Kokua Martial Arts Fitness Academy

About Us:

Kokua Martial Arts Fitness Academy expands beyond Kajukenbo martial arts techniques. With our “Mat Chats”, we provide a space to talk with students about life lessons, helping parents find discipline and self-confidence for their children. Our discussions may revolve around a specific subject or provide insight into how to help and carry themselves at home and away from home. We want students to walk away mentally stronger and implement what they learn into their leadership and life journeys. The hands-on Kajukenbo classes are similar, incorporating fun while requiring hard work. At Kokua Martial Arts, Kajukenbo is not just about martial arts, but it is a way of life!

Our History:

Founder Esther Molina’s inspiration to open Kokua Martial Arts Fitness Academy came from those around her. Esther heard from families she had trained, imploring her to open her own school. After additional encouragement from her instructor and family, Esther opened The Academy’s doors in 2017. Her own Martial Arts journey began in college in the 1970’s learning Taekwondo, continuing to Kajukenbo martial arts in the early 2000’s and earning a sixth Degree Black Belt in Kajukenbo under her instructor, Professor Bobby Seronio Jr.. With her experience in Kajukenbo, Esther has honed her skills to share with her students. Esther is a certified instructor under the United Kajukenbo Federation and the Kajukenbo Self-Defense Institute, continuing the teachings of the Emperado Method of Kajukenbo, also known as the “Original” method.

Kajukenbo is a hybrid martial art that combines elements of Karate, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Kenpo, and boxing for a comprehensive self-defense system.

Developed in Hawaii in the 1940s, Kajukenbo was designed to be practical and effective in real-world street fighting situations. It emphasizes fluid movement and adaptability, allowing practitioners to transition between striking, grappling, and joint locks with ease. Kajukenbo practitioners learn to defend against multiple attackers, armed assailants, and various combat scenarios. The art promotes physical conditioning and mental toughness, making it both physically challenging and empowering for students. Kajukenbo focuses on practicality, with techniques that can be quickly learned and applied in high-stress situations. The system incorporates both traditional martial arts philosophy and modern combat principles, creating a balanced approach to self-defense. Kajukenbo dojos often emphasize community and personal growth, with instructors fostering a supportive learning environment.

• Kids (Ages 5-12)
• Adults (Ages 13+)

Our Filipino Martial Arts Program is a program that comes from SGM Harry Greene’s One On One FMA Stick & Knife System, and is taught by his Chief Instructor Dennis Duarte. The primary focus of this system is on the immediate mitigation of a presented threat through direct and close quarter confrontation.  The student will learn how to recognize a perceived threat, how to avoid and/or remove oneself from the threat, and if need be, how to engage in protecting oneself from the threat.  This system is for those who are seeking to learn how to better protect themselves and/or their loved ones. 

Learn self defense for today’s environments! Original Oakland Jeet Kune Do was conceived in the Bay Area by the legendary Bruce Lee and James Y. Lee, to promote personal self expression in combative form known as Scientific Street Fighting

Learn from a 3rd generation certified Senior Instructor in the James Lee Lineage, Sifu Tommy Robles, to enhance the body and mind, and to forge an indomitable spirit!

Sifu Tommy has under him 30+ years of experience in the martial arts and in addition, holds a black belt rank in a hybrid style of Chinese Kenpo/Kajukenbo, and is a certified USA Boxing Coach.

Beginners welcomed! 

Seasoned martial artists welcomed! 

This course is for Men, Women, and Teens 13+

Thursdays, 6:30 pm to 8 pm
Location: Kokua Martial Arts Academy
16+ welcome. Great class to take with friends or family.
Imagine that it is late at night and you, and/or your daughter, are alone and are walking to your car. The parking lot is empty, and out of the corner of your eye you see a large figure approaching…. What Would You Do?
During our program, you will learn basic and easy to learn movements that will aid you in protecting yourself during a physical attack.
We will cover:

• victim vs. non-victim behavior
• proper striking techniques with the hands-legs-feet-knees- elbows grab escapes
• effective body targets
• drills to enhance familiarity and efficacy in use

Ms. Molina is a high ranking instructor in the art of Kajukenbo and has made it her life’s mission to help women and young girls be better prepared for situations like the one described above. Ms. Molina, with the help of her seasoned and well trained instructors, have developed a Personal Protection Program, specifically designed for women and young girls, to help them to learn and to put in practice the tools that will help them in these types of situations.
Taught by: Esther Molina