SOKE HAISAN KALEAK
Sunday, 15 August 2010 12:28
SOKE HAISAN KALEAK
Co-founder of Kuroshi-Do African American Martial Arts System
Interviewed by Aurelien Henry OBAMA
Shiai Magazine: Hello brother Haisan KALEAK welcome to Shiai Magazine can you tell us about your life and what brought you in the practices of martial arts?
Haisan Kaleak
I grew up in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn in New York City; I am the only son of my loving mother Mamie Rowels, who has supported me throughout my life in all my endeavors.
I was fortunate to have been introduced to Martial Arts as a young child.
I remember going with a group of friends to watch the class at the local Karate Academy. One day, while running in and out of the Karate School, The instructor grabbed me by the collar and proceeded to give me my first lesson. At the time I couldn’t afford long-term lessons but I was eager to learn. I eventually joined a karate club and studied the style Kyokushin kai karate.
My participation in the martial arts opened up a world I would have never imagined. To this day, I am invigorated whenever I am on the mat and I would rather teach martial arts than any other occupation. I will take this love with me to my grave.
Shiai Magazine: With your long practices and experience of the martial arts, have you encountered African Martial Arts?
Haisan Kaleak
African Martial Arts in New York City was based on African Americans at the time in the 1960/70’s. I have never trained in an African system that derived from Africa because it was not available. I met a few Master instructors later in life such as Master Ahati Kilindi IyI thought my teacher Supreme Grandmaster
Dr. Moses Powell.
Shiai Magazine: What is exactly Kuroshi-Do is it an African American Martial Arts system?
Haisan Kaleak
The name Kuroshi-Do means “The Way of the Black Warrior”. The system was given this name because three other African Americans and I decided for cultural reasons to call ourselves the Kuroshi group(The Black Warriors). The original group members were Lusayne Steve Alston, who was the highest in ranking of the group, Salim Al Rashid, Kenneth (The Boss) Cooper and I (Haisan Kaleak). The group trained diligently and with hard work, built a strong reputation. In time we eventually added a fifth member. The fifth member to be accepted in the Kuroshi group was a brown belt by the name of Simon Canty who was later named Papasan by the group. We were introduced to Canty by a dedicated member of the class, which was his sister Aileen. We eventually expanded the name Kuroshi to Kuroshi-Do
To us, the original Kuroshi group represented an elite team of trained martial artists, belonging to the very best in the Martial Arts world. Members of the Kuroshi group studied Shotokan Karate, Kyokushinkai, Judo, Kobudo, and Moo Duk Kwan. The Kuroshi Group became the backbone of our system and some of its original members are still with Kuroshi-Do today. We are proud to have created a system that is studied by many and continues to be a driving force in the martial arts community.
Shiai Magazine: Have you been to Africa before?
Haisan Kaleak
I have never been to Africa but would someday enjoy visiting.
Shiai Magazine: You have trained under and worked with famous African/Black martial artists. Can you tell us your relationship with The Supreme Grandmaster, Doctor Moses Powell?
Haisan Kaleak
No words will ever be able to express the importance of my relationship with Supreme Grandmaster, Doctor Moses Powell. The martial artist I am today has been accomplished largely due to the 22 years of training under his instruction. He was a mentor, friend and one of the most dynamic instructors ever to step into the martial arts world. The knowledge that I received from him on how the human body works is priceless to me. I continue to be inspired by great martial arts Masters such as Grandmaster Ronald Duncan, Hanshi Eddie Morales their skills in the Kubudo arts are unsurpassed .Along with Soke Lil John Davis, First generation Sanuces Ryu Jui-jitsu.
Shiai Magazine: What is your role in the numerous martial arts organizations you belonged to?
Haisan Kaleak
I am one of the co-founders of the Kuroshi-Do System and I also hold rank and titles in other organizations. I am the President and founder of the BlackBelt Foundation, Inc., Council Member of the Eye to Eye Jui-Jitsu International foundation, founder of Tactical Neutralization Training (TNT), Found and CEO
Of Kuroshikai-kan International.
Shiai Magazine: Why do your students call you Drillmaster?
Haisan Kaleak
I developed the Tactical Neutralization Training Drill Master Series of Close Combat Jiu-Jitsu. The main reason is my constant drilling of basics and the many techniques I teach in high repetition on any given class or seminar.
So that the students can committe the technique to muscle memory.
Shiai Magazine: With your experience in the martial arts what is difference between sports competitions and self-defense? Is there a difference training a sport competitor and military man in the martial arts?
Haisan Kaleak
In my opinion, the difference is the level of physical control used. In sport competition you are not engaged in a life and death situation so you pull your technique to the level where your opponent will experience no serious injury.
In military you strike to avoid a life injury or worse so your physical and mental postures are far into your most aggressive state.
Shiai Magazine: Do you think that martial arts can help children become better people in the society?
Haisan Kaleak
It is proven through many surveys and studies over the years that participation in sports and the arts can significantly improve a young person’s self-esteem. It is my belief that if a child’s self-esteem had been lifted, he or she will feel better about their own self worth and therefore have an improved outlook on life and the community. We must keep in mind the proverb that it take a hole village to rise one child.
Shiai Magazine: Concerning your martial arts program for women, are they able to protect themselves against violence made to women?
Haisan Kaleak
The W.A.V.E. “Women Against Violent Environments”, curriculum helps to prepare women for the attack both psychologically and physically. The curriculum focuses on mental preparation without allowing fear to take over. A prepared mind can make the difference between escaping and/or being injured.
Shiai Magazine: Do you have any books or DVD concerning martial arts that one can obtain?
Haisan Kaleak
Yes, I have the “Drill Master Series” and Seminar DVDs & Tapes. I also have a book called “I AM KUROSHIDO’ which is my biography and for anyone interested in learning how the Kuroshido system was born and who are the original creators. The book can be purchased at www. Lulu.com. I am also in the process of finishing my second book “Wisdom of Self” which will soon be released.
I would like to take a moment to thank all the people that purchased “I AM KUROSHIDO” your emails on the system were appreciated and as I always say, the truth has longevity.
Shiai Magazine: To your opinion why is that you have appeared in several martial arts magazine and also recipient of many martial arts "Hall of Fame"?
Haisan Kaleak
I feel I have been graced with the opportunity to be showcased because others are kind enough to acknowledge my accomplishments both as a martial artist and as a human being. I have received many accolades throughout the years and those accolades are testimony to the great instructors that took the time to invest in me. If I have accomplished the right to be written about or rewarded it is because of Supreme Grandmaster Moses Powell and my other instructors.
Shiai Magazine: Surely, you have realized that many Africans around the world are promoting their ancient, modern and Diaspora martial arts through books, DVD and now even films like “The Way” ( USA), Money Bag (Cameroon) and Lost Brother “Waka-waka man” ( Cameroon). Why a sudden desire in the international black community to promote their martial arts and martial artists in general?
Haisan Kaleak
In my opinion, the Black Martial artist has not been adequately represented in written word, the media, and the international society. There have been many martial artists of color but when we look for worldwide representation, there are few if any. The community as a whole is uninformed as to the contributions that the African or Black has made to the world of martial arts. It is time for truth to be told.
Shiai Magazine: What advice can you give to African child who wants to follow his dream although everything seems to be against him? Is it possible to succeed in poverty?
Haisan Kaleak
I would advise young children to seek their dreams through hard work and perseverance. I would further share with them that there may come a time when they are discouraged and without hope. They may even stop believing in themselves. I would tell them that if this happens, embrace it for this is a life’s lesson. “Never stop believing in yourself”. I would share a saying from someone close to me “For every period of difficulty, there is a period of ease”. Make the period of ease count! Also seek out those whose interests are similar. They will help you to hold on. Focus on the end result of what it is that you desire. Remember always use the formula “Improvise, Adapt, Overcome”
Shiai Magazine: What is your opinion of this online African Martial Arts and its effort to valorize African Martial Arts and black martial artists in general? Do you think that they need to supported by any means be it by donations or aids?
Haisan Kaleak
There is always a need for support of these venues. I feel it is a wonderful idea to educate the public on the martial arts world and its African representation. I hope you continue your dedicated efforts because it is individual like you that give a voice to those that want to express themselves.
Shiai Magazine: Do you have any future projects you will like to talk about?
Haisan Kaleak
Yes, as I mentioned earlier my book “Wisdom of Self” is soon to be released. The book will give more detailed instruction and understanding of the biomechanical functions in regards to self-protection.
And also the continuation of my Seminar tour of my
Tactical Neutralization Training (TNT) course.
Shiai Magazine: Do you have any last words to speak on?
Haisan Kaleak
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Shiai Magazine for acknowledging me and providing me the opportunity to be heard. I commend Shiai Magazine on its generous effort to assist in educating the world. It is my sincere hope that sometime in the future I will have the pleasure of visiting your facility and the great people working in Cameroon. I would also like to say to those reading this that in life the truth will always prevail so whatever your endeavor you must strengthen each level with your heart, soul and most importantly integrity.
I leave you with the words of my martial arts family code of warrior ship.
“Eye to Eye, Heart to Heart, Each One teach One”.Ush!
If anyone would like to contact me I can be reached at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Shiai Magazine: Thank you brother Haisan Kaleak for accepting our interview for Shiai Magazine. We hope one day you will visit us in Cameroon “Africa in miniature”. God bless you and let our ancestors guide your path.
Haisan Kaleak
God Bless You my Brother…Let the warriors say Ush!!
