NAK Instructors
Sigung Louis Banuelos
Born in 1968 Sigung Luis Banuelos began training in 1976 right along with brother Sal Banuelos. He began with boxing ,Shotokan Karate , Tae Kwon Do until he found Kajukenbo 1981. Kajukenbo was exactly what was needed growing up in east side San Jose. He loved the effectiveness and realistic approach to fighting and open minded approach to self defense. Growing up close to his brother they managed to train and receive all major ranks up to Sigung in the Kajukenbo system together from the same instructors, a great accomplishment for both. He primarily trained and received his Black belt from Sigung Steve Kantoniemi under Sigi Greg Lagera`s Crazy Dragons Kajukenbo. Greg Lagera was a great influence to Sigung Luis` competitive aspirations. He received his 5th degree from Ahgung Tony Ramos and 7th degree from Grand Master Gary Forbach. In 1991 he moved to Hawaii and began teaching Kajukenbo along with women`s self defense seminars and sparring work shops. He loved competing in karate tournaments in the bay area since 1981 and continued in Hawaii. Through the tournament scene in Hawaii he met and became closer to many of the great late Professors from Ahgung Tony Ramos, Professor Walter Godin, Professor Albuna, Professor Ed Louis, Professor Tiwanak, and Professor Snooky Sanches. He managed to win more grand championship titles in freestyle tournaments than any other Hawaii competitor in the 90`s. He was ranked #1 in 95, 96, and 97 in the Hawaii Karate League. A high light for him was being chosen to participate in the "Hawaii vs Mainland" tournaments in 95, 96, and 97; a series reenactment of tournaments last done in the 70`s. He still enjoys competing today and trains people of all ages to compete. He believes in keeping it simple. "It's just a game for excitement and you get to try out techniques on people who train just as hard as you do". Sigung Luis is currently teaching kajukenbo classes at the elementary and high school levels at 3 of the Learning Foundation and Performing Arts Schools in Arizona. His focus is on black belt principals, fitness and self defense. The program covers anti-bullying, child abductions, and anti-drugs. Philosophy and Teachings: Training is a family way of life and nothing compares to the benefit that it can offer. Kajukenbo can change lives, attitudes, awareness and perception on life. Most of all Kajukenbo keeps us feeling younger, stronger and flexible. Teaching people to be more confident and respectful are some of the most rewarding benefits of being an instructor at North American Kajukenbo. I truly believe in the Kajukenbo motto "To train strong is to remain strong"
Sifu Sal Banuelos
Born in San Jose, Ca. July 7, 1987. Has been training with NAK since he was 3 years old. Received his Jr. Black Belt when he was 11 years old. Received his first degree Black Belt when he was 15 years old. Sal has earned his third degree Black Belt and title of Sifu in 2007.Sal also teaches hip hop dancing at his studio called Sal's Groove Factory. He is a member of the Fresh 2 Def Dance Company and has competed in hip hop dance nationwide and has won several titles. He currently studies business at Chandler Gilbert Community College. Philosophy and Teachings: Enjoys mentoring young kids in martial arts and dance. Not only helping them to become better martial artists and dancers but better people.
Sihing Henry Castaneda
Born in San Jose Ca. September 5, 1978. Began training with NAK in 1993. He received his black belt in 1998. He achieved his title of Sihing and 2nd degree in 2004. He was awarded the 2007 instructor of the year. Sihing Henry likes helping people find their inner strengths. Making them tougher and better martial artists. Teaching and Philosophy: Believes training and keeping all materials fresh and is a big believer in realistic training.
Sihing Jessica Walters
Born in 1979 March 2nd in Utah. Began training with NAK in 2002 and earned her Black Belt in 2005 and her title of Sihing and first degree in 2006. She teaches our little dragon classes and assists with the women's kickboxing classes. In addition to teaching and training at NAK she is currently a certified aerobic instructor at the YMCA. She is also a mentor and leader of the teenage girls group with her church. Teaching & Philosophy: Enjoys helping women become stronger.
Sihing Nico Banuelos
Born in San Jose, Ca. December 10, 1990. Nico started with NAK when he was 3 years old. He earned his Jr. Black Belt at the age of 9 and his Student Black Belt at the age of 11. Nico earned his Second Degree Black Belt in 2006 at the age of 15 and his Sihing title in 2007.Nico is currently a Junior at Higley High in Gilbert, Arizona. He has been a varsity wrestler for the past 3 years. He is also plays football for Higley High. He is a hip hop dancer with the Fresh 2 Def dance company. He has competed nationwide and has won several titles, right beside his older brother Sal. Philosophy and Teaching: Nico likes to encourage kids to stay positive and never be scared of life but to attack it. He wants them to be confident in what they have and who they are and to live life to their full potential - leaving no regrets.
NAK Assistant Instructors
Cesar Inzuna
Born May 27, 1965 in Superior Arizona. Holds a Black Belt in TaeKwonDo. Began training at NAK in 2004. He received his Student Black Belt with NAK in 2007. He has 6 years military background and tactical Close Quarter Battle training. He has 142 parachute jumps! Enjoys outdoor weaponry. He holds the record for the high jump at Superior High School. Philosophy and Teaching: He loves to be a part of the students success and helping them reach their goals. His favorite saying "The easiest day was yesterday".
Jacquie Vigil
Jacqui's first experience with Kajukenbo was in 1985 when she was looking for self defense training while attending the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She earned a purple belt but then had to stop training when she and her husband Marvin moved to Arizona in 1986. The years from 1986 to 2002 were filled with earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in business, having her two children; Rachel in 1988 and Matthew in 1995, and working on her career as an accountant. In 2002, Jacqui met Professor Banuelos and joined the NAK team the next day with her daughter who was then 14. Her husband, Marvin, and son, Matt, began training the next year. Jacqui earned her Black Belt in 2007 and her husband and son are aiming to achieve their Black Belts in 2008. Daughter Rachel joined the Navy in 2006 and is currently serving in North Carolina. Philosphy and Teaching: Put your goals in concrete and your plans in sand. Life has a way of surprising you and you may have to make detours along the way. If your goal is kept clear in your mind and you NEVER give up, you WILL achieve it. Talent and luck are good things to have but persistence will always win in the end.
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