Kaju AZ Student Heather Buffington Crusades Against Breast Cancer

(Heather Buffington and her Kaju AZ team!)

Dear Kaju AZ Ohana:

As many of you know, my life has been touched by breast cancer. My natural mother passed away from it many years ago, and I have had a couple of "scares" in my young life. I have a daughter and a son that both have a very real potential of contracting the disease. Because of this and for the many people I have met in my life that have either survived breast cancer or lost someone they loved to it, this year, I'll be participating in a very special event called the Breast Cancer 3-Day. I'll walk 60 miles over the course of three days with thousands of other women and men. The net proceeds will support breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment through Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

I've agreed to raise at least $2300.00 in donations. So I need your help. Would you please consider making a donation of $50.00 or more? Keep in mind how far I'm walking - and how hard I'll have to train. You can donate online HERE. You can also call 800.996.3DAY to donate over the phone.

According to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, more than 200,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, and nearly 40,000 will die from the disease. That’s why I’m walking so far. To do something bold about breast cancer. I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Sincerely,
Heather Jean Buffington

Another Loss to Kajukenbo: Grandmaster Allen Abad

Grandmaster Allen Abad, Kajukenbo practitioner, dear friend and mentor to Kajukenbo Arizona, passed away about 9 pm on Monday, April 6th. He battled pancreatic cancer with dignity for the past two years.

Grandmaster was an inspiring martial artist that was always quick to smile and share his knowledge. His techniques and movements were often described as "liquid fire." He was a faithful and loyal member of the Kajukenbo Ohana.

We were honored to have him at our Ohana Luau and Black Belt Promotion on March 21, 2009. We appreciate the sacrifices he made on our behalf. We will miss his impromptu visits to our school and his stories of experiences and training with Sijo.

In January, Grandmaster promoted our own Sifu. We are forever grateful for the legacy he has given Kaju AZ directly to us and through our Professor George Lim.

Our thoughts and prayers are extended to his family. At Grandmaster's request, his services will be held in May.

Sijo Adriano Emperado, 1926 - 2009

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