Passing of Legends
Great Grand Master Al Novak
On Behalf The Gold Cup Circuit, our promoters, staff and families -
With great sadness and an incredible sense of loss we have learned that GGM Novak has passed away. He has been immeasurably a part of the Gold Cup Circuit since our inception and of our Martial Arts lives for the past 50 years. We will miss him tremendously. Our hearts go out to all who knew him as "family".
UPLOAD ENLARGED PHOTO AND BIOGRAPHY
Great Grand Master Charles Gaylord
With special personal meaning for Grand Master Wolf Hillesheim (Gold Cup Promoter) and on behalf of the entire Gold Cup Family, it is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Great Grand Master Charles Gaylord. GGM Gaylord was GM Wolf's Instructor and the instructor to countless quality Black Belts who have become top competitors and instructors both Nationally and Internationally. Grandmaster Charles Gaylord had been actively training in the art of KAJUKENBO for over 52 years. In 1980, he received his Ninth-Degree Black Belt from the KAJUKENBO founder, Sijo Adriano Emperado. Professor Gaylord began his training in Hawaii under KAJUKENBO Black Belt George (Paul) Seronio.
UPLOAD ENLARGED PHOTO AND BIOGRAPHY (AS SHOWN) 
In September 1995, the KAJUKENBO Association of America (KAA) and all of its Black Belts promoted Professor Gaylord to the honorary rank of Tenth-Degree Black Belt. The KAA believes that this was necessary to ensure the desired level of excellence for their organization. Professor Gaylord has produced countless quality Black Belts who have become top competitors and instructors. To ensure the quality of his instructors, he holds a monthly Black Belt class, where he teaches over 60 black belts who have schools located in the Western United States.On July 20th, 2000 Charles Gaylord was inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame for "Lifetime Acheivement".
Mr. Gaylord passed away on August 4, 2009. His contribution to Kajukenbo in particular and to Martial Arts in general is undeniable and as one dedicated Gaylord Black Belt Master put it: He was "everything" to us. We have lost our Leader. "We are all at a loss with the immense vacuum his passing has created."
Mr. Gaylord was admired, respected and will be missed greatly by all those who loved him.
Please view the video below of this excellent Grand Master Bending Steel in his bare hands, breaking several slabs of concrete and executing a form that is undeniably the best of the best.
May he rest in peace, knowing that he touched many souls and left a truly outstanding legacy behind him.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, REGARDING GGM GAYLORD
Sijo Adriano D. Emperado
On Behalf The Gold Cup Circuit, their promoters, staff and families -
It is with Great Sorrow That We Announce that Sijo Adriano D. Emperado (The Founder of Kajukenbo Karate) Has Passed Away quietly in his sleep on April 4, 2009.
The Martial Arts has lost a True Giant.
Sijo Adriano Emperado (Discussions of The Founder Part I)
Sijo Adriano Emperado (Discussions of The Founder Part II)
Adriano D. Emperado was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on June 16, 1926. He was born to Filipino-Hawaiian parents in the poor Palama section of Honolulu. He started his self defense training at the age of 8. At this time in his life both his father and uncle were professional boxers, so of course he was taught how to box. There he learned the basic 12 strikes of escrima. At age 14 he found himself back in his old Palama neighborhood. There he trained in judo under Sensei Taneo at the Palama Settlement Gym.
A few years later at the age of 20 Emperado undertook the serious study of kenpo at the Catholic Youth Organization in Honolulu. These classes were taught by the legendary Professor William K.S. Chow. Professor Chow had been a student of kenpo jiu jitsu instructor James Mitose, and also held a 5th degree black belt in judo. Emperado trained daily with Chow and soon became his first black belt. Emperado spent years with Professor Chow becoming his Chief Instructor and attaining the rank of 5th degree black belt.
During the developmental years of Kajukenbo, Emperado would train with the 4 other co-founders during the day and then teach classes for Chow in the evenings. After the other 4 went off to war, Emperado started the first Kajukenbo school at the Palama Settlement Gym in 1950. The workouts that took place there are legendary for their brutality. Emperado has been quoted as saying that a workout wasn't over until there was blood on the floor. He felt "that you have to experience pain before you can give it. You have to know what your technique can do. "We lost a lot of students in those days, but we also got a lot from other schools, including black belts. He then described how his first black belt Marino Tiwanak joined his class after being soundly defeated by him in response to Tiwanak's challenge. What makes this such a astonishing story is the fact that Marino Tiwanak was the flyweight boxing champion of Hawaii at the time of the challenge.
With the success of the Palama Settlement school Emperado started expanding. He left the teaching at the Palama school to his brother Joe while he started classes at the Kaimuki Y.M.C.A. and the Wahiwa Y.M.C.A.. Soon the Kajukenbo Self Defense Institute of Hawaii, Inc. was the largest chain of karate schools in Hawaii. Emperado also became instrumental in the development of tournament karate in Hawaii. He sat on the Hawaii Karate Rules Board, which established standards for competition used throughout the islands. A lot of Emperado's knowledge of street fighting came from his many years in law enforcement. He had spent 14 years as a harbor policeman for the Hawaii Department of a Transportation, and a year with the Hawaii Attorney General's Office. While with the Attorney General's Office he served as a body guard to the governor. He then entered the private sector as the security director for a large company. He worked in the corporate security field until he suffered a heart attack in 1982.
All of his life Emperado has studied various martial arts. In his 30s he expanded his knowledge of escrima by training with his step father Alfredo Peralta. Peralta taught him a method using the single stick. Emperado described how they would take 2x4s and taper down handles and then train with them. He said that "after a workout with the 2x4 you could make a rattan stick go like lighting".
About the same time he started a serious study of various kung fu systems. He studied under Professor Lau Bun of the Choy Li Fut system and Professor Wong of the Northern Shaolin system. Several years later these professors and the Hawaii Chinese Physical Culture Association awarded Emperado the title Professor 10th degree. Also at this time he was awarded a certificate by Grandmaster Ho Gau of Hong Kong appointing him as a advisor and representative of the Choy Li Fut system. This certificate was signed by Grandmaster Ho Gau, Professor Cheuk Tse, and the directors of the Hawaii Chinese Physical Culture Association. This was truly an accolade when one considers that the Hawaii Chinese Physical Culture Association was the first kung fu school outside of China.
Because he had been exposed to many fighting systems Emperado has always been one to welcome innovation. Unlike most of the traditional systems, his Kajukenbo evolves constantly. To date there are 4 systems within then kajukenbo style.
The first of course is the Original Method, sometimes referred to as the kenpo karate branch. This is the system that Emperado, Holck, Choo, Ordonez, and Chang formulated between 1947 and 1949. The original method uses kenpo karate as a base and adds selected techniques from the tang soo do, judo, jujitsu, and sil-lum pai kung fu systems. The second system is the Tum Pai branch. This system was in development from 1959-1966 by Emperado, Al Dacascos, and Al De La Cruz. Development was suspended in 1966 when Dacascos moved to the mainland. Its development was then re-activated in 1984 by Jon Loren. The Tum Pai system incorporates the original kajukenbo techniques along with tai chi chuan elements. The third system is the Chuan Fa branch. This system started development in 1966. Again this was a collaboration of Emperado, Al Dacascos, and Al De La Cruz. This system incorporated the Northern and Southern styles of kung fu with the original method of kajukenbo.
The result was a blend of soft and hard techniques. The Chuan Fa system also opened the door to the richness and unlimited techniques that the Chinese arts had to offer. The last system is the Won Hop Kuen Do (combination fist art) branch. This branch was the brain child of Al Dacascos. When he moved to the San Francisco area in the early 60s Dacascos supplemented his kajukenbo training with an extensive study of the Chinese and Filipino arts.
In 1969 he saw that his kajukenbo was becoming a blend of the various systems that he was learning. This system that he named Won Hop Kuen Do contained the original kajukenbo forms and 25 exclusive fighting principles. Like all of the systems, Won Hop Kuen Do is in a constant state of evolution. Although kajukenbo has 4 systems Emperado has always stressed that no system is superior to another and that they are not improvements on the original method. They are just kajukenbo expressions that emphasize different techniques.
In his lifetime Emperado has seen his kajukenbo style grow into a major martial art that is practiced all across the United States and in several countries.
courtesy:kenpotalk.com
Sifu Shannon Apple
On Behalf of:
The Gold Cup Promoters
THE GOLD CUP CIRCUIT Sport Karate League
IT IS WITH GREAT SADNESS THAT WE REPORT THE PASSING OF ANOTHER ONE OF OUR OWN. ONE OF THE MOST TRAVELED, WELL KNOWN AND WELL LIKED SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA MARTIAL ARTISTS AND PERENNIAL CHAMPION. A SPIRIT LIKE NO OTHER...
SIFU SHANNON APPLE!!!
Master Apple was found at 10:30AM on Thursday February 26th, at his home in Fairfield, CA. He had been struggling with heart issues and had a Pacemaker installed in 2007.
In spite of the pacemaker, "Shannon" kept on competing, and Judging! Any tournament he attended, up to and including the 2009 SUPERGRANDS this year, he always jumped in to help officiate.
This man was very down to earth and genuine. He seemed to be able to laugh and find the fun in the moment. Our friend "Shannon" was so expressive and open, and seemed to love his role of spreading martial arts excellence to everyone he touched.
We miss him already!!!
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HIS LIFE, AND DETAILS FOR HIS MEMORIAL AND FUNERAL WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE LATER IN THE WEEK. FOR NOW, AT THIS TIME WE TAKE A MOMENT OF PAUSE TO REMEMBER A TRUE CHAMPION!!!
Shannon - "Rest in Peace Dear Brother!"
Professor Tommy Gilbert
Professor Gilbert Passed away last evening February 3, 2009 of an apparent Heart Attack while doing the thing he loved and was so well known for... teaching his martial arts students. We will remember Professor Gilbert as a Police Officer and public servant, and the Founder and long time Chief Instructor of (BITW) Best In The West Karate.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HIS LIFE, AND DETAILS FOR HIS MEMORIAL AND FUNERAL WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE LATER IN THE WEEK. FOR NOW, AT THIS TIME WE TAKE A MOMENT OF PAUSE TO REMEMBER A GREAT MAN!
Tommy - "You will surely be missed!"
Professor Gilbert is survived by his son Damon Gilbert and Family!
Damon Gilbert WORLD CHAMPION
Damon Gilbert World Champion will no doubt tell you that perhaps the most important part of his legacy as a Champion is that he was first part of a family! With a leader and father who cared so much for him and others, that he was willing to dedicate his life and time to their continued growth and development. I only hope as a father myself, that I can do half as much with my time and my effort with my sons and others that Tommy did with his. His encouragement for me toward the development of my family and my school, still rings in my ear today.
Thank you Tommy!
Rest in Peace Dear Brother...
Roger Hamilton in association with the Gold Cup Family
Luther "Master Secrease" Secrease
January 15, 1950 - September 29, 2008
- Full Name: Luther "Master Secrease" Secrease
- Date of Birth: January 15, 1950
- Date of Death: September 29, 2008
- Country of Birth: United States
- Place of Birth: Basthrop, LA
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Place of Death: Oakland, CA
- Memberships: Certified judge and referee for Professional Karate Association; Registered in Japan International Karate Association; Registered in Korea International Tae Kwon Do Association; Certified Referee for Tae Kwon Do Amateur Athletic Union Sanctioned Events;
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California Community College Teaching Credential; California Community College Credential in Physical Education
BIOGRAPHY -
Luther O. Secrease has trained in the martial arts for 30 plus years. He is a 1st degree Black Belt in Wado-Kai (Japanese style) and 8th degree in Tae Kwon Do (Korean style). He is noted as a major tournament competitor in both Northern and Southern California. Some of his accomplishments throughout his martial arts career were:
- Community Programs - Constructed several martial arts program; the Children's Program, Grove Recreation Center, Berkeley; Initiated the Young Adult Project, Berkeley; The Community Service Center of North Peralta College, Oakland.
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Specialized Credentials - Certified Judge and Referee for Professional Karate Association; Registered in Japan IWF; Registered in Korea International Tae Kwon DoAssociation; Certified Referee for Tae Kwon Do AAU Sanctioned Events, California Community College Teaching Credential.
Education Background -
- A.S. Degree Drafting & Metals, Laney College;
- B.A. in Design & Industry, San Francisco State University;
- M.A. in Education, Jackson State University.
The Honorable Kyoshi Sid Campbell
The Honorable Kyoshi Sid Campbell
2008
The martial arts community lost another giant when Kyoshi Sid Campbell, 10th Dan in Shorin-Ryu, passed away just before 8pm on Monday, 8-18-2008. After a lengthy illness with cancer, Kyoshi Sid passed away in the Highland Hospital of Oakland, California. Coincidentally and symbolically, this was both sunset and low tide here in the San Francisco Bay Area where he taught for over 40 years.
In 1966 Sid became the first person to open a Shorin-Ryu school on the mainland of the United States, under the auspices of his teacher, grandmaster Shugoro Nakazato. During his career he taught over 15,000 students, of which 850 attained black belt, but Sid’s influence extended far beyond his immediate students.
A prolific writer, he published over 50 books on martial arts, unveiling the techniques and history of many now well-known Asian weapons. The book he co-authored with Sonny Umpad, Balisong: The Lethal Art Of Filipino Knife Fighting, for instance, was one of the first and most comprehensive on that subject, and helped propel Sonny’s career. Most recently Sid co-authored three volumes (The Dragon and The Tiger, vols. 1&2, and Remembering The Master) about the relationship of Bruce and James Lee, whom he both knew, providing insights into the development of Jeet Kune Do and James’ lesser known but essential contributions to that art. Unfortunately there were two more volumes yet unfinished in Sid’s computer when he passed away.
Sid was not only a writer but an accomplished artist as well. He was one of only a handful of painters worldwide doing authentic depictions of warrior arts. A couple of years ago he produced a large art book, Warrior Arts and Weapons of Ancient Hawai'i, depicting scenes of Hawaiian village life and tribal warfare, based on his close connections with legacy holders of Hawaiian society. This book is now a text in cultural studies at the University of Hawaii. He also was working on a companion volume on the samurai, for which most of the artwork was done, again historically true to the heraldry and fighting tactics based on extensive knowledge and research.
Sid lived large. He loved going out for dinner and sharing a beer, yet somehow managed to pack more into a day than most people could dream. In addition to teaching, writing and painting, he was a promoter and producer, and was both a member and organizer of numerous organizations and martial arts halls of fame. With such a rich involvement in the arts, he was a great storyteller with a deep sense of humor.
Soke Sid Campbell has been a featured inclusion in virtually every martial arts magazine in the world. He has been chronically documented in dozens of Okinawan related text and historical books written by authors that specialize in martial arts publications. Among some of his most notable achievements include being awarded the Presidential Sports Award (by President Jimmy Carter) for instructing the armed forces, listed in Bob Wall's Who's Who in the Martial Arts, contributed to and listed in Who's Who in Karate, inducted into the Professional Black Belt Hall of Fame, registered in the Who's Who in the Martial Arts Elite, featured in The Men of Merit (International Biographical Centre, Cambridge, England), seated on the Board of Advisors for Horizon Publications, dedicated inclusion in the Knights of Heaven Brotherhood of Martial Artists (volume 12), on the Board of Directors of the International Tao of The Fist Martial Arts Fraternity, profiled in Marquis Who's Who in the West, Who's Who in the World, Who's Who in Entertainment, Master Instructor (1993) World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, awarded the CRYSTAL AWARD (comparable to the OSCAR for Martial Arts) in the category of LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT, featured inclusion in Contemporary Authors (volume 116), National Advisor to the United States Defense Tactics Association, retired vice-president of the United States Shorin-Ryu Karate Association, Director of the Pathways to the Orient Sports Academy, past Secretary of the Northern California Referee's Association, featured in Who's Who of American Martial Arts and Martial Arts: Traditions, History and People, Consultant to John Corcoran's "The Martial Arts Source Book", featured inclusion in the World Head of Family Sokeship Council's The World Martial Arts Elite, a book of authorized Biographies, (First edition, 1999) and bestowed with the prestigious Golden Fist Award for Outstanding Okinawan Instructor.
Sid Campbell is also on the Martial Arts Network Advisory Board for Chop TV, a distinguished member of the Board of Advisors to the International Congress of Oriental Medicine and Martial Arts, Creative Director for TRAC Productions and Co-Founder of the Kobudo Warrior Gear equipment company. He is also Co-Founder of the Islands Holding Company as well as a recipient of the Golden Halo Award bestowed by the Southern California Motion Picture Council.
As a leading authority on traditional Okinawan and Japanese martial arts, Soke Sid Campbell has written over 50 books on various topics including: Ninja Shuriken Throwing, The Weapons of Okinawa, Shadows of Darkness; Secrets of the Night Fighter, Exotic Weapon's of the Ninja, Kobudo Weapon Fighting; Techniques, Tactics and Styles, Balisong; Lethal Filipino Knife Fighting, The Mercenary's Tactical Handbook, Kata; The Essence and Inner Meaning, Martial Arts Philosophy Made Easy, The Samurai Chronicles (Trilogy), Ancient Fighting Secrets of the Yin-yang, Weapons of Okinawa; A Devastating Kobudo Arsenal, Kobudo Weapon Fighting: Tactics, Techniques & Styles,Weapons of the Samurai. Bushiso Arts of War and numerous other titles. His short stories number over 200 and have been read by millions across the world.
Cinematically, Soke Sid Campbell has been involved with the martial arts motion picture industry for over 20 years. He has written motion picture scripts which include "China Bomb", "Falcon Claw", "Wingless", Bushwhackers". He has appeared as an actor in Ninja Busters, Weapons of Death, Death Machines and as of most recent, co-starred with legendary kung-fu master Eric Lee in The Master Demon, Martial Medicine with Dr. Zee Lo and Chasing the Dragon. He has choreographed over 600 action fight scenes that have been seen in various martial arts films.In 1997 he was nominated for inclusion in the prestigious World Head of Family Sokeship Council. He also serves as an Expert Witness on Federal criminal cases (www.Sidcampbell.net) involving weapons and other items of a martial nature involved in the commission of Federal and State crimes.
He has also been featured in numerous video instructional tape series including Super Nunchaku (beginner's course), Super Nunchaku (semi-advanced course), Super Nunchaku (advanced course), The Tonfa Police Baton, Boots, Buckles & Blades; Practical Street Fighting Secrets for the Urban Traveler, Fist Load Weaponry; Awesome Tools of Self-Defense and produced Eclectic Escrima for Self-Defense. Many of his literary works and video productions are presently being converted to CD-ROM. He also wrote, produced and is the host of "Just For Kicks", a cable formatted television program that features martial arts talent and guests. Shortly thereafter he was inducted into to MARTIAL ARTS GALLERY OF FAME. As of July 20th, 2002 Sid Campbell was inducted into the Martial Art Masters 2002 HALL of FAME in Newport Beach, California and on August 17th, 2002 he was awarded the LIVING LEGENDS AWARD for Martial Arts Historian at the Bob Wall Celebrity Roast in Burban, California. He is also of member of Worldblackbelt.com, an organization dedicated to the positive growth and unification of fellow martial artists worldwide. In 2002 he was elected as Vice-president of Oakland's Dimond Merchant's Association, the community of which he served and taught at his Honbu (headquarters) Shorin-Ryu Karate Studio.
He is also the CEO (Chief Executive Officer), along with Chairman of the Board Eric Lee, of LEGENDS of the MILLENNIUM Corporation. It is the first and only action-martial arts theme restaurant chain concept to be developed.