SEASIDE – It’s been called “karate for the future” and the “ultimate self-defense system.”

Kajukenbo is a combination of karate, judo, jujitsu, kenpo and American and Chinese boxing, or kung-fu. The style originated in the late 1940s on the streets of Hawaii and was developed by five martial artists, each a master in the five different styles.

Local martial arts instructor David Poole will host a Kajukenbo seminar from 10 a.m. to noon Friday at the Masonic Lodge, 201 N. Holladay Drive in Seaside. Doors open at 9 a.m. The seminar is open to martial artists age 15 and older who hold a colored belt or above in the practice. Cost is $25 per person.

Kajukenbo Grandmaster Charles Gaylord will lead the seminar and teach his Kajukenbo method. Gaylord, a member of the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame, was promoted to an 10th-degree black belt, recognizing the highest level of mastery in the art.

“He’s a very renowned teacher who travels around the world,” Poole said. “He will be presenting his method and all aspects of fighting, defense against weapons attacks and sparring.”

Poole has been teaching martial arts for 17 years and offers classes through Clatsop Community College in Seaside. He holds a sixth-degree black belt. Beyond teaching students the physical aspects of self-defense, the practice boosts self-confidence and increases perception of the surrounding world.

“It’s a turbulent world,” Poole said. “In a society that’s upset, we need people that are secure within themselves, people who can walk down the street and feel confident.”

For more information about upcoming martial arts classes and costs, call Poole at 440-0556.