Sigung Willis began studying the martial arts since 1976 under Kajukenbo Black Belt Gabe Vargas and competing on the circuit in 1976. In 1998 he received his 5th degree Black Belt and in 2002 received his 6th degree Black Belt under Kajukenbo Grandmaster Charles H. Gaylord and in 2004 received his 7th degree from Sijo Adrian Emperado.


Siging Willis has been nationally rated in Men's BLack Belt Fighting, Black Belt Kata and Black Belt Weapons Kata and Black Belt Weapons Kata on the tournament circuit, beginning 1982. Now World rated in Men's Black Belt Kata and Weapons Kata, he is also undefeated in Full Contact Kick Boxing. Sifu Willis specializes in wrestling; in 1978 he was the Bay Area Champion (Alameda County, CA) in the 156 lbs weight class. He also competed in boxing, Muay Thai Kick Boxing, Escrima and Kabaroan (Escrima stick fighting art).


Sigung Willis' career in competition has been limited by his military service; he participated in Desert Shield and Desert Storm 1990-1991 with the 41st C.S.H. (Combat Support Hospital). In 1992 he was stationed in Germany and in 1994 the Philippines. He moved to Fresno, CA in late 1994 where he currently resides, teaching martial arts and promoting self-esteem and self-discipline. He is known for producing top competitors within the Martial Arts Circuit, youth and adult. Male and female, both National and Regional circuit level.


HALL OF FAME
July 12, 1997 World Martial Arts Hall of Fame Outstanding Contribution to the Martial Arts
July 15, 2000 Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame Outstanding Competitor
July 20, 2000 Martial Arts Hall of Fame Leadership
October 19, 2001 North America Hall of Fame Outstanding Instructor of the Year
January 17, 2004 Action Martial Arts Magazine's Hall of Fame Outstanding Achievements in the Martial Arts
World ratings, National ratings and Regional ratings: Starting again in 1998 Sigung Willis was rated #1 on the national circuit in Men's Black Belt Weapons, Men's Black Belt Traditional Kata and rated #2 in Men's Black Belt Fighting (middle weight) in IMAC (International Martial Arts Championship). Since then Sigung Willis has been rated #1, starting from 1998 - 2004. Rated #1 in Men's Black Belt Traditional Kata, Men's Black Belt Open Kata and Men's BLack Belt Weapon Kata, IMAC. 2001 - 2003 rated #1 in Men's Black Belt Open Kata, IMAC. 2000 - 2003 Sigung Willis was rated in the top 10 on the NASKA circuit (North America Sports Karate Association), both World rated and Nationally rated thru the NASKA circuit, in Black Belt Traditional Kata, Black Belt Open Kata and Men's Black Belt Weapons Kata.

Also from 2000 - 2001 Sigung Willis was rated #1 in Gold Cups (Regional Circuit) Men's Black Belt Traditional Kata and BLack Belt Weapons Kata. However, in 2001 Sigung Willis was rated simply #1 in Men's Black Belt Traditional Kata in Gold Cups. Rated #1 from 2001 - 2004 regionally in TPA (Tournament Promoter Assiciation), Black Belt Traditional Kata, Black Belt Weapons Kata and BLack Belt Open Kata.

Noted: Ratings from 1982 - 1986 can be found in Karate Illustrated Magazine Archives, under regional #6.

2001 was a year where Sigung Willis showed off more of his talent by providing stunt work along with choreographing fight scenes and starring as a bad guy in a premier rated movie called "Battle Beast". Other movies between 2000 and 2005 where Knights of Justice, Fist of Fong and the Action Agency (were Sigung Willis stared, choreographed and applied stunt work).

Sigung Willis has represented both the U.S. Army and Karate by participating on Karate Programs in San Antonio, TX, and Fresno, CA. (Karate World and Kicks for Punches on both local and cable TV in San Antonio, TX and KMPH Morning News Fresno, CA). Sigung Willis has been featured in local newspapers and tournaments, nationally and internationally. He represented Kajukenbo and the U.S. Army by placing 2nd overall in Tea Kwon Do Olympic trials in the Men's Middle Weight Division in 1988.

The following instructors are credited for Sigung Willis' Martial Arts Education: Gabe Vargas (Kajukenbo), Grandmaster Charles H. Gaylord (Kajukenbo), Grandmaster Al Dacascos (Kajukenbo, Won Hop Kwon Do), Grandmaster Larry Lockhart (Tea Kwon Do) and Sijo Ramiro Estilla (Kabaroan, Escrima stick fighting).

Sigung Willis notes; He is blessed with countless friends he has met in and out of the Martial Arts circuit, for they have enriched him not only in friendship but in knowledge as well.
Kajukenbo Forever!!!

williskempo.com © 2005