Kajukenbo is a mixture of several forms of martial arts. It is a combination of Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, Kenpo and Chinese boxing. The name can mean one of two things: "ka" means "long life," "ju" means "happiness," "ken" means "fist" and "bo" means "style"; or the other way to look at it is "ka" for "Karate," "ju" for "Judo and Jujitsu," "ken" for "Kenpo" and "bo" for "Chinese boxing."

Kajukenbo is used as a self-defense mechanism. Weapons such as swords and staffs are not used. Kajukenbo is used for real-life situations - like defending oneself from attacks with knives and defending against punches, kicks and chokes.

Since Kajukenbo is meant to defend against real-life situations, "unfair" tactics, such as eye gouging and strikes to the groin, are generally acceptable. While training, Kajukenbo fighters are well-equipped when it comes to protective gear.

Kajukenbo is a great form of not only self-defense but also cardio exercise. Two strong hours of Kajukenbo will work many parts of your body, as well as get your heart rate up. There are various styles of Kajukenbo, though the fundamentals are generally the same.

In 1959, Kung Fu was added to the Kajukenbo style, as it is always expanding and adding more styles that are relevant to real-life situations.