SIGUNG Christopher Reyes
Sigung Alan Christopher Reyes 2023
2023 Sigung Alan Christopher Reyes with daughters Mati and Joey Reyes
INFO
Name: Alan Christopher Reyes
Title: Sigung
Rank: 7Th Degree
System: Kajukenbo
Method: Emperado Method
Branch: Kenpo/Original Hardstyle
School: Reyes Kenpo Karate Club
INSTRUCTOR: GGM Aleju C. Reyes / SGM Alan M. Reyes
Lineage: EmpErado > GGM Reyes > SGM Reyes > SIgUNG Reyes
LIVED: 1969-Present
TRAINED: 1974-Present
AFFILIATIONS: RKK / KSDI
Sigung Alan Christopher Reyes began training in 1974 at the age of 5 under his Grandfather GGM Aleju Reyes at the Vacaville Three Oaks Community Center. After his grandfather passed in 1977 he began training with his father SGM Reyes. In 2003 Sigung Reyes opened RKK Memphis and continues to honor his family’s legacy by protecting the original Kajukenbo Hardstyle, Emperado Method.
Sigung Reyes has hosted the Kajukenbo Cafe for many years and heads up ReyesKenpoKarateClup.com and Kajukenbo.com. He maintains the Reyes Kajukenbo Archives and is currently working on completing his father’s book and other historical documents.
Since his father’s passing Sigung Reyes is now the successor to the Reyes Kenpo Karate legacy. Together with Grandmaster Ed Zickowski they work to preserve the original teachings of Sijo Adriano D. Emperado and the integrity and traditions set by both GGM Aleju Reyes and SGM Alan Reyes.
Sigung Reyes’ daughters Mati Lou Reyes and Josephine Reyes are beginning their journey following in their Fathers, Grandfathers, and Great Grandfathers footsteps.
Reyes Kenpo Karate Club
Reyes Kenpo Karate Memphis
Reyes Kajukenbo Archive
1974 Sigung Christopher Reyes
History
In 1969 Christopher Reyes was born into the rich legacy of Reyes Kenpo Karate and Kajukenbo. Even before he started training, the dojo holds some of his earliest memories. “My mom who started trining before I was born, said that I would sleep on the corner of the mat during class even through all the falls, throws, and kiais. I remember playing with my cousins Sean and Jamie and Auntie Te on actual tatami mats. Grandpa would have us kids fill up the coke machine and sweep up after class. The dojo itself was split down the middle and had grandpa’s karate guys on one side and grandma’s hula girls on the other. As a kid, it was magical. There was always something special going on.”
In 1974 Christopher began his training under Grandfather GGM Aleju Reyes at the Vacaville Three Oaks Community Center. Eventually he was training with both his father and grandfather in Suisun, Fairfield, Vacaville, and Napa.
As a teenager, Christopher helped to teach the junior classes and was training in several of the Dojos, 3 classes a night, 5 nights a week. “training was my life. I don’t think I knew anyone outside of Karate or Hula.” Like his father, Christopher also performed Hula, fire knife, and drumming. “My grandmother’s annual Luau was always a super fun.”
1987 Sigung Christopher Reyes (left) with Sijo Emperado (right).
“Between Karate and Hula it was like a big family that did everything together. We trained, we did demos, we went on the annual camping trips. The tournaments were always crazy. Not only did we put on the tournaments, we made the trophies, the programs, and grandma’s hula girls provided the food, and entertainment.” - Christopher Reyes
In the late 80’ Christopher moved to Memphis. He attended Memphis College of Art and started training a small group of friends. Living in Memphis made it difficult to test but eventually he earned his 1st Degree Black in 2003.
2011 Sigung Christopher Reyes with SGM Alan Reyes
2014 Sigung Christopher Reyes with SGM Alan Reyes Memphis, TN
In 2019 Senior Grandmaster Alan Reyes passed away and Sigung Alan Christopher Reyes became the successor to Reyes Kenpo Karate and the Reyes legacy.
“I hope to live up to the legacy of Sijo Emperado, my grandfather Aleju Reyes, and my father Alan Reyes.” - Christopher Reyes at SGM Alan Reyes’ Celebration of life.
Senior Grandmaster Alan M. Reyes Celebration of Life. 2020 Vacaville, CA. Reyes Kenpo Karate.
2014 Christopher Reyes 5th Degree Promotion Reyes Kenpo Karate Vacaville, CA.
2014 Promotions Sigung Christopher Reyes with SGM Alan Reyes Vacaville, Ca
2016 Reyes Kenpo Promotions Memphis, TN. Greg Price, Joanna Harris, Christopher Reyes, Eileen Townsend.
HIGHLIGHTS
1974 Began training with his Grandfather Aleju Reyes.
2003 Received his Black Belt from his father, SGM Reyes.
2014 Received his 5th degree from his father, SGM Reyes.
2019 Becomes the successor to Reyes Kenpo Karate.
2020 Received his 6th degree from Grandmaster Ed Zickowski.
2022 Accepts the Kenpo Hall of Fame award on behalf of his grandfather Aleju Reyes.
2020 Received his 7th degree from Grandmaster Ed Zickowski.
2023 Launched the RKA and Kajukenbo.com
BLACKBLETS
1. Greg Price 2. Philip LeTard 3. Joanna Harris
