ought the match not allowing the judo competitor to rest of coast during a match pace themselves. High tension and power moves are to be expected and performed at almost any moment.

Even a decent local level player needs to be able to do five to seven minutes of frequent high intensity bursts. Wear and tear on the body is an issue, one that will pervade all aspects of training. While one of the best ways to train for judo competition is to hit the mat, not everyone has the body to withstand dozens of hard falls each day from the dynamic throws found in the sport. In addition, judo requires at least one willing partner who is able to absorb the same, if not more, punishment from the player.

 You become tough with Judo physically and mentally. Physically you have to endure regular pain in Judo.  You have to overcome someone trying to throw you, choke you, arm lock, pin you, you get slammed, you face exhaustion, you deal with someone's weight on top on you in newaza or ground fighting . Mentally enduring all this competitiveness makes you competitive. 

At the age of 50 I am still training and setting new goals, challenging myself both mentally and physically. I am a guy who believes that hard work keeps a man honest. I don't really care about what others may say about me good or bad. I am always doing my own thing and I am cool with that. Life is just too damn short to let others hold you back.

Defiance is ageless. You’re never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. Be a wolf, be a lion, set goals and smash them. Take advantage of no one. Don't lie. Be a better person. Live right. Eat right. Take no shit. Don't apologize for being awesome. Defy the odds and most importantly stay the course.

THE RETRO IMAGE OF THE NINJA

Despite what some internet ass hole self appointed know it all wannabe claims on YouTube it seems that the retro image of the Ninja from the 80's is indeed alive and well. In recent years with block buster movies have pushed the black clad ninja image into the forefront.  Sword wielding assassins with demonic fighting abilities are laying waste to such internet braggadocio.  The list of movies range from "Batman Begins and its sequels", "Ninja Assassin", “Ninja 2: Shadow of a Tear” which starred Scott Adkins "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films to the “G.I. Joe” films that featured the ninja character Snake Eyes. And if there is any any doubt Ninja aren't still going strong in pop culture Snake Eyes gets his own upcoming solo movie. 

The retro image of the black clad assassin is what initially brought droves of students, myself being one of them to the art of ninjutsu and what kid in the 80's didn't want to be a ninja. Now, it was always known that the image may not be entirely accurate and more Hollywood driven. This image however has taken such a strong hold that there are now ninja museums and themed parks in Japan all capitalizing on the Hollywood image of the black clad shadow warrior. Even Documentaries on the ancient ninja of Japan depict more often than not, an intimidating vision of a black clad ancient elite special forces operative capable of  demonic like stealth who possess almost super human combat abilities and as master assassins. The ninja are back and are more lethal than ever.

During the late 70’s to the early eighties I was a teenager. My instructors were heavy into the ninja boom during the eighties and nineties. My instructors would travel to go to ninjutsu seminars and camps given by people like Stephen Hayes and Robert Bussey. It was always a treat for us in class when they returned to share what they had learned and picked up from these instructors. 

The real ninja boom in the United States was brewing back in the '70's. According to Black belt magazine Stephen Hayes, Robert Bussey and Ronald Duncan were responsible for the spread of Ninjutsu in the united states.  These men became predominant thru the leading martial art magazines at the time. According to Black belt magazine Ronald Duncan was teaching Ninjutsu in the 60’s and 70’s before the ninja craze hit America. In the 70’s Stephen Hayes and Robert Bussey had traveled to Japan to train with Massaki Hatsumi in Togakure ryu ninjutsu. Hayes had a successful run with several books and videos that helped to bring traditional ninjutsu to light. Bussey who had also traveled to train in Japan with Masaaki Hatsumi brought back a more progressive and openly aggressive and modified form. 

The name Ninja has been associated with an ultimate warrior capable of explosive skills, intellect, a wide range of infiltration skill and diverse fighting ability. The Ninja were for all intensive purposes were the forefathers of the special forces operatives and espionage agents used by military forces around the world today. These elite units combine combat skills, stealth, and technology to infiltrate enemy strongholds, gather secret information, and spread disinformation and operate in small units very much like the ninja of feudal Japan.

The word “ninja” is more of a modern term. In Japanese, during feudal Japan, they were called shinobi no mono, though in contemporary Japan people will also say "ninja". According to The Oxford English Dictionary, which tracks the emergence of new slang into English, one of the first western uses of the word "ninja" may have been in Ian Fleming's 1964 James Bond novel You Only Live Twice.

The first appearance of a ninja in a popular western work was in 1964 in Ian Fleming’s James Bond novel “You only live twice”. In 1967 Fleming’s book was turned into a movie and presented the ninja for the first time to the English speaking world in a way that no book could ever do.

My earliest remembrance of the eighties ninja came about in September of 1980 the TV miniseries Shogun aired and featured a scene of a raid by ninja. In 1981 "Enter The Ninja" starring Sho Kosugi set off the ninja explosion of the 80's which is still with us to this day as evidenced by Snake Eyes in  the “GI Joe” movies, “Elektra” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” all still being around as they were birthed by it.

To this day, the iconic image of the ninja stretched far beyond that of the martial arts into pop culture. In fact, the influence of the image of the ninja on pop culture and martial arts was and still is massive!  Who didn't want to be a ninja back then? How many American teenagers from the 80’s were inspired to train in the martial arts because of Sho Kosugi. How about the 1985 cult classic “American Ninja” starring Michael Dudikoff. I was a young man in the service when I saw that one. Still is one of my favorites albeit a guilty pleasure.

The iconic  image  of the ninja not only determined how most school kids and pretty much everyone here in the west imagined ninja to be but it also motivated students to train harder to become better  at their perspective martial art it didn't matter if it was ninjutsu or karate. The image of the ninja was adopted whole heartedly in the 80's and has since become almost inseparable from mainstream American heroism. Never has there been such a greater force than the blade wielding black clad ninja assassin.

So what’s wrong with the retro image of the ninja or ninjutsu?  Answer: AS FAR AS I AM CONCERENED, NOT ONE GOD DAMN THING!!!!

THE NINJA DEFENSE: A MODERN MASTER'S APPROACH TO UNIVERSAL DANGERS

I am always on the lookout for books that teach honestly, truthfully and effectively. They have often been hard to find.  Stephen K. Hayes is well known in the Ninjutsu community and in the martial arts field and has numerous books and videos on Ninjutsu. I have read most of his books and seen several of his dvds.  I like Mr. Hayes approach and teaching methods. His coaching skills are excellent and very professional. Most importantly any good coach or instructor has to have the ability to communicate with his students and get his points across.

There are many things to like about this book. Besides the clear instructions and the color photos showing each technique, this book also includes an excellent (almost 70 minutes) DVD which reinforces the techniques and tactics explained in the book.  The book and Dvd set approaches the subject of self-defense in a unique and interesting way. Mr. Hayes has created a simple and effective method for the average person to avoid trouble and defend themselves in numerous situations by applying traditional principles of ninjutsu to the possible conflicts we may find ourselves in today’s world.

“The Ninja Defense” covers preparation for real threats and not just from a physical aspect but from a mental and psychological aspects as well , making the choice to fight, winning mentality, how danger escalates.  Also  defense postures, five phases of the fight, forward strikes and kicks, front arm captures and restraints, front body holds and restraints, captures and restraints from behind.

Mr. Hayes is open and honest that this is level one training or a beginner level and that there is more, much more to learn.  I believe this to be for anyone interested in learning a simple and effective self-defense method but also for the serious martial artist.

The material on the DVD ties in directly with what you're reading in the book and brings it to life. The DVD shows each technique numerous times and again the instruction by Mr. Hayes and his instructors are clear and concise. The teaching and coaching style again is excellent I see a lot of positive reinforcement which makes for a more productive presentation of his modern ninjutsu applications.

The last chapter deals with why the ninja approach may in our day and time be better than the samurai approach. Ninjutsu has very little to do with proving yourself the toughest guy on the block at every chance.  Mr. Hayes applies traditional ninjutsu to modern self defense as well as takes into account things like the laws we live under.  The Ninja Defense by Stephen Hayes book and DVD  is full of quality information and quality instruction and for the price is an absolute steal.

FUJITA SEIKO'S SECRET KENPO KILLING STRIKES

There is a general belief that Ninja used in close quarter combat or in the close fight several dozens of external vital points or Sakkatsu that allowed him to either kill the enemy quickly and right on the spot or completely maim or disable him. This subject never ceased to attract acute attention of ninja, right on up to the man known as the last of the living ninja, who served in assignments for the Japanese Imperial Government during the Taisho and Showa eras, Fujita Seiko.

Seiko Fujita served as an instructor at the Rikugun Nakano Gakko the Japanese Imperial Military Intelligence School, teaching Ninjutsu and Nanban Satto ryu Kenpo. Fujita's style combat was well suited for the Japanese Army's special operations and guerrilla warfare training facility. Fujita’s Kenpô can be described as an unarmed/minimally armed close combat method for fighting and killing an opponent, using ancient methods and modern methods for attacking anatomically sensitive areas.

 Fujita stressed combat NOT spiritual refinement or Kata, just CQB close quarter battle. A non koryu killing art that Fujita synthesized from the koryu he knew at the request of the Imperial Japanese Army during WWII. A 20^th century style method of killing to be used by Nakano’s Neo Ninja operatives.

Fujita led 2500 men into the Burmese jungle, their mission was to go behind the enemy's positions kill as many soldiers as possible, as quietly as possible, and to sabotage and prepare for an invasion without revealing their existence. Fujita and his elite unit stealthily eliminated the their enemies in the jungles behind enemy lines. In the end, only 14 members of this group survived the mission. It is said that during this time Fujita’s unit had over two hundred kills.

According to his autobiography, “Doronron Saigo no Ninja”, Seiko was ordered by the Imperial Japanese Government to put his expertise to further use. He was tasked to come up with a manual or hand book for the Imperial Japanese Army on Hand to hand combat. The soldiers of the Imperial Japanese Army were trained in Karate and Judo or at least the basics, however, the Japanese command felt that it just wasn’t enough and was dead set on developing on shortest terms a system of close quarter combat that could kill the enemy out or put the enemy out of commission quickly and efficiently.

Fujita’s knowledge, expertise, combat experience and the research performed in service of his Government led to the publication of “Kenpo Gokui Atemi Sakkatsuho Meikai” & “Kenpo Gokui Sakkatsu Ho Zukai” (“Illustrated Secret Kenpo Killing Strikes”) Fujita’s “Kenpo Gokui Sakkatsu Ho” may have been the closest thing to an actual though modern shinobi (ninja) assassin martial art.

“Based on the result of a long term research on the Human body this book shows the right places of the most effective vital organ parts/vital points in anatomical diagrams for the secrets of killing and reviving.

This book also shows the effective way of hitting those places. If you learn the places of vital organs points and the way of hitting them you will obtain the way of Killing/taking down enemies with one stroke/strike.

 The most effective way of hitting the anatomical weak points/ vital points hinges upon multiple factors; physical application, conditioning, awareness of targets and psychological preparedness.

The right places to strike the most effective vital points for the secrets of killing/disabling/rendering unconscious/ maiming.( If you learn the way of hitting the vital organs points you will obtain the way of taking out enemies quickly and efficiently.)

The energetic transference of force needed to affect the targets:

1) Velocity: efficiency of the blow in a striking technique is determined according to the following: formula  I =MV2/2     where M- is the mass and V- is the velocity. Force is the speed: the bigger and harder the object is, the higher the speed, with which it is struck the more efficient the blow.

2) Body mechanics: all hand, hips, legs and foot movements are coordinated and fast.

3) Precision of the blow: Be right on target the strike must be executed at strictly the right angle to the target.

4) Drawing back the striking limb after the blow: (Snapping out and then back) after the blow you must pull back your hand with the same if not greater speed with which he delivered the strike be able to follow up with another. Striking should be practice in combination with withdrawals. In other words it explodes outward and is snapped back.  A violent and dynamic action.

5) The strikes are most effective/destructive when the piercing effect is combined with a revolving or snapping motion of the hand upon impact.

For the effective use of striking techniques one needs to be relaxed NOT rigid, calm, cold blooded and calculating. Strikes should be applied resolutely, fearlessly, without doubt whole heartedly and with full force based on knowledge of proper coordination of movements and distance."

Sam Lonewolf 8th degree black belt First Nations Kajukenbo

Barron Shepherd is a 7th degree blackbelt in Kenpo karate and Kajukenbo under Sam Lonewolf, First Nations Fighting Arts/Kajukenbo and a 2nd degree black in judo (USA Judo).

KENPO OUTLAWED

Sadu Kaza Uyenishi's “Textbook of Ju-Jutsu as Practiced in Japan” is one of the earliest English-language books about jujitsu. The book appeared in at least eight editions, one of the most recent being in 1952. The date of the first edition is unknown—the book itself does not bear a copyright date. From the timeline of Uyenishi's life, we can assume that the book was written between 1905 and 1921 (the latter being the date of the first dated edition). However, most put the actual date of the publication of the book in the year 1905. Textbook of Ju-Jutsu as Practiced In Japan is not only a piece of martial arts history, it is also a well-constructed introduction to the basic techniques of classic jujitsu. 

To my surprise I found a few paragraphs regarding Kenpo in this book that caught my attention. S.K. Uyenishi

“One of the styles alluded to, known as the Kempo, which may be roughly described as a Method of killing people, possessed many points of resemblance to Ju-jutsu but was totally different in practice, being a system of self-defence against sudden attack with intent to kill and replying thereto in kind. It was certainly more closely related to ju-jutsu than are Boxing (even under the old Prize Ring rules) or le savate to Wrestling. It might perhaps be best compared to that very strenuous old Greek Physical Contest, which was known as the Pancration.” 

By-the-way, I may here remark on the possible derivation of the old English phrase "Kempery man" and the Anglo-Saxon cempa, signifying "a warrior," from the Japanese Kempo. This is a point which should not be without interest to etymologists, and particularly to those who follow the late Professor Max Muller in his theory of the Indo-Germanic origin of the Anglo-Saxon Race. 

Kempo, of course, was a system of attack and defence which branched off from ju-jutsu into the paths of strenuous endeavour, but, apart from the fact that it was less scientific than, ju-jutsu, it was declared an illegal practice when the sanctity of human life was recognised under the new regime.” - Textbook of Jujutsu as practiced in Japan, S.K. Uyenishi

In 1868 a new Japanese government had emerged and the Samurai as a class was abolished and their wearing of swords was outlawed. Prior to 1868 the Samurai had the power of life and death over anyone of less rank. If they thought a commoner or peasant had offended them in anyway, they could kill that person with complete immunity. When the new Japanese Government recognized the sanctity of human life, it outlawed the wearing of swords and MAY very well have, according to the Uyenishi in his book, outlawed Kenpo as well. The outlawing of carrying weapons issued by the Japanese government was not unheard of even then. They imposed such sanctions and laws on Okinawa as well, forcing the Okinawan’s to practice and train in secret. 

 Kenpo outlawed again in WWII by the US 

Much like the U.S. Armed Forces military servicemen that trained in Combat Judo during WWI and WWII, Kajukenbo was designed to disarm, disable and destroy an opponent with fierce proficiency. According to Tony Lasit, 1st generation Kajukenbo (J. Emperado) MSgt. U.S. Air Force, Ret., WWII, Korea, Vietnam veteran and Founder of the U.S. Kajukenbo Association, “Prior to it’s known existence in 1947, the history of Kajukenbo began when the USA was at war with Japan. Before it became worldly known as Kajukenbo, we called it Kempo Karate." 

From its beginnings, Kajukenbo was an eclectic and adaptive self-defense oriented fighting method. Its sole purpose…..SELF DEFENSE. A strong and brutal streetwise fighting method, the dynamics of this hybrid self-defense system speaks for itself. Kajukenbo combines the most effective street fighting techniques from its respective disciplines, Karate, Judo, kenpo, and boxing into a no-frills self-defense system designed to take out attackers as quickly as possible. The name Kajukenbo is an acronym from the names of the martial systems that served as its basis (KA) Shotokan Karate, (JU) Judo, (KEN) Kenpo, and (BO) boxing. 

Developed in Hawaii, Kajukenbo gained its reputation for being brutally effective decades ago in the U.S. Territory of Hawaii. During World War II (1939-1945), the U.S. Territory of Hawaii was held under martial law due to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941 - October 24, 1944). Due to martial law, all martial arts except judo, wrestling and boxing were prohibited in the US Territory of Hawaii. At the time, Kenpo karate was kept secret and trained underground in China Town, Oahu. Only the elite and military were invited to these underground sessions. In the late 1940's, the Palama Settlement was a community center in a violent area of Oahu where fist-fights or stabbings were commonplace. From this environment, the founders Adriano Emperado, Joseph Holck, Peter Young Yil Choo, Frank F. Ordonez and Clarence Chang developed a fighting method that would be readily useful on the street. The emphasis on the training was on realism. The founders followed a simple rule: if a technique worked consistently on the street, then it stayed in the system; if it did not, it was discarded. This allowed the style to maintain a self-defense focus. This no-nonsense approach to self-defense has contributed to Kajukenbo’s reputation as a highly effective self-defense system.

SIMILARITIES IN SELF DEFENSE FORMS by DOUGLAS DWYER and BARRON SHEPHERD

PART ONE:

Relevance in the martial arts world is determined by a person’s ability to execute effective techniques. Resting on past laurels, teaching ineffective techniques and justifying lack of skill does not lend itself to practical application within the martial arts. Being effective requires constant training, a hard work ethic and discipline.  In order to sustain viability with technique there is no secret formula. There is absolutely no substitute for doing the work. 

Over the years Sensei Douglas Dwyer and I have never rested on our laurels or past achievements.  We have made every effort to train and have discussed at great length the similarities in our different systems. Whether it was scheduling conflicts, health issues or even ageing our training has never been abandoned. 

Over the years I have not just trained in Judo (3rd degree black belt), Kajukenbo Kenpo Karate (7th degree blackbelt) and shotokan (3rd degree blackbelt), but held various coaching credentials in Judo, boxing and Karate from different organizations. 

Master Dwyer works out daily, trains students privately (of which I am one) and continues to learn, ever moving forward. Douglas is very much a contemporary martial artist and instructor. Those who think he has slowed down or “retired” are quite frankly wrong.

Sensei chooses to stay active and continues to walk his path as an independent martial artist who remains dedicated to the way of bushido. He has long since lost any tastes for organizations and does not appreciate inferences of his involvement. When in fact there is none.

Douglas and I have maintained a friendship that has grown and flourished due to our love and devotion to the martial arts.  We have spent hours and hours on end discussing technique, history and training. Both Sensei Dwyer and I would like to once again express our heartfelt gratitude to photographer and friend, John Hendricks for offering his expertise, his time and efforts, shooting hundreds of professional quality photographs of our training and techniques for future projects.

The following is our most recent collaboration regarding taezu forms.  Most advanced taezus, which contain a combination of 7 to 9 techniques, are to be executed in a matter of a couple of seconds. Sensei Dwyer performs these taezus in the times set for each and every one. To this day he is not one to shy away from a long hard and grueling training session. He still does hundreds of blocks, striking techniques, and kicks with weighted hands and feet.

While working these techniques we realized how similar these forms in our two styles really are.  Though technically different they are very much the same and equally lethal. Both styles focus primarily on self defense, which is our combined interest; both are fluid albeit explosive hard styles.  We decided this would be an interesting example of comparing our two styles side by side.  We are both primarily concerned with the effectiveness of any techniques as it pertains to self defense.

Sensei Dwyer explains:

Taezus can be defined as: a pre-arranged combination of 7 - 9 techniques, beginning and ending with a block, performed in continuous motion for the purpose of developing speed.

Generally speaking, the Taezu forms require a mastery of basics which are essential to executing the forms correctly with maximum effect. Individual techniques must be done with precision and speed and transitioned with fluidity using the entire body dynamic and not just the upper torso.

One of several, the following is an overview example of an advanced Black Belt level Taezu Naru Waza form. In this Taezu, once the attacker is blocked and wrist grabbed, the defender never releases the primary attacking arm until the defense is complete. Self-discipline and controlled breathing is vital for success. This form should take approximately 2 1/2 seconds to perform when incorporating a takedown.

Attack: The attacker moves forward quickly throwing right and left combination punches to the face and mid-section.

Defense:

#1 Defender counters by stepping back with his right leg into a high, layout cat stance and almost simultaneously executing right high and left low, open-hand ox-jaw blocks. These are done approximately 1/10 of a second apart.

 

 

 

 

 

#2 Immediately grabbing attackers right lower arm with his left hand while stepping slightly to attackers left into a bow stance, the defender strikes the mid-section with a right hand roundhouse elbow.

 

 

 

 

 

#3 Stepping into a narrow, open-leg stance, with a firm grip on attackers right arm, he strikes the neck with a backhand hammer fist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#4 Still holding the right lower arm, defender pulls the attacker forward and continues with a groin grab while standing in a square stance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#5 Grabbing attackers collar, he's pulled off balance as defender also sweeps the left foot with his right leg as he's also turning the attacker counter-clockwise.

 

#6 Pulling attackers right arm toward defenders left thigh, he follows with a full take down still holding the right arm and controlling the fall.

 

#7 Once the attacker is on the ground, with his right arm being held and fully extended, defender bends forward and strikes the bicep with a forward knuckle fist.

 

 

#8 He follows with a flat-foot stomp to the lower, right rib cage.

Release the wrist, step back into a static defensive left lunge stance with a left low block and defender is ready for another attack.