Grandmaster Joseph S. Halbuna was first introduced to Kajukenbo in 1955 by Sijo Adriano D. Emperado's brother, Joe Emperado, at the home of ""Lucky"" Lucay in Honolulu, Hawaii. Grandmaster Halbuna honed his art with many other martial artists, but it was Sijo Emperado who convinced him to devote his life to the martial arts. After receiving his black belt in 1962, he decided to move to California, where he opened a school and has remained a prominent figure in Northern California. Grandmaster holds a ninth degree red belt with silver lining.He has taught baton and riot training to the police force and has certified police officers in the art of judo. He opened martial art schools in San Francisco and Pacifica, and works with cities to teach maritial arts in their community recreation programs. He also promotes many martial arts tournaments, including competitions in Hawaii and Europe. Grandmaster Halbuna founded the Unified World Martial Arts Federation (UWMAF). Stemming from his Kajukenbo training, Grandmaster Halbuna retains an open mind about all styles of martial arts. ""I openly accept other disciplines as good and serving a purpose"", he says. ""I look forward to the day that all martial artists compete and practice fellowship openly and without animosity toward each other. I feel that I have taken significant steps toward this.Joseph Serio Halbuna, Age 76, passed away in the loving arms of his wife Jane, and in the presence of family and friends at Seton Hospital on the morning of September 28, 2002.