KMA-First of all Vance what is your martial arts training? 

Vance-I have about 25 years in Kajukenbo ( 2nd degree Black Belt) I also am a Wing Chun instructor (6 years). I also have a little Jiu-jitsu training from Ka-mole Jiu-Jitsu.

KMA-What do you think of Kauai's martial arts history?

Vance-Kauai is full of Martial Artists and it runs pretty deep. A lot of respected Martial Artists came from Hawaii or has Hawaiian roots that are big names in the mainland and the world such as Ed Parker,
Al and Mark Dacoscos, Wally Jay, Villabrille Escrima, of course Kajukenbo was created in Hawaii which is considered the first US MMA art combining Korean Karate, Judo, Jiu-Jitsu, Kenpo and Kung Fu. Each instructor came from an Asian discipline to create Kajukenbo in the US.

KMA-You have thrown 2 very successful shows on Kauai, what do you think sets your shows apart from the other shows? 

Vance-I know what makes the difference is having Kauai fighters along with the support of the Kauai people. Coming from here, I know the fighters, instructors,  trainers personally, I also am concerned on safety for the fighters. A lot of them I have trained with or know the personally. I'm not going to pick up and leave on the show is finished. I think that what's separates the shows.

KMA-What do you think of the MMA fans on Kauai? Do you feel they are getting educated on MMA and other martial arts or are they just there to see guys get beat up?

Vance-That's a good question, I'm striving to educated the people so that they know that this is a sport

with rules and safety equipment. Along with a Referee and Medical staff. We are like any other contact sport, but we have a lot of bad press. Hopefully we can change the mind set of people who had no idea of the sport but wants to shut us down.
Also as Martial Artists we have to show respect for each other, we have to show the people that, so that they understand that we have no personal grudge against the person in the ring. Its strictly professional and when its down we can shake hands and have a beer together.

KMA-Some people have been critical on the skill level of some of the
Kauai fighters or opponents. How would you respond to these people,
most who don't fight themselves?

Vance-First of all, any one who goes in that ring is a winner! It's easy to talk, but if your willing to go in the ring and prove it, I have all the respect for you and should everyone else. And like anything else the amount you put in, that's what you get out. I've talked to a lot of Oahu fighters and they put in an average of 4 hours a day M-F. If your only doing it twice a week, my suggestion is to step it up so that at least your training level is equivalent to them. After that may the best man or Woman win. 

KMA-As there are more shows on Kauai what will you do to keep people coming back for more?

Vance-I'm trying to bring more new things like we brought the first women's kickboxing ever, also women's MMA is highly likely. In the future hopefully we can bring bigger names along with having our fighters here, have an opportunity to show that we have a lot of great fighters here,  not only Oahu and Hilo.

KMA-Anything you want to say to the martial arts fans on Kauai?

All I can say is THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT! and I will do my best to showcase our best fighters from Kauai and show the world that we can stand toe to toe with the best of them. Also live life with my motto " Ainofea " ! For your mainland readers who needs translation ( I no Fear !)  Thanks again and keep up this excellent site!!!