Professor Adriano Emperado is the founder of the Kajukenbo Self-Defense Institute of Hawaii and was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1926. Professor Emperado is a master of Escrima, Jujitsu, and various Kenpo forms. In addition, he has studied Okinawan Karate, Chinese Kung Fu, Hawaiian Lua, American Boxing and Wrestling, as well as various arts which utilize such weapons as the staff, club and knife.

During World War II, Professor Emperado was attached to the First Filipino Infantry Regiment as a Medical Corp Man, during which time he received various awards and citations for military accomplishments. Professor Emperado received much of his martial arts training from Professor William K.S. Chow and James Mitose. In 1947, he was part of the Black Belt Society that developed the art form currently known as Kajukenbo. He created it with individuals who studied Tang Soo Do, Judo, Jujitsu, and Boxing. The title of Professor was given to Professor Emperado by Professor Lum and Professor Wong of the Chinese Physical Cultural Society of Hawaii and Master Ho Gau of Hong Kong to represent Choi Li Fat Ga. He was elected to the Black Belt Hall of Fame in 1991. Presently the Professor holds the highest title in Kajukenbo, 10th degree.

His place on the Who's Who in Kenpo is primarily due to him being the senior student in Mr. Chow's class when Mr. Ed Parker began to study. He is also listed here to show the relation and common root between Kenpo and Kajukenbo.

For more information on Kajukenbo, one website to check out would be Kajukenbo.org.