SAVE THE DATE — KAJUKENBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2027
June 18–19, 2027
Location: Westgate Las Vegas | Las Vegas, Nevada
KWC is moving to June. Traditionally held in July, the Kajukenbo World Championship will take place one month earlier in 2027 — June 18–19.
The new dates also fall just days after Sijo Adriano D. Emperado’s birthday on June 15, giving the Kajukenbo ʻOhana an opportunity to come together to celebrate Sijo’s life, legacy, and the art he founded.
The Kajukenbo World Championship (KWC) is:
The official home of the Kajukenbo Tournament League (KTL). (NEW)
International Kumite Team Challenge (NEW) Special recognition for international delegations.
The official gathering for the International Kajukenbo Council (IKC). (NEW)
A redesigned competition experience, including a new floor layout, improved ring visibility, clearer tournament operations, and easily identifiable officials. (NEW)
The official event for the Kajukenbo Family Tree. (2027)
The official KSDI World Championship, continuing the tournament tradition established by Kajukenbo founder Sijo Adriano D. Emperado.
Presented by KSDI and the Emperado ʻOhana.
An open martial arts championship, welcoming competitors from Kajukenbo and other martial arts systems.
The official annual gathering for KSDI rank recognition by the KSDI Board of Advisors (BOA).
The official event for the Kajukenbo Black Belt Registry.
The official championship platform for Kajukenbo Sport.
The official event for the ʻOi Loa Kajukenbo Competitors Hall of Fame.
The official event for KSDI Talk Story, preserving the stories and voices of Kajukenbo.
An international gathering grounded in Lōkahi, ʻOhana, respect, competition, history, and community.
We heard your feedback.
For 2027, the KWC competition floor and tournament operations are being reworked from the ground up.
The floor will be designed with clearer sightlines and better access to every competition ring, so families, schools, coaches, and teammates can more easily watch their competitors. Tournament officials and judges will be clearly identifiable, ring operations will be better organized, and the overall competition experience will be designed to run more smoothly and professionally.
This is more than a new date. KWC 2027 is a renewed tournament experience, a celebration of Sijo Emperado’s legacy, and a gathering shaped by the Kajukenbo community.
Mark your calendar: June 18–19, 2027.
More information about the KTL, international recognition, IKC, tournament divisions, seminars, Kajukenbo Family Tree, ʻOi Loa Hall of Fame, Sijo birthday celebration, and registration will be announced soon.