Sijo Adriano Emperado, Kajukenbo Founder, passed away in his sleep on Saturday, April 4th at approximately 11:15 pm. The Corder family had many opportunities over the past 15 years to meet him, learn from him and feel of his love of Kajukenbo and all its practitioners. He was a quiet and powerful man and has left a unique legacy.Professor and Aunty Lim remind us: "On a summer day, nearly eighty three years ago, a little baby boy was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, by the name of Adriano Directo Emperado. No one could have predicted what a tremendous journey his life would take him on. He had a humble upbringing, trained in various martial arts, worked in law enforcement, served as body guard to the Governor of Hawaii, traveled around the world & he, along with four other gentlemen created a system of self defense like no other. A system that earned a much feared & respected reputation worldwide.
Considered the father of Hawaiian martial arts, Sijo Adriano Emperado is, by definition, the most influential martial artist in Hawaiian history. His endless creativity influenced just about every martial artist you will meet & he will continue to inspire for generations to come."
We visited Sijo in Maui last July and feel blessed to have had this opportunity. As we strive to improve ourselves through his art of Kajukenbo, we will honor him and make certain we represent his system with integrity and humility.
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to his sister Grandmaster Dechi Emperado, his caregivers Sigungs Kailani Koa and Henry Koa, and his entire family.
Sifu Kelly and Simou Jennifer Corder
1 comment:
I never got to meet Sijo, but I can proudly say that I am part of his Ohana because of Sifu and Simou and their commitment to sharing his realized dream of Kajukenbo with us. Through them, we carry on with tradition, respect and Ohana that will always be there for us.
Mahalo for continuing to give his gift and for teaching us what a great man he was. He will be missed.
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