Grandmaster Jaime Abregana Sr.

     The Abregana Self Defense Institute, formally known as the "Ewa Kenpo Karate Club", was founded in 1962 in Ewa, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu by Grand master Jaime Abregana Sr.
     Grandmaster Jaime Abregana Sr. was born in Ewa, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. After serving his time in the Korean War, he first started training in the martial arts of Kenpo Karate Jujitsu under the tutorship of Grand master Marino Tiwanak, founder of the CHA-3 Kenpo Karate Club in Honolulu, Hawaii. He was one of the first generation of black belt instructors to come out of the CHA-3 System. He was Grand master Marino Tiwanak assistant after Frank Suan. After earning his black belt certificate, he founded the Ewa Kenpo Karate Club in the Ewa plains in 1962. Assisting Grand master Abregana Sr. were Clarence Oki and Roy Halmos.
     Grand master Abregana Sr., had also the opportunity to study with Grand master Isaac "Ike" Kaawa. When he left the CHA-3 Kenpo Karate Club. Grand master Isaac "Ike" Kaawa was Grand master Abregana Sr., second teacher in the martial arts and advisor to the Ewa Kenpo Karate Club. A man who is highly regarded and respect in the martial art Community.
     The Ewa Kenpo Karate Club eventually grew with many top fighters. Most of the students was from the plantation village of Ewa and was known as reputable street fighters in those days. First generation students were Roland Gamble, Clifton Lariosa, Chris, Richard, and Frank Anguay, John Pagdilao, Ronald Abregano, Gilbert, Michael and Victor Pantohan, Dwayne Halmos, Lloyd Basquino, Adrian Sumalpong, Adrian Lobatos, Frank Crail, Ben Peralta, Tommy Abregana, Jaime Abregana Jr., Jason Abregana, Jeff Abregano, Borce Torres, Zack Lastimado, Robin Tanudra just to name a few. In those days, many can attest to their long intense, grueling, and brutal training, but always carried themselves with respect to their fellowmen. By the 1970's, Grand master Abregana Sr., took on a few selection of students to teach. Because of the style of self defense, he was very selective who he taught.
     In March of 1994, Grandmaster Abregana Sr., moved to the Big Island of Hawaii after retiring on Oahu. On November 16, 1994, he died in Hilo, Hawaii. He will always be remembered by many for his brutality, dedication, and integrity. Grandmaster Abregana commands all his instructors and students to always Show respect, to help those in need and to stand your ground.

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