Is KaJuKenBo really the first MMA?
Is KaJuKenBo the first MMA?
KaJuKenBo was founded in 1947 as a street fighting system by experts in the following martial arts. Ka (Karate), Ju (judo/Jiu Jitsu, Ken (Kenpo, Bo (Boxing)
MMA was started in ~1990 as a sport that combined Boxing, Kickboxing, Wrestling, BJJ, Judo, Sambo, etc.
First, I started with KaJuKenBo as my first Martial Art over 50 years ago. While I wasn't even alive when Kajukenbo was actually created, I know a little about the history, philosophy, concepts, purpose and culture of KaJuKenBo.
As for MMA, I was around when it originated, and I am a little involved in its growth, culture and purpose.
Kajukenbo and MMA are as different as night and day, but they also have a lot of similarities. I know that sounds like it doesn't make sense, but I'll explain.
While MMA and Kajukenbo are both a mixture of several martial arts, and both are a synergistic blend of different movements and techniques that all help each other, when put together correctly, that same combination can also thwart those attacks.
The difference between KaJuKenBo and MMA is their intent when created and, even more important, their intent in their execution. KaJuKenBo was created and is taught and trained for street self-defense. To help you protect yourself and your family from a life threatening attack. MMA was created for and is trained for a sport. To make money, win titles, and compete.
Don't get me wrong, KaJuKenBo, with slight modifications, could be very effective in an MMA match. The opposite is true for MMA, with a few modifications, MMA would be effective in a street defense situation.
The biggest difference is intent. MMA was created and is "intended" for sport rules, titles, a referee, and a crowd. KaJuKenBo was made for and is "intended" for the street.
I hope that helped you see the difference between these two martial arts. One is for sport, while the other is for the street, but as I said, there's a lot of crossover for both, and it is all about labels. Find the martial arts that fits your culture, goals, and price range. And please, get out and train.
