by John Bishop


Grandmaster Aleju Reyes was one of Kajukenbo's most loved and respected instructors. He was a direct student of Sijo Emperado and served as Sijo's Sergeant of Arms, keeping a journal of all the details of the Kajukenbo systems evolution thru the years.

Outside of the Kajukenbo system "Al Reyes" was considered one of the best tournament officials in the country and hosted the Northern Pacific Nationals, which was nationally recognized tournament in the 60s and 70s.

Grandmaster Reyes was one of the first Kajukenbo instructor's on the mainland and one of the founders of the Kajukenbo Association of America, in 1967. In 1969 he became the first president of the International Kajukenbo Association. Kajukenbo lost a great mentor, teacher, father, and friend when Al Reyes died in 1977; but his teachings live on. The spirit in which he taught is carried on by his many black belts around the world.

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