Hawaiian Kenpo
Hawaiian Kenpo is a unique hybrid martial art that emerged in the mid-20th century in Hawaii, combining elements of Chinese Kenpo, Jiu-Jitsu, Western boxing, and Filipino fighting arts. Pioneered by instructors like Adriano Emperado and others, it was developed in street-fighting environments, emphasizing fluid motion, adaptability, and explosive self-defense. Hawaiian Kenpo is known for its aggressive entries, seamless transitions between striking and grappling, and strong cultural ties to local Hawaiian values and warrior spirit. It remains a raw, practical system rooted in survival rather than ceremony.
Hawaiian Kenpo Essentials
About Hawaiian Kenpo
This section introduces Hawaiian Kenpo as a pragmatic, culturally rooted martial art developed in Hawaii’s multicultural fight scene. Learn how its blend of arts creates a unique, street-effective system.
Hawaiian Kenpo History
Explore the origins of Hawaiian Kenpo, including the influence of Kajukenbo, Chinese Kenpo, and local street-fighting traditions. This section highlights the key figures and conditions that shaped the art.
Philosophy & Approach
Hawaiian Kenpo emphasizes practical self-defense, aggressive response, and adaptability across multiple ranges. Its philosophy is built on survival, simplicity, and respect for heritage and community.
Techniques & Style
Dive into the core techniques of Hawaiian Kenpo—rapid strikes, limb destructions, takedowns, and close-quarters grappling. The style integrates fluid footwork and power generation from multiple cultural sources.
Traditions & Etiquette
This section outlines the training etiquette and cultural respect embedded in Hawaiian Kenpo. While informal compared to classical arts, it maintains deep reverence for teachers, lineage, and the warrior code.
Uniform & Symbols
Hawaiian Kenpo schools often use simple black gis or practical training attire, with symbols reflecting Hawaiian heritage, family lineage, or Kajukenbo roots. Learn how appearance supports identity and purpose.
Weapons
Weapons in Hawaiian Kenpo include stick, knife, and improvised tools, often influenced by Filipino and street-fighting methods. This category explores how weapon defense and offense are built into the system.
Ranking System
Ranking in Hawaiian Kenpo varies by lineage but generally follows a belt system based on technical progression, fighting capability, and time in training. Some schools emphasize application over formal testing.
Hawaiian Kenpo Glossary
A glossary of terms specific to Hawaiian Kenpo, including technique names, local expressions, and cross-cultural terminology from Kajukenbo and other root systems.
Notable Figures
Meet the key pioneers of Hawaiian Kenpo, such as Adriano Emperado and Joseph Emperado. This section highlights their contributions and the spread of Hawaiian Kenpo across the Pacific and mainland U.S.
Branches & Organizations
Learn about the major schools and associations that practice Hawaiian Kenpo today. This section explains how different branches maintain the system’s street-wise spirit and island identity.
Competitive Format
Though not developed for sport, some Hawaiian Kenpo schools use controlled sparring, drills, and demonstrations for training validation. Competition is used to test timing and stress responses, not sport point-scoring.
