Kajukenbo and EPAK

[dastars]

I would think that this topic would impact "students coming up the ranks" more than the established Masters and Professors, since they have already learned the Art as it should be; the students still with much to learn are those that would have the most to gain or lose as the Art changes or remains the same through the future.

[kadena]

The same question, or very close to it, was asked in November, 2003 on this forum. Professor Mitch Powell's answer at that time is quoted below.  He may have a different response today. This post is simply to provide background information for C Drake.

Ram,
Sijo means so much to so many of us, it's hard to even think about what will happen when he's gone. Sijo did address this topic though with an article printed in Inside Karate in the April-1996 issue, where he spelled everything out.

Keep in mind, this was dated 19 November 1995, and time has a way of changing things. At that time, Sijo stated:
In the event of my death I want my sons: Clarence L. Emperado, Alvin H. Emperado, Arthur W. Emperado, Adrian A. Emperado, to continue my work in the Kajukenbo system, and ensure that the Kajukenbo system remains in the EMPERADO family. All instructors in the Kajukenbo system are to keep on teaching the Kajukenbo system with dedication and faith, and will not bring shame or disgrace to the names of the creators of the Kajukenbo system: Professor Peter Y.Y. Choo, Professor Joe Holck, Professor Frank Ordonez, Professor Adriano Emperado, and Professor George C. Chang.

Let it be known: that my sister, Professor Dechi Emperado, who is my business administrator for the KSDI organization worldwide shall be the next head (Grand) master of the Kajukenbo system, until she sees fit to turn over responsibilities of grandmastership to my sons.

The article goes on to provide a list of his trusted advisors to assist.

There is no question, it will be a very difficult time and Sijo knows this. That is why he wrote this doctrine, so that all of us know and respect his wishes. Grandmaster Dechi Emperado will take over the family organization and Sijo asked all of us to help her as if we were helping him. That is Sijo's wish.

I hope that answers your question.

Professor Mitch Powell
KSDI, Vallejo

[rockatear]

Well, this is sort of fascinating.  It seems the orignal post for this thread came out from the blue.  Did something happen that would cause for speculation for such a topic?  I went back to the first post (C Drake) and it seemed disconnected...in the sense that I thought maybe a discussion had already been started and I'd missed the post that began it.  Did something specific happen that brought this as a concern for you or was it just a general musing of "what would happen if?" type of thing.  Having said that, let me say this.

To me our Kajukenbo family is strong and our branches grow and bend, like the large Wheeping Willow tree.  Anyone, who has lost their teacher through the expectant process of life to death, experiences grief, loss, temporary disorientation and some, even chaos. The organization/family  must adjust, adapt and evolve the new family situation.  Strong family leaders/elders make provisions for such matters.  That is their legacy and our inheritance.  And like every aspect of life, nothing is perfect be it an organzation, a family or a person.

When we, at Hand to Hand learned of Sifu Coleen's impending death (as we prayed desperately for the miracle that didn't happen as we wished) for me, the most comforting words came from Great Grandmaster Gaylord as he reminded us that we are family, not just a school or an organization; that we were not just Hand to Hand Kajukenbo Self-Defense, but part of our larger Kajukenbo family, and it made me feel less alone and less fearful for my future, less fearful for the loss of my Sigung and the loss for my school.  And indeed, before she passed away, Sifu Coleen had chosen her successor, our current head instructor, Sifu Jen Resnick.

Kajukenbo has such a strong foundation I cannot imagine it's demise in any sense of the word, and believe should we struggle that the best of ourselves and our organizations will come forth from our of chaos to a new level of growth.  And it sounds from what has been re-posted from Professor Powell and addressed by Sigung Bishop that our legacy and lineage is in good hands, that indeed Sijo like any true steward has taken care of the past, is taking care of the present and has provided us, his family for the future.

Respectfully,

[kogastyle]

I'm not sure why this is such a touchy subject.  Personally I think that they questions and opinions so far have been very tactful and respectful.  That said, I agree that those who are of higher ranks have less to lose and therefore less at stake than those of us who are not in the senior ranked circle.  The sigungs, professors, and grandmasters (as dastars said) have already learned the art in the way it was intended to be taught by Sijo himself.  It is those of us though in the next generation coming up to be instructors in the future to which the problems will take their toll.  By the time any of this actually happens, those who are students, sibaks, and sifus now will be the ones dealing with where to affiliate themselves and how to represent the true branch of Kajukenbo (whichever that may be).  So because of this, my opinion is that it is highly important for those of us who are not senior instructors to make our opinions known because we will be the ones to continue Kajukenbo in the fairly distant future.

To add, I'm not really concerned as I believe Kajukenbo will be left in capable hands.  We can't, however, just assume that everything will be taken care of by being ignorant and not following the situation because we see it as over our heads.

[C Drake]

Some people are taking this a little to personal.   I mean I was simply asking a question.  Nothing more and nothing less.  Some people here know me only through e-mails, I quit chasing rank or whatever you want to call it a long time ago.  Flat out I like to fight and to learn how to fight.  I just thought that it would be a interesting conversation piece, not something where panties would get all bunched up.

[supertim2003]

I don't really have a feeling on this too much one way or the other, but my Sifu with guidance from his teacher determine the direction we go as a school.  That being said they are both completely dedicated to Sijo.  I did find the old post from Prof. Powell very interesting though.

[Mitch Powell]

Cassidy,
You asked a valid question. I was going to add to the post that this had already been covered but didn't get a chance. Fortunately the old post was located. Sijo has everything in line for his passing. The true test will be what happens once he's gone. Not everyone will follow his wishes once he passes. Some don't do it now.


Mitch

[C Drake]

Yes sir I realize that, it is always that way.  That original post was a great way of explaining it along with Sigung Bishop.  Like I said I was not trying to start trouble.  Just curious.

[kogastyle]

Some people are taking this a little to personal.   I mean I was simply asking a question.  Nothing more and nothing less.  Some people here know me only through e-mails, I quit chasing rank or whatever you want to call it a long time ago.  Flat out I like to fight and to learn how to fight.  I just thought that it would be a interesting conversation piece, not something where panties would get all bunched up.

I'm not bunched in the slightest, I just don't understand how people can say that if you aren't a grandmaster that this won't affect you or be any of your business.  If you're a Kajukenbo student of any level I feel the future of our system is all of our business.  Now I don't mean that we should ask every child yellow belt who the successor of Kajukenbo should be, but I think at least all who are black belts, if not senior colored belts as well, should at least know what is going on reguardless of any actual involvement or noninvolvement in the process.

[C Drake]

I can agree with that.

[Serene]

Yes, this is a very touchy subject for me.

I know that Prof, Sigung and myself see and talk with Sijo quite often as a few others in our system. And it is very difficult to think of him not here and to discuss it on an open forum, yes is hard for us.

It's like asking what if you loose someone in your family. Sijo is not just the founder to us  he has been a father to many of us. You ask yourself would you be comfortable discussing someone in your families death in public?

Maybe most of you don't feel that this is a touchy subject because you have not met Sijo? I don't know.

For us that have trained, laughed, cried and talked stories with him well this hurts to see and for people to speak like its no bid deal is hard.

The replies from Prof. and Sigung is pretty much all you need to know. If you need more than I suggest you write a letter to Grand Master Dechi.

Whatever happens is suppose to happen. No need to predict the future just be prepared.

Soifua,

[envisiontj]

These are my opinions.  Of course, as lower ranks, we are all curious as to what will happen.  Even though we answer to those directly above us, it does affect us, as it will affect those above us.  So, I think it is ok for anyone to be curious and have questions.  I agree with Serene in that this is not a public discussion.  If someone has questions, they should ask their Sifu.  If thier Sifu does not have the answer, then, with their Sifus permission, write a respectful letter or private message a Grandmaster on this forum.

Someone in this thread said something to the effect of us asking students who should be the successor to Kajukenbo.  To me, that is not cool.  The only one who should be asked who the successor will be should be Sijo himself.  Noone else has the right to even think that they have any "power" to determine the successor.  If 90%, or even more, of Kajukenboists worldwide all wanted a specific person to take over and Sijo wanted someone else, well then I guess we would accept whoever Sijo picks.  This is HIS decision, and HIS decision only.  Sijo brought Kajukenbo out and made it available to ALL of us.  No Sijo, No Kajukenbo.  Leave this in the hands of Sijo and those he asks for assistance.

Respectfully,

Sifu Trent Junker
Portland, OR

[C Drake]

No one said that.   You misread what he wrote. 

[kogastyle]

Someone in this thread said something to the effect of us asking students who should be the successor to Kajukenbo.  To me, that is not cool.  The only one who should be asked who the successor will be should be Sijo himself.  Noone else has the right to even think that they have any "power" to determine the successor.  If 90%, or even more, of Kajukenboists worldwide all wanted a specific person to take over and Sijo wanted someone else, well then I guess we would accept whoever Sijo picks.  This is HIS decision, and HIS decision only.  Sijo brought Kajukenbo out and made it available to ALL of us.  No Sijo, No Kajukenbo.  Leave this in the hands of Sijo and those he asks for assistance.

Respectfully,

Sifu Trent Junker
Portland, OR

I think that you are referring to what I said and I think you may have greatly misunderstood what I meant.  I stated that I did NOT think that the students should be able to have input on a system's successor, but merely that they should remain aware of the situation and all sides of it, so that, if the need arises in the future, they can make an informed decision about their future Kajukenbo path.  I realize most of the people here have more Kajukenbo experience than I do as well as more overall martial arts experience, but in my 15 years of training I have seen enough politics and infighting that I have to try and know what is going on to avoid getting myself in an unfortunate situation where I blindly followed someone instead of making my own informed decision (which has happened to me before).

I fully trust and believe that when the time comes the decision will be made by those who should be making it and I will respect whatever choice is made because it will be made by those far wiser and more experienced that I.  That said, I personally am finished discussing this in order to respect the wishes of those who feel it should remain private.  I am making this post simply to clarify my point to everyone.

[envisiontj]

If I missunderstood you, I apologize.  Not everyone will agree on this situation, and that is just the way it is.  I do think that all of the political "stuff" should be left to those in the proper positions.  Those being only Sijo and the ones he talks to for guidance.  The passing of Sijo is something that noone wants to think about, yet I think that most do consider it in their minds.  I am just very confident that whatever happens will be for the best somehow, even if I do not agree.

Respectfully,

Sifu Trent Junker