ABOUT US
EVERY DAY IS AN OPPORTUNITY
Meaning of Kokua
Kokua is a Hawaiian word that translates as “extending loving, sacrificial help to others for their benefit, not for personal gain…”
Our Discipline
KAJUKENBO – Through this fist style, one gains long life and happiness
Kajukenbo is a hybrid martial art that combines Western Boxing, Judo, Ju Jitsu, Kenpo Karate, Eskrima, Tang Soo Do, and Kung Fu.
Kajukenbo uses hard, fast strikes to vital points throughout the body, take-downs involving high impact throws, and many joint and limb destruction techniques, usually as follow-ups to take-downs. There are also blocks from attacks, such as punches, and defenses and disarmament of offensive weapons. The name works in two ways:
KA – Karate – Long Life
JU – Judo/Ju Jitsu – Happiness
KEN – Kenpo – Fist
BO – Boxing/Chinese Boxing Kung Fu – Style
This lead to the Art’s philosophical meaning, “Through this fist style, one gains long life and happiness”.
Kenpo emerged as the core around which this new Art was built. From its beginnings, Kajukenbo was an eclectic and adaptive Art. As the time passed Kajukenbo has continued to change and evolve. Currently there are four distinct, “recognized” branches of Kajukenbo.
1. Kenpo – Emperado Method or Traditional Hard Style
2. Tum Pai
3. Chu’an Fa
4. Wun Hop Kuen Do
Today Kajukenbo is practiced all over the world in many different branches. In contrast to many traditional martial arts, students are not required to mimic the teacher, but are encouraged to develop their own “expression” of the art.
Our Lineage
Kokua Martial Arts Fitness Academy educates its students in the Emperado Method of Kajukenbo. It is also known as the “Original” or “Traditional” method. It is the root of all Kajukenbo.
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy is to treat people as we would like to be treated, with honor and respect. Welcome them into our Academy which we consider our home and make them feel like Ohana (Family). Always come with an empty cup and train hard. Understand that Martial Arts encompasses your Spirit, Mind, and Body (this is the meaning of the clover in the Kajukenbo seal which represents Sijo Emperado).
Our Mission
Our Mission is to provide a safe and family-oriented Academy where we can develop mature, humble, and respectful young adults and community leaders. We also want to offer Adults a place where they can achieve personal goals with a team to stand by them with support. By teaching the Martial Arts way of life, we aspire to instill confidence and challenge each of our students to always strive to become the best person that they can be at all times. In doing so, we hope to prepare them for some of the life challenges that may cross their paths.
MEET OUR STAFF
Both of Chief’s children (Sifu Maddie Toriano and Junior Toriano) are Kajukenbo Black Belts and are accomplished in both martial arts and in academics. He is a co-founder of the Kokua Martial Arts Fitness Academy.
Desiring to have the path and ability to pass down his knowledge to other students, Gary joined up with Master Esther Molina and Chief Instructor Nels Toriano to create Kokua Martial Arts Fitness Academy.
As a Sifu in Kajukenbo, I enjoy helping the kids and adults learn what it means to be a martial artist. I enjoy seeing how the little ones come in unsure of themselves and uncoordinated and in a short time watch as they transform into a more confident martial artist and person.
Became student black belt in ‘09, then 1st degree in ‘11, followed that with my 2nd degree in ‘13 then 3rd in ‘16. When Master Molina promoted me to Sifu. Here i am following a new path, hoping you will enjoy yours.
Achieve Your Fitness Goals
Flexible membership packages to suit all levels of training to help achieve your fitness goals