JCMA History

JCMA Beginnings

In 1980, Jesse started teaching Kajukenbo as an assistant instructor. He assisted at both KSDI Vallejo and a Kajukenbo program in South Vallejo. In 1983, as a Black Belt, he taught at various dojos in order to help other various senior instructors at dojos. In 1999, the first J. Corpus Martial Arts ("JCMA") dojo opened in Antioch, CA. In 2004, Jesse moved back to Vallejo and opened his second dojo, known as simple "J2". In 2007, J3 was opened in American Canyon, CA.

JCMA Today

American Canyon's JCMA program is still thriving today. In September 2016, Jesse and his brother, GM Jerry Corpus, opened JCMA Benicia. Due to the untimely passing of SGM Jerry Corpus, his nephew Master Joshua Corpus took over operations however, due to the pandemic JCMA Benicia closed its doors in 2021. Today, JCMA Benicia has been integrated with JCMA American Canyon.

GM Jesse's primary teaching philosophy is to "...teach them well and let them lead the way..." this means teaching from the heart and emphasizing a family or "Ohana" oriented environment. His goal is to train and develop leaders using this martial arts program as the vehicle. His faith strengthens his dedication to the youth and young adults of our community. GM Jesse has documented and mainted all his Kajukenbo Knowledge in both DVD and within a hand written bible. He believes in the development of character in one's training in martial arts, which includes the focus of spirit, mind, and body. In addition, he has numerous dojos currently operating from his branch, Ramirez Martial Arts, R. Ebalo Martial Arts, Claw Martial Arts, Romero's Kajukenbo Martial Arts, Ebalo Martial Arts and Berenguer Martial Arts..

GRAND MASTER JESSE CORPUS

Grandmaster ("GM") Jesse "Cheyenne" Corpus began his martial arts journey in 1971 in Vallejo, California, under Sifu Emil Bautista at 974 Benicia Road. It was not until 12 years later that he received his black belt in 1983, witnessed and authorized by Kajukenbo Pioneer AhGung Tony Ramos. In the 70's and 80's you could not be promoted to Black Belt until the age of 18. In September 2007, Jesse received his Professorship at the Battle For the Gold Karate Championship sponsored by SGM Bautista and the NCHQKSDI. July of 2010, his Title of Professor and 8th was certified by Sijo's BOA, signed by its members and KSDI Chief Administrator, SGM Dechi Emperado. In 2011, Jesse celebrated his 40th year in Kajukenbo. Jesse received his 9th Degree in 2015. The promotion was sanctioned by BOA Member GGM Carlos Bunda, SGM Rick Kingi, and SGM Gary Forbach. With this promotion, he was inducted as a member of Sijo's Board of Advisors. In 2019, Jesse was named GGM Carlos Bunda's successor as Chairman of the Board, a position he currently is still serving. As the CEO and Chief Tribal Leader of JCMA & Affiliates, he remains actively teaching, maintaining the protocol/procedure of tradition and knowledge set forth by the founders and pioneers of Kajukenbo Karate.

GM Jesse is also a member of the Nanzen Kai Association from Staten Island. Through his training, he has established a method known as Shoto Kenbo Kai. This method is a hybrid from Kajukenbo and Shoto Kan Karate. He is actively teaching this method to a dedicated group of practitioners.

 

Meet the Team

  • Master JJ Corpus

    7TH DEGREE BLACK BELT

  • Master Silvia Landaker

    6TH DEGREE BLACK BELT

  • Sr. Sifu Ronvi Khabagnote

    5TH DEGREE BLACK BELT

  • Sr. Sifu Senen Bagos

    5TH DEGREE BLACK BELT

  • Sifu Celeste Thompson

    3RD DEGREE BLACK BELT

  • Sr. Sibak Emma Rulloda

    1ST DEGREE BLACK BELT

  • Sibak Ramon Gomez

    STUDENT BLACK BELT

  • Sibak Aiden Thompson

    STUDENT BLACK BELT

  • Sibak Angel / Toshiko

    Admin and Student Black