Title

Professor Kai Li is a first generation black belt under Senior Grandmaster Rick Alemany. SGM Rick Alemany was trained and certified by James Mitose, William Chow, Edmund Parker, Ralph Castro, Adriano Emperado, Sid Asucion, and Duke Moore. 

Raised as a martial artist, Li’s father, both grandfathers, and paternal grandfather were all martial arts instructors. His paternal great grandfather was a pioneer of the martial arts in Hawaii having started a school in 1896 and having been one of the founders of the Chinese Physical Culture Association and the Kuo Min Tang in Hawaii. 

Professor Li started by training in Kodokan Judo, Kodenkan Jujitsu, & Kaito Gakko. His first teachers were his father, his maternal grandfather, and his father’s primary teacher Professor David Kawaiikoolihilihi Nuuhiwa Sr.  

Professor Li also grew up learning Kenpo from GM George Iversen. At the time of GM Iversen’s passing Li was one of his highest ranked students having progressed from white belt to professor under the same teacher. 

Additionally, Li is a qualified instructor in Hawaiian Lua, Krav Maga, Wing Chun, Jeet Kune Do, Wun Hop Kuen Do, Kali/Arnis/Eskrima, Hapkido, Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai, Karate-Do, Judo, Jujitsu, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Com-Tech Bowie, and several military/law enforcement combatives & defensive tactics programs.

 Active in assisting veterans, Li has developed and taught self-defense and exercise programs specifically designed for disabled combat veterans. He is also a pioneer in developing martial arts programs aimed at helping treat post traumatic stress. 

Professor Li serves as a volunteer coach for the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, Big Brothers & Little Sisters, and several leaning disabled/special needs programs for the Department of Education. Li is an Eagle Scout and a life member of The National Eagle Scout Association.