The Original Curiculum of Kajukenbo/Karazenpo

[The Kai]

Gary

That all i wanted, I did'nt expect you to understand me.
Todd

 

[GAB]

Hi all, I think we have wandered off of the original thread.

Will we be able to get some input from the Sijo Gascon side of this evolution among the various participants?

I wrote to Sijo Gascon, but have not received a reply, maybe my reputation precedes me and I will not get an answer...LOL

Joe maybe you could try and get some more information regarding the time in North Hollywood and some of his thoughts regarding that time frame.

From what I have read several of the sisters of each of the participants married these group of guys, it would be interesting to know the interrelations of this group and what has become of there progeny.
Regards, Gary

 

[KENPOJOE]

I spent last saturday visiting with Sijo Emperado, and we talked a little bit about John Leoning and Sonny Gascon. I was under the impression that Gascon was a first generation Kajukenbo black belt, because his name is listed under Sijo Emperado on our family tree. Sijo told me that Gascon was in fact John Leoning's black belt, but that he came under Sijo Emperado after Leoning died in 77. This tells us that there was still a relationship between Karazempo and Kajukenbo at that time.
...As to the techniques that John Leoning and Sonny Gascon taught, they are somewhat differant. (My first Kajukenbo instructor was from the Leoning lineage, and I know some of Leoning's first black belts, so I've seen their techniques.) I've never seen Karazempo techniques, so I can't say whether there are slightly or vastly differant then Leoning's.
The best example of the "Original Method" is in the 2 video series produced by GM Gary Forbach. The "Panther Productions" series,and the "World Kajukenbo Organization" series. All the taping of the WKO series were personally supervised by Sijo Emperado to make sure they were "original teachings".


I'm not sure about all the techniques from the 50s-60's. But by the end of the 60s there were: 14 Palama Sets, 21 Punch Counters, 15 Grab Arts, 13 Club Counters, 15 Knife Counters, 26 Alphabets, 8 Two Man Counters, 6 Three Man Counters, 1 Four Man Counter.

Hi Folks!
Dear John, That was a very informational post! BTW, it's KarazeNpo, not KarazeMpo. No biggie, just mentioning it.
BEGOOD,
KENPOJOE

 

[KENPOJOE]

Sonny Gascon, Bill Ryusaki, Dave Kamalani, Julio Blacquera, Walter Godin.

I don't personally remember this. I am just playing at it. Because you want to go there rather then answer my thoughts. Or deal with the apparent flaw that I have observed.:asian:....

I am 63 this month John, every one knows me around this area. Call my friend and Sensei Pat Kelly or a new Sensei I just started to go to also, Tim Evans. They are in the Elk Grove phone book.

I have nothing to prove John, I have been there and done that, end of this comment for now. Could we get back to the time line?? Thank you.

Regards, Gary

Dear Gary,
It's interesting that you mention David Kamalani....I worked with a "Larry Hooker" in Bakersfield,CA who was from Kamalami's lineage and the art had definite taken a different "slant" perhaps from the original kajukenbo format[probably due to Kamalani dying in a car accident at a young age]...when i returned to the Bakersfield area much later, I found the Mr. Hooker had "retired" and one of his Black Belts was teaching at a local health club and we went over some of the Karazenpo/Shaolin Kempo format that I had learned and taught a fw of the Combinations such as #3 with the ending and they do NOTHING like what I had known as Karazenpo except for some of the basics. If you ever see 2 vertical bamboo stalks entwined with vines and the karazenpo name it will the Kamalani lineage.
Thank you for mentioning him!
BTW,Mr. Bishop, you will see the Kamalani line mentioned on some of the Kajukenbo lineage charts, are you familiar with anyone from that particular group?
BEGOOD,
KENPOJOE

 

[KENPOJOE]

Answer#1

Leoning's school in No. Hollywood, Ca. was funded by the Hawaiian actor Poncy Ponce. Pictured is Poncy Ponce, and the actress Connie Stevens.
Poncy Ponce, Connie Stevens, and Robert Conrad starred in the 50's-60's TV detective show "Hawaiian Eye".
Robert Conrad, who was a student of John Leoning, was to use his Kajukenbo skills later in his next T.V. series; "Wild Wild West".
In fact when Conrad (as James West) fought actor Don Stroud, it was the first time two Kajukenbo stylists fought each other in a TV show or movie. Don Stroud had been a student of Sijo Emperado's at the Palama Settlement school.

Answer#2
John's earliest black belts in California were not until 1962-63.
Carlos Bunda and Bill Ryusaki were the first ones.

Answer #3

Bill Ryusaki broke away around 62-63 and took several of the students with him. His most famous student is Benny "the Jet" Urquidez. And yes he claims John Leoning as his Kajukenbo/Kenpo teacher.

Hi Folks!
Mr.Bishop, Thanks again for an informative post! Really enjoyed the pic too! Got to see if "Hawaiian eye" is on DVD now!
Now I realize who poncy ponce is! I've heard hawaiian martial artists mention him [Tom Bolden immediately comes to mind] and now I know who they were taking about! I believe I have footage of Carlos Bunda fighting at the 1964 IKC and I have Sonny Gascon teaching at Mr. Parker's studio [i believe].
In regards to Bill Ryusaki, lets not forget that several of the Urquidez bros all studied with him [Arnold,Ruben,...] It was a pleasure to meet Bill Ryusaki in 2001 at the gathering of the eagles and interview him as well as have him do a short demo on one of Ted Tabura's Black Belts who was available. I mentioned to him that I remembered the "Karate Illustrated" cover and article that He had done way back when and he did one of the techniques from the article!
KENPO TRIVIA:On What TV show did Ed Parker demonstrate Kenpo on Bill Ryusaki and show the first groin kick on network television?
I hope that I was of some service,
KENPOJOE

 

[KENPOJOE]

Personally, I gave up a long time ago of looking for exact dates in the rankings of the old seniors and for that matter, dates for anything back then. I found two dates of when Funakoshi introduced karate to Japan, two dates on when Mitose came to Hawaii and 3 ages when he went to Japan to study-3, 4 and 5. Two dates when Sifu Leoning brought Kajukenbo to the mainland (1957, 1958). Charles Fisher has Sifu Leoning listed as the highest ranking Kajukenbo black belt on the mainland in 1960-8th dan, check out his website. We finally get a date on Chow's black belt years ago only to find out it was not signed by Mitose which we were led to believe for so many years but by Professor Thomas Young of which I've heard several different reasons why that was done. Four dates listed for New England's first kenpo school- 1960, 1961, 1962 and 1963. At least two dates listed for the founding of Gm. Fred Villari's organization-1968, 1971. Three dates recorded for Boddhidharma hooking up at the Shaolin Temple according to various sources. Several dates of when Kajukenbo added it's various arts from 1947 to the 60's, take your pick, several years of which Mr. Parker started his revisions of the Mitose/Chow Kenpo that span the late 50's to the early 60's and the beat goes on..........

As far as black belts go, I now sincerely believe this black belt thing of legitimate rank and so forth is a product of the newer generations of kenpo practitioners. Let's take a look at the old and start with Funokoshi. Here's an excerpt I used on this forum on another topic:

"Of course, the Butoku-kai continued to sanction head teachers directly. This was not without controversy, however, since Konishi sat on the board that awarded Funakoshi his renshi and Konishi had been Funakoshi's student. Of course, Konishi had inside ties to the Butoku-kai by virtue of birth, something the Okinawan Funakoshi could not have."

So, now we got the 'father of all black belts', the first karate black belt in history and that's how he got it, not to mention a godan renshi ranking! It's really funny because his student, Konishi, mentioned above, only held ranking in a Japanese sword art and back then the 'Kai' only hosted the Japanese jiu jitsu, aikido and sword related arts but has since expanded. Later, the Butoku-kai got the reputation of being a 'paper mill'. There is controversary on when the late Mr. Parker received his shodan from Professor Chow and the number one person who started all this Hawaiian derived kenpo thing, James M. Mitose was never awarded a black belt period. This is not at all meant to knock anyone but to make a point. The point being, back then, black belt was very subjective with very loose requirements. I also believe most back then, if not all, weren't even tested for the rank. Curriculums, as we know, were very limited with an emphasis on drilling the basics, self defense techniques which could be expanded upon by borrowing from the basics and just one form to start the whole thing, Naihanchi. I would venture to say many donned the belt prior to any 'official' promotion by their instructor when they began to publically propagate the art and received the ranking later on down the road when they proved themselves worthy. No one ever complained about it back then or now, so perhaps that was an accepted method of how it was done in that time. This happened all over, including Okinawa which took it a step further with the 'airport promotions'. In those early years in Hawaii and then in kenpo's introduction to the mainland it was like this saying I picked up from KenpoJoe Rebelo, "The one eyed man is King in the land of the blind." If they weren't black belts in kenpo with only three karate schools in all of southern California, two of which were kenpo, then who were?, lol. As the 70's approached in my area (New England) there was all this talk about self promotion and legitimate rank because of Fred Villari going from a nidan under Nick Cerio to a 10th in record time, surpassing, not only his instructor but his instructor's instructor. The only problem was some of the most vehement Villari critics also did their own rank thing, only it was anywhere from three to six thousand miles away. Fred Villari's problem was that he sh_t in his own backyard.......trained in Rhode Island, lived and worked in Massachusetts and set up his first schools in New England. So, what I try to do in my research is to just show an accurate lineage of our systems, which at times, can also be difficult but it gives an idea of who and where we came from and what went into our art.
__________________

Hi Folks!
Thanks for mentioning some of the "reference paperwork",Joe! Recently, I met with Joe at a local martial arts school and I brought some of the different paperwork about New England kenpo and different dates,etc...and for mentioning the "In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is KING!" line!
You mention the Butokukai and Richard Kim comes to mind! I recently found a column from an old issue of Black Belt magazine where Richard Kim addresses his view on Kenpo{which I will scan and place here at a later date]. Unfortunately, He died before I could ask him regarding the column, because it had infuriated Ed Parker enough that it became an impetus to create the "zen of kenpo" book!
BEGOOD,
KENPOJOE

 

[KENPOJOE]

Hi Joe,

Good post, thanks.

The part about the "one eyed man in the land of the blind" is right on.

GM Estalilla in Kabaroan, use's that also, for all the various arts that came out of the FMA. Lot more Islands then Hawaii and as much controversy x 50, I have found.


Regards, Gary

Dear Gary,
Glad you like the comment!
You mention GM Estalilla and both Ed Planas and Huk Planas are both student of him, So I might have heard it from "Huk"!
BEGOOD,
KENPOJOE

 

[John Bishop]

BTW,Mr. Bishop, you will see the Kamalani line mentioned on some of the Kajukenbo lineage charts, are you familiar with anyone from that particular group?
KENPOJOE

I met some people from that group at a Kajukenbo gathering, but it's been 12-15 years ago. I don't know what thier up to now days.

Hi Folks!
Mr.Bishop, Thanks again for an informative post! Really enjoyed the pic too! Got to see if "Hawaiian eye" is on DVD now!
Now I realize who poncy ponce is! I've heard hawaiian martial artists mention him [Tom Bolden immediately comes to mind] and now I know who they were taking about! I believe I have footage of Carlos Bunda fighting at the 1964 IKC and I have Sonny Gascon teaching at Mr. Parker's studio [i believe].
KENPOJOE

I was just talking to GM Carlos Bunda last night. He's one of our legendary fighters. We've been searching for old footage of his fighting. Priceless would be his victory over Chuck Norris, where he broke Chuck's cup (ouch) with a classic kenpo groin kick.

In regards to Bill Ryusaki, lets not forget that several of the Urquidez bros all studied with him [Arnold,Ruben,...] It was a pleasure to meet Bill Ryusaki in 2001 at the gathering of the eagles and interview him as well as have him do a short demo on one of Ted Tabura's Black Belts who was available. KENPOJOE

Yes, too many Urquidez's to mention. Arnold, Ruben, Smiley, Benny, Lilly, brother in law Blinky Rodriguez etc, etc. A lot of good fighters came out of Ryu-Dojo, including Cecil Peoples.
GM Ryusaki was just promoted to 9th degree last July by Sijo Emperado at his annual birthday tournament. Ryusaki, Al Dacascos, Eric Lee, and Gary Forbach were all promoted to 9th degree that night.

 

[Karazenpo]

Dear Gary,
It's interesting that you mention David Kamalani....I worked with a "Larry Hooker" in Bakersfield,CA who was from Kamalami's lineage and the art had definite taken a different "slant" perhaps from the original kajukenbo format[probably due to Kamalani dying in a car accident at a young age]...when i returned to the Bakersfield area much later, I found the Mr. Hooker had "retired" and one of his Black Belts was teaching at a local health club and we went over some of the Karazenpo/Shaolin Kempo format that I had learned and taught a fw of the Combinations such as #3 with the ending and they do NOTHING like what I had known as Karazenpo except for some of the basics. If you ever see 2 vertical bamboo stalks entwined with vines and the karazenpo name it will the Kamalani lineage.
Thank you for mentioning him!
BTW,Mr. Bishop, you will see the Kamalani line mentioned on some of the Kajukenbo lineage charts, are you familiar with anyone from that particular group?
BEGOOD,
KENPOJOE

Hi Joe, maybe this will help on #3 combination. When I studied at Gm. Pesare's school in 1978, #3 was #3 in the sequence of combinations and was the counterpart of the #3 that Shaolin Kempo uses that I believe Cerio had modified when he taught Villari. However, it was against two opponents (one in front and one holding you in a double arm pin from behind), You would duck a punch to the head by dropping into a right kneeling stance, facing 9 o'clock but looking 12 o'clock while simultaneously delivering a front two knuckle punch (horizontal fist) to the groin w/ the right (this would also release you from the hold from behind), as you come back up you immediately go into a right 'cup & saucer' ( left fist over right fist) which was a full power right driving elbow to the opponent's body behind you. You would then thrown a right uppercut to the opponent's slumped over chin (from the preceding groin shot) with a simultaneous left driving elbow to the rear opponent and then cross and cover, looking in both directions at the downed opponents as a check. When I started formally taking classes again in 2003 at Gm. Pesare's the combination hadn't changed, duck and punch, elbow to the rear, uppercut, cross and cover. I'm positive because it was one of the combinations I did for my 7th dan test there. The only difference was it was now numbered numeral 1, not 3 anymore. My understanding is that this was one of the original combinations Pesare taught in the 60's when he brought the system out here. Take care, my friend and see you at the end of January in Marlboro. Happy Holidays, "Joe"

PS: I,too, love that line: "The one eyed man is king in the land of the blind", LOL.

 

[Karazenpo]

Hi all, I think we have wandered off of the original thread.

Will we be able to get some input from the Sijo Gascon side of this evolution among the various participants?

I wrote to Sijo Gascon, but have not received a reply, maybe my reputation precedes me and I will not get an answer...LOL

Joe maybe you could try and get some more information regarding the time in North Hollywood and some of his thoughts regarding that time frame.

From what I have read several of the sisters of each of the participants married these group of guys, it would be interesting to know the interrelations of this group and what has become of there progeny.
Regards, Gary

Hi Gary, I will see Sijo Gascon at the end of January and ask. Sijo doesn't return e-mails unless he knows you, it's his perrogative and in these days, I don't blame him at all, lol, but it is nothing personal against you. Other than that, he is very personable and outgoing and enjoys talking of the history as much as we do. "Joe"

 

[Thunderbolt]

Hi Gary, I will see Sijo Gascon at the end of January and ask. Sijo doesn't return e-mails unless he knows you, it's his perrogative and in these days, I don't blame him at all, lol, but it is nothing personal against you. Other than that, he is very personable and outgoing and enjoys talking of the history as much as we do. "Joe"

i have to agree with Pro Joe here. Gary, you may receive a response from sijo gascon's assistant about your question if he doesn't personally resply. this is certainly a big MAY. I don't guarantee you anything.

if you receive any news, please post it here.

thank you

 

[GAB]

Dear Gary,
Glad you like the comment!
You mention GM Estalilla and both Ed Planas and Huk Planas are both student of him, So I might have heard it from "Huk"!
BEGOOD,
KENPOJOE

Hi KENPOJOE,

When talking to GM Estalilla he mentioned the Planas Brothers, at the time I thought, the martial arts word really is pretty small, he also mentioned Anthony Davis. Then I found out Anthony Davis is teaching right here in Sacramento.

I will try and follow that up. Thanks for all the feed back and information.
Regards, Gary

 

[KENPOJOE]

Hi Joe, maybe this will help on #3 combination. When I studied at Gm. Pesare's school in 1978, #3 was #3 in the sequence of combinations and was the counterpart of the #3 that Shaolin Kempo uses that I believe Cerio had modified when he taught Villari. However, it was against two opponents (one in front and one holding you in a double arm pin from behind), You would duck a punch to the head by dropping into a right kneeling stance, facing 9 o'clock but looking 12 o'clock while simultaneously delivering a front two knuckle punch (horizontal fist) to the groin w/ the right (this would also release you from the hold from behind), as you come back up you immediately go into a right 'cup & saucer' ( left fist over right fist) which was a full power right driving elbow to the opponent's body behind you. You would then thrown a right uppercut to the opponent's slumped over chin (from the preceding groin shot) with a simultaneous left driving elbow to the rear opponent and then cross and cover, looking in both directions at the downed opponents as a check. When I started formally taking classes again in 2003 at Gm. Pesare's the combination hadn't changed, duck and punch, elbow to the rear, uppercut, cross and cover. I'm positive because it was one of the combinations I did for my 7th dan test there. The only difference was it was now numbered numeral 1, not 3 anymore. My understanding is that this was one of the original combinations Pesare taught in the 60's when he brought the system out here. Take care, my friend and see you at the end of January in Marlboro. Happy Holidays, "Joe"

PS: I,too, love that line: "The one eyed man is king in the land of the blind", LOL.

Hi Folks!
Dear Joe,
I have seen that version of Combo#3 as well as a couple of variations from Art Lapham who trained w/ Paul Botelho and Jim Speights as well as learning the Cerio/Villari version with the takedown. When GM Gascon went over the first 5 Combinations they looked nothing like what more like the master key moves to EPAK techniques like "Flashing mace","Leaping crane" etc...I distinctly remembering both im and I immediately recognizing the variation on these techniques in the combos and commenting on it. Later that night we were asked to demonstrate them and i found myself instantly going into "flashing mace" because it was so similar!We also saw some combos that still looked the same though [like the villari versions of #4 and #16] All the more reason that a video on the combinations needs to be done to clarify the origins!
I hope that I was of some service,
KENPOJOE

 

[Karazenpo]

Hi Folks!
Dear Joe,
I have seen that version of Combo#3 as well as a couple of variations from Art Lapham who trained w/ Paul Botelho and Jim Speights as well as learning the Cerio/Villari version with the takedown. When GM Gascon went over the first 5 Combinations they looked nothing like what more like the master key moves to EPAK techniques like "Flashing mace","Leaping crane" etc...I distinctly remembering both im and I immediately recognizing the variation on these techniques in the combos and commenting on it. Later that night we were asked to demonstrate them and i found myself instantly going into "flashing mace" because it was so similar!We also saw some combos that still looked the same though [like the villari versions of #4 and #16] All the more reason that a video on the combinations needs to be done to clarify the origins!
I hope that I was of some service,
KENPOJOE

Thanks for the info., Joe. I would love to see a video produced on this information. We should speak to Sijo Gascon and Professor Rash and see what they think. It's supply and demand but I'll say one thing, the demand will be through the roof. As you know, Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu is the mother system of a great number of kempo practitioners today and they're all asking the same question: 'What is the original kempo of our system?" Take care & have a very "Merry Christmas", Joe & Kathy

 

[BC99]

I realize that this is not a topic specific post - but I wanted to post to an area where there are people reading.

I am looking for Kenpo/Kempo stylist - preferably from the Shaolin Kempo (Villari)lineage who would like to work as an instructor. Of course this would require that the person move to where we are located. The primary responsibility of the instructor would be to:

1. Organize and teach a newly formed Kid's program

This person DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A BLACK BELT, however should be Purple or above in Kenpo/Kempo

We are a multi faceted school, able to train someone in many areas. We are staffed by 5 very highly reputable instructors. We train several fighters in Kickboxing and Vale Tudo (no holds Barred), and currently home to a World Champ and Pan American Champ in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

What would you get?

1. An apartment to live in
2. Some pay
3. Training in any of the following:

Kali/Eskrima
Jeet Kune Do
Kenpo
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Muay Thai/American Rule/Euro Rules/San Shou Kickboxing
Vale Tudo
Weapons

I know that anyone on this site that knows me well will vouch for my integrity. (Some who don't know me, may say otherwise!!!)

Take a look at our site at www.pmaknoxville.com, and if you are interested send an E-mail while you are there.

 

[GAB]

Thanks for the info., Joe. I would love to see a video produced on this information. We should speak to Sijo Gascon and Professor Rash and see what they think. It's supply and demand but I'll say one thing, the demand will be through the roof. As you know, Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu is the mother system of a great number of kempo practitioners today and they're all asking the same question: 'What is the original kempo of our system?" Take care & have a very "Merry Christmas", Joe & Kathy

Hi Joe's,

I feel that the simularities between Bill Gates and publishing are very important, when you publish you are open to comment. Some of the time it is good and some of the time it is bad but all the time it is about the person who published.

So what do I mean?

Why are some so concerned as to not publish? And then some are so desirous as to publish even if the homework is not done. Apple and Microsoft...

Different strokes for different folks...

What I find interesting is that both the Sijos of these two systems we are talking about (Kajukenbo and Karazenpo) have not published much of their own thoughts or system...
Are they afraid of critics? Are they insecure about their own background???
Maybe before they are gone we will see some written material or dvd's or ???

Or maybe it is their way of keeping the lid on??? Closet type of mentality???

I am sure after they are gone there will be quite a bit written...But then it will be all hearsay, won't it???

Regards, Gary

 

[Karazenpo]

Hi Joe's,

I feel that the simularities between Bill Gates and publishing are very important, when you publish you are open to comment. Some of the time it is good and some of the time it is bad but all the time it is about the person who published.

So what do I mean?

Why are some so concerned as to not publish? And then some are so desirous as to publish even if the homework is not done. Apple and Microsoft...

Different strokes for different folks...

What I find interesting is that both the Sijos of these two systems we are talking about (Kajukenbo and Karazenpo) have not published much of their own thoughts or system...
Are they afraid of critics? Are they insecure about their own background???
Maybe before they are gone we will see some written material or dvd's or ???

Or maybe it is their way of keeping the lid on??? Closet type of mentality???

I am sure after they are gone there will be quite a bit written...But then it will be all hearsay, won't it???

Regards, Gary

I don't know Sijo Emperado personally and it's certainly not my place to speak for him, John will have to answer that one and I'm sure he will..... As far as Sijo Gascon goes, he's very laid back and is not commercialized at all. He's a strong believer in 'ohana', pulling everyone in together as one big family. Ohana is more important to him then the green stuff and that is his goal with no hidden agendas. He's CERTAINLY not insecure about himself, his abilities or his background and by all means, he shouldn't be! As far as him being afraid of critics, I personally don't think Sijo Gascon is afraid of the devil himself, lol. Anyone on the islands will tell you his reputation precedes him where ever he goes and it's a 'positive' reputation, not negative. He, along with Sijo Emperado are 'living legends'. Sigung John Bishop, you're turn...............

Take care Gary & Happy New Year to you and yours, "Joe"

 

[Karazenpo]

Sorry Gary, I forgot to add that although Sijo Gascon hasn't marketed of what you asked, one of our members (KGS BBS) has. Shihan Chris Geary of Omaha, Nebraska conducted a lengthy interview on the history, one on one with Sijo Gascon in person last year and it's currently being marketed by Shihan Chris. I've talked to him on the phone about it and he did a good job with it. Just go to his website, Shihan Geary's Shaolin Kempo Karate. If you check the 'net', Sifu Bruce Corrigan did a comprehensive history of Sonny Gascon and Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu about 10 years ago titled Kempo History: Sonny Gascon, "Father" of East Coast Kempo. There are no secrets, it's all out there.

 

[John Bishop]

GAB:
It's obvious to a lot of us that you see a conspiracy behind everything.
But the answer's pretty simple. Not everyone's a writer. And not everyone who can write, is interested in writing. Some people are actually only interested in training and teaching. Some only in training. Some are actually humble people.
Does that mean they are hiding something from the martial arts public? I doubt it. Pretty hard for a system to spread to 20+ countries, if everything's been kept secret.
And having books published really dosen't mean much, because anybody who wants to spend their own money can "self publish" books, or "self produce" videos/DVD's. We've all seen the crappy garage/backyard video's, and hokey ego driven books people advertize in Black Belt, or sell at their seminars.
One individual in the 50s-60s-70s wrote little "how to" martial arts paperbacks on almost every martial art know to western man. Even invented his own style. Was he a great writer? Did he know all the arts he wrote about? That's open to debate. But having a father in law who owned a publishing company most likely helped his writing career.
For the most part, publishing is a profit oriented business. Publishers are only going to publish books that they feel will sell in large amounts. That's why so many books are "out of print". The publishers took a chance on them, and when the sales numbers weren't great, there was no second printing.
Many western martial artists are differant then their eastern counterparts. Many Japanese martial artists are highly educated, professional people. In fact the majority of them got thier training in college and university clubs.
In Korea, Tae Kwon Do is a national sport with much government backing. As a result,in Asia, you will see about as many martial arts books as you will see baseball, football, and golf books in America.
I can't speak about Mr. Gascon, but there have been interviews published in the major martial arts magazines with Sijo Emperado.
There is a 60 minute video interview of him that was produced by Panther Productions (now owned by Century Martial Arts).
There is a 2003 video/DVD interview of him produced by "Budo International", the largest martial arts magazine in the world.
There is also a newly released 90 minute interview of him (the "Emperado Series, Volume l") that is on DVD and produced by the World Kajukenbo Organization (availiable from forbachvideo@yahoo.com).
Just because someone is not standing on your porch explaining themselves to you, dosent mean they're keeping secrets. The information is out there if you look for it.

 

[The Kai]

The perils of publishing

Once upon a time there were relatively few books, no videos/dvd's. So when you wanted to study a art, you went to an instructor of that art. Even if you already were a martial artist, you had to study with a senior of a given art.
What happened, videos came out everybody could now do thier own thing without ever leaving thier tv!
Without producing a lot of media on your style you insure
1.) Control, you know who and where things are being tought
2.() Chain of command, everybody has a senior
there are advantages to publishing and to not publishing
Todd