ABOUT THE AKMA
Founded in 2007 in Burbank, California by Shihan (Head Instructor) Marcello Aguinid, the Association of Kenpo Martial Artists (AKMA) has taught the martial art of Kenpo to students ranging in age from 2 to 65 years old. Kenpo is a 2,500-year-old martial art combining the hard, linear strikes of Japanese karate with the flowing, circular movements of Chinese kung fu. Although it is primarily a striking art, it may also incorporate grappling and takedowns. Kenpo was brought to the mainland United States in the mid-1950s by Grandmaster Edmund K. Parker, where it has grown in popularity ever since.
The AKMA’s approach to Kenpo is trifold. Not only do students learn the physical aspects of the art, they also learn how to develop the mental and spiritual fortitude necessary to defend oneself effectively and decisively in a physical confrontation. Training at the AKMA focuses on reality-based self-defense rather than sport competition. Students of the AKMA do not learn how to score points and win trophies; they learn how to confront danger and, if necessary, fight to the best of their abilities in order to go home safely.
The AKMA dojo itself is a welcoming, nurturing and safe place to train, free from the ego and negative energy that is sometimes found in martial arts. There is zero tolerance for intimidation, bullying or ridicule; rather, all students are taught to guide and encourage others in their training. Classes are not overly ritualized; while the AKMA acknowledges and respects traditions of the past, its focus is on teaching students to fight, not perform.
Shihan Aguinid personally leads the instruction for all classes, which are held six days a week at the dojo in Burbank. Remote learning options are also available.
Prospective students are invited to contact Shihan Aguinid for a free trial lesson to determine whether the AKMA is suitable for them. There is no pressure and no contracts to sign. Students are billed on a month-to-month basis and may cancel their membership at any time without penalty.
We look forward to seeing you at the dojo.
SHIHAN MARCELLO AGUINID
A U.S. Army veteran, Shihan Aguinid has over 20 years' experience in Kenpo, first as a student under Shidoshi P.S. Wimberly, then later as an instructor in his own right. A native of Southern California, Shihan Aguinid's first exposure to the martial arts was through watching classic kung fu films on TV while he was growing up. Later on, he decided to actually start training in order to develop strength and confidence. Besides Kenpo, Shihan Aguinid has also formally trained in Bahala na Escrima.
When not running the dojo or training, Shihan Aguinid enjoys surfing, boogie boarding, weight training, running, roleplaying games, watching action and science fiction movies (his favorite seems to be Captain America: The Winter Soldier ), spending time with his family, and barbecuing with friends with whom he can wax spiritual.
Owner and Head Instructor
“Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it."
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe