Kajukenbo Self Defense Institute (KSDI)
©KSDI Crest
INFO
Organization: Kajukenbo Self Defense Institute (KSDI)
FoundED: 1949
Founded by: Sijo Emperado
Leadership: Grandmaster Kimo Emperado Smith and the Emperado Family
Contact
EMAIL: KSDIWWKajukenbo@gmail.com
Location: WorldWide
LINKS
1959 Waikiki Sand Annual Christmas Party. Pictured in their famed Kajukenbo Jackets: (back row, left to right) Charles Lakalo, Henry Mandac, Ben Kekumu, Gabby, Sijo Emperado, Howard Papioli, Aleju Reyes (front row, left to right) Bay Kaowili, Kenneth Funokoshi, Antoque Silva. 1959
ABOUT
Sijo Adriano Directo Emperado, Chief Instructor Palama Settlement Kenpo Karate Club Honolulu, Hawaii. 1957
Palama Settlement, Birthplace of Kajukenbo 1958
The Kajukenbo Self Defense Institute (KSDI) was founded by Sijo Adriano D. Emperado in the late 1940s at Palama Settlement in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. KSDI is the original and official organization of Kajukenbo—one of the world’s first truly mixed martial arts systems—uniting the techniques of Karate, Judo/Jujitsu, Kenpo, and Boxing.
Today, KSDI Worldwide remains under the stewardship of Grandmaster Kimo Emperado Smith and the Emperado Family Council. KSDI official rankings are advised by the KSDI Board of Advisors (BOA). Together, they work to preserve Sijo’s legacy and ensure that the art of Kajukenbo continues to be passed down with authenticity, respect, and unity.
Mission Statement
To preserve, protect, and promote the teachings and lineage of Sijo Adriano D. Emperado, while advancing the art and legacy of Kajukenbo. We honor our founders, cultivate unity across generations, and empower practitioners to train, teach, and live with integrity and purpose.
Vision Statement
A global Kajukenbo community grounded in lōkahi — where tradition and innovation move in harmony, and the spirit of our art continues to evolve, inspire, and endure for generations to come.
Programs and Initiatives
Global Stewardship: KSDI is the governing body responsible for worldwide Kajukenbo registration, black belt recognition, and lineage verification.
Education and Training: Through seminars, workshops, and sanctioned schools, KSDI promotes the continued growth of Kajukenbo while honoring its roots in practical self-defense and community service.
Archival Partnership: In collaboration with Kajukenbo.com, KSDI helps maintain the official Kajukenbo Family Tree, ensuring accurate lineage documentation for future generations.
KSDI Board of Advisors (BOA): The BOA is an official body that serves KSDI strictly in an advisory capacity. Its role is to review eligible candidates within KSDI and provide recommendations on who should be recognized with the prestigious ranks of 8th Degree Professor and 9th Degree Grand Master. The BOA does not have independent authority to issue rank; it operates entirely under KSDI’s direction.In accordance with the wishes of Sijo Adriano D. Emperado, the BOA’s advisory recommendations are limited to registered KSDI members, and any promotions it recommends are intended to be made within KSDI, using KSDI certificates bearing Sijo’s seal. This preserves the authenticity of high-level rankings and ensures they remain aligned with Sijo’s standards and intentions.
Emperado KSDI Worldwide Championships Open Martial Arts Tournament and Seminar: The official annual event of KSDI, this international tournament brings together practitioners from around the world to celebrate unity, heritage, and the warrior spirit of Kajukenbo. Hosted under the leadership of KSDI, the Emperado family, and KSDI BOA, the event features traditional and contemporary divisions, technical demonstrations, and special seminars from senior instructors. Beyond competition, it serves as a global gathering for the Kajukenbo Ohana—honoring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the next generation.
Trademark and Authorization Notice
The KSDI name, crest, and all related imagery are the exclusive property of the Emperado family and KSDI Worldwide. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Only individuals or organizations with written authorization from KSDI Worldwide may represent or use the KSDI name or trademarks.
Core Values
Strength — Discipline in body and spirit
Honor — Respect for lineage and tradition
Unity — Commitment to Ohana and collective growth
The Emperado Family at the 2025 KSDI World Championships, Las Vegas
Emperado Family Council
The KSDI Ohana: More Than Martial Artists, We’re Family
In the heart of the martial arts world, there lies a unique organization where the bonds of family intertwine with the legacy of martial arts—this is the Kajukenbo Self Defense Institute (KSDI), a place where the spirit of ‘Ohana (family) is the foundation of everything we do.
Founded on the vision and principles of Sijo Adriano D. Emperado, KSDI has grown under the watchful eyes and dedicated hands of Dechi Emperado, Kimo Emperado, and the entire Emperado family. Together, they have nurtured KSDI into more than just a martial arts organization; it's a living, breathing community where each member is part of an extended family.
Carrying On A Legacy
The Emperado family's commitment to Kajukenbo goes beyond preserving a martial arts style—it's about keeping a legacy alive, a legacy that teaches us not only how to defend ourselves but how to live with honor, respect, and compassion. Each punch, kick, and kata carries the weight of this heritage, reminding us of the responsibility we bear to our predecessors and to future generations.
Unity and Support
At KSDI, we believe in supporting each other like family. Whether it's through training on the mat, celebrating achievements, or facing life's challenges together, the bonds we form are unbreakable. The concept of ‘Ohana permeates every aspect of our organization, creating a nurturing environment where all are welcome, and each member is valued.
More Than Martial Arts
KSDI is more than a place to learn martial arts; it's a sanctuary where the values of discipline, perseverance, and unity are taught alongside self-defense techniques. Led by the Emperado family, we carry forward a tradition that enriches our lives in and out of the dojo.
As we continue to grow and spread the teachings of Kajukenbo, we remember that at the core of our art lies the strength of our family. The KSDI Ohana is a testament to what can be achieved when we come together, united by a common legacy and a shared vision for the future.
