Sigung Kelly Corder is a 7th degree black belt in Kajukenbo. He runs Kajukeno Arizona, a successful MMA school, in Arizona. He continues to develop his skills by learning new martial arts styles and training with some of the best MMA fighters in the world. He has earned a Pit Black Belt from John Hackleman and is currently training to receive his black belt in BJJ. He has been requested to teach seminar not only all over the United States but in multiple countries as well.
Sigung Kelly Corder Breaking a "ton" of bricks
Brandon: You teach Kajukenbo. On your site, you say this is like street Karate. Why is this different than Classroom Karate?
Kelly: Kajukenbo was formed as a street defense system. Each black belt brought their techniques and they were examined for real world application. Basically, they took the best and threw away the rest. One example is the use of wrist locks and other small joint maneuvers. Perhaps a larger defender can "muscle" an opponent down but smaller, older students need sure fire ways to beat anyone of any size.
Brandon: I understand you started training with regular Kenpo than you started learning Hawaiian Kenpo. What are the differences?
Kelly: Kajukenbo quite simply offered more. Kenpo is a huge part of what Kajukenbo is about. However, adding Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Kung Fu and Karate makes it very well-rounded.
Brandon: Congratulations on your achievement of becoming a seventh degree black belt. What does it take to move through each black belt level.
Kelly: I am under Grandmaster George Lim. His requirements include time and dedication to Kajukenbo and our Ohana and representing Kaju as our founders expected. I also recently received my PIT Black Belt Level One under Kumu John Hackleman. For him, it is about technique, time and physical ability.
Brandon: Walk us through what a first year student can expect under your training.
Kelly: Our classes are multi-level so a beginner will work with all levels. We recommend training twice a week for material retention and fitness. A new student can expect with diligent attendance and practice, to achieve the level of orange belt or orange/purple. The student can also expect to gain confidence in pushing themselves outside their comfort zones, be able to begin to defend themselves and also be more physically fit and generally happier.
Brandon: Tell us about your training experience with Chuck Liddell. Did you learn anything?
Kelly: Chuck is an amazing fighter and huge part of the PIT. He is a soft-spoken, loyal man. So, he practices what he preaches. He has demonstrated to me that with determination and dedication, anything is possible. (Check out his book for more insight on Chuck).
Brandon: Can you tell us about your visit to Portugal?
Kelly: It's always an honor to be asked to teach in Portugal. The Portuguese people are so giving and appreciative of all they receive. I love going to not only spend time with them teaching my style but learning what they have to offer. It's an action packed 3-4 days but totally worth it!
Brandon: What three goals do you hope to accomplish in the next 10 years in Martial Arts?
Kelly: I plan to open more schools to share my passion of Kajukenbo with more people in Arizona. I intend to continue learning and to earn my BJJ Black Belt. I will continue to support my mentors and instructors to the best of my ability and honor my Kaju lineage.
Brandon: Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Kelly: Martial arts can and will improve all areas of your life. Kajukenbo has done that for me and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to share Kaju with my family, friends and Ohana.
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