Biographies

WARRIORS OF THE PIT

Biographies

Meet Sensei Javier Caban.......

My name is Javier (JC) Caban. I was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico on September 7, 1965. I am married to Sensei Brandy and have a beautiful daughter named Kiana that also practices martial arts. At age 5, my family moved to Brooklyn, New York. After a few years, our family moved back to Puerto Rico.

In 1984, while attending the Inter-American University of San German of Puerto Rico, I started practicing Tae Kwon Do. Due to a transfer to another campus, where Tae Kwon Do was not offered, my training in that style ended.

In 1985, I joined the Okinawa Kempo Karate Do Club of Sensei Nestor Adames and Sensei Orlando Rodriguez, past students of Hanshi Carlos H. Montalvo, which later came under the direct guidance of Master William (Willie) Hernandez, in Puerto Rico . At this studio, Master Willie Hernandez, who is associated with Master Cecil Peoples of Hawaiian Kenpo and the first and original teacher of Carlos H. Montalvo Hanshi, brought to us the fast and precise moves of the Kempo hands.

In 1988, I joined the OKKD Full contact team and competed in various tournaments. I then joined the United States Navy, where I was stationed at Barbers Point , Hawai’i , Hawai’i , an anti-submarine squadron (HSL-37). I am a Desert Storm and Desert Shield Veteran. While in the Navy, I was honored with two medals: National Defense, and Good Conduct. I also earned two Battle E ribbons. Additionally, I was awarded Jr. Sailor of the Quarter.

During my time in the Navy, I continued practicing with different martial artists from around the world. In 1993, I decided to compete again. At the time, I was a green belt in Okinawan Kempo Karate Do, but competed in the brown belt division at both the Armed Forces Schofield Barracks Karate Open and the Tae Kwon Do Open. I went home with two silver medals.

In 2003, I was introduced to a hybrid Kyukushin style, which I practiced intensively until the early days of 2006.

In 2004, my Sensei, Juan Javier Adames formally introduced me to the Okinawan traditional style of Goju Ryu Karate Do. This opportunity opened a new door that guided me to the understanding of the ever-actual effectiveness of traditional Karate Do. My eyes were unveiled when I was presented with the rare opportunity to be initiated in the hidden arts of this Okinawan based Close Quarters Combat Self Defense System, through the study of the Bubishi and the search for self-realization, diligent training, and an understanding of Goju Ryu Kata. On October 21, 2006 , I was tested and awarded my Shodan in Goju Ryu.

I also hold the rank of Shodan in Okinawan Kempo Karate Do under Shihan Nestor Adames. I have practiced boxing, grappling, Thai kickboxing, and full-contact. I have trained under these teachers and Master teachers: Combat Jiujutsu and Chinese Eagle Claw with Sensei Gilbert Monserrate, Judo/jiuitsu with Sensei Rafael Rodriguez Martinez, Close Quarter Unarmed Combat with Carlos H. Montalvo, Traditional Kobudo under Soke Rodney S. Willis, Traditional Karate Do under Diego Cardin Hanshi, Traditional Karate Do under Edwin Lopez-Navedo Kyoshi, American Goju Ryu with Enrique “Ricky” Adames Shihan of the Yamabushi Kai Goju Karate Do , traditional Karate with Master Oscar Alicea, and jiujitsu with Master Daniel Torres.

Late in 2006, I was invited to join the Florida League of Martial Artists (F.L.M.A.), which is a brotherhood that promotes the martial arts. Additionally, I was invited to join W.A.K.O. (World Association Kickboxing Organization) as a judge for the many competitions sponsored by the F.L.M.A. and W.A.K.O. each year. This year was filled with many wonderful blessings!

While at the Gator Nationals in May of 2008, I was approached by Manny Saavedra, Kaicho of World Sansei Koryu Gojukai Karatedo. Hanshi honored me with an invitation to his organization. Upon acceptance to World Sansei Koryu Gojukai Karatedo and careful deliberation with high ranking members of his organization, he promoted me to the rank of Sandan.

Now upon departure to serve a prolonged mission in Southeast Asia , Juan Javier Adames Sensei leaves the state of Florida and as Secretary General and with the concurrence of the Board of Trustees of the recently formed Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Do Group, LLC commissioned me as their representative for the state of Florida . Please come and join me along with the excellent staff of the Dojo of the Lonesome Warrior in spreading the core concepts of Martial Arts based on HONESTY, COURAGE, AND LOYALTY…

Meet Sensei Brandy...

My name is Brandy Caban. I was born in Hawai’i on August 13, 1974 . As a young child I overcame adversity. First, was the loss of vision in my left eye at age three due to an accident. At age five, I lost my father, also to a tragic accident. Both events changed my life and helped to mold me into the person I am today. I realized at a very young age that you never know what day is your last, so always tell those that you care about that you love them. Both my husband, Sensei JC and our daughter, Kiana, are reminded daily of my love for them.

As a second grade teacher, my strong sense of compassion helps me to understand my students, which in turn leads me to be a better teacher for them. As a teacher, I believe that I should always do what is best for my students. I know that if I give my students respect, they will respect me in return. I understand the role that I play in my students’ lives and try to be a good role model for them regardless of where I am. As a sensei, these same beliefs hold true.

In 2003, I was looking into a karate school for Kiana. I was introduced to a hybrid Kyukushin style. I was intrigued. As a child, I always loved Black Belt Theater and Bruce Lee movies, however, I never had the time, as I was extremely involved in soccer. Besides, it was a way for Kiana and I to be involved in the same sport, a “mommy-daughter” thing that quickly became a family event. Immediately, I found that I loved the physical and mental challenges, that karate provides. I practiced intensively until the early days of 2006.

In 2004, my Sensei, Juan Javier Adames formally introduced me to the Okinawan traditional style of Goju Ryu Karate Do. Sensei Adames opened my eyes to the culture and history that I was missing, initiating my quest for knowledge about my art. On October 21, 2006 , I was tested and awarded my Shodan in Goju Ryu.

ICcompleted my Level 2 Instructor Certification under Master Ricardo Liborio of American Top Team, home of the largest fight team in the world, in February of 2010.During the summer of 2010, I became a CROSSFIT certified Level 1 fitness trainer, which is an intense, yet fun and ever-changing fitness program, a certified Apprentice Instructor under SGT. Jim Wagner in his REALITY-BASED PERSONAL VIOLENCE PROTECTION program (talk about intense!), and finished off my summer by becoming a certified instructor under MASTER JOHN HACKLEMAN of THE PIT (HOME OF CHUCK LIDDELL), my other home away from home as his style is Hawaiian Kempo! In July of 2011, I became a certified instructor under Sensei Kym Rock in her women’s personal violence protection program entitled, FIGHT LIKE A GIRL! I am so happy to be a part of this growing program and am once again one of the first instructors to get in on an amazing and full-filling program. This program instills confidence in girls and women alike, as well as teaches them the knowledge and skills necessary in defending oneself against an attacker, known or unknown.

I am only at the beginning of my path that will take a lifetime to walk. I am happy to have my family and friends by my side as I make this incredible journey! Osu!