Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon is a vibrant martial arts school offering classes in the eclectic kung fu style, , to children and adults in Oakland, California. Kajukenbo training includes rigorous repetition of basic strikes and blocks, close-in fighting sets, grappling, traditional forms practice and sparring with partners. Students at Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon progress through a belt system, from white to black, and emphasis throughout the training is on developing the core martial qualities of fighting spirit, self-discipline and respect. The philosophical foundation for Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon is imbedded in the , written and developed by Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon Head Instructor, , emphasizing the value of love, respect, care, responsibility, honor and peace in the martial arts practice as well as in other aspects of daily life.
photo by Catrina Marchetti
Enrollment Update:
The program is currently full in all classes.
To get on the waiting list, please fill out the enrollment form and mail it to 991 60th Street, Oak, CA, 94608 then to visit a class. For students grades Kindergarten to 7th grade, the next enrollment period will be September 2013. For students grades 8th through Adults, the next enrollment period is in May 2013.
See our
for the times and days of all the classes.
photos by Catrina Marchetti
Important News:
“Student Recital” - Saturday, April 27th, 2013 from 11am to 1pm Tickets are all sold out!
We are so sorry but there are no more tickets to the Student Recital this Saturday April 27th. Seating was very limited this year and we ran out of seats very quickly. Someone will be taping the performance and Sifu Kate will make copies available to people when they are completed. For more information visit our section.
Oakland Kajukenbo is in the News!
Featured in the San Francico Bay Gardian Online article “The Fist Style”
By L.E. Leone posted 03.27.13 Read the article now
Check out the new Belt Test Videos posted December 10, 2012
For more information visit our section.
Check out our Students
New Video/Slide Show of the 2012 Summer Camp added on October 26!
Free T'ai Chi classes started 10/1/12
Mondays and Thursdays 8am to 8:45am at Saint Columba Church, same breaks and holidays as kung fu class scedule.
photo by Catrina Marchetti
Fighting Spirit
Training at Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon challenges students to develop great fighting spirit. Fighting spirit is the ability to maintain awareness, power and dignity in the face of difficulty, conflict and violence.
Self Discipline
At Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon students develop an understanding of self-discipline. Self-discipline is the ability to set one’s heart on specific goals and persevere in the effort to reach them.
Respect
The foundation of the training at Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon is the understanding and practice of respect for oneself, the training community, the family and the world. Respect is the ability to honor one’s own life as well as others and the earth and conduct oneself accordingly.
Kajukenbo Kung Fu is an eclectic modern martial art founded by Soji Adriano Emperado in Hawaii in 1947. The goal was to build a new fighting system that emphasized effective skills for self-defense within the framework of graceful and powerful movement. It was developed by a training community known as the “Black Belt Society” composed of black belt from various arts. There are five masters credited with developing Kajukenbo each representing one of the five traditional styles that make up Kajukenbo. Peter Young Yil Choo contributed the Tang So Doo Karate. Frank Ordonez contributed the Se Keino Ryu Judo. Joe Holck contributed the Kodenkan Danzan Ryu Jujitsu. Adriano Emperado contributed the Kosho Ryu Kenpo. Clarence Chang Chu contributed the Tum Pai Chinese Boxing.
photo by Catrina Marchetti
Though the style, Kajukenbo Kung Fu, sprouted from the distinctly American soil of Hawaii in the post World War II era, it’s roots are deeply sunk in the traditional martial arts philosophy of Asia. Most important of this philosophy is the idea of an honor code concerning the appropriate use of the powerful skills contained in any martial arts style. Sifu Kate Hobbs wrote the Warrior’s Code in 1988 based on her study with her teacher, Sifu Coleen Gragen, of ancient martial arts philosophy. The purpose of the Warrior’s Code is to offer a framework for Kajukenbo students to think about how they use their martial arts practice in daily life.
Love - A warrior is skilled in body and kind in heart
Respect - A warrior respects him or herself and all living things
Care - A warrior believes that caring for him or herself means caring for our world
Responsibility - A warrior takes responsibility for his or her own actions and makes a superior effort in every situation
Honor - A warrior uses fighting skills honorably only to protect self and loved ones. A warrior never raises a fist in anger
Peace - A true warrior lives by this code and firmly believes that the greatest warrior of all is the one that stands for peace
The Warriors code was devoloped by Sifu Kate Hobbs based on ancient martial arts philosophy
Sifu Kate Hobbs holds the rank of fifth degree Black Belt in the Gaylord Method of Kajukenbo Kung Fu. She was awarded her first degree black belt in 1991 by the late Professor Coleen Gragen, who promoted her through third degree black belt. She gratefully received her fifth degree promotion from Professor Barbara Bones in 2008. She currently studies Chi Gung, Tai Chi, and Northern Shaolin Kung Fu under Sifu Michelle Dwyer.
Sifu Kate has spent much of her time as a Black Belt focusing on how martial arts can help young people face the violence and injustice they encounter with power and intelligence. She has worked on curriculum for community-based and school-based programs that teach specific tools for conflict resolution, violence prevention and community building for youth aged three to eighteen. She has promoted two students to first degree black belt in Kajukenbo.
photo by Catrina Marchetti
Sifu Lynn Keslar
Sifu Lynn Keslar began studying Kajukenbo in 1997 with Sifu Coleen Gragen. She has a 2nd degree black belt in Kajukenbo from Sifu Kate Hobbs, and a second degree black belt in Doce Pares Eskrima, under Master Reginald Burford of the Oakland Eskrima Club. She has taught cooking classes for the Oakland Kajukenbo summer camps, has had her bicycle styled by Oakland Kaj students learning the local Oakland art of the scraper bike, and has been a tutor in the academic support program. Her current interests include grappling, weapons, meditation, and the philosophies of fighting.
Sifu Emmy Highsmith
Sifu Emmy Highsmith began studying Kajukenbo with Sifu Kate Hobbs in 1990. Over the next ten years she studied Kajukenbo and Wu Chien Pai under the instruction of both Sifu Kate and Sifu Anthony Daniels, earning her student black belt in 2000. In 2011 she was promoted to first degree black belt by Sifu Kate Hobbs.
Sifu Mariko Highsmith
Sifu Mariko Highsmith began studying Kajukenbo with Sifu Kate Hobbs in 1990. She earned her black belt under the instruction of both Sifu Kate Hobbs and Sifu Anthony Daniels at Destiny Arts Center in 1998. In 2008 she was promoted to first degree black belt by Sifu Kate Hobbs. She loves Kajukenbo for its eclectic nature and for its marriage of effective, down and dirty fighting with beautiful and expressive movements. She enjoys training at Oakland Kajukenbo with Sifu Kate because of the school’s emphasis on fighting spirit, compassion, and community empowerment and responsibility. She hopes to continue training until she is an old lady with grey hair.
Sifu Sam Mende-Wong
Sifu Sam Mende-Wong began training in Kajukenbo Kung Fu at the age of 10 under the instruction of Sifu Kate Hobbs and Sifu Anthony Daniels at Destiny Arts Center in Oakland CA. As he moved up the ranks, he had the opportunity to assist in the 3 to 6 year old Safety Skills class where he began teaching. In his Junior year of High School he took over the class and prepared young students to graduate to the older classes. Sifu Sam received his Black Belt from Destiny Arts Center when he was 18 before attending Bard College in New York State where he majored in Film & Electronic Arts. He started training again with Sifu Kate in 2008 and started working with Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon during the summer of 2009. In June of 2011, Sifu Sam tested for and received his 1st degree Black Belt from Sifu Kate at Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon.
Sifu Anthony Daniels
Sifu Anthony Daniels wiil be teaching on Thursdays and will offer Wu Chien Pai forms and judo. He has taught martial arts, youth leadership, self-defense and conflict resolution to youth of all ages for over 20 years in many after-school programs in the Bay Area, including Destiny Arts, the California School for the Blind, Job Corps, the Chestnut Court Housing Projects, and Parks and Recreation programs. Sifu Anthony holds a first-degree black belt in Judo and a fifth degree black belt in Wu Chien Pai Kung Fu. He started studying at age 13 and received his Black Belt in Kung Fu in 1982 and in Judo in 1988. He has over 20 years experience teaching youth and adults throughout the US, in Switzerland and Mexico..
Sifu Michelle Dwyer
Sifu Michelle Dwyer wiil be teaching on Thursdays and will offer the Earth Dragon Long Staff Northern Shaolin Gung Fu form. She has been training in Chinese Martial Arts since 1974 and teaching students of all ages since 1982, both locally and internationally. As a member of the Jing Mo Athletic Association, U.S.A. she specializes in Yang style Tai Chi Chuan, Northern Shaolin Gung Fu , Five Element Hsing I and the traditional weapons.
To get on the waiting list, please fill out the enrollment form and mail it to 991 60th Street, Oak, CA, 94608 then to visit a class. For students grades Kindergarten to 7th grade, the next enrollment period will be September 2013. For students grades 8th through Adults, the next enrollment period is in May 2013.
Every family should visit a class before enrollment. You are welcome to come to any class and observe. Contact Sifu Kate Hobbs at sifukate.hobbs@gmail.com to let her know you are coming.
Class Fees
Families choose a monthly class fee of between $12 and $120 per month. This is a sliding scale and each family chooses a fee that is good for their family. The class fee, in cash or check, is due during the first week of each month. WRAP CASH OR WRITE ON BILLS SO WE KNOW WHOSE IT IS!!!! Checks should be made payable to Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon. The monthly class dues are paid during the first week of each month. Please be attentive to your class fees each month.
Required Attendance
All students are expected to be on time to every class they attend and be consistent with their training schedule. All students who want to rank in Kajukenbo must attend at least two classes every week. There is a "Saturday Only" training option at Oakland Kajukenbo. If you and your family want to train only once a week, that option is only available on Saturdays. If you are a Saturday only student or family you are expected to attend class every Saturday.
photo by Catrina Marchettiphoto by Catrina Marchetti
Uniforms, Shoes & Sparring Equipment
Uniforms:
Uniforms are required at every class for all students. Uniforms are provided upon enrollment. If you need extra tee shirts or pants they can be purchased for $15/$20.
Shoes:
Shoes are required for students ages 5 to 18 at Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon. Students can choose to order traditional kung fu shoes through the program for $20. Adults can choose to go barefoot or choose any shoe that gives them the support they need to train safely. Youth program students may choose Converse All Stars as an alternative to the traditional kung fu shoe. If you want to order your own shoes, they are on the wle.com (Wing Lam Enterprises) website and they are white or black canvas kung fu shoes.
Sparring Equipment:
Students will spar every week. The sparring class will rotate between the two weekday classes so all ranking students have an opportunity to spar. Each student is provided a set of equipment for sparring. Families are also encouraged to purchase their own set of sparring gear. You can purchase sparring gear at Young's Trading Co. at 5705 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland. Tell Mr Li you train at Oakland Kajukenbo and he will help you find the proper gear. Please bring sparring gear to every class.
Mondays & Thursdays
Class Schedule & Locations
Monday and Thursday Class Schedule:
4pm - 5pm - Kindergarten through 4th Grade white and orange belts. 5pm - 6:30pm - Purple belts and above Kindergarten through 4th Grade
and all ranks Grades 5th through 7th 6:30pm - 8pm - All ranks 8th Grade through Adults.
Monday and Thursday Class Location:
All Monday/Thursday classes are held at Saint Columba Church,
6401 San Pablo Ave at Alcatraz in North Oakland.
Saturday Class Schedule & Locations
Saturday class schedule:
9am - 10am - Little Tigers Ages 3 to Pre-K 5 year olds 10am - 12pm - Family Class All ages Kindergarten through adults
Saturday Class Location:
All Saturday classes are held at Veteran's Memorial Hall
4321 Salem Street, Emeryville
Free Tai Chi Class Monday and Thursday Morning Class
Mondays & Thursdays 8am - 8:45am
Location: Saint Columba Church, 6401 San Pablo Ave at Alcatraz in North Oakland.
photo by Catrina Marchetti
Little Tigers:
Little Tigers is a Kajukenbo class for preschool age students (3 to pre-K 5). The class is once a week on Saturdays and includes a warm-up (running, jumping, twirling, balancing, stretching), basic instruction in kicking and punching, learning to generate and focus power and martial arts etiquette (conduct, manners).
Family Class:
The Family Class is a Kajukenbo class for students of all ages (Kindergarten through Grandparents). The class is once a week on Saturdays and includes cardio and strengthening exercises, partner work, Kajukenbo basics and Kajukenbo forms. Eskrima is taught during the second hour of this class and interested students should talk to Sifu Kate to become part of the Eskrima training. This class is taught by Sifu Lynn Keslar who holds the rank of second degree black belt in Doce Pares Eskrima under Master Reginald Burford, Chief Instructor of the Oakland Eskrima Club.
photo by Catrina Marchetti
Belt Tests:
Ranking Students will have a belt test as they master the material for their current rank. Students will need to practice Kajukenbo material outside of class in order to memorize and absorb the skills learned in class and advance in the art. Sifu Kate will let students know when they are ready to prepare for the next ranking promotion/test. For High School age and adult students, the beginning ranks (orange, purple, blue) will be in-class tests. Intermediate and advanced ranking for this group will be in a traditional belt test format. Students grades K through 8th will participate in traditional belt tests for all ranks. The traditional Belt Tests last for several hours and challenge students to show the full range of their skill. All students are expected to attend all belt tests for their age group and participate fully. Regular Saturday classes are cancelled on the ranking dates. See calendar for promotion dates. Visit our section for information on upcoming tests
Downloadable/Printable Information, Enrollment and Insurance Waiver Forms
To get on the waiting list, please fill out the enrollment form and mail it to 991 60th Street, Oak, CA, 94608 then to visit a class. For students grades Kindergarten to 7th grade, the next enrollment period will be September 2013. For students grades 8th through Adults, the next enrollment period is in May 2013.
Every family should visit a class before enrollment. You are welcome to come to any class and observe. Contact Sifu Kate Hobbs at sifukate.hobbs@gmail.com to let her know you are coming. See our
for the times and days of all the classes.
Please note the dates that Kung Fu classes are closed due to major holidays. Also note Belt Tests and Celebrations. Classes are sometimes cancelled due to a funeral at the church. In this case, an e-mail will be sent. If you do not have e-mail, find another student or family who has e-mail and arrange to have them be a messenger for you. Thanks!
Questions? Sifu Kate can be reached at 510-507-6307. Continue to check this site for schedule and event updates.
Important Dates for Oakland Kajukenbo Calendar-School Year 2012-2013:
May 18, Saturday, 2013 - Mat Practice, Colored belts, All ages,
Hoa Sen Dojo, 2pm to 5pm.
May 27, Monday, 2013 - No Classes, Memorial Day Holiday,
The Kung Fu program is closed.
June 8, Saturday, 2013 - Belt Promotions for grades Kindergarten through 7th,
and Celebration for all students and families, 9am to 2pm.
May 18, Saturday, 2013 - Mat Practice, Colored belts, All ages,
Hoa Sen Dojo, 2pm to 5pm.
June 10, Monday, 2013 - In-class promotions for the Teen/Adult program, 6:30pm to 9pm Light refreshments will be provided for the celebration after the promotion.
June 13, Thursday, 2013 - Last day of classes for K through 7th grade Kung Fu Program,
Mondays & Thursdays, 4pm - 6:30pm
8th Grade Throuh Adult classes evening classes continue to August 1.
June 13, Thursday, 2013 - Last day of Morning Tai Chi class
There will be no Tai Chi class for the summer.
June 15, Saturday, 2013 - Annual Professor Coleen Gragen Memorial 10K run/relay, workout and picnic, Richmond.
June 17 through July 7, 2013 - Spring Break for K through 7th grade
Mondays & Thursdays, 4pm - 6:30pm
June 27 - 30, 2013 - Annual Youth Leadership Training Backpacking Trip
9th grade and older.
July 7, Sunday, 2013 - Leadership training for teens and adult staff.
From 12noon to 5pm. Location is to be determined.
July 8, Monday, 2013 - Summer Program Begins!
Monday through Friday, July 8 - August 2, 2013
July 13, Saturday, 2013 - Mat Practice, Colored belts, All ages,
Hoa Sen Dojo, 2pm to 5pm.
July 20 - 21, 2013 - Youth Leadership Overnight Camping Trip
6th grade and older.
July 27, Saturday, 2013 - Belt Promotions and Celebration for All Ages
Kindergarten through Black Belt, All students and families, 9am - 5pm
Banquet to follow, 6pm - 8pm.
July 29, Monday, 2013 - In class Belt Promotion and Celebration, 8th grade through adults, 6:30pm to 9pm.
August 3 - September 4, 2013 - Summer Break for all classes.
September 5, Thursday, 2013 - Fall Semester Begins!
Theme: Making the A World Safer and Happier Place for Everyone
The Oakland Kajukenbo Summer Program is a high quality, full day program for students grades first through twelfth. The program offers intensive kung fu training every weekday morning followed by swimming, hiking, biking, boating, art, gardening, cooking and dance in the afternoons. Youth leadership positions are available for all students grades 6th through 12th. The program seeks to build practical skills while working hard and playing hard individually and as a community.
Congratulations to Nenechi Nnachi, Edgar Madrid and Matan Inbar-Hansen for Brown Belt and Samantha Keller, Viet-Ly Nguyen, Pam Inbar Hansen and Denise Montgomery for Green Belt on May 4th, 2013. It was a memorable day for sure! Thank you for your inspiring hard work, training spirit and consistency.
Recent Belt Test Videos
Bagua Saber Form
Long Staff form (partial)
Bagua Saber Form - December 8, 2012 as taught by Sifu Michelle Dwyer
Long Staff Form, first half - December 8, 2012 as taught by Sifu Michelle Dwyer
Past Belt Test Congratulations
Congratulations to all the Youth Belt Testers on March 16, 2013
For Orange Belt:
Emily Gutierrez
Janet Merino For Green Belt:
Tajah Walker
Jasper Wagner
Dahlia Sanchez-Luna
Mariester Sanchez-Luna
Luis Gonzalez
Sophia Guerrero
For Purple Belt:
Naomi Avila
Jamese Brown
Tashi Burke-Tomeono
Emmanuel Ceja
Angel Gonzalez
Ikaika Gunderson
Ariana Hernandea
Jonathan Merino
Dejonte Scott
Sage Taylor
Congratulations to all the Youth Belt Testers on Saturday, December 8, 2012
For Orange Belt:
Marie Wilson
Neva Zamil For Purple Belt:
Oscar Tirado-Rodriguez
Jocelyn Perez
Blanca Sifuentes
Joshua Sifuentes
For Blue Belt:
Catalina Fierro
Otto Montgomery
Maurice Carnegie
Isla Cope
Marti Arana-Beitz For Brown Belt:
Solomon Chang
Lucie Montgomery
Congratulations to all the Teen/Adult Belt Testers on December 17, 2012
For Orange Belt:
Dani Avila
Kris Anderson-Barrett For Purple Belt:
Brenda Tuouy
Kim Neal
Megan Parkinson
Ricardo Perez
June 15th 2013 is the Sifu Coleen Gragen Memorial 10K. This event is a 6 1/2 mile bike, walk, run from Emeryville to Richmond in memory of Sifu Kate Hobbs' teacher Sifu Coleen Gragen, who died of cancer in 2001. The event is a benefit for Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon. The event begins at 9am in Emeryville and culminates with a party and picnic at Vincent Park on the Richmond Marina. Mark you calendars! More details to come.
photo by Catrina Marchetti
Thank you for the successful “Student Recital” on April 27th, 2013
Thank you to students, families and extended community for your enthusiasm and generosity at the recent Oakland Kajukenbo Student Recital on Saturday April 27th, 2013. The execution was impeccable and the turn-out impressive. All in all, the event raised $5,300 for all the great programs Oakland Kajukenbo offers.
Students Videos & Photo Slideshows and Oakland Kajukenbo in the News
Bagua Saber Form
Long Staff Form
Summer Camp 2012
April 2012 Races
Summer Camp 2011
Black Belt Test 2011
Sam Breaking Boards
Eskrima
Dance
Sets A
Sets B
Sets C
The Fist Style
11 for 11
Bagua Saber Form - December 8, 2012 as taught by Sifu Michelle Dwyer
Long Staff Form, first half - December 8, 2012 as taught by Sifu Michelle Dwyer
Summer Camp 2012
April 2012 Coleen Gragen Memorial Races
Summer Camp 2011
Black Belt Test 2011Photos by Catrina Marchetti
Sifu Sam breaking boards during his Belt Test
End of Summer 2011 Performances - EskrimaVideo by Jeth Gold
End of Summer 2011 Performances #2 - DanceVideo by Jeth Gold
End of Summer 2011 Performances - Sets AVideo by Jeth Gold
End of Summer 2011 Performances - Sets BVideo by Jeth Gold
End of Summer 2011 Performances - Sets CVideo by Jeth Gold
“The Fist Style”
San Francico Bay Gardian Online
By L.E. Leone posted 03.27.13 Read the article now
11 for 11:
Kate Hobbs, Destiny Arts founder, expands martial arts education
for Oakland youth - Oakland Local
Sifu Kate Hobbs and Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon are pleased to be profiled in Oakland's daily independent news & community web site, Oakland Local. Read the article, 11 for 11: Kate Hobbs, Destiny Arts founder, expands martial arts education for Oakland youth, published on Sunday, January 02, 2011, at oaklandlocal.com/article/katehobbs.
photo by Catrina Marchetti
photo by Catrina Marchetti
photos by Catrina Marchetti
