Grandmaster Rick Kingi

Grandmaster Rick Kingi

9th Degree Black Belt

Being that GM Rick Kingi is the one who started this school in 1981, it is only right that we start our "Who's Who?" section with him as well! There is none other like him...anywhere! :-)

Birthday: April 18, 1946
Age: 62
Residence: Los Angeles
Birthplace: Los Angeles
Ethnic Origin: Black, Asian, Portuguese
Height: 6 feet 2 inches
Weight: 225
Siblings: Two brothers, one sister
Year Started @ Kaju: 1962
Year Received Black Belt: 1968

Favorite Technique: All of them
Favorite Food: Shrimp
Favorite Movie: Cowboy or war movies
Favorite Music: Oldies
Favorite Sports: Golf
Favorite Hobby: Golf and drag racing

Now…time for the real stuff!
1. What made you get involved in martial arts? I always liked to fight. It was ok in those days, saw this school and loved the way they trained

2. How did you start Kingi’s Kajukenbo? I first started teaching in my father in-laws garage, then my brothers and next thing you know we found a school in Ingelwood that was for sell and here we are.

3. Who were some of the most instrumental people in your development as a martial artist? My instructor Carlos Bunda and my wife's father Mr. Wu

4. What has been the most significant event in your Kaju training? Watching my wife and all my children get their black belt.

5. Who has hit you the hardest in your training? Dave Kawashima and then my son Ronnie when I went for my 5th degree black belt

6. What do you enjoy most about teaching? Watching people really learn martials arts

7. What is your biggest challenge as a teacher? Wow, can’t think of any thing

8. If you weren’t a martial artist, what would you be? Since I was 16 years old all I thought about was being a martial arts teacher.

9. Who is your favorite fighter of all time in Kaju? Me when I was young (of course) and my sons, of course Sr. Grandmaster Carlos Bunda was a great fighter, always so relaxed.

10. Who is your favorite forms person of all time in Kaju? Carlos Bunda and my sons have always been very good right up there with the best.

Fun Stuff
1. What is one of your best or favorite childhood memories? My brothers and I used to dress up like an adult and then ride our bikes to pick up my mom from singing at a club at 2:00 am. We were 8 and 10 years old then...lol.

2. If you were stranded on an island, what are 3 essential things you would need to survive? Beer, water and a genie!

3. What is one food you tasted that you would never want to eat again? I eat all food in front of me, can’t think of anything I would not eat again.

4. Growing up, what were your favorite toys or games? Growing up in the late 40’s and 50’s we made most of our toys, I did like having a holster and gun and acting like a cowboy though.

5. If you won a million dollars, what would you do with it? Get a hugh school and fix up my 1969 Plymouth Road Runner!

Thanks to GM Rick Kingi!

So who is next on the hot seat??? Be ready!