Professor Sal Banuelos

Professor Sal

Professor Sal Banuelos has a unique blend of training to offer his students. Professor Banuelos studied Tae Kwon Do, Shotokan Karate, American Boxing and wrestling for many years before finally deciding on Kajukenbo as his lifelong commitment. He chose Kajukenbo because of the realistic street fighting approach to self-defense. Coming from various styles, Kajukenbo was an awaking art to him, with pulling hair and biting techniques. Multiple fighters with weapons and empty hands gave him the feeling of the real street fights. Growing up in the projects of San Jose California, this style made it sense.

Professor Banuelos received his Black Belt from Sigung Steve Kantoniemi of the Crazy Dragons. He also trained with Sifu Bob Hernandez. As well as under Sifu Bill Owens who awarded him a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Wun-Hop-Kuen-Do. Professor Banuelos received his 5th Degree under Ahgung Tony Ramos. He received his professorship from GrandMaster Gary Forbach and Grandmaster Ted Sotello in September 2007.

Professor Banuelos has been a martial arts instructor since 1985. In addition to owning and operating the NAK Martial Arts Center in Gilbert Arizona he has also taught at universities, high schools, law enforcement agencies and women's self-defense seminars throughout the Bay Area, Hawaii and Arizona.

With his experience in numerous styles, Professor Banuelos continues to believe that the instructor should also be a student. He therefore, continues to study and increase his skills and knowledge so that he can pass on the very latest in self-defense techniques to his students. He has added JuiJitsu, Sayoc Kali, Kickboxing, Mix Martial Arts and his own blend of street fighting techniques. He created a unique system for women only, with a blend of MMA , self defense techniques and Kimo Muay Thai.

His goal is not only to make great fighters but build better people. Professor Banuelos has said “This world does not need better fighters, it needs better people. People who live with all the black belt principles in mind. People who truly obey the laws of martial arts, are respectful to others and are loyal to their team and loved ones”.

Professor Banuelos' Philosophy and Teaching

I feel blessed. I feel blessed to meet daily with people from all walks of life whose lives convince me that there is a lot of good among us. I feel blessed to know strong fathers and mothers who do their very best every day to nurture and provide for their children. I feel blessed to be around children who are rich in character and committed to make a difference – each in their own unique way. I believe that most people are good trying to do good things for others and that we should not let the negative minority drown out the good that is around us. I always feel that there is always more that I can be giving, more that I can do for others, more that I can learn from others and more that I can be getting out of life. I believe that my most important work is ahead of me, not behind me. I look for worthy ways to make a difference in the lives of others. Martial Arts has given me such a great gift. My goal in life is not to make better fighters or better competitors but better people, people with integrity and loyalty. People who not only want to make their lives and their families lives safer by learning the martial arts but people who want to give back to others. My hope is to provide you inspiration to personally get a little more out of life and – yes, give a little more too.

Professor Banuelos

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