Two powerful martial arts traditions—practical street-smart self-defense and deep philosophical wisdom—united under one roof by a sixth-degree master with 36+ years of proven results.
"The Street-Smart Art"
Founded in 1947 in the Palama Settlement in Honolulu by five pioneering martial artists: Adriano Emperado, Joe Holck, Peter Choo, Frank Ordonez, and Clarence Chang.
The Name: A blend of five traditions—KA (Karate) + JU (Judo/Jujitsu) + KEN (Kenpo) + BO (Boxing/Chinese Boxing). This fusion created something entirely new: the art of practical, adaptable self-defense.
Why It Matters at JMAA: Students learn techniques that work—not because a master said so, but because they've been tested by generations of practitioners in real situations. That's confidence built on evidence.
"The Old Pine Tree Style"
An ancient martial art rooted in Shaolin temple traditions, systematized by James Mitose, who brought it from Japan to Hawaii in the 1930s-1940s.
The Name: Kosho (Old Pine Tree) + Ryu (School/Style). The name reflects a philosophy of longevity, resilience, and deep roots—qualities that define the art itself.
Why It Matters at JMAA: Kajukenbo teaches you how to fight. Kosho-Ryu teaches you when to fight—and crucially, when to walk away. Together, they create a complete martial artist.
Sigung James doesn't teach cookie-cutter belt progressions or memorized forms. He teaches martial arts the way he learned them—with integrity, respect, and a commitment to each student's individual growth. Practical technique + Character development + Age-appropriate progression = A martial artist for life.
Every student follows the same proven system—but at their own pace, with customized attention from Sigung James and our instructors.
Every student starts with a real conversation. Sigung James evaluates your ability, goals, and readiness. No cookie-cutter approach—just honest assessment that guides your entire journey.
Foundational techniques, conditioning, and discipline are established through structured, progressive training. Students earn every skill through repetition, commitment, and genuine effort.
Controlled partner work, realistic scenario training, and progressive difficulty. Students learn to perform under pressure—a skill that transfers far beyond the dojo.
Belt progression, leadership opportunities, and mentoring younger students. The martial arts journey becomes a vehicle for life skills, confidence, and lasting character development.
Single location, instructor-led. No corporate playbook overriding student needs. Sigung James knows every family by name.
Promotions are earned, not bought. You advance when you've truly mastered the skills and embodied the philosophy of your rank.
We teach practical self-defense and real martial arts—not tournament points. Skills that work on the street, not just in competition.
500+ families, 3+ year average tenure. Students don't just train—they become part of a community that shares values and celebrates growth together.
Kajukenbo + Kosho-Ryu taught with depth and respect. Not watered-down "karate"—real martial arts with real lineage and real results.
Confidence, discipline, and respect are woven into every class. Technical skills are important—but becoming a better person matters more.
Ready to discover why 500+ families trust JMAA? Schedule your free trial class and see what real martial arts training feels like.
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Where restless preschoolers discover focus
From unfocused to confident achievers
Where challenge-seeking kids find discipline
Teens building identity through mastery
Real self-defense, real results, real community
Walk with confidence, not fear
Not sure which program is right? No worries, pick the one that matches your child's age and we'll make sure they're in the perfect class during your free trial week.