Senior Grand Master Kalaii Kano Griffin was born in Maui Hawaii on March 15th, 1939.  He began his training at eight years old with his Grandmother who taught him the self-defense that she had learned in China, instructing him in various blocking and hand techniques.  He later trained under his uncle in the Art of Jujitsu.

Over six decades Senior Grand Master Griffin's studies included, but were not limited to, such disciplines as Kajukenbo Karate, Chinese Kenpo Karate, Jujitsu, Vee Arnis Jitsu, Goju Ryu, Aikijitsu, Kung Fu, Judo, Isshin Ryu, and Tai Chi for which he holds high ranking Black Belts in them all.

In these styles, he trained under some of the most renowned teachers; including: Sijo Adriano D. Emperado, Professor Florendo Visitacion, Sergeant George Harris, Dr. Peter Urban, Master Woody Chan, Dr. Robert Trias, Grandmaster Edmond K. Parker, and Dr. Daniel Pai. 

Senior Grand Master Griffin was featured in many prominent publications such as Inside Kung Fu, Budo and Action Martial Arts Magazines and also worked with several martial celebrities such as Bruce Lee, Ernie Reyes Senior, and their equally famous offspring, just to name a few.

Over his years of study, Senior Grand Master Griffin received many honors including induction into numerous Black Belt Halls of Fame.  Senior Grand Master Griffin also served as the Massachusetts State Director for the International Police Tactics Association and as a sworn Deputy to the Sheriff of Hampden County. Renowned for his exceptional teaching abilities and the effectiveness of his techniques, he offered certified seminars and workshops tailored to the specific needs of local, state, and federal agencies (which included training the Royal Canadian Mounted Police).

In his later years, Senior Grand Master Griffin dedicated his life to the spread of Kajukenbo Karate in the Eastern United States as a direct disciple of Sijo Adriano D. Emperado and the East Coast Representative of Kajukenbo Emperado Method, K.S.D.I Inc.  Grandmaster Griffin held the highest rank achievable in the Kajukenbo System of 9th Degree Black Belt.

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