Sensei Dale Kahoun
Sensei Dale Kahoun has been training in Martial Arts for over 37 years. He currently holds a Rokudan in Kodenkan Danzanryu Jujitsu, a Sandan in Kodokan Judo, and a Nidan in Kenjuryu Kenpo Jujitsu. He has trained in Aikido, Eskrima, Kashima Shinryu, and was a Police Defensive Tactics and Impact Weapons Instructor for twelve years (certified to instruct police instructors). He retired after 27 years of police service after receiving an on-duty injury during a foot pursuit (yes he apprehended the suspect).
When Sensei Kahoun retired he was awarded a Distinguished Service Commendation, recognition primarily for apprehension of predatory felons.
Sensei Kahoun was a student of Dai Shihan Sig Kufferath. Sensei Kahoun's Judo Sensei include Charles Robinson and Mervin Tate of the United States Judo Association. He is life member # 682 of the United States Judo Association, a lifetime member and a founder of Kilohana Martial Arts Association (serving seven years as Secretary and Sergeant at Arms), a life member of the American Jujitsu Institute, a life member of the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation, and a Jujitsu Board Member for the United World Martial Arts Federation. Sensei Kahoun is an (honorary) California representative for the Hawaii Martial Art Society International. Sensei Kahoun is author and distributor of the Kilohana Workbook. The workbook was completed after three years labor as directed by Professor Dai Shihan Sig Kufferath, as to what he would prefer to see demonstrated for Danzanryu Jujitsu rank promotion.
Sensei Kahoun has a lifetime California Teaching CertifIcate for California Community Colleges for Martial Art (PE), has taught at community colleges, parks and recreations departments and private dojos which included his own school, Mushinkai Judo and Jujitsu Dojo in Santa Cruz where Dale's wife Annette (Jujitsu Sandan) was second in command. Sensei Kahoun is now retired and living in Lake County California but still enjoys instructing as a guest instructor and refereeing sport Jujitsu. Sensei Kahoun may be reached by email: dekahoun@sbcglobal.net
My Philosophy and Direction Regarding Instructing Martial Arts
To say that I am a Traditionalist is a pat answer that probably confuses many. Tradition refers to those things that have value that stand the test of time. Tradition not only endures but also keeps up with the times and evolves.
I am a Student of Martial Art, and those who feel that they have reached a pinnacle also have to explore the depths. Martial Art is not just a group of techniques.
I do not advocate the philosophy of simply leaving an opponent destroyed. In true Martial Art there is caring, even for an enemy. In the history of martial (war) art, empires that have conquered have enlisted the aid if their former enemies to continue expansion.
It takes greater skill to capture an opponent and neutralize them than to harm or kill them. The choices of course are circumstantial.
If you have truly dominated a foe, then it is time to care for them.
There are many aspects to true Traditional Martial Art. Self-Defense does not complete my definition of Martial Art. A Martial Art should have aspects within it that include but are not limited to: War Art (with weapons and hand to hand combat), Police Arts (capturing techniques), First Aid and Healing Arts (which might include restorative massage, knowledge of anatomy and some medicines or strengthening concoctions), Competition (where your intention is to test yourself and attempt to defeat an opponent in sport), Demonstration Arts (to display techniques at their optimum and to entertain). These Competition and Demonstration aspects were/are often implemented to keep warriors sharp and prepared even during times of peace.
Tradition includes Internal Strengthening (usually meditation-focus oriented). Moral Codes, the Law of the Land, Strategies and History should all be included with ones Martial Study. I do not belittle those who study only fighting arts, but glean what I can from any specialist. I don't think less of those who specialize and often find much to admire in them and their art.
From slings and bows and arrows to laser sighted firearms, the implements change, the strategies and the mindset stay the same.
As important as the obvious beautiful demonstration technique is the unseen effective quiet technique.
In my study, which has spanned the most of my life so far, I have enjoyed, endured or survived many aspects of martial art that I have found myself submerged in. A great satisfaction for me is to pass on information to those next in line. I take great pride and satisfaction in being a part of diverse traditions.