Yoshii's Kajukenbo

In 1971, GM Brian Yoshii began his Martial Arts training under KAJUKENBO Black Belt SGM Max Pallen in Oakland, CA. In 1973, he continued his training under KAJUKENBO Black Belt SGM Pete Morales at the Gaylord School of Karate in Fremont, CA and later at the Golden Dragon School of Karate in Newark, CA. In 1977, he received his Black Belt from SGM Pete Morales. In 1980, he was awarded the title of Head Instructor and also became co-owner of Golden Dragon School of Karate. In 1989, he opened Yoshii’s Kajukenbo in Santa Clara, CA and was awarded the title of Chief Instructor by Great Grandmaster (GGM) Charles H. Gaylord. On September 30, 2006, he received the title and rank of Professor 8th Degree by GGM Gaylord. On September 24, 2016, he received the title and rank of Grandmaster 9th degree under the KAA. SGM Pete Morales and SGM Bill Gifford conducted this promotion, along with being witnessed by KAA Senior Black Belts and the KAA Board of Directors. Over the years, GM Yoshii has won numerous lightweight division sparring championships mainly in the Northern California San Francisco Bay Area. He has also promoted a number of top quality Black Belts: Chris Brinkerhoff (World Champion Kickboxer), Pat Brinkerhoff, Rick DeOcampo, Jeff Gutierrez, Ross Yamamoto, Dean Goldade, John Bono, Elizabeth Roman, Duane Fisher and Rick Robles. GM Yoshii is the former President (15+ years) of the KAJUKENBO ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (KAA). He was hand picked to train privately under GGM Gaylord for 20+ years. He was a member of the Gaylord Kajukenbo Demonstration Team USA. He also trained privately with SGM Bill Gifford for 10+ years. He is a 1980 graduate of San Jose State University. He was employed by Santa Clara County in the criminal justice division for 19+ years. He worked with Global Security Teams at Cisco, NetApp, Symantec and Apple for 11+ years. He was employed as the Security Director at Vantage Data Centers for 5+ years and recently retired in 2015. GM Yoshii truly believes that martial art training helps a person develop their body, mind and spirit in a positive way. Kajukenbo Forever!