Entry: 1/28/12

Awesome training session for a very heart-felt cause.
All 100+ participants did awesome today, including, of course, our Pit Malibu students.

Huge thanks to Shawn Yacoubian for putting the event together as well as Mark Parra at the House Of Champions for hosting the event. Between Shawn, Ricky Okane and of course, the ALWAYS phenomenal Peter "Sugarfoot" Cunningham, it was a great learning packed 2 hours.

In addition to learning some great kickboxing techniques, we also were able to pay respects to someone that will be deeply missed. Everyone's hard work and coming together seems a fitting tribute.

Entry: 1/15/12

House Of Champions � Van Nuys, Ca.
No-gi grappling tournament
Rules = Single Elimination, 10 minute time limit & Submission Only
This meant that the only way to move on in the division was to win by submission with no points earned by anything other than a submission.

Man On, Luis and Barbara decide to enter at the last minute.

Most of the competitors are getting ready for the upcoming Gracie Nationals, a prestigious grappling tournament held every year here in Los Angeles.

All of the women who are competing are extremely tough and knowing this, Barbara decides to compete and although she was tough to take down, she is submitted. As it turns out, the person who submitted her with a front guillotine choke went on to finish every girl in the division with the same technique. She was completely dominant and left no doubt whether or not Barbara had anything to be ashamed of regarding her match.

Up next, Man On. While Man On had decided that he�d like to compete about a week ago, he also knew that he�d be away in Vegas for this past week for a work with no chance to spar and little time to train. We figured out some workouts he could do in his hotel room and that was the best he could do after long days �working� in Vegas � lol

So Man On�s match begins and before it really gets going, Man On gets submitted with a front guillotine within the first minute of the first round. Once again, the competitor who submitted Man On went on to submit others with the same technique and win his division.

The next division was Luis�s division. With this being an event where all the competitors were there to learn and be safe, we all took good care of each other. In the nature of true sportsmanship, everyone was very up front about skill level and experience. It became clear that Luis would have to give up somewhere around 20-25 lbs in order to have a match with someone that was the same rank and experience level so he did. What came out of the following ten minutes was a clinic by both competitors. Easily the fight of the day, Luis and his opponent Dave Brooks worked at an exhaustive pace for all 10 minutes with the only breaks taken when the ref had to stop them to bring the bout back to the center of the mat after they ended up in the audience. At the end, both opponents� hands were raised to the deafening applause of all who attended. Neither competitors were allowed to advance to the next round but both were viewed and treated as winners.

Luis gave up some serious size and weight so that he could get the experience. This is what learning is all about. There �s no doubt that both Luis and his opponent went away and are still thinking of what they could have done to get the win but they both gave it everything they had at that moment. They talked afterwards, compared notes and will undoubtedly draw from the experience for many training sessions to come.

Luis Casas & Dave Brooks After their war

Well, this could have been the end of the day BUT there was still one division left, the �absolute� division. This is a division that anyone can enter, any size, any skill and any experience level. With Man On�s match ending so quickly earlier in the day, he decided that he�d enter the absolute division ...

Man On has his first match that was back and fourth of great positioning, a sincere showing of heart and an amazing demonstration of resourcefulness and overall toughness. Man On goes on to submit his first opponent with a beautiful Peruvian necktie.

After a quick rest, Man On is back on the mat and then has to fight again. This time, once again, it goes back and fourth and Man On wins with a "Luis Snuggle Squeeze" for the tap.

Man On Li wins 1^st Place in The House Of Champions �Absolute Division�

All three of these students stepped out of their comfort zone and all three had different results.

The one thing that is guaranteed for Barbara, Luis and Man On is that with a desire to make use of all that our martial arts has to offer, they will continue to draw from this experience for a long time.

Each competitor should be very proud ~ I know I am !

Entry: 10/2/11

What an exciting weekend for THE PIT.

Saturday, the 1st of October, we celebrated the Grand Opening of THE PIT VEGAS

With authentic Hawaiian Barbeque, demonstrations of our Hawaiian Kempo for Adults and Kids, CrossPit and some live sparring demonstrations in the cage, it was a great way to introduce and celebrate the latest and greatest addition to our Pit Ohana.

Included in the great attendance was The Ultimate Fighter Winner Court "The Crusher" McGee, Ultimate Fighter Nate Quarry and of course MMA Superstar, Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell.

Congratulations to Grandmaster and Pit Master John Hackleman with this latest achievement and congratulations to Kumu Eric Umali in handling everything involved in getting the school up and running so strong and smooth in such a short amount of time, not to mention the huge success of this Grand Opening !

"Pit Master - Man On" . . ."Man On - Pit Master"

Entry: 9/1/11

Ohana,

I wanted to make sure that we're all on the same page with something important to me and I'm sure you'll all agree.

Today, in both the Kid's & Junior Adult Hawaiian Kempo, I presented a challenge to each and every student - I'll explain:

Every year, as the new school year begins, there is change in the air and with that change comes the inevitable & natural fear that anyone would have with what, in many cases, is so much new stuff.

Not all of us have a support system at home that is best for preparing us for this type of situation.

There are kids who won't be dropped off at school by someone who is able to reassure them that everything will be ok.

There are kids who have just moved and don't know a single student and they are walking into an environment where they don't know anything or anyone.

There are kids who are bullied and don't have the confidence and/or skills to help themselves.

As I see Sage and many of the other kids who are excited because they literally know 25 of the 30 kids in each of their classes, I'm thankful for this but I think of those kids that don't have this security. Add to this the possibility that many kids aren't fortunate enough to have a community like we have at THE PIT where values like this are woven into the very fabric of our philosophy.

I think you see the gist of what I'm getting at.

So, this challenge is that I want for each of our PIT Kids to find at least one student that doesn't have a friend or someone that isn't be treated right such as being bullied. - At least one student who looks lost, alone and doesn't look like they're part of anything.

There are so many facets to this and what it will develop in our kids...The ability to recognize this & to stop and take a look around at others that are going without. - The strength it takes to stand up and take a position amongst their own peers that they're going to introduce someone new to their group. - The verbal & communication skills needed to accomplish such a challenge. - The willingness & confidence that is needed for each of them to step out of their own comfort zone for something that they each agree is right and good. - And the very possible chance that each of them, at one point in their young lives, have been that other person and now this is their chance to change things. We all talked today and we all agreed that we've all been there.

These are all values and traits that I think we can agree that we hope to instill & that will grow strong with our kids. This is behavior that our hurried and rushed society tends to be to busy to really focus on, yet, it is these values that will make a difference in our kid's lives, both now and in their future as they are entering relationships, going to college and looking for work.

Like I told each student today, how cool would it be for a kid at school to come home and tell their parents that they made a new friend and to have that be the result of your child doing this.

Please support The Pit Malibu in this challenge to your children.

I will be asking them how things are going and I want real feedback.

I want to hear what difficulty they find, what's hard about it and what success they've had.

I want them to work on these skills just like we work on defending a choke and slipping a punch.

One of the boys today said, "Oh, I know a new kid that just moved here. I'll talk to him tomorrow" and he was truly excited. That's what this is about !

Your feedback is welcomed...

Mahalo,

Kumu

Entry: 4/25/11

This upcoming UFC 129 card is bound to be a great night of fights and now we know why.

Congratulations to Chuck for continuing to have a HUGE impact in the existence, entertainment and evolution of MMA.

Entry: 1/28/11

Tomorrows the last day of testing for MALIBU PIT MONSTERS

The Mini-Monsters have doubled their training time for the last two weeks and have displayed great improvement in all the areas that they've been working so hard on. Parent�s efforts to have their kids to class on time with their gear ready have been met with Sharine�s awesome job in keeping the students focused on the task(s) at hand and these guys have been so excited while they�ve been earning their stripes for their next belt.

The Pit Kids have tripled their training time over the last two weeks in order to sufficiently display the techniques, strength and stamina that are required for their promotions. For many of them, this has been resulting in going to bed early, less time at friend�s houses and less video games. From what I�m hearing from our parents, the kids are stoked and very serious about their training and testing. This is evidence that substantiates the notion that greater frequency of training and greater parental involvement & following through with these commitments sets a great example and one that our kids can learn to rely on. A great life lesson that is reinforced so often in class but can be completely solidified at home.

The Junior Adult students also increased their training time with 2 students showing that they have what it takes to move into the Adult class. This process of moving from one group to another is something that is ongoing throughout all the classes and plays an important role in the mentoring dynamics that we believe in so much at The Pit Malibu.

After 9 Hrs of testing for students in the Adult Hawaiian Kempo program, the eligible students ranging from Whitebelts to Greenbelts have really shown that their inner-Pit Monsters have awoken. Every time I've asked for certain things to be tighten, sharpened or pushed, this group has been able to demonstrate their ability to support & motivate each other while taking the entire group to a new level, one that is becoming the new foundation for them to push from again to reach even greater heights in the not too distant future.

It�s such a beautiful thing to witness the joy and satisfaction of learning.
From the 4 year olds to the 40 year olds, without trust, exploration, discovery and having fun it�s just hard work. But when we have all of this together amongst a bunch of people young and old(er), we have a great opportunity for learning and with this, the sky�s the limit. SO LET�S SEE WHERE WE CAN TAKE THIS�

GREAT JOB EVERYONE !

BRING YOU�RE A-GAME TOMORROW NIGHT FOR YOUR FINAL TESTING DAY

Entry: 1/1/11

HAPPY NEW YEAR

The word �resolution� has several definitions, all of which I�m sure we�re familiar with.

This time of the year, most of us use the idea of this word to represent a decision that we make with a particular intention of change in our life, usually and hopefully for the best.

I think that most of us go through the year recognizing things that we know we want to change and put it off, saying that it�ll be our �New Years Resolution�. Well, if we�ve already identified something that we want to change, then the resolution has really already been made so it�s not as easy as simply recognizing what needs to change, although that is a necessary beginning, it�s doing it�and the change that usually needs to happen is almost always a change in �habit� and that�s why it�s so much more difficult than just making the �resolution�.

Habit is generally defined by, �An acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary�.

So do you really want to institute the observations and resolutions that you�ve been making into a change in your life that will become a new habit, a new behavior pattern that is for the improvement of your life, your health and your family�s well being?

If you answered �yes� to this then the easiest way with the highest percentage of success is to make a comittment that includes surrounding yourself with others that want to make the same changes in their lives or at the very least, who�s actions and habits are truly conducive to yours.

The cool thing is that just like the habits that we want to change or get rid of, these new healthier habits can be acquired & institute healthy behavior patterns that will be just as involuntary.

Entry: 12/29/10

Chuck Liddell Retires,
Named UFC Vice President of Business Development

UFC president Dana White and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta, at Wednesday�s UFC 125 prefight press conference, announced the official retirement of former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell.

Perhaps a little more surprising was that they also named Liddell to the promotion�s executive staff. Instead of UFC superstar, Liddell will now be known as UFC Executive Vice President of Business Development, on par with the rest of the promotion�s executive staff, which White characterized as five or six people.

�A lot of people have worked hard, fighters who have gone out and put on incredible performances, great shows, traveled all over the world, but there�s one guy who really stands out and who has been a great partner, a great friend, a great champion, the list goes on and on,� said White. �I�m here today with my partner Lorenzo Fertitta to announce his retirement.�

�For more than 10 years, Chuck Liddell has been more than I can say. More than a friend, more than a fighter, more than a champion, and we�re also here today to announce that he is also becoming one of the top executives in the UFC.�

Fertitta isn�t typically a fixture at UFC press conferences, but he made an exception for Liddell, adding to the praise that White heaped upon the promotion�s former star, but also explaining why they chose Liddell as a rare addition to the UFC�s executive ranks.

�We think (Liddell) is really in a unique position. Chuck has been involved in martial arts as a professional fighter for 18 years and he has literally seen this sport evolve from a very small niche sport to what it is today� a global sport that is becoming worldwide.�

Fertitta went on to clarify that, while Liddell would be involved in issues such as regulatory affairs and fighter relations, he is not going to be an executive in name only. Liddell will be actively involved with the promotion�s expansion efforts throughout the world focusing mainly on business development.

Liddell will finally get to put his degree from Cal Poly to use. His eyes wet and shiny, Liddell took to the podium for the final time as a UFC fighter. His voice more gravely than usual, the UFC Hall of Famer said little, fighting for the last time just to maintain his composure.

�I want to thank Frank, Lorenzo, and Dana for everything they�ve done for me over the years, and the sport,� he said nervously, forcing the words out.

�Most of all I want to thank my fans and my family. I love this sport and I�m excited to go to this new stage in my life and keep promoting the best sport in the world, the sport I love� now that I�m retired.�

Thanks To Yahoo Sports & MMA Weekly

Entry: 11/25/10

Because there were a few complaints of this page loading slowly, we've trimmed some things off from a couple of years ago and hope that this will speed things up for those that are "connection challenged"

Entry: 10/14/10

Everyone check out this weeks copy of The Malibu Times

A very special mahalo to all of those that contributed to an excellent demonstration at the 21st Annual Malibu Pie Festival.

Entry: 2/6/10

In the 1st PIT KUMITE tournament of 2010, THE PIT MALIBU students who chose to challenge themselves and compete against their fellow PIT OHANA at PIT HQ in Arroyo Grande, came away with an experience of a lifetime as did all the friends, family and spectators that were there cheering everyone on.

From the Mini-Monsters to the Adult Heavyweights, the day was filled with awesome competition. The level of BUSHIDO during the entire day was only matched by the feeling of comradery. This day was a clear and obvious example to all in attendance that THE PIT is ONE OHANA making ourselves stronger by pushing each other with faith that steal really does sharpen steal.

Below are some great montage videos that were put together by PIT HQ. For more clips of only PIT MALIBU students, please be sure to visit the haumana page here.

Entry: 12/6/09

Tony, Nick and Jake Frey taking their very first Yellowbelt test at Chung Kim's Black belt academy. All of the TKD schools in a 100-mile radius split from his Grand Master. There were about 75 students testing this day.

Tony enrolled his sons on October 19th and after sitting and watching them practice for about 3 weeks, he couldn't take it so he signed up as the lowest ranking Whitebelt. Tony is Pit Family and all of us at The Pit Malibu want to share and congratulate him and his boys on this first step of their journey.

Tony shared how different the training in this school is from our training at The Pit while at the same time, how it stirred the memories of all our times together. Most of all he feels that sharing what he is with his boys is the best feeling in the world and noted that he enjoys being at the same level as them so there is no competition, no ego, just going through it all together.

Through the years, Tony & I have trained, bled, laughed and cried together.
I'm very proud to call Tony Pit Ohana and look forward to sharing in his family's training adventures.

Ummm....most "Whitebelts" don't have knuckles like this...

Entry: 11/19/09

On Thursday, November 19, Aaron Grushow, one of our very own Pit Ohana in the Junior Adult Hawaiian Kempo program was honored & recognized by the Malibu Optimist Club during a special Youth Appreciation Breakfast held at Pepperdine University.

The morning was started off with breakfast in The Fireside Room overlooking the beautiful Pepperdine campus grounds and Pacific Ocean. After breakfast during the awarded presentation ceremony, Aaron�s character and contributions to the community were acknowledged. He was then taken on a tour of the Malibu Courthouse to meet and speak with the Honorable Judge Mira and was also given the opportunity to meet Malibu Mayor Sharon Barovsky and the City Council members as well as enjoy a tour of our brand new City Hall with our City Manager, Jim Thorsen.

Aaron is a standout in class and has shown exceptional ability with his conditioning, striking and ground fighting techniques. His self-discipline is, without a doubt, a universal factor that permeates his life on many levels from his family, his scholastic work, his community work and of course his "kick butt and take names" attitude when he's on the mat training. Aaron is also the only Junior student who is currently enrolled in the adult no-gi jiujitsu class on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The Pit Malibu is very happy and proud to congratulate Aaron in receiving this level of recognition within our community and we look forward to seeing what�s next for him.

Entry: 10/24/09

The last day of belt testing was yesterday/last night.
Everyone did great and it was nice to see our Pit Ohana of all ages working together, motivating and encouraging each other through a great workout.

Here's a couple of pics from tonight's ceremony.

GREAT JOB EVERYONE

After Belt Ceremony-Serious Pic

After Belt Ceremony-Silly Pic

Entry: 10/19/09

First day of belt testing for all eligible students today.

Everyone looked great!

ONLY 2 MORE DAYS OF TESTING FOR THIS GROUP---GET SOME GOOD REST HAUMANA...

Entry: 8/23/09

Lilly representing in Albuquerque...

...representing how to be an amazing person, an amazing daughter and a fantastic big-sister & role model.

...representing how to be honest, loyal, forgiving, dedicated, innovative, focused & hard working.

...all things that are a solid representation of what THE PIT MALIBU is about.

Entry: 8/23/09

Kumu Rick decided to settle some family matters the old fashioned way, in the ring.
Here Kumu Rick and his cousin Marcus go at it for a round and Kumu even works in a nice hip-throw.

Entry: 7/18/09

Entry: 7/27/09

On the weekend of August 8th & 9th, the highest ranked and founding member of the original Doce Pares clan will be celebrating his 90th Birthday here in Southern California. The Supreme Grand Master Ciriaco "Cacoy" Canete will be presenting a two day seminar at The House Of Champions in Van Nuys, Ca.

If you've never been to The House Of Champions, then this will be a great opportunity for you to meet lots of great and likeminded martial artists, including some superstars in the martial arts world as well as being able to see The Supreme Grand Master himself in action. Be sure to check in with Kumu Rick or Sharine on arrangement for carpooling. The event will include lunch/dinner and lots of fun training in a family atmosphere.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Entry: 6/27/09

This weekend, was our most recent tournament where several of our students were to compete and test their skills. It was no surprise that in finding out that THE PIT MALIBU was sending out their BIG GUNS that almost all of the competitors in their divisions had second thoughts. For those that chose to stand their ground and battle in this weekend's tournament, you are one of that very small percentage that is willing to test yourself and put it all on the line.

Between the Conditioning, Ground, Hawaiian Kempo & Kickboxing,
THE PIT MALIBU went away with:

5 x 1st
5 x 2nd
5 x 3rd

More than the medals won, I have no doubt that you went away at the end of the day with knowledge that can only come from experience, something that there is no replacement for, something that the value of a medal can do no justice for.

Everyone should be very, very proud of themselves, I know I am-Kumu Rick

CLICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION

Image:

Entry: 5/3/09

Entry: 4/6/09

Kajukenbo is regularly referred to as the earliest American �Mixed Martial Art� and it is from this that Hawaiian Kempo was born. In fact, in was in the early days of training with GrandMaster John �The Pitmaster� Hackleman, that our system was still called KaJuKenBo and soon after those early days was changed to Kempo and then Hawaiian Kempo to show our respect for our Hawaiian Lineage.

It is with a very heavy heart I would like to inform everyone that our founder and leader of Kajukenbo Self Defense Institute (KSDI), Sijo Adriano D. Emperado has passed away. Sijo Adriano D. Emperado passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 4, 2009 at approximately 11:15 pm. He passed away on Maui, Hawaii the island that he loved and was home to him.
This is a great loss for everyone in the martial arts, MMA and Kajukenbo worldwide.

Sijo Adriano Emperado-Circa 1960's

If you're a student of THE PIT MALIBU, don't forget to visit our student page and check out the recently posted interview videos with Adriano Emperado.

Entry: 3/9/09

We are saddened at THE PIT with the tragic loss of Charles "Mask" Lewis.
He shared & promoted many of the same values that we do.

His and the rest of the TapouT crew's energy & efforts and their affect on the MMA world cannot be overstated.

We at THE PIT MALIBU mourn alongside all those that are affected and just as John "PIT MASTER" Hackleman has stated, "TapouT will endure this tragic loss."

Entry:� 1/21/09

Johnny had tried some classes in town but Mom liked The Pit and our location.� I honestly thought Johnny might be too young but he really wanted to train so I created a class for his age group and he's really thriving.� With this group we�stay�away from too much actual striking and work more on age appropriate material like, front, back, left, right, top & bottom and most of all, having FUN! �All things needed to work�towards future training and all things�needed in the rest of life-at any age.� Whether in the 3-4 year old class or in the adult class, this sums up our philosophy here.��It all begins & ends with having fun &�establishing�a level of trust in the process .� This way,�the physical stuff that we work on can be done as regularly as it needs to be in order to�achieve a good level of competence & familiarity, with the techniques. �With that comes confidence and the pride in knowing what we've achieved. �

Recently Johnny's decided that he wanted to be able�do a summersalt.� Well, today is the day that after several months of one day per week of working on it that Johnny was able to do his very first summersalts over and over so.� After his very first one, he proclaimed, I did it and he was so excited that he jumped up with a drooling smile gave his Kumu (instructor) a big hug that was promptly interupted with Johnny saying to him, "I'm gonna do it again", so with�Johnny's permission, I'm posting a couple of pics.

Congratulations to Johnny for continuing to work so hard on this.�
He's a great kid who I love spending time with to help him work on his many, many goals in life.
One student's or even Kumu's inspiration and motivation can come in many sizes and at many ages, if anyone out there gets the chance to talk with Johnny, they'll discover this quickly.

Entry: 1/4/09

This is a video montage of The Pit Blackbelt Test & Promotion that Kumu Rick & superstar Chuck Liddell assisted their instructor John Hackleman with in Honolulu, Hawaii on October 6th, 7th & 8th. Each of these Blackbelt candidates worked hard for years to earn the opportunity to test for their Pit Blackbelt. Kumu Rick and Kumu Chuck earned their Pit Blackbelts by passing the very first Pit Blackbelt back in 1996 and it seemed fitting for both of them to be their in Hawaii at the very roots of where it all started to test & welcome these newest additions to the Pit Blackbelt ranks.

Entry: 11/14/08

In an effort to stream line the site and facilitate a cleaner and faster browsing experience, the majority of the videos previously found on this page are being moved and can now be found in the student's section.

As aptly named, this section is only for students with the proper access information.
The student page can be found on the main menu or you can click here to be taken directly to it.

If you're not a member and would like to view one of the videos that you've seen here before, please e-mail us at info@thepitmalibu.com with the specifics of which one you're looking for and we'll do our best to forward you the information needed to view it.

Mahalo,
The Pit Malibu Ohana

Entry: 10/12/08

On October the 11th, 2008, close to a dozen of The Pit Malibu's students and Ohana made the nearly 3 hour drive to meet at The Pit Headquarters to compete and support one another for the day.

Entry: 10/9/08

We had to head out on Thursday the 9th and after a 6 hour delay at the airport, we were off on our 6 hour flight home, finally walking in the door at 3am.

Thanks to Sharine, Sage and Luis keeping classes going at The Pit, everyone was in top form getting ready for the Pit Headquarters Tournament that woud be taking place in less than two days.

We had just enough time to get some sleep, a shower and repack our clothes so that we could head up north to Arroyo Grande for a full day of tournament activities up there.

Entry: 10/8/08

Wednesday, the last official day of testing, we all met at the top of Wilimena Rise in our uniforms and had the promotion ceremony looking out over Wikiki and Diamond Head below. It was very special to be there for this event and I was proud and honored to be a part of it.