KSDI Board of Advisors
KSDI Board of Advisors
2023 BOA Grandmasters at the Emperado KSDI World Championships Open Martial Arts Tournament at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino (from left to right) Carlos Bunda, GM Jesse Corpus, SGM Rick Kingi, SGM Gary Forbach, GM Woody Sims, SGM Al Dela Cruz, SGM Frank Cariaga, GM Clarence Luna, GM Ron Esteller.
KSDI Board of Advisors (BOA)
Serving KSDI • Established by Sijo Adriano D. Emperado
The KSDI Board of Advisors (BOA) is an official body within KSDI, created personally by Sijo Adriano D. Emperado to support, protect, and uphold the integrity of the Kajukenbo ranking structure. The BOA was designed to serve KSDI and the Emperado family, not to operate independently or outside the organization.
Founding Purpose
In his recorded announcement, Sijo made the BOA’s purpose unmistakably clear:
The BOA was created “for me”, as Sijo stated — meaning it existed solely to serve his authority and his organization, KSDI.
Its responsibility was to screen candidates within KSDI for the prestigious ranks of Professor (8th Degree) and Grand Master (9th Degree).
The BOA’s recommendations were advisory only, because “Sijo has the power to supersede the BOA.”
The BOA’s work was intended to ensure order, unity, and consistency in promotions at the highest levels of Kajukenbo.
Respecting Sijo’s Line of Authority
Sijo emphasized that after him, oversight of the BOA would pass to his sister:
“I want you to respect my sister as you respect me… my sister is my right hand.”
In honoring that directive, the responsibility for final ranking authority transitioned:
From Sijo
To his sister, Dechi Emperado, his designated right hand and guardian of his wishes
And then to her son, Kimo Emperado, who continues the stewardship today
This lineage makes clear that the BOA serves KSDI under Emperado family leadership, exactly as Sijo intended.
What the BOA Does
The Board of Advisors:
Screens registered KSDI members only for eligibility for 8th and 9th Degree recognition
Reviews their contributions, lineage, teaching, and standing
Provides a formal recommendation to KSDI
Ensures any high-level promotion aligns with Kajukenbo tradition, integrity, and Sijo’s standards
Supports the Emperado family in preserving order and preventing misuse or confusion in ranking
What the BOA Does Not Do
Sijo’s words made this point absolutely clear:
The BOA cannot independently promote or issue rank
The BOA does not operate outside of KSDI
The BOA does not represent a separate organization
All authority remains with KSDI, held today by the Emperado family
Why the BOA Matters
Sijo created the Board to protect the art, prevent confusion, and maintain integrity at its highest levels. He spoke directly about unity, respect, and preventing politics or division within Kajukenbo:
“I’m here to see there be no nonsense going on… whatever I say goes.”
“Respect my sister as you respect me.”
The BOA carries forward that spirit: a stabilizing body that safeguards the standards of Kajukenbo, honors Sijo’s lineage, and ensures consistency and legitimacy in the recognition of its most senior practitioners.
Sijo Adrianno Emperado speaking regarding BOA and the future of Kajukenbo
PROCEDURE
for 8th & 9th degree promotion:
E-mail board liaison to petition and/or nominate individual(s) for promotion and review by the Board of Advisors. Promotion ceremony will be held once a year at the annual KSDI tournament.
The BOA will not respond to petitions and/or nominations to individuals outside of the Kajukenbo system. The board will not respond to any inquiries regarding the validity of promotions to those outside the umbrella of the KSDI.
Voting members are as follows
GM Jesse Corpus - Chairman- Ramos Lineage
SGM Rick Kingi - Sr. Liaison- Leoning Lineage
SGM Gary Forbach - Sgt at Arms- Reyes Lineage
GM Woody Sims- Secretary - Ordonez Liason/Ramos Lineage
SGM Frank Cariaga- Member Halbuna Lineage
GM Ron Esteller- Member Gaylord Lienage
GM Clarence Luna- Member Emperado Lineage
GM Cristian Wulf- Member - Wun Hop Kuen Do
SGM Al Dela Cruz- Chuan Fa
Associate Members (alternates when needed for voting)
GM Tami Whelan
GM Agustin Campos Lopez
KAJUKENBO SELF-DEFENSE INSTITUTE, INC QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROMOTION
8TH DEGREE: PROFESSOR - Original Emperado Method or other branches of Kaiukenbo
Minimum 30 years in Kajukenbo - Active in teaching & promoting the Kajukenbo system.
Have downline of black belts.
Letter of recommendation from applicant's Instructor
Approval from Board of Advisors
Attendance at the annual KSDI event to receive official promotion.
Photo - Most recent
9™ DEGREE: GRAND MASTER - Original Emperado Method or other branches of Kajukenbo
Minimum 40 years in Kajukenbo - Active in teaching & promoting the Kajukenbo system.
Downline of 2 generations of black belts
Letter of recommendation from applicant's Instructor. *
Approval from Board of Advisors
Attendance at the annual KSDI event to receive official promotion.
5-Photo - Most recent
*The board will also consider applicants for promotion from those without a recommendation from their Instructor due to death of Instructor or abandoned by Instructor. (Abandonment would be a rare case)
FEES FOR PROMOTION:
$125.00 for cost of the certificate (without frame), new belt and minimum handling fees.
To be paid once promotion is approved.
