Honoring the Roots of Kajukenbo

Born on June 15, 1926, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Filipino-Hawaiian parents, Sijo Adriano D. Emperado's journey in self-defense began at the young age of 8. With a family legacy steeped in boxing, he honed his skills in this martial art, followed by the study of escrima at age 11 and judo at age 14.

At 20, Sijo Emperado embarked on a serious study of kenpo under the legendary Professor William K.S. Chow, becoming his first black belt and eventually attaining the rank of 5th degree black belt. During the developmental years of Kajukenbo, he trained alongside the co-founders during the day and taught classes for Professor Chow in the evenings.

In 1950, after the other co-founders went off to war, Sijo Emperado established the first Kajukenbo school at the Palama Settlement Gym, known for its legendary, rigorous workouts. His dedication to pushing boundaries earned him the nickname "Kajukenbo pit bull."

Expanding his influence, Sijo Emperado started multiple schools and played a key role in the development of tournament karate in Hawaii, contributing to the growth of Kajukenbo across the United States and various countries.

A lifelong student of martial arts, Sijo Emperado's curiosity led him to explore various systems, including escrima, kung fu, and tai chi chuan. This quest for innovation and constant evolution has been ingrained in Kajukenbo's philosophy, resulting in four distinct systems within the style.

Embracing the richness of Chinese arts and the potential for unlimited techniques, Sijo Emperado has always emphasized that no system is superior to another, as each Kajukenbo expression emphasizes different techniques while honoring the core essence.

Today, Kajukenbo continues to flourish as a major martial art practiced across the United States and beyond, a testament to the indomitable spirit and vision of Sijo Adriano D. Emperado.

While Sijo Emperado may have passed away on April 4, 2009, his legacy lives on through Harper's Kajupit and the hearts of martial artists worldwide, forever honoring the roots of Kajukenbo.