SIFU WILLIS

Hall of Famer. World rated. Nationally ranked, martial arts competitor Jimmy Willis holds a 5th degree Black Belt in KAJUKENBO "Gaylord's Method" Karate and a 3rd degree Black Belt in Taekwondo.

Sifu Willis began studying the martial arts in 1976 under KAJUKENBO Black Belt Gabe Vargas, and competing in 1979. In 1991 he received his 4th degree Black Belt and in 1998 he received his 5th degree Black Belt under KAJUKENBO Professor Charles H. Gaylord.

Sifu Willis has been rated in Men's Fighting, Kata, and Weapons Kata on the tournament circuit. He is also undefeated in Full Contact Kick Boxing. Sifu Willis specializes in Wrestling; in 1978 he was the Bay Area Champion (Alameda County, CA.) in the 156 lbs weight class. He has also competed in boxing, Muay Thai Kick Boxing, Escrima and Kabaroan ( Escrima stick fighting art).

Sifu Willis' career in competition has been limited by his military service; he participated in Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990, with 41st C.S.H. (Combat Support Hospital). In 1992, he was also stationed in Germany and in the Philippines, then moved Fresno, CA in 1994. He currently resides in Fresno, where he teaches martial arts and promotes self esteem and self discipline. He is known for producing top competitors within the Martial Arts circuit, youth and adult, male and female. Sifu Willis was nominated to The World Martial Arts Hall of Fame on July 12, 1997, for "Outstanding Contribution to the Martial Arts." On July 15th, 2000, Sifu Willis was inducted into the Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and on July 20th the Masters Hall of Fame for "Leadership". Since 1998 Sifu Willis has been rated number #1 in Black Belt Weapons and Men's Black Belt Forms and #2 in Fighting (IMAC). In 2000 Sifu Willis is rated in the top 10 NASKA rankings and #1 in Gold Cup Nationals in Weapons and in Men's Black Belt Traditional Forms.

Sifu Willis has represented both the Army and Karate by participating on Karate Programs in San Antonio, TX (Karate World and Kicks For Punches on local TV), local newspapers, and tournaments internationally. He represented KAJUKENBO and the U.S. Army by placing 2nd overall in 1988 Taekwondo Olympic trials in the men's Middle Weight division.

The following instructors are credited for Sifu Willis' Martial Arts education: Gabe Vargas (KAJUKENBO), Tony Hemenes (KAJUKENBO), Professor Charles H. Gaylord (KAJUKENBO), Al Dacascos (KAJUKENBO, Won Hop Kwon Do), Larry Lockhart (Taekwondo), and Sijo Ramiro Estalilla (KABAROAN).

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