Kajukenbo’s Competitive Legacy Takes Center Stage with the New ʻOi Loa Hall of Fame
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
‘Oi Loa Kajukenbo Competitors Hall of Fame
Recognizing Elite Kajukenbo Competitors Proven Through Battle
Kajukenbo.com - May 2026
A powerful new chapter in Kajukenbo history begins with the official announcement of the 'Oi Loa Kajukenbo Competitors Hall of Fame - a first-of-its-kind institution dedicated exclusively to honoring Kajukenbo competitors who have demonstrated excellence through competition.
The term 'Oi Loa means the best, and it represents the highest level of Kajukenbo achievement
- elite individuals who have proven their skill, courage, character, and accomplishment through battle.
Unlike traditional recognition programs based solely on rank or time in service, the 'Oi Loa Kajukenbo Competitors Hall of Fame is built around proving oneself in the competitive arena at the highest level.
This Hall of Fame was created to preserve the history, accomplishments, and influence of Kajukenbo competitors who stepped into rings, tournaments, arenas, and combat sports platforms to represent the art with honor.
From point fighting and continuous sparring to kickboxing, MMA, self-defense, and forms competition, inductees will be honored for their achievements while testing themselves through performance, continuous excellence, and proven accomplishment.
The organization's mission is to:
Honor elite Kajukenbo competitors past and present
Preserve the competitive legacy of Kajukenbo
Inspire future generations of Kajukenbo competitors
Recognize Kajukenbo competitor achievement
Unite the Kajukenbo community through respect, legacy, and shared purpose
The Hall of Fame will feature:
Official annual inductions
Competitor recognition awards
Historical preservation projects
Athlete and coach spotlights
Community events and seminars
Verified nomination and scoring systems
Founders of the organization believe Kajukenbo's competitive legacy deserves a permanent platform dedicated to the men and women who carried the art into competition and proved its effectiveness.
Kajukenbo was built on realism, adaptability, and pressure-tested skill. This Hall of Fame exists to honor those who embodied those principles in competition and helped elevate the art through action.
Nominations for future inductees will be announced publicly, with categories recognizing competitors, coaches, pioneers, promoters, and contributors who have made a lasting impact on competitive Kajukenbo.
All inductees will be carefully vetted and voted on by the Founding Board made up of respected "Oi Loa" Kajukenbo competitors and peers within the Kajukenbo community. This process is designed to preserve the integrity and prestige of induction into the Hall of Fame and ensure the highest standards of excellence, achievement, character, and contribution are upheld.
The 'Oi Loa Kajukenbo Competitors Hall of Fame represents more than recognition - it represents legacy, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of competitors who helped shape Kajukenbo history.
The Hall of Fame operates independently of any single Kajukenbo organization and is open to elite competitors worldwide whose martial arts roots are connected to Kaiukenbo and whose lineage traces back to Adriano D. Emperado. This commitment ensures the Hall of Fame remains inclusive, respectful of Kajukenbo's diverse branches and families, and dedicated to honoring achievement across the global Kajukenbo community.
The inaugural induction ceremony will be held during the KSDI World Wide Tournament on July24-25 in Las Vegas.
Media Contact
'Oi Loa Kajukenbo Competitors Hall of Fame**
'Oi Loa Kajukenbo
Proven in Battle. Preserved in Legacy.
Not Given. Earned Through Battle. Not Based on Titles - Based on Proof.
inductees
Chuck Liddell- attending
John Hackleman-attending
Benny Urquidez-accepted
Gary Forbach- attending
Al Dacascos-attending
Malia Bernal-accepted
Carlos Bunda-accepted
Damon Gilbert-attending
Eric Lee-attending
Bill Owens-attending
Lionel Seals-attending
Cecil Peoples -“may” attend
Tami Whelan-attending
Joseph Bautista-attending
Woody Sims-attending
Mary Owens-attending
Dann Baker-attending
Algene Caraulia-accepted
Special Category
Bautista Kajukenbo
Richie Barefiled-posthumous
Alan Reyes-Posthumous
Satch Williams-posthumous
'Oi Loa Kajukenbo Competitors Hall of Fame
