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Senior Grandmaster Joe Halbuna
Senior Grand Master Joseph S. Halbuna was
first introduced to Kajukenbo in 1955 by Sijo Adriano D. Emperado's
brother, Joe Emperado, at the home of "Lucky" Lucaylucay in
Honolulu, Hawaii. He started his Kajukenbo training in 1957 with Ben
Medero. Senior Grand Master Halbuna honed his art with many
other martial artists, but it was Sijo Emperado who convinced him
to devote his life to the martial arts. After receiving his black
belt in 1962, he decided to move to California, where he opened
a school and has remained a prominent figure in Northern California.
Senior Grandmaster currently holds a ninth degree red belt with
silver lining. He has taught baton and riot training to the police
force and has certified police officers in the art of judo. He
opened martial art schools in San Francisco and Pacifica, and currently
works with cities to teach maritial arts in their community recreation
programs. He also promotes many martial arts tournaments, including
competitions in Hawaii and Europe. Senior Grand Master Halbuna
also founded the Unified World Martial Arts Federation (UWMAF).
Stemming from his Kajukenbo training, Senior Grand Master Halbuna
retains an open mind about all styles of martial arts. "I
openly accept other disciplines as good and serving a purpose",
he says. "I look forward to the day that all martial artists
compete and practice fellowship openly and without animosity toward
each other. I feel that I have taken significant steps toward this." When
asked how he feels about martial arts today, he commented that "martial
arts in the '90's seem too commercialized to me. The techniques
are watered down so that schools will not lose students. The emphasis
has moved more toward running a business, rather than teaching
an art. However, I do like the fact that, even through these times,
there continues to be an emphasis on teaching respect toward the
teachers, elders and fellow members." "If I can give
message to all who practice any and all martial arts, it would
be to promote fellowship and encourage everyone to get to know
more people in the art for the sole purpose of becoming friends.
Martial artists should take care of each other, help each other
and work hard toward becoming a strong family."
Joseph Serio Halbuna, Age 76, passed away in the
loving arms of his wife Jane, and in the presence of family and
friends at Seton
Hospital on the morning of September 28, 2002.
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