Great grand Master Charles Gaylord
The Kajukenbo Association of America (KAA) was originated in 1967 by notable KAJUKENBO Grand Masters, Aleju Reyes, Joe Halbuna, Tony Ramos, Charles Gaylord and Al Dacascos. The original organization existed until the early 1970's. In 1980, GRANDMASTER Gaylord, with the advice of his top active Black Belts, decided to once again develop the KAA into a strong and united organization. The KAA Board of Directors decided to add the "Gaylord's Method" to the original KAA patch (original design is by Al Dacascos) since the KAA now represented the schools directly under GRANDMASTER Gaylord. All of the KAA Chief Instructors are directly under GRANDMASTER Gaylord and teach his method of KAJUKENBO. The purpose of the KAA is to preserve and promote the art of KAJUKENBO "Gaylord's Method" GRANDMASTER CHARLES H. GAYLORD Grandmaster Gaylord has been actively training in the art of Kajukenbo for over 52 years. In 1980, He received his 9th degree Black Belt from the Kajukenbo founder, Sijo Adriano Emperado. Grandmaster Gaylord began his training in Hawaii under Kajukenbo Black Belt George (Paul) Seronio. In the early 1960s he moved to Northern California where he began teaching in San Leandro . He brought to the mainland the effective hard and heavy hitting style of Kajukenbo which he had learned from his instructors. Over the years, has developed his internal and external Martial Arts Skills through practical application training, along with meditation and constant research of mind over body studies. In September 1995, the K.A.A. and all of its Black Belts promoted Grandmaster Gaylord to the honorary rank of 10th degree Black Belt. The K.A.A. believes that this was necessary to ensure the desired level of excellence for their organization. Since then, Sijo Emperado has also recognized him as such. Grandmaster Gaylord has been recognized and inducted into The World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, for Grandmaster, July 12th, 1997, the Masters Martial Arts Hall of Fame, for Life Time Achievement, July 20th, 2000 and the North American Martial Arts Hall of Fame, for Sokeship. September 16th, 2000. Grandmaster Gaylord has produced countless quality Black Belts who have become top competitors and instructors both nationally and internationally. To ensure the quality of his instructors, he holds a monthly Black Belt Class, where he teaches over 70 Black Belts who have schools located in the Western United States. He also provides special seminars to those schools which cannot regularly train with him.Among just a few of his other accomplishment GGM Gaylord has schools across the globe. Great Grand Master Gaylord by way of his reputation was chosen by the discovery channel to represent the United States in a production called quest where to men traveled the world to train in that countries most prestigious fighting system. GGM is a kind and humble person who was also a close friend to Bruce Lee .Yet you will never hear the man boast or mention his great accreditations.Again It has been one of my greatest honors to train and be a member of his great organization.
Resident of Fremont, CA Born in Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahu to Julia and William Gaylord. Charles Henry Gaylord attended Kaimuki High School where he excelled in sports. He played basketball, was an all-star varsity football running back, and was involved with the Future Farmers of America. At the age of 17, his introduction into martial arts began. After receiving his black belt, he became the second generation of the Emperado Method of Kajukenbo and in 1963, was one of the first to bring this style of martial arts to the Mainland. Inspiring others to become their best, many of Charles' black belts went on to open their own schools, further expanding the Kajukenbo Association of America, Gaylord's Method and earned world-wide respect and recognition. He dedicated his life to martial arts and held the honorable rank of Great Grandmaster. Beloved father of Kelly G. McCormick, Vanessa Alo, and Charlene Shires, cherished grandfather of Ryan McCormick, Kevin McCormick, Brandon Gaylord-Buetow, Jordan Cravalho, Kerry Melelani McCormick, and Logan Shires, caring brother of Gertrude and (Wendall) Zartman, Dorothy Shire, Lillian Henriquez, Peggy Ann and (Stanley) Angelo, Alan and (Christine) Gaylord, and deceased siblings, Edward Gaylord, William Gaylord, Jr., Robert Gaylord, and Walter Gaylord. He was uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was the treasured father-in-law of Patrick McCormick, Tim Alo, and Dennis Shires and former husband of Elizabeth Gaylord and Mildred Gaylord. Respected Great Grandmaster to all of his martial arts 'ohana. Friends, family and martial artists are invited to a Celebration of Life Memorial on Saturday, August 15, 2009 at Sacred Heart Parish, 13716 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga
Charles Henry Gaylord Sept. 24, 1936 - Aug. 4, 2009
