GGM Bob Maschmeier
Kajukenbo Great Grandmaster Bob Maschmeier. 1942 – 2025
INFO
Name: Bob Maschmeier
Title: Great Grandmaster
Rank: 9Th Degree
System: Kajukenbo
Method: Maschmeier Method
STYLE: Hard style
School: Coast Karate Studio
LIVED: 1942-2025
TRAINED: 1962 - 2025
INSTRUCTOR: Emperado > Joe Halbuna
AFFILIATIONS: KSDI
Great Grandmaster Bob Maschmeier was a teacher, mentor, and pioneer whose life embodied service, resilience, and love for the martial arts. From his early years in Ohio to his lasting legacy in California, Bob’s journey was one of curiosity, dedication, and a deep commitment to both Kajukenbo and the communities he touched. His story is not only of martial accomplishments, but also of compassion, generosity, and the countless lives he shaped along the way.
2024-07-20 KSDI World Championships Tournament and Seminar
Bay Area Legends GGM Clarence Lee-GGM Joe Halbuna-SGM Bob Maschmeir-GGM Al Novak-GGM Ming Lum at Coast Karate Studio in Pacifica California
History
Bob’s martial arts path began during his service in the United States Air Force, where he was introduced to Judo and achieved the rank of 3rd Degree Black Belt. That discovery laid the foundation for a lifetime of training, teaching, and inspiring others.
After his military service, Bob trained under the late Great Grandmaster Joe Halbuna, immersing himself in Kajukenbo and dedicating his life to honoring and spreading the art. In 1985, alongside Frank Conway, he opened Coast Karate Studio in Pacifica, California. More than a school, the studio became a hub of respect, discipline, and community, producing 48 Black Belts and inspiring generations of martial artists to open schools of their own.
Bob’s passion extended beyond Kajukenbo into Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, Sil Lum Fut Ga, Kyudo (Japanese archery), and Restoration Massage Therapy. He was recognized across the martial arts world, inducted into multiple halls of fame, and represented Kajukenbo on national stages such as the Disney Martial Arts Festival in Los Angeles.
Yet his truest legacy lies not in accolades, but in the people he nurtured. Bob taught his students not only to fight, but to live with integrity, joy, and strength of character. His larger-than-life presence was matched only by his heart. He gave freely of his wisdom, time, and resources, and his laughter and kindness remain cherished memories among all who knew him.
2024-07-20 KSDI World Championships Tournament and Seminar
1942 – Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Bob and Helen Maschmeier.
1957 – Family relocated to Burlingame, California.
1961 – Graduated from Burlingame High School.
1962–1966 – Served in the U.S. Air Force with the Strategic Air Command as a Military Policeman. Began training in Judo, earning 3rd Degree Black Belt.
1966 – Began Kajukenbo training under Great Grandmaster Joe Halbuna.
1985 – Opened Coast Karate Studio in Pacifica, California, with Frank Conway.
1985–2025 – Trained and promoted 48 Black Belts, many of whom became school owners.
2000s – Represented Kajukenbo at the Disney Martial Arts Festival in Los Angeles.
Throughout his career – Inducted into the Kajukenbo Self Defense Hall of Fame, Black Belt Hall of Fame, Kajukenbo Hall of Fame, World Martial Arts Federation Hall of Fame, and Pacifica Sports Hall of Fame. Became a Lifetime Member of Jujitsu America.
2025 – Passed peacefully on September 23 in Palo Alto, California, after a long battle with cancer.
HIGHLIGHTS
3rd Degree Black Belt in Judo during Air Force service.
Disciple of Great Grandmaster Joe Halbuna in Kajukenbo.
Co-founder of Coast Karate Studio (1985) with Frank Conway.
48 Black Belts promoted, many continuing his lineage as school owners.
Explored multiple arts: Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, Sil Lum Fut Ga, Kyudo, and Restoration Massage Therapy.
Hall of Fame Honors: Kajukenbo Self Defense, Black Belt, Kajukenbo, World Martial Arts Federation, and Pacifica Sports.
Disney Martial Arts Festival representative for Kajukenbo.
Lifetime Member of Jujitsu America.
BLACKBELTS
Abdullatif Alru Jaib, A.J. Ross, Blair Evans, Bob Casey, Bob Delicino, Brian Giovalola, Bryan Cleary, Brittany Frederikson, Chris Meier, Connor Frederikson, Dave Bendigkeit, Dave Perez, Debby Jaeger, Dominic Cirincione, Eric Portelli, Frank Hall, Gary Deaver, Gary Maria, Jerry Jaeger, J.J. Karo, Joyce Johnson, Kendrick Lee, Kevin Lee, Kristi Chew, Lee Byrd, Les Edwins, Lisa Cleary, Mark Nolfi, Matt Nocerino, Matt O’Donnell, Mathew Meyer, Mike Campbell, Mike Gaynes, Mike Lee, Mike Phleiderer, Nicholas Byrd, Paulino Martin Perez, Peter Vanderpool, Randy Fertig, Raymond Gardiner, Ron Meyer, Ryan Turner, Sean Cleary, Seth Koenigsberg, Sherman Chin, Tony Hutchinson, Vera Perez, Vince Anicetti, Guy Turner, and Kristi Chew.
