Introduction: Kajukenpo is a hybrid martial art that combines kung fu, western boxing, judo, jujutsu, kenpo karate, and shotokan karate. Founded in Hawaii in 1947, its focus is practical self-defense for real-life situations.
Students learn blocks, kicks, punches, sweeps, and falls through group training drills, partner work, and kata forms. As a result of nurturing and empowering instruction, students develop physical as well as psychological self-confidence in their personal safety. Furthermore, the palpable sense of community in each class teaches respect, camaraderie, and self-discipline.
The instructor, Don Polevacik, is classically trained in the martial arts and has been teaching for nearly 30 years. Don worked as a mental health therapist for 20 years, specializing in abuse and trauma and working primarily with children, adolescents, and families.
There is a Beginners class for ages 5 and up on Sunday from 12:30 pm-1:30 pm. The Intermediate/Advanced class is 1:45 pm-2:45 pm. Don works with older kids and adolescents to determine which class will best suit them as their practice evolves. The first class is always free, drop-in classes are $10, and 10-class punch cards are $90.
Along with teaching group classes at the Hawthorne Wellness Center, Don offers private lessons, which promote rapid growth and development. A 1-hour private lesson is equivalent to 7-10 hours of group instruction. Students who take private lessons are also encouraged to train in a group setting to gauge the development of their skills in a dynamic forum. Don's schedule is extremely flexible, and he is willing to travel to your home. Private lessons are $45/hour.
There is a Beginners class for ages 5 and up on Sunday from 12:30 pm-1:30 pm. The Intermediate/Advanced class is 1:45 pm-2:45 pm. Don works with older kids and adolescents to determine which class will best suit them as their practice evolves. Participation in group classes is $40/month (kids can come to one or both days each weekend). Private lessons are $45/hour.
Student testimonials/references are available upon request.
