Grandmaster Robert "Twinkles" Kawakami

Grandmaster Robert Kawakami, also known as "Twinkles" to many of his old friends was a very strong force in the martial arts community and the political arena during his days. A very well known and respected man in both the martial arts and general communities. He was the irrevocable chairman since the forming of Kajukenbo.

Grandmaster Kawakami studied with James Mitose and a few grandmasters in the Chinese arts. He also was teaching at Palama Settlement during the peak of Kajukenbo. He was a man who was straightforward and will put you in your place.

Grandmaster Kawakami had a lot of secret training with many grandmasters and knew a lot of not only the hard style of the martial arts, but also the internal aspects of the martial arts. He had a few students under him whom were tough street fighters in their days. Those students of his were honored to have studied under Grandmaster Kawakami for he would only select a few students to teach. You can be sure that you have to be tough not only physically but spiritually as well.