KOA KAJUKENBO OHANA ASSOCIATION
GRANDMASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009
LONG BEACH CONVENTION CENTER
Chapter One
It was all business on Thursday as the Kajukenbo Ohana Association Board of Directors met. The first order of business was to read the oath and be sworn in. For the next 6 hours through two meetings they discussed all topics of concern and came away satisfied all issues are known with those in attendance committed to improve the structure and value of this organization. The main topics discussed where; defining the requirements for advance belt (8th and 9th degree) promotions, defining what board should have the authority to promote, and what the future holds for the KOA.
After the meetings, President GM Baker stated he believed KOA’s future depends on belief in the Board of Directors and that they must insure all styles are represented. President GM Baker believes the current structure of the Board is appropriate and he looks forward to the coming year with a “wait and see” approach.
The site for next years meeting, seminars and competions was selected and Las Vegas was the over whelming choice. March is the month, the definite week and location will be announced soon.
Friday the Grand Masters sponsored Seminars on a variety of topics. They ranged from the original Kajukenbo, Alphabet techniques, thru Judo, Stick, Knife and Gun defense techniques to the Chinese soft style of Tum Pai and into “Dirty” fighting. Most seminars where supervised or taught directly by the Grand Masters.
A powerful performance was provided under the guidance of Grand Master Reyes by his instructors, Sifu’s Garcia and Zickowski. The Alphabet Techniques were demonstrated with precision and power. I spoke with Sifu Garcia after the demonstration and he assured me that he and Sifu Zickowski are best of friends and it was the luck of the draw that he was the aggressor and Sifu Zickowski got to defend.
Most participants were advanced belts, however there was this 10 year old Blue Belt named Alex who brought his Green Belt father up from San Diego to participate. At first Alex sat a couple of seminars out, not sure if he wanted to get involved. After the first two he decided to jump in and got to be in the group that Grand Master Bob Meshmeyer taught, titled “Dirty Tricks”. GM Meshmeyer started the seminar with this question, which I have modified for the general public. “How many of you have had your butt kick?” Alex did great, learning how to poke his father’s ribs just the right way when in a bear hug, also the different types of chokes and when to apply. All useful techniques that could be applied to ward off the school yard bully.
There were two stick fighting demonstration. The first given by Sifu Ben Fajardo. His featured the classical Pilipino Art of stick fighting. Several students brought their own sticks, but Sifu Fajardo had plenty for those who had not. Basic techniques and rhythms where taught and while the novice where at work instilling the concepts into their muscle memory banks, Sifu Fajardo moved around to the more advanced students sharing theory and alternate movements.
The other stick presentation was provided by K3 Kali Kilat (lighting) led by Guro Leo Quilaton founder of Daval Phillipines Kali Tung Su Do. He was assisted by Kalistas’ Robert Montifar, Jon Boncan and Dan Barretto. Their philosophy is, “You strike us once we strike you 14 times.” The strikes are full and with intent and I must say I have never seen such force used in stick fighting before.
The demonstration covered the basic six strikes to the most sensitive areas of the body and the corresponding blocks. Foot work is crucial and solid balance maintained by never bringing the feet together, moving diagonal, yet always applying forward pressure. WHKD principles of constant forward pressure, broken rhythm and bridging the gap are incorporated.
To be continued...
