Kajukenbo.com and KSDI Unite to Continue the Legacy of the Kajukenbo Family Tree
Kajukenbo.com and KSDI Unite to Continue the Legacy of the Kajukenbo Family Tree
Honoring the Irreplaceable Work of SGM Philip Gelinas and Ruth Gelinas
For decades, the Kajukenbo Family Tree has served as a living archive—an evolving map of the black belts who have carried on the legacy of Kajukenbo across generations and continents. Now, in a spirit of unity and deep respect, Kajukenbo.com (Reyes Kajukenbo Archive) and the Kajukenbo Self-Defense Institute (KSDI) are honored to announce a partnership to continue the stewardship of this invaluable historical record.
Glen Fraticelli and Philip Gelinas at the 2024 Emperado KSDI Tournament and Seminar in Vegas.
At the heart of this legacy stands Senior Grand Master (SGM) Philip Gelinas, whose vision, dedication, and tireless research built the foundation of the Kajukenbo Family Tree. What began in the 1970s as a personal quest for clarity and connection—seeking to understand his own lineage and earn the respect of fellow practitioners—evolved into one of the most important projects in Kajukenbo history.
SGM Gelinas didn’t undertake this journey alone. His wife, Ruth Gelinas, played a crucial and often quiet role behind the scenes—providing unwavering support, organization, and encouragement every step of the way. Together, they shaped a record that has connected generations of black belts, preserved the lineage of countless schools, and brought cohesion to a global community. Their work has not only chronicled history but inspired it.
“People think they know everything because they know their backyard,” SGM Gelinas once said. “But real knowledge comes from stepping outside of it.” It was this philosophy that drove him to reach beyond borders, challenge assumptions, and build something that belongs to us all.
“People think they know everything because they know their backyard, But real knowledge comes from stepping outside of it.” —SGM Gelinas
Philip Gelinas Kajukenbo Family Tree, Vegas 2024
Now, as SGM Gelinas and Ruth pass the torch, the responsibility and privilege of continuing the Kajukenbo Family Tree will rest with KSDI and Christopher Reyes of Kajukenbo.com. Christopher is the son of Senior Grandmaster Alan M. Reyes and the grandson of Great Grandmaster Aleju “Al” C. Reyes, a first-generation practitioner of Original Hardstyle Kajukenbo and among the early students at the historic Palama Settlement in Hawaii. As a third-generation martial artist, Christopher brings not only technical knowledge and deep lineage but also a passion for preserving and sharing the rich history of Kajukenbo with future generations.
As SGM Gelinas shared:
"It’s fragile work, passing it on. But when someone says, 'I care about what you built,' that matters." —SGM Gelinas
We do care—and we’re ready to carry it forward.
Kajukenbo Family Tree 1994
Kajukenbo Family Tree 2025
How to Apply to Be Listed in the Kajukenbo Family Tree
To maintain the integrity and accuracy of the Family Tree, all new submissions will be reviewed through a formal process. To apply:
Join the Kajukenbo.com community
Complete your directory profile with accurate information
Upload a clear, high-quality photo of your black belt certificate
Your application will be reviewed by our verification team. You will be notified of your acceptance, or if additional documentation or clarification is required.
Apply here: https://www.kajukenbo.com/community
As we look to the future, we do so with gratitude—for the legacy entrusted to us, for the community that keeps it alive, and most of all, for SGM Philip and Ruth Gelinas, whose work has left an enduring mark on Kajukenbo history. We will honor it, protect it, and build upon it for generations to come.
