GGM Al Dela Cruz

GGM Al Dela Cruz

Kajukenbo Chuan-Fa

Great Grand Master Alfred Dela Cruz first started martial arts training in Judo at 10 years old. At age 15, He took up boxing at the Aiea Boxing gym in 1957. In December 1957, he met a high ranking black belt named GM Sid Ascuncion. GGM Dela Cruz began training at GM Sid Ascuncion’s Kenpo Karate School In Kalihi in early 1958. GGM Dela Cruz received his black belt certificate from GM Sid Ascuncion in 1963.

In the early 1960’s, GGM Dela Cruz was introduced to Sijo Adriano Emperado by GM Sid Ascuncion. During the years between 1963 and 1970, GGM Dela Cruz and GGM Al Dacascos met with Sijo Emperado at a restaurant named Kau Kau Jr. on Nimitz Highway. GGM Al Dacascos was a cook at Kau Kau Jr. at the time and Sijo Emperado would stop by as the area was on his beat as a Honolulu Harbor Police Officer. Sijo Emperado would show GGM Dela Cruz and GGM Dacascos a lot of Kung Fu moves, as this was the BO(Chinese Boxing) in the KAJUKENBO System. The three would also meet frequently at Pier 7 and at the Ilikai Hotel to talk about Kajukenbo training and techniques, while having coffee and a bite to eat. In the mid 1970’s, Sijo Emperado advised GGM Dela Cruz to use the Chuan-Fa (Fist/Chinese Boxing) name, in his school name, so the school became the Kajukenbo Chuan-Fa Kung Fu School.

GGM Dela Cruz also became a Honolulu Police Officer in February 1971. He competed in boxing in three International Police Olympic Games:

1978 - San Diego, Bronze Medal
1980 - New York, Bronze Medal
1982 - Houston, Bronze Medal

GGM Dela Cruz also competed and won a Bronze medal in the 1984 International Police Olympic Games in Canada in Karate-Kumite. He retired from HPD on December 30, 1999. The very next day, he started as a Honolulu Police Reserve Officer, where he continues in that capacity to this day. He has 50 years of total service to the Honolulu Police Department.