Best Martial Arts School in Vallejo
"An amazing experience." We transform kids into leaders full of discipline and focus. We help adults get fit and safe, fast. And we do it with FUN classes, amazing community, and action-packed martial arts. Try us risk-free today. Start your journey to a better you with the best martial arts training in Vallejo.
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Best kids and adults martial arts center in Vallejo. See why hundreds of Vallejo residents love our martial arts classes for their kids. You’ll love our fun, friendly community of members.
Preschool Martial Arts
in Vallejo
Kids Martial Arts
in Vallejo
Teen Martial Arts
in Vallejo
Adult Martial Arts
in Vallejo
HISTORY OF KAJUKENBO
Kajukenbo was created between 1947 and 1949 at Palama Settlement on Oahu, Hawaii.
It developed out a group calling themselves the “Black Belt Society“, which consisted of black belts from various martial arts backgrounds who met to train and learn with each other. This was the beginning of an evolutionary, adaptive style designed to combine the most useful aspects of the arts. There are five men credited as co-creators of Kajukenbo, and it is from their respective arts that Kajukenbo draws its name.
Kenpo emerged as the core around which this new art was built. Although uncredited by name, other influences included American Boxing (Choo was Hawaiian Welterweight Champion) and Escrima (Emperado also studied Kali and Arnis Escrima). In the late 1940’s, Palama Settlement was a community center in a violent area of Oahu where fist-fights or stabbings were commonplace. From this environment, the founders of Kajukenbo wanted to develop an art that would be readily useful on the street. As they trained and fought in and around Palama Settlement, the founders of Kajukenbo quickly gained reputations as formidable streetfighters. In 1950, Adriano Emperado, along with brother Joe Emperado, began teaching the new art in an open class. They called the school Kajukenbo Self Defense Institute (K.S.D.I.).
The emphasis during training was on realism – so much so that students routinely broke bones, fainted from exhaustion, or were knocked unconscious. Nevertheless, the reputation of this tough new art drew more students and Emperado opened a second school at the nearby Kaimuki YMCA. Soon Emperado had 12 Kajukenbo schools in Hawaii, making it the second largest string of schools at the time. John Leoning, who earned a black belt from Emperado, brought Kajukenbo to the mainland in 1958. Since that time, Kajukenbo has continued to flourish and grow.
From its beginnings, Kajukenbo was an ecclectic and adaptive art. As time has passed, Kajukenbo has continued to change and evolve. Currently, there are a few distinct, “recognized” branches of Kajukenbo: Kenpo (“Emperado Method” or “Traditional Hard Style”), Tum Pai, Chu’an Fa, Wun Hop Kuen Do, and Gaylord Method. In addition, there are numerous “unrecognized” branches, including CHA-3 and Kenkabo. While this may be confusing for an outsider, it is the essence of the art. Students are not required to mimic the teacher, but are encouraged to develop their own “expression” of the art.
why CHOOSE Woody Sims Kajukenbo?
We opened our martial arts school here in Vallejo with a simple mission: Help our community get safer, and stronger — inside and out. For thousands of years, martial arts has helped millions of people become their best selves. As you master the techniques, train hard, form bonds with your classmates — you transform on the inside too. Your confidence grows. Your focus grows. Your discipline grows. You’re able to achieve more in your day-to-day life.
Kids do better in school and find it easier to make friends and socialize. Adults focus more intently on their careers, relationships, and family. And knowing that you have the skills to keep you and your loved ones safe gives peace of mind. We’re committed to our community, and to you. Come try us out with our amazing web special and see for yourself, today.
“Wonderful community resource for our youth and adults. Feels like a second family. Both my 9 y/o daughter and my husband are members. They have timing options for classes that acomodate busy families.”
“Woody Sims Kajukenbo has been an amazing instructor for my child, who started martial arts at the age of 3. Woody knows how to handle kids with patience and care, providing clear directions that make learning fun.”
“Grandmaster Simms is an exceptional and highly respected instructor with decades of experience in Martial Arts. He has a wealth of knowledge on Kajukenbo and is a first recommendation to anyone interested in just beginning or advancing their training.”
“If you are looking for a legit martial arts school, then look no further. Mr. Sims’ lineage dates back to the beginning of Kajukenbo. You won’t find many with more knowledge. Give it a try. You won’t be disappointed. 👊 🤙”
“Fantastic instructor with over 25 years of experience. I started with Woody, and I’m proud to send my children to him. Really top notch!“
“GM Sims is an amazing instructor! His knowledge of Kajukenbo is eclipsed only by his love for his students and his world wide Kajukenbo Ohana!“
“Amazing place. Great instructors. Helps keep kids focused.”
It's the will. Not the skill.
Build Self-Discipline
Your starting fitness and skill levels don’t matter – as long as you put in the effort in every class, you’ll see results.
Gain Confidence
When you step out of your comfort zone in our classes, you allow space for unshakable confidence to grow.
Improve Focus
Mindfulness practices don’t go away when you step off the mat. The skills you gain in class flow into everything you do.
About our programs
Preschool Martial Arts
in Vallejo
Kids Martial Arts
in Vallejo
Teen Martial Arts
in Vallejo
Adult Martial Arts
in Vallejo
Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers about our martial arts programs
Bullies are rooted in insecurity and fear. But our Vallejo kids martial arts classes grow confidence, focus, and respect. And our group training builds positive social skills and confidence. So long story short: No! Your child won’t become a bully, and there are no bullies in our classes either!
That is up to you! If you need some ‘me time’ — go grab a coffee and relax. Your child is in great hands. If you’d like to stay and observe, you’re welcome to do that as well, and make friends with the other parents. We’ve got a great community here in our Vallejo martial arts school and can’t wait for you to become part of it.
No way! Some folks come to us who have never exercised in their lives. Others have athlete-levels of fitness. That’s the beauty of martial arts — everyone starts at the same place. And although you’re in a group setting, you’re on your own personal journey. Some people advance faster than others. Every pace is okay. There’s no ego here in our Vallejo kids and adult martial arts classes. Just support and positivity.
There is no real answer for this! And we’d urge you to be cautious of any school that gives you one. The truth is, the path to black belt is a deeply personal and individual journey. Some folks have natural talent and practice hard every day. Other people need to spend more time building coordination and fitness.
It’s not about getting to black belt, it’s about you becoming a better version of yourself along the way. As you train, overcome obstacles, make friends, find support — you’ll become a stronger you, inside and out.
And our instructors here at Woody Sims Kajukenbo Vallejo are committed to you every step.
Assuming all spots are not taken — claiming your amazing web special is easy.
1) Scroll to the top of this page and fill out the form. Or…
2) Click to access any of our program-specific pages, and fill out the form on that page. Or…
3) Give us a call at 707-328-0396! We’re happy to sign you up over the phone too!
Spots are limited so please hurry. We’d hate to see you miss out.
For your first martial arts class here at Woody Sims Kajukenbo in Vallejo you’ll only need a few things: comfy clothes, a water bottle, and an open mind.
It’s perfectly natural to be nervous your first time too. Happens to everyone! As soon as you see how kind and welcoming our community here is, that will disappear.
Not at all! Vallejo men, women, and children of all fitness levels come to us, whether it’s for kids or adult martial arts. Come as you are!
Some of our top students were unfit and uncoordinated at first. Now they’re performing techniques they never dreamed possible. The confidence they gained realizing what they were capable of is the biggest gift of the process.
All you have to do is show up. We’ll take care of the rest.