GM Israel Gonzales

Black Belt

Jul 11

Written By KAJUCOM

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INFO

Name: Israel Gonzales
Title: Grand Master
Rank: 9Th Degree
System: Kajukembo
Method: Original Method / Peralta Method
BRANCH: Hardstyle
School: Kajukembo Self Defense Systems
LIVED: 1963-Present
TRAINED: 1980-PRESeNT
INSTRUCTOR: SGM Richard L. Peralta
Lineage: EmpErado > Aleju Reyes > Richard Peralta > Israel Gonzales
AFFILIATIONS: KSDS

Began formal training in Chinese Kenpo in 1981 and later transitioned to a Kajukembo school near my houseunder Craig Speer in 1986. Subsequently, relocated to the Dallas area to continue Kajukembo training under GM Richard L. Peralta. Throughout my early training, I cross-trained with other martial arts practitioners, primarily focusing on sparring sessions.

History

Israel Gonzales has trained in martial arts for 40+ years and is the Chief Instructor for the North Texas Region of the Kajukembo Self-Defense Systems Association. He began his training in Kenpo Karate under Sifu Brian Duffy in 1981 until a Kajukembo school opened in his home town of Taylor,Texas under the direction of Sifu Craig Speers, and operated by one of Mr. Speers black belts, Sifu Clarence Wooldridge. Israel immediately joined the school and began his Kajukembo training. In 1989, Israel moved his family to the Dallas area and soon after, met the instructor who would take him to a whole new understanding of the Kajukembo style of martial arts, Professor Richard L. Peralta.

Professor Richard L. Peralta took him in and taught him his method of Kajukembo which consisted of the Original Emperado Method with a whole new, explosive twist. The movements were shortened, and the power was rooted from the ground and generated from the hips and transferred through the body and through the strikes, with each strike setting up the next, precisely and efficiently.

Israel Gonzales has been consistently teaching the Peralta Method of Kajukembo in the Watauga area for over 23 years and is the longest, consistently running school within the KSDS Association in the USA. This school is also the official Headquarters for the Kajukembo Self-Defense Systems International Association, and the hosting school for the KSDS seminars and luaus.

*9th Degree Kajukembo Self Defense System*

HIGHLIGHTS

In 2009, Prof. Gonzales published his first book "KAJUKEMBO - THE PERALTA METHOD". this book consisted of compiled notes written by Prof. Gonzales during his training with GM Peralta. Prior to GM Peralta's death in 2005, Prof. Gonzales shared with him the typed manuscripts for him to review. The book form was not completed, he was just seeking his approval since the Grand Master was completely against putting the art or his personal techniques on the internet or exposed to the general public. GM Peralta approved of the manuscripts since he had left out the most personal lessons the GM shared with only his personal black belts. In 2009, he published only what the GM read and approved.

In 2011, Prof. Gonzales published his second book, "MARTIAL ARTS, THE CIRCLE OF LIFE". This book was completely his own writings of how he viewed the students growth. The title was chosen since he did not want to connect it to any specific style or instructor, and the intention was to reach all martial artists of all styles. This book compares the students growth in the arts to their personal growth and mentality during the several stages of life. It is intended for instructors to better understand the mentality of their students during each level, from white belt all the way to black belt, which represents an 18 year old adult, which is considered an adult but still has to learn everything about life.

Both of these books may be ordered online:

Kajukembo - The Peralta Method
Martial Arts, The Circle Of Life