Universal Kempo

Universal Kempo Karate Schools Association was grounded on October 23, 1981 by Martin T. Buell. The UKKSA uses the methods of escape, control, and destroy in self-defense training considering the escalation of force. The objectives of the UKKSA are first to teach self-defense; second, to improve physical conditioning; third, to improve self-discipline, moral character, and humility; and fourth, to develop comradeship among students and to encourage one another to help each other, so all can prosper and develop.

Early Life of Buell

Martin T. Buell was born on August 31, 1942, in Honolulu, Hawaii, of Irish and Chinese ancestry. Buell began his martial arts career in 1953 when he began studying at the Kaimuki YMCA in Honolulu. In 1956, Buell trained in “Kenpo” at the Central YMCA, Honolulu, Hawaii, with Thomas Young.

In 1957, Buell began his training in the Kajukenbo System with Adriano Emperado. He enrolled in the Kajukenbo Kaimuki YMCA Branch after observing a martial arts demonstration.

Learning and training at the Kajukenbo System, Emperado Method under Emperado was the foundation planted and the beginning of Buell's dedication to the martial arts. Some of the professor's other instructors were Paul Seronio, Al Reyes, and Walter Godin.

Promotions of Buell

Buell received his black belt in 1966, his second degree in February 1969, and third degree in June 1970. Buell continued his teaching and training for many years and was promoted to fifth degree Chief Instructor.

Buell preserved his love for Kempo Karate by having several schools under his leadership. The beginning of it all was started at the Pacific Palisades Community Center in 1966. His second branch opened in 1972 at the Highlands Intermediate School in Pearl City, Hawaii, and his third in 1974 at the Newtown Estates Recreational Center in Aiea, Hawaii. Buell trained many instructors, some of whom started schools on the mainland during this period. These locations included schools in Colorado, Virginia, Washington, West Indies, Guam, California, Texas, New Hampshire, and Ohio. The name Universal Kempo Karate Schools Association came into effect on October 23, 1981. Buell created a Board of Directors, comprised of the Chief and Senior Head Instructors and all heads of schools under the UKKSA banner. As head of the UKKSA, Martin Buell was recommended by his Board of Directors to be advanced to the rank of Professor.

On May 22, 1982, Buell was promoted to the rank of Professorship, 10th Degree. The promotion was witnessed by many martial artists in Hawaii and from afar. This event was held at the Momilani Recreation Center in Pearl City, Hawaii. After the promotion, Buell's 300-member Universal team provided a very special martial arts demonstration before hundreds of guests in honor of such a rare event. The promotion was at a formal setting where past and present students participated in the special ceremony. There was a formal meal and gifts were awarded to Buell as well as special hula dancingFact|date=May 2008 dedicated to the professorship of Buell.

Merits of Buell

The Universal Kempo Karate Schools Association's hard style and training has remained the same as its predecessor. Buell continues to teach the hard body contact training, the animal, and street fighting as taught to him by the countless hours and days of devoted training.

Buell developed and improved the Universal Kempo Karate system with modern methods and innovations. His love for Kempo Karate has always driven him to further its growth.

Buell, a strong and rugged fighter, won countless sparring matches in tournament competitions. He has trained many of the most successful martial arts competitors.

Some of Buell's notable moments were:

*1969, Most Outstanding Competitor—All American Championships
*1968, Most Outstanding Competitor—Kajukenbo Championships
*1968, Member of Sparring Team—Hawaii vs. Mainland
*1968, All Hawaii Karate Championships—Runner Up
*1969, Member of Sparring Team—Hawaii vs. Mainland
*1974, Captain of Sparring Team—Hawaii vs. Mainland
*1978, Coach—Hawaii All Stars (Highly successful sparring team participating at the Professional Karate Association Championships in Baltimore, Maryland)

Buell helped to form the Hawaiian Martial Arts Association, was past Commissioner for the Professional Karate Association, past Rating Chairman for Karate Illustrated Magazine, well-known professional referee for point and full-contact tournaments, and tournament organizer and director for many of Hawaii's martial arts tournaments.

Buell's Greatest Fulfillments

Buell's greatest fulfillment with the martial arts is enjoying teaching and helping the student who really needs help. He is devoted to the well-being and education in assisting students of the martial arts to become effective participants in society. Buell has to his credit the opportunity to know, enjoy, and train thousands of students that have made themselves better by just knowing him.

References