New York City, a bustling metropolis, served as the birthplace of Hackleman, setting the stage for a life that would soon take a dramatic turn. At the tender age of four, Hackleman made the bold decision to relocate to the picturesque city of Honolulu, Hawaii, a move that would forever alter the trajectory of his life. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his remarkable journey in the world of martial arts, as he embarked on a path of discipline and self-discovery by commencing his studies in the ancient art of Judo at the tender age of nine.
As Hackleman transitioned into high school, his ardor for martial arts continued to escalate, manifesting in his transformation into a formidable Golden Gloves boxer and a competitive kickboxer. Furthermore, he had some initial exposure to Shotokan Karate, yet it was his training under the tutelage of Walter Godin in the disciplines of Judo and KaJuKenBo that would profoundly influence his martial arts style for years to come.
In the year 1979, a pivotal moment in world history unfolded, as the Iran hostage crisis sparked a sense of patriotism and duty within the hearts of many, including a young individual by the name of Hackleman, who felt compelled to enlist in the United States Army in response to this global crisis.
During his three-year tenure in the Army, Hackleman became a valued member of the esteemed Army boxing team, where he excelled in the sport, earning the state and regional Golden Gloves titles, a testament to his remarkable skill and dedication.
Following his departure from the Army, Hackleman pursued a career in professional boxing, securing the guidance and mentorship of renowned boxing promoter Don King, under whose auspices he would navigate the competitive world of professional boxing.
Despite the somewhat cloudy nature of his professional boxing record, with some sources claiming a winning streak of 17 bouts, accompanied by 3 losses and 15 knockouts, Hackleman's official record, as maintained by the reputable BoxRec, reveals a slightly more nuanced picture, consisting of 8 wins, 4 losses, 7 knockouts, and 1 draw, with two of his losses resulting from knockouts.
In the year 1985, a significant transition took place in the life of Hackleman, as he made the bold decision to relocate to the sun-kissed state of California, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his martial arts journey.
As he rebranded his style, Hackleman's innovative approach gave rise to the distinctive and unique phenomenon known as Hawaiian Kempo. Interestingly, not all schools adopted the traditional spelling of Ke-n-po, with The Pit standing out as one notable exception, as they opted for the less common yet equally distinctive Ke-m-po.
Hackleman's style, he claims, is characterized by a certain ruggedness and intensity that sets it apart from other Hawaiian Kenpo schools. His school, aptly named "KuZen," is a deliberate blend of the Hawaiian god of war, "Ku," and the profound principles of Zen Buddhism.
The inspiration behind this name was to create a sense of allure and appeal, particularly among children and families, drawing them in with the promise of a comprehensive and enriching martial arts experience.
