Customer Reviews

Kajukenbo: The Original Mixed Martial Art

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As is seen on the T.V. show Fight Quest, the art of Kajukenbo is one the the most brutally effective martial arts in existence. Prof. John Bishop (for years one of the most respected authors of martial arts magazines)has spent years putting together and writing the first comprehensive book on this art. If anyone has questions about the art of Kajukenbo, this is the book you must have in your library.

The book's great at giving a pretty complete history of the martial art. Wish there were more techniques and katas illustrated, but realistically it would take a series (hint, hint). John Bishop couldn't have stated it best, Kajukenbo is the true mixed martial art. Great book. Kajukenbo Forever.

When i recieved the book i was highly disappointed! Their was not enough techniques in the book. it was mostly history. Ive read most of the history on the internet. nothing new.

Kajukenbo is the original mixed martial art combining Karate, Judo/jujitsu, Kenpo, and Boxing (both American and Chinese). Although mixed martial arts systems have come out of the woodwork with the development of competitions like the UFC, Kajukenbo was combining standup and ground fighting more than 60 years ago. The real difference is Kajukenbo was not created for the ring, but survival in the street. Professor John Bishop's book introduces you to the history and development of Kajukenbo and allows the reader a rare opportunity to get to know the people responsible for creating this amazing martial art. Professor Bishop is not only a great Kajukenbo martial artist, but a long time friend of Kajukenbo creator Sijo Adriano Emperado. This is a great book to add to any martial arts collection.

Kajukenbo Grandmaster Mitch Powell

I was very pleased with this book. It provided authoritative and authentic documentation of the history of Kajukenbo. Yes, the internet has a lot of information but it is not always written by knowledgeable individuals with first hand experience. Prof. Bishop is both an authoritative and authentic source of information. His many years of experience in this art give him the ability to provide true, factual information. This is more than a how to book, which is great for those who are not just looking for "pictures". Thank you Prof. Bishop, I am looking forward with much anticipation to your next book on this great martial art.
Miguel Ibarra, 10th Dan,
Hanshi
Yamabushi Jujutsu/Aikijutsu Ryu

Having been a practitioner of one of the "Family Branches" of the Kajukenbo System for 39 of my 43 years of Martial Arts training, I consider this book the absolute best ever written on the method, and invaluable for the student/instructor of this unique system. Years back, in researching the roots of the method I was trained in, I contacted GM John Bishop. He was a true gentleman, respectful and of tremendous help, putting me in touch with those necessary to verify our place in the Kajukenbo Family Tree. Mr. Bishop helped me in finishing 35 years of research, and I am forever in his debt. When "Kajukenbo: The Original Mixed Martial Art" was released, I am fortunate to have received one of the first editions of the book, autographed and dedicated to the members of my small school. I can highly recommend this book as the definitive historical record on the Kajukenbo System. It is not a "how-to" book, and I don't believe that it was intended to be, rather to present examples of the Original Kajukenbo techniques and training methods unique to this system. I am anxious for the release of a second volume. Thank you GM John Bishop!

This is an excellent book! It is a must have for all Kajukenbo practioners and also a great book for anyone interested in the Martial Arts. It has a great amount of information on the Kajukenbo History, great photos and some of the techniques. Professor Bishop did a great job pulling all different stories and facts that make up this great style and put it in an easy to read format with accurate information. I understand there is a second Kajukenbo book coming out shortly and I am waiting with anticipation to read that one also. I am grateful that Professor Bishop took the bull by the horns and wrote this book. I have ordered multiple coppies of this first book. Thank You Sir! Hugo Dittfach III

First things first, Professor John Bishop is a great man for taking the time to put together a well detailed book that brings you into the origins of Kajukenbo. When I purchased the book, it arrived quickly. The first chapters take a look into the origins of Kajukenbo and what it took to establish a art such as itself. You learn all the major blocks, kicks, punches, and strikes in detail with photos. The book demonstrates at least one of the Palama Set Katas and a few techniques with exclusive Sijo Adriano D. Emperado himself demonstrating. The book goes into great detail on Kajukenbo history and important people that have helped to influence the art. There is so much information that involves Kajukenbo passed down through all the different branches that have expanded themselves and this book did a great job of explaining the main direct branches. The photos and descriptions in this book clarify to the point of what is being put out for your understanding.

In my opinion, the book is great for bringing you up to speed on what Kajukenbo is all about. I recommend anyone purchase this even if you don't practice Kajukenbo to learn, understand, and grow from it. If you are looking to learn Katas or techniques from Kajukenbo, then I would look for Kajukenbo schools in your area and also search up the Palama Set katas on the web. I would also recommend to watch the Fight Quest episode on Kajukenbo as well. I would also like to point out that books are tools put in place for us to learn, understand, and to grow from. It takes motivation and getting out there to hone our skills through practice, practice, and more practice.

This book is a must have for any martial artist, especially any Kajukenbo or Kenpo stylist. Mr. Bishop does a superb job of presenting the art and giving deep background information on this fabulous art. I was fortunate to have lived in and attended the Pearl City CHA-3 school where Prof. Tiwanak taught and was always fascinated when the guys from the old days would talk about the history and how the art came to be. So many people are focused on getting the belt these days so they can start their own "style" that a whole generation is coming up not knowing where this deadly art came from. This knowledge cant be lost, and thanks to Mr. Bishop now it wont be. Mr. Bishop, from the bottom of my heart I say mahalo for this gift you have given us. I am waiting for the next volume and I assure you I will purchase it when it's released.