Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon

Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon is a vibrant martial arts school offering classes in the eclectic kung fu style, Kajukenbo, to children and adults in Oakland, California. Kajukenbo training includes rigorous repetition of basic strikes and blocks, close-in fighting sets, grappling, traditional forms practice and sparring with partners. Students at Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon progress through a belt system, from white to black, and emphasis throughout the training is on developing the core martial qualities of fighting spirit, self-discipline and respect. The philosophical foundation for Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon is imbedded in the Warriors Code, written and developed by Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon Head Instructor, Sifu Kate Hobbs, emphasizing the value of love, respect, care, responsibility, honor and peace in the martial arts practice as well as in other aspects of daily life.

Fighting Spirit

Training at Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon challenges students to develop great fighting spirit. Fighting spirit is the ability to maintain awareness, power and dignity in the face of difficulty, conflict and violence.

Self Discipline

At Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon students develop an understanding of self-discipline. Self-discipline is the ability to set one’s heart on specific goals and persevere in the effort to reach them.

Respect

The foundation of the training at Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon is the understanding and practice of respect for oneself, the training community, the family and the world. Respect is the ability to honor one’s own life as well as others and the earth and conduct oneself accordingly.

The Art of Kajukenbo

Kajukenbo Kung Fu is an eclectic modern martial art founded by Soji Adriano Emperado in Hawaii in 1947. The goal was to build a new fighting system that emphasized effective skills for self-defense within the framework of graceful and powerful movement. It was developed by a training community known as the “Black Belt Society” composed of black belt from various arts. There are five masters credited with developing Kajukenbo each representing one of the five traditional styles that make up Kajukenbo. Peter Young Yil Choo contributed the Tang So Doo Karate. Frank Ordonez contributed the Se Keino Ryu Judo. Joe Holck contributed the Kodenkan Danzan Ryu Jujitsu. Adriano Emperado contributed the Kosho Ryu Kenpo. Clarence Chang Chu contributed the Tum Pai Chinese Boxing.

Though the style, Kajukenbo Kung Fu, sprouted from the distinctly American soil of Hawaii in the post World War II era, it’s roots are deeply sunk in the traditional martial arts philosophy of Asia. Most important of this philosophy is the idea of an honor code concerning the appropriate use of the powerful skills contained in any martial arts style. Sifu Kate Hobbs wrote the Warrior’s Code in 1988 based on her study with her teacher, Sifu Coleen Gragen, of ancient martial arts philosophy. The purpose of the Warrior’s Code is to offer a framework for Kajukenbo students to think about how they use their martial arts practice in daily life.

Downloadable/Printable Information, Enrollment and Insurance Waiver Forms

Download/Print Our Information Sheet PDF
Download/Print Our Enrollment PDF
Download/Print Our Insurance Waiver PDF

Student Enrollment

Enrollment Update
All programs are full until April 2012.

For questions about getting onto the waiting list, please contact Sifu Kate at sifukate.hobbs@gmail.com or 510-507-6304. All families interested in getting onto the waiting list should plan to visit a class to meet the instructor and see how the classes are run.
All families interested in getting onto the waiting list should plan to visit a class to meet the instructor and see how the classes are run. Please Contact Sifu Kate for more enrollment infomation.

Check out our Students Photo & Video Gallery

5 new Belt Test Videos just added on November 29!

Monday, January 9, 2012

First weekday class for Winter 2012

Saturday, January 14, 2012

First Saturday class for Winter 2012

Membership Fees

Families choose a monthly membership fee of between $12 and $120 per month. This is a sliding scale and each family chooses a fee that is good for their family. The membership fee, in cash or check, is due during the first week of each month. WRAP CASH OR WRITE ON BILLS SO WE KNOW WHOSE IT IS!!!! Checks should be made payable to Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon. The monthly membership dues are paid during the first week of each month. Please be attentive to your membership fees each month.

Required Attendance

All students are expected to be on time to every class they attend and be consistent with their training schedule. All students who want to rank in Kajukenbo must attend at least two classes every week. There is a "Saturday Only" training option at Oakland Kajukenbo. If you and your family want to train only once a week, that option is only available on Saturdays. If you are a Saturday only student or family you are expected to attend class every Saturday.

Uniforms, Shoes & Sparring Equipment

Uniforms:

Uniforms are required at every class for all students. Uniforms are provided upon enrollment. If you need extra tee shirts or pants they can be purchased for $15/$20.

Shoes:

Shoes are required for students ages 5 to 18 at Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon. Students can choose to order traditional kung fu shoes through the program for $20. Adults can choose to go barefoot or choose any shoe that gives them the support they need to train safely. Youth program students may choose Converse All Stars as an alternative to the traditional kung fu shoe. If you want to order your own shoes, they are on the wle.com (Wing Lam Enterprises) website and they are white or black canvas kung fu shoes.

Sparring Equipment:

Students will spar every week. The sparring class will rotate between the two weekday classes so all ranking students have an opportunity to spar. Each student is provided a set of equipment for sparring. Families are also encouraged to purchase their own set of sparring gear. You can purchase sparring gear at Young’s Trading Co. at 5705 Telegraph Ave. in Oakland. Tell Mr Li you train at Oakland Kajukenbo and he will help you find the proper gear. Please bring sparring gear to every class.

Mondays & Thursdays
Class Schedule & Locations

Monday and Thursday Class Schedule:

4pm - 5pm - Beginners
White, Orange and Purple belts.
5pm - 6:30pm Grades Fifth through Eighth
and younger colored belt students with permission from Sifu Kate
6:30pm - 8pm Ninth Grade through Adults
all levels (white belts and above).

Monday and Thursday Class Location:

All Monday/Thursday classes are held at Saint Columba Church,
6401 San Pablo Ave at Alcatraz in North Oakland.

Saturday Class Schedule & Locations

Saturday class schedule:

9am - 10am - Little Tigers Ages 3 to Pre-K 5 year olds
10am - 12pm - Family Class All ages Kindergarten through adults

Saturday Class Location:

All Saturday classes are held at Veteran's Memorial Hall
4321 Salem Street, Emeryville

Little Tigers:

Little Tigers is a Kajukenbo class for preschool age students (3 to pre-K 5). The class is once a week on Saturdays and includes a warm-up (running, jumping, twirling, balancing, stretching), basic instruction in kicking and punching, learning to generate and focus power and martial arts etiquette (conduct, manners).

Family Class:

The Family Class is a Kajukenbo class for students of all ages (Kindergarten through Grandparents). The class is once a week on Saturdays and includes cardio and strengthening exercises, partner work, Kajukenbo basics and Kajukenbo forms. Eskrima is taught during the second hour of this class and interested students should talk to Sifu Kate to become part of the Eskrima training. This class is taught by Sifu Lynn Keslar who holds the rank of second degree black belt in Doce Pares Eskrima under Master Reginald Burford, Chief Instructor of the Oakland Eskrima Club.

Belt Tests:

Ranking Students will have a belt test as they master the material for their current rank. Students will need to practice Kajukenbo material outside of class in order to memorize and absorb the skills learned in class and advance in the art. Sifu Kate will let students know when they are ready to prepare for the next ranking promotion/test. For High School age and adult students, the beginning ranks (orange, purple, blue) will be “in class” tests. Intermediate and advanced ranking for this group will be in a traditional belt test format. Students grades K through 8th will participate in traditional belt tests for all ranks. The traditional Belt Tests last for several hours and challenge students to show the full range of their skill. All students are expected to attend all belt tests for their age group and participate fully. Regular Saturday classes are cancelled on the ranking dates. See calendar for promotion dates. Visit our Belt Promotions section for information on upcoming tests

Downloadable/Printable Information, Enrollment and Insurance Waiver Forms

Download/Print Our Information Sheet PDF
Download/Print Our Enrollment PDF
Download/Print Our Insurance Waiver PDF

OAKLAND KAJUKENBO KWOON Student Enrollment

Enrollment Update
All programs are full until April 2012.

For questions about getting onto the waiting list, please contact Sifu Kate at sifukate.hobbs@gmail.com or 510-507-6304. All families interested in getting onto the waiting list should plan to visit a class to meet the instructor and see how the classes are run.
All families interested in getting onto the waiting list should plan to visit a class to meet the instructor and see how the classes are run. Please Contact Sifu Kate for more enrollment infomation.

Check out our Students Photo & Video Gallery

5 new Belt Test Videos just added on November 29!

Please note the dates that Kung Fu classes are closed due to major holidays. Also note Belt Tests and Celebrations. Classes are sometimes cancelled due to a funeral at the church. In this case, an e-mail will be sent. If you do not have e-mail, find another student or family who has e-mail and arrange to have them be a messenger for you. Thanks!

Questions? Sifu Kate can be reached at 510-507-6307. Continue to check this site for schedule and event updates.Contact Sifu Kate Hobbs

Important Dates:

January 9, 2012, Monday - First weekday class for Winter 2012,
• New student enrollment period.

January 14, 2012, Saturday - First Saturday class for Winter 2012,
• New student enrollment period.

Jan 16, 2012, Monday - Church special event for MLK Jr Day - No kung fu classes There is a day of service. Come if you can for a "community work day" between 9am and 3pm to help with landscaping and clean-up around the outside of the church.

Jan 21, 2012 - Monthly Mat Practice at Hoa Sen Dojo
• Hoa Sen Dojo, 4770 San Pablo Ave, unit B.
• 2pm to 3pm - youth grades K-8 blue belt & above.
3pm to 5pm - High School and Adult students orange belt and above.

February 6, 2012 - Church special event - No kung fu classes.

February 20, 2012 - No classes for President's Day.

February 25, 2012 - Monthly Mat Practice at Hoa Sen Dojo
• Hoa Sen Dojo, 4770 San Pablo Ave, unit B.
• 2pm to 3pm - youth grades K-8 blue belt & above.
3pm to 5pm - High School and Adult students orange belt and above.

March 17, 2012 - Monthly Mat Practice at Hoa Sen Dojo
• Hoa Sen Dojo, 4770 San Pablo Ave, unit B.
• 2pm to 3pm - youth grades K-8 blue belt & above.
3pm to 5pm - High School and Adult students orange belt and above.

March 24, 2012 - Belt Promotions-Saint Columba Hall, 9am to 6pm
• There are no regular classes on this date.

April 2, 2012 - Church special event-No kung fu classes

April 21, 2012 - Monthly Mat Practice at Hoa Sen Dojo
• Hoa Sen Dojo, 4770 San Pablo Ave, unit B.
• 2pm to 3pm - youth grades K-8 blue belt & above.
3pm to 5pm - High School and Adult students orange belt and above.

April 28, 2012 - Sifu Coleen Gragen Memorial Punch and Kick-A-Thon,
• Veterans Memorial Hall, 10am to 12pm

April 29, 2012 - Sifu Coleen Gragen Memorial Relay Race and Picnic

May 19, 2012 - Monthly Mat Practice at Hoa Sen Dojo
• Hoa Sen Dojo, 4770 San Pablo Ave, unit B.
• 2pm to 3pm - youth grades K-8 blue belt & above.
3pm to 5pm - High School and Adult students orange belt and above.

May 28, 2012 - No classes for Memorial Day

June 2, 2012 - Belt Promotions-Saint Columba Hall, 9am to 6pm
• There are no regular classes on this date

June 16, 2012 - Last Day of Spring Session

June 16, 2012 - Monthly Mat Practice at Hoa Sen Dojo
• Hoa Sen Dojo, 4770 San Pablo Ave, unit B.
• 2pm to 3pm - youth grades K-8 blue belt & above.
3pm to 5pm - High School and Adult students orange belt and above.

July 9 -August 4, 2012 - Summer Program

August 4, 2012 - Belt Promotions-Saint Columba Hall, 9am to 6pm
• This is the last day of the Summer Program

Contact Information

For more information about Oakland Kajukenbo Kwoon, and to sign up for classes, please contact Sifu Kate Hobbs by the following means:
Telephone:	510-507-6304
e-mail:	sifukate.hobbs@gmail.com
Download/Print Our Information Sheet PDF Download/Print Our Enrollment PDF Download/Print Our Insurance Waiver Form PDF

Summer Camp 2011

The summer program was a great success in 2011

Sixty students enjoyed daily kung fu training while deepening their connection to the neighborhood where they train and to their training community. The Bike Brigade, serving 35 students three times a week, was a thrill for everyone involved. Riding to and from the parks and pools in a large group was empowering and exciting, especially when we had a radio attached to one of the bikes. Many thanks to Pacific Leadership Institute, The Place for Sustainable Living, The Sierra Club and Environmental Traveling Companions for offering a host of challenging and exciting outdoor adventures throughout the month. Better Living Through Sewing offered daily sewing classes. Sifu Lynn Keslar and her team of volunteer parents tore it up in the kitchen with daily cooking classes that served a healthy lunch to the whole camp every day. Susan Wilder-Gold, along with Molly Hill lent her incredible expertise and craft supplies to the amazing self-portraits the students created during the art classes. Jeremiah from the Place for Sustainable Living hewed a garden out of thin air during the daily gardening classes. Treasure Hunts throughout the neighborhoods were a big hit on Wednesdays ending up at the "treasure" which were local small businesses and organization. Over the month, the students visited Clif Bar, Actual Cafe, A Verb for Keeping Warm, James and the Giant Cupcake, Kinks, The Essence of Beauty, Urban Ore, Shannon O'Hare/SteamPunk, Youth Spirit Artworks, Sullivan Countertops, Saint Columba and Recycle Bicycle. They interviewed the owners and got a tour of the businesses. Thanks to all the families who supported the program through donations of food and supplies as well as by coming in and helping out in so many ways. It was an amazing month.

Summer Camp 2012 Schedule and Location

Summer Camp 2012 Schedule:

Monday through Friday,
July 9 -August 4, 2012
More Information to Come

Summer Camp Location:

Information to Come

Thank You!

Oakland Kajukenbo thanks all who have donated to Our Summer Program 2011 and special thanks to the generous businesses below.

Brokaw Nursery

34-E Hangar Way, Watsonville, CA
Markets: South Berkeley (Tue), Downtown Berkeley (Sat)
Products: Avocados, specialty citrus, and subtropical fruits
www.willsavocados.com

Blossom Bluff Orchards

17564 E. Clayton Ave, Parlier, CA
Markets: South Berkeley (Tue), Albany (Wed), Downtown Berkeley (Sat) Products: Stone fruit, citrus, persimmons, pomegranates, dried fruits www.blossombluff.com

Catalan Family Farm

1180 Los Viboras Road, Hollister , CA
Markets: South Berkeley (Tue), North Berkeley (Thu), Downtown Berkeley (Sat)
Products: A wide selection of vegetables, in addition to strawberries, heirloom tomatoes and melons.
www.CatalanFamilyFarm.com

Upcoming Special Events

Information to Come

Upcoming Nature Events

Information to Come