The Pit Martial Arts: Embedded Episode 1 Hawaiian Kempo The Pit is a professional mixed martial arts association and training camp that operates in Arroyo Grande, California; with a branch in Henderson, Nevada, and affiliate schools throughout the United States. Founded in 1986 by John Hackleman, its fighters have competed in various promotions such as the UFC, WEC, DREAM and many others. The Pit became world famous when Pit black belt Chuck Liddell became the UFC light-heavyweight champion. Hawaiian Kempo blends kickboxing, western boxing, Judo, Jiu Jitsu, Kempo,and wrestling. The Pit places a heavy emphasis on "CrossPit" The Pit's specialty strength and conditioning fitness program developed in the vein of CrossFit. In order to add more time for a more fitness-oriented curriculum aimed at producing well-conditioned athletes, training katas were eliminated from the original KaJuKenBo formula. Practicality and usability are emphasized in the areas of striking and grappling. Bag training is emphasized both standing and on the ground. John Hackleman was born in New York City but moved to Honolulu, Hawaii at the age of four. He began studying Judo when he was about nine years old. By the time he entered high school, Hackleman was a Golden Gloves boxer and a competitive kickboxer. He had some Shotokan Karate training, but by the age of 10 studied Judo and KaJuKenBo under Walter Godin, with whom he would continue to train until Godin’s death in 2002. Kajukenbo is a mixture of Kempo Karate, Tang Soo Do, Judo, Jujitsu, Chinese Kenpo, and Chinese boxing (Kung Fu), which was developed in Hawaii between 1947 to 1949 and which was developed specifically as a street fighting art. In 1979, Hackleman enlisted in the Army in response to the Iran hostage crisis. He spent three years as a member of the Army boxing team, during which time he won the state and regional Golden Gloves titles. After leaving the Army, Hackleman worked as a professional boxer under the management of Don King Promotions. Although, there is some speculation that Hackleman's professional boxing record consists of 17 wins, 3 losses, with 15 knockouts, this record cannot be verified. Hackleman's record maintained by BoxRec is 8 wins, 4 losses, with 7 knockouts and 1 draw. Two of his losses were by knockout. In 1985, Hackleman moved to California and renamed his martial arts style to Hawaiian Kempo. The Pit Martial Arts: http://www.thepitmma.com/ The Pit Online Dojo: http://www.thepitonlinedojo.com/ The Pit Ohana Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ThePitOhana/

• published: 02 Jun 2015
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