Published: April 16, 2008 12:57 am         

Kajukembo seminar scheduled

GREENVILLE — Individuals from all across the country are coming to Greenville to attend the AKA (American Kajukembo Association) Seminar.

The seminar, which is open to the public, will be held at the Hope Center near First Baptist Church from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. There will be live demonstrations both days.

Kajukembo is a combination of five martial arts including karate, judo, juditzu, kemp and gung fu.

“Kajukembo is one tough system,” said AKA spokesman Jerry Wright. “It was the first mixed martial arts in the United States, and it’s the toughest system you will ever deal with.

“This is the first time that the seminar will be held in Greenville. People are coming from Albuquerque, Abilene, South Carolina, New Mexico, Washington D.C. and Oklahoma,” said Wright.

“We will review all the old techniques, upgrade the old techniques and introduce new and advanced techniques in every area,” he said.

Wright also said that Greenville has been voted as the headquarters for the AKA.

“There are not too many Kajukembo schools around because of the toughness that’s involved,” he said.

At the seminar, instructors will teach students techniques including how to fall, how to apply locks properly, kicking and grappling techniques. Promotions will also be awarded for people in the martial arts.

Wright encourages everyone, especially women, to learn martial arts techniques.

“It will expand their knowledge on martial arts and they can see the benefits of it. There’s physical, spiritual and mental benefits,” Wright said.