Black Belts are White Belts That Never Quit

Our first-ever Black Belt Testing and Ohana Luau was held March 21, 2009. It was an absolute success and we will forever treasure the memories. Kajukenbo pride and spirit was overflowing and the energy created that day will last for a long time.

Our testers displayed courage and heart. Training strong is a lifestyle for them and it showed in their performance. When one tester suffered an injury during the test, there was no hesitation to continue. It was a true demonstration of the no-quit attitude and heart that only the best-of-the-best in martial arts shows.

No one gets to black belt without support. Kaju AZ has, without a doubt, the best students ever! Our extended Ohana is always ready to help and support as well. When we get the chance to see it in action, it inspires us to be better people.

All of our testers know that black is only the beginning. The learning has just begun and their journeys are far from over. It's inspiring to see our younger belts feed from their energy and spirit. Kajukenbo Arizona is a better place because of their desire, dedication and discipline.

A special thanks to all our Kaju masters: Grandmasters Gary Forbach and Allen Abad, Professor George Lim, Professor Joe Stubbs, Sigung Aunty Patrice Lim, and Sigung Jack Wimbish. We were blessed to have many other black belts in attendance and we appreciate their love and support.

We were honored by all the many supporters during our weekend events. We couldn't have done it without each of you. Thank you for believing in Kaju AZ and for being allowing us to fulfill our dream of sharing Kajukenbo with you and honoring our Instructors and mentors.

Sifu Kelly and Simou Jennifer Corder

PS - Pictures are posted HERE!

Training Strong and Remaining Strong

It is probably interesting to some that a vacation would involve packing your karate uniform and belt, ibuprofen and ice packs. But for us, it's the best vacation of all!

We anticipated our Ohana cruise for months, it came and ended too quickly. The week started with Black belt promotions for Sifu Kelly (5th Degree Master Instructor), Simou Jen (rank of Senior Black Belt) and Sibak Nicolas (1st Degree) as well as a surprise - Sisuk Cameron Corder to Green/Brown belt. It was great to see so many promoted after all their hard work during the dry runs and test. Grandmaster Dechi Emperado and Sigung Kailani Koa graced us with hula performances and it felt like we were not off shore of Long Beach, but in Hawaii!

Spending time with Ohana is always fun - lots of love, laughter, stories and on this trip, food. It's great to be out of the dojo and seeing each other in "real" clothes. But the true highlight of the trip was the training, which occurred on our day at sea.

The day started off a little gloomy and the seas were a bit rough (much mahalo to Professor's sister for the seasick pills!) but as the day progressed the sun and the material warmed our hearts and bodies. What a choice opportunity to work with Grandmaster Dechi Emperado, Grandmaster Vince Black, Grandmaster Harry Herrera, Sigung Henry Aiau Koa and Sigung Kailani Koa. Meeting with friends and training partners like Sigung Jack Wimbish, Sifu Coree Foster, Sifu Medhi Hakik, Sifu Brent Dean and their students and families was amazing! It was truly an honor and privilege to learn from all of them, hear their stories and soak in their Kajukenbo spirit.

Sifu and I are so glad to have taken advantage of this unique opportunity. At that time we booked this trip, the economy made things tight and that surely continues for all of us. It required sacrifice and planning but we felt certain that doing so for the positive things in our lives would be worth it. And of course it was!!! The memories and experiences are truly priceless and ones we will cherish forever! A very special thank you to all who made the same sacrifices to be on the cruise and to those who made this trip possible, especially Professor and Aunty Lim ... you are all forever in our hearts!

Simou Jen

Remembering a True Gentleman

Mr. Kevin Casciani, one of Professor Lim's Black Belts, passed away last night after an almost five year battle with ALS. Mr. Casciani was a true warrior and possessed an amazing level of courage.

Mr. Casciani was always smiling and was very dedicated to his son, Kyle and wife, Karen. Simou Jen enjoyed many conversations with him in the "parent corner" as our sons trained at Lim Kenpo. He traveled a long distance to get Kyle to karate and we can't even think of one event that the Casciani family did not support. He had a great sense of humor and a true talent of making people feel at ease and happy.

Mr. Casciani fought ALS with never-ending dignity and courage. You can see the same qualities in his son and wife. He has left a great legacy and example that we can all strive to become.

It was an honor and pleasure to be associated with him and our thoughts and prayers are with his Ohana.

To learn more about Mr. Casciani's story and how you can support the ALS Association, please click here.

Sifu Kelly and Simou Jen