K.S.D.I. Board of Advisors Announcement

[John Bishop]

KAJUKENBO BOARD OF ADVISORS

Aloha,
 
A meeting was held May 23rd, 2009 by members of the K.S.D.I. Board of Advisors on Kahului, Maui.   All were there to pay our last respects to our Sijo,Chief, Ninoy, Adriano D. Emperado.  6 of 9 board members were present, constituting a majority.  Present were Grandmasters Carlos Bunda, Gary Forbach, Rick Kingi, Vince Black, Phil Gelinas and
Sr. GM  George Kaanana.
 
Several important topics were discussed, voted upon and unanimously approved.  Most important was to implement the wishes of Sijo Emperado and to inform all in Kajukenbo, the "sole purpose" of the board.
 
Attached you will find this announcement.  We welcome any and all comments.
 
On behalf of the board,
 
GM Carlos Bunda


ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Board of Advisors (BOA), selected by Sijo Adriano Emperado, was formed for the explicit purpose of promoting from within the Kajukenbo system, black belts worthy of the rank of 8th degree and higher.  In his words, “I am done with promoting any one else to Grandmaster in the Kajukenbo system, and that any school can promote any one to whatever rank they want, and it will be respected. However that rank will not be recognized by me and my “KSDI”. (Kajukenbo Self Defense Institute)

It is for this reason that the BOA was formed.  Any individual worthy of promotion and wishing to be recognized under the umbrella of KSDI must be approved by the BOA. 

The BOA members were selected from various and independent Kajukenbo schools to ensure no bias or prejudice while acting on behalf of Sijo Adriano Emperado.

BOARD MEMBERS: (In alphabetical order)
1–Emil Bautista…….……….. emil@pon.net
2–Vince Black………………. kimblack@natsta.org
3–Carlos Bunda……………    carlos.bunda@sbcglobal.net
4-Gary Forbach……………..  gforbach@yahoo.com
5-Angel Garcia……………… grandmaster@kajukenbo-europe.com
6-Phil Gelinas……………….. bttcanada@videotron.ca
7-George Kaanana……….….. sgmkaanana@yahoo.com
8-Rick Kingi…Board Liaison   profkaju@aol.com
9-Edmund Louis……………. gm@leewardkempokarate.com


MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Board of Advisors is to manage, certify, and implement the wishes of Sijo Adriano Emperado. To ensure that all Kajukenbo black belts be worthy of a promotion from 7th to 8th degree
(Professor) and from 8th to 9th degree (Grandmaster).  To implement and serve notice to all Kajukenbo factions of promotion(s) awarded.


PROCEDURE:
E-mail board liaison, Rick Kingi, to petition and/or nominate individual(s) for promotion and review by the Board of Advisors.  Promotion ceremony will be held once a year at the annual KSDI tournament.


The BOA will not respond to petitions and/or nominations to individuals outside of the Kajukenbo system.  The board will not respond to any inquiries regarding the validity of promotions to those outside the umbrella of the KSDI.     

[Tim Vargas]

...
 
Attached you will find this announcement.  We welcome any and all comments...
 


MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Board of Advisors is to manage, certify, and implement the wishes of Sijo Adriano Emperado. To ensure that all Kajukenbo black belts be worthy of a promotion from 7th to 8th degree
(Professor) and from 8th to 9th degree (Grandmaster).  To implement and serve notice to all Kajukenbo factions of promotion(s) awarded.


PROCEDURE:
E-mail board liaison, Rick Kingi, to petition and/or nominate individual(s) for promotion and review by the Board of Advisors.  Promotion ceremony will be held once a year at the annual KSDI tournament...
  

Are the Grandmasters who are KSDI members no longer able to promote their own Professors without first going to the KSDI BOA?

How is the "notice to all Kajukenbo factions of promotion(s)" going to take place?  By email, the Kajukenbo Cafe, Postal Service, etc.?   

It would be nice to know all of the recent promotions to Professor and Grandmaster so that everyone could pay proper respect to them, since not all of them publicly use their title.

Thank you.

Tim

[kajukine2]

KAJUKENBO BOARD OF ADVISORS


The BOA will not respond to petitions and/or nominations to individuals outside of the Kajukenbo system.  The board will not respond to any inquiries regarding the validity of promotions to those outside the umbrella of the KSDI.     

So, what dose that really mean to us that are outside of KSDI?
Do we not even have a choice or chance to convert to KSDI if we so wish?
Is this not going to fractionate the organizations even further than they already are?
Are the 41+ years of training in what I believed to be KAJUKENBO not to be validated?
I do not mean rank or title, as I only use "sifu" and only wear a PLAIN black belt..
I have NEVER been obsessed with rank and title as some I have seen though the years, in SEVERAL of the different organizations.
I can see where Sijo was going with this, a lot of people though the years have taken advantage of him.
I come from an organization that  that has never been accepted by the status quo,and that's fine, because in my heart I have always bled Black and Red, sijo's picture has ALWAYS hung in prominence in my dojo as has Brother Joe's
My yellow belt requirement is to know all 5 founders and their respective arts, as well as the original 5 to bring kaju to the mainland.
I have many brothers in KSDI, many dont know me, some dont like me, but let me be clear I AM and will ALWAYS BE KAJUKENBO in my mind, in my body, and in my spirit.....

[onephatboydave]

Sir,

Is there a term limit on B.O.A. members and if so what is it. Also how will B.O.A. members be replaced? Will there be elections or will they be appointed by other B.O.A. members.

Respectfully asking   

[sleddog]

This is not an official an "BOA " reply, but merely an answer to your questions from an individual on the board.

1) Are the Grandmasters who are KSDI members no longer able to promote their own Professors without first going to the KSDI BOA?
The BOA GM's have to follow the same process as everyone else. Additionally they cannot promote outside of this body (KSDI). KSDI GM's have to follow the same rules as anyone else in the organization.

2) How is the "notice to all Kajukenbo factions of promotion(s)" going to take place?  By email, the Kajukenbo Cafe, Postal Service, etc.?
Probably by the cafe primarily, then via email to a group developed over time.

3)It would be nice to know all of the recent promotions to Professor and Grandmaster so that everyone could pay proper respect to them, since not all of them publicly use their title.
We have not promoted anyone yet. When that happens, the announcement will be made.

4)So, what dose that really mean to us that are outside of KSDI?
Without meaning to be silly, what do you want it to mean to you? If you are outside the KSDI it should not affect you at all.

5)Do we not even have a choice or chance to convert to KSDI if we so wish?
We will always welcome everyone. The thing that Sijo was initially trying to do (with the creation of this board) was to stop people approaching him for promotions. That job (since his passing) has been taken over by the BOA. This is only a KSDI organizational function.

6)Is this not going to fractionate the organizations even further than they already are?
I don't think so. No one is saying that the organizations that exist are no longer valid. How could that be?. We are saying that when it comes to promotions to 8th and 9th degree from the KSDI, you will know who , when, where, why, and how.

7)Are the 41+ years of training in what I believed to be KAJUKENBO not to be validated?
You are a member, in good standing, of GGM Gaylords KAA. You received your promotion directly from him. What other validation would you require?

8)I come from an organization that  that has never been accepted by the status quo.
Maybe a long time ago. I saw it too. Things have changed now. But I see your point.

9)Is there a term limit on B.O.A. members and if so what is it. Also how will B.O.A. members be replaced? Will there be elections or will they be appointed by other B.O.A. members.
No limit, yet.

In response to this,

"The BOA will not respond to petitions and/or nominations to individuals outside of the Kajukenbo system.  The board will not respond to any inquiries regarding the validity of promotions to those outside the umbrella of the KSDI."

This statement is not a threat to any legitimate Kajukenbo practitioner, more of a guarantee that we will not be promoting anybody from any organization, or system, other than Kajukenbo.

Philip Gelinas

[KajuJKDFighter]

Good answers GM Gelinas...i know Ronnie very well and I was a little confused by the questions.  I'm the VP of the KAA but am very close with many many members of KSDI and other organizations and have been for a long time.  Only GGM Gaylord does those type of promotions in out group, and I follow what he says and respect the other groups and see that they were trying to stop outsiders from being promoted to high rank....makes sense....

[jensad]

Makes sense to me too John.  Been in Kajukenbo for a very long time, and there are a very small few charliatians in our Art.  And I am not pointing the finger at anyone, but in any thing in life there are always the few.  And what I know I keep to myself.

I love Kajukenbo, the KAA and the KDSI, however, I am only a member of the KAA.  But that makes sense to me as I was the first Secretary of the old KAA in 1967.[/b] and still call GGMG as my first teacher and excellent friend.

Good luck to all and stay safe.  Keep KAJUKENBO STRONG folks, together we can.

jim nordlie, a student of GGMG since 1963

[Native Warrior]

Hello and Much Respect to All on this site,

Just curious....what is the benefit(s) of being a member of KSDI? 

It seems to me that if the different organizations could come together under "one master organization" then they may be able to leverage their size in obtaining cheaper insurance, printing & marketing costs, a network of schools that students can train at while on travel, etc. 

Again, just curious, and just sharing my thoughts.

Bidding y'all Blessings, and Alo'ha nui loa!

[Rob Poelking]

That is the goal of the KOA which is not a competing organization but a fellowship of Kajukenbo schools. Being a member of the KSDI was a tribute fellowship as fees went to support Sijo.

[Native Warrior]

That is the goal of the KOA which is not a competing organization but a fellowship of Kajukenbo schools. Being a member of the KSDI was a tribute fellowship as fees went to support Sijo.

Thank you sir for your reply....much appreciated!  I will take a look at the KOA, and what they have to offer. 

Yes....I do understand, and agree with, the tribute to Sijo.  That being said, my question still remains...now, with Sijo being with The Creator, what are the fees going to be used for?  In essence, what is/are the benefit(s) of being a member of KSDI? 

Again, just curious, and no disrepect intended.

Mahalo!  Alo'ha nui loa!

[Sifu Sin Bin]

The money goes toward hosting the annual KSDI events. Any other questions along these lines though really should be addressed to your teacher.

[Tim Vargas]

The money goes toward hosting the annual KSDI events. Any other questions along these lines though really should be addressed to your teacher.

Actually, his teacher is non-KSDI, so that wouldnt be a good place to ask.  At the beginning of this thread it said
"we welcome any and all comments",  is that no longer the case?

Peace.

Tim

[onephatboydave]

Sir,

If you go to the Martial arts talk forum there is a section (Are you a KSDI member) in that forum it says the membership dues is to pay tribute to Sijo. Also to help pay for the annual event. It also says the only other benefit is being associated with an organization that was founded by Sijo himself. To be a member you are to E mail GM Dechi and mail her the dues. Don't know if that still is the case.

Now with the new BOA the only new benefit would be if you wanted to promote higher then 7th degree and be regonized as that rank in the KSDI you would have to be a member of the KSDI.

If there is something I missed or has changed maybe one of the BOA members could respond with the new info.

Much respect
                    Dave



 

[Native Warrior]

Sir,

If you go to the Martial arts talk forum there is a section (Are you a KSDI member) in that forum it says the membership dues is to pay tribute to Sijo. Also to help pay for the annual event. It also says the only other benefit is being associated with an organization that was founded by Sijo himself. To be a member you are to E mail GM Dechi and mail her the dues. Don't know if that still is the case.

Now with the new BOA the only new benefit would be if you wanted to promote higher then 7th degree and be regonized as that rank in the KSDI you would have to be a member of the KSDI.

If there is something I missed or has changed maybe one of the BOA members could respond with the new info.

Much respect
                    Dave


Mahalo! Kind Sir!

That is all that I wanted to know.  Just so that an informed decision could be made.  Your help is very much appreciated, and I bid you, and all of our Ohana, Blessings.

Be Well, and Alo'ha nui loa!
 

[Danjo]

Kajukenbo is Kajukenbo is Kajukenbo., We're all Ohana regardless of the organization we belong to. KSDI is set up as the official organization for Sijo and his standards. To be promoted to 8th or 9th degree in the KSDI means that you met those standards set up by Sijo.

Does that mean that the KAA or other Kajukenbo organizations do not have equally high standards? No. Some do and some very obviously don't. This is obviously going to vary from organization to organization. Some non-KSDI organizations like KAA clearly DO have high standards going by the quality of their seniors. I'm sure that GGM Gaylord has his own strict criteria for high promotions.

One organization, that I shall not name, seems to have no standards for high promotions at all.

It all depends on which one you belong to. Like Sijo said, "...any school can promote any one to whatever rank they want, and it will be respected." It just won't be KSDI rank unless it goes through the BOA.

It seems that too much is being made of this simple announcement of KSDI policy, and insults are being perceived when none are meant.