About Us

At Kombative Arts Dojo, we take pride in offering personalized training programs aimed at helping students develop both mental and physical discipline. Our Dojo teaches the American Kara Ryukyu Tatakai Jutsu, a mixed martial arts method that combines American boxing, Okinawan Kempo Jujitsu, Chinese Kung Fu, and Chin-Na.

Our Kempo roots are traced back to the Hawaiian Islands, and the Palama settlement where Sijo Adriano Emperado taught Kajukenbo to Grandmaster Victor (Sonny) Gascon.

Kajukenbo is the 1st Mixed Martial Art (MMA) created in the United States, introduced in 1949.

What Sets Us Apart?

Personalized Training: Our approach to martial arts is deeply personal, recognizing the unique path each student takes and providing guidance that resonates with their journey.
Carrying on in the tradition of Kajukenbo: The American Kara Ryukyu Tatakai Jutsu style is more than a set of techniques; it's a living history, and we are proud bearers of its legacy.
Expertise and Experience: Over 25 years of teaching and being a custodian of the traditional styles while incorporating modern techniques of MMA.

We are proud members of the Black Belt Society.

Meet the Instructor

Shihan Keith Gambino, 5th Dan

Our story begins in 1985, on the south shore of Long Island, NY. Sensei Keith was introduced to Sensei Willing and Sensei Romeo by his older brother, Thomas (Tommy). He began training in the American Combat Karate at Rab's Gym in Huntington, NY.

In 1987, Shihan Keith suffered a motorcycle accident which paused his training to recover and rehabilitate in the year following his accident. While recovering, American Combat Karate closed its operations. After years of post-operation recovery, Shihan Keith continued his training at Kempo Martial Arts Dojo in Farmingdale, New York. His training with Chief Instructor, Sensei Adam Yasso began in 1995 - but created a lifelong friendship.

In January 2000, Shihan Keith achieved a significant milestone and was awarded his first black belt in Kempo Karate by Grandmaster Richard Fescina. Tragically, on September 11, 2001, he lost his brother, Firefighter Tommy Gambino Jr. of Rescue 3 in the World Trade Center attack. This loss inspired Keith to create Caneworks Self-Defense, a unique system using a walking cane for self-defense.

Later that year, Shihan Keith earned his 2nd Dan black belt and began studying White Crane Chin-Na under Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming, integrating these techniques into his Kempo Jujitsu practice. By 2004, he had received his 3rd Dan and the official title of Sensei. He started teaching Shaolin White Crane Chin-Na and Caneworks Self-Defense at Kempo Martial Art Dojo locations across Long Island.

In 2009 Shihan Keith was awarded his 4th Dan and the title of Senior Instructor, marking over 25 years of teaching mixed martial arts. His journey reflects a deep commitment to martial arts, personal resilience, and the continuous pursuit of excellence in his discipline. By the summer of 2024, Shihan Keith was granted his 5th-degree black belt.

History & Influence

It began in post-WW2 Hawaii. Five friends, each with a drastically different self-defense background.

Peter Choo - Tang So Do
Joe Holck - Kodenkan Dan Zan Ryu
Clarence Chang - Sil Lum Gung Fu
Frank Orondez - Dan Zan Ryu
Sijo Adriano Emperado - Kara Ho / Kosho Ryu

Each style on its own presented strengths and weaknesses. The idea came to begin to cross-train and learn how to combine these techniques to breed a stronger self-defense system. Together they crafted a new mixed martial art that would continue to evolve over the next 75 years and has become world-renowned.

Contact

Call: (863) 388-4716

Email: kombativeartsdojo@gmail.com