The History of Shojukempo
written by founder
Hanshi Larry S. L. Martin
10th Dan Grandmaster / Sokedai

This Traditional Japanese Ryu is a Combination of 3 Major Ryu's (styles) Sho-Shotokan, Ju- Aikijujitsu, and Kempo. Founded in the year of 1978 by Sokedai Larry S.L. Martin after winning the New England Middleweight title in Kickboxing, Sokedai Martin was sick of the one style training, so he and 3 of his Black Belt Students came up with the Ryu called Shojukempo.
Teaching traditional Shotokan Karate-do & Okinawan Kempo as the foundation of Shojukempo, adding Combat Aikijujitsu as the finishing touch. This 24-year-old Ryu has made its way into the lives of many Rhode Islanders and has spread to N. Carolina, Conn., Delaware N.J. and Romania.
I have trained with many well known Grandmasters in my time, men like Grandmaster William R. Gregory of the Kajukenpo Pai Lum System, Grandmaster Daniel K. Pai founder of the Pai Lum System, Grandmaster Nick Cerio of the Nick Cerio’s Kenpo Jujitsu System, Grandmaster George Pasere of the Karazenpo Goshin Jitsu System, Grandmaster Ed Parker of American Kenpo, Grandmaster Kali K. Griffen of Kajukenpo Pai Lum, Maestro Guseppi Guaraldi of the JKA Shotokan Karate-do, Shihan Earnest St. Laurent Sr. of Shotokan Karate-do, Shihan Lee Getty of the Kyokushinkai Karate-do, Master Richard Chun of Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo, and Sensei Joe Fri of Goju-kan Karate-do. These Martial Art Masters were the force behind me to form the Shojukempo System.
We practice more (Kata) forms then (Kumite) fighting, and for this reason, Kata teaches you the Basic's of fighting. The more Kata you practice the better you get in Kumite, Master Funakoshi believed in Kata practice 1000 times or more! We follow the teachings of Master Gichin Funakoshi to the book! Some Kata we practice are from Chito-ryu, Shindo-do Ryu, Goju-ryu & Okinawan Kempo, Shito-ryu. there is about 50 Kata in the Shojukempo System. All classes are taught in the traditional Japanese manner! But if any Shojukempo student is backed up against the wall they will fight to win!
Shojukempo teaches discipline, respect, honor, and academics. All Shojukempo students’ academics must be an A+ or a B+ in order to advance to the next rank! We don't give out rank you have to earn it! the hard way.
The founding members of Shojukempo are Prof. Larry S. L. Martin 10th Dan., with 40 years of Martial Art training, Kyoshi Robert M. Handley 9th Dan., with 39 years of Martial Arts training, Shihan Raheem Darden 8th Dan., with 38 years of Martial Arts training, Sijo Samadhaq Darden 8th Dan., with 39 years of Martial Arts training.