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He was born and raised on the windward
side of Oahu in Rural Koolaupoko. Koolau was an area between
Kailua/Lanikai and the city of Waimanalo. Professor was
born and raised in a Juvenile Delinquent home at the base
of Mt. Olomana and part of the Koolau Mountain range that
splits the Island in half. His father was Operations Superintendent
of Koolau Boys Home and across the road was Kawailoa Girls
Home, more commonly known by the locals as the "Bad
Boys and Bad Girls Home".
At 8 years old he began Judo training with
Sensei Tony Gonzales at St Anthony's Dojo Kailua. He trained
until he left St Anthony's Elementary and went to St Louis
High School in Kaimuki. Professor had a rough start not
only at Koolau but at St Louis. He played football on the
Koolau team and met his match. Tired of getting "beat
up"
He talked to Sensei Libert O'Sullivan about joining his
McCully dojo at age 13.
Sensei made no promises that Mr. Coelho would be able to
defend myself with his instruction. He did ensure that he
would continue his Judo tournaments learn Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu
and study Karate and with total dedication to the Arts he
would be stronger in mind and body. He joined a Waimanalo
Hawaiian group that lived on Homestead land. Ohana was all
they talked about some weapons had no names some did. They
like to talk about "Smash Face Fighting". His
Father and he would go on Sunday's to Paddle and to enjoy
the Waimanalo/ Koolau Hawaiian way of "SFF". Paddled
for Lanikai Canoe Club, from 11and under until 17 and under.
His Father paddled with a group that loved to Paddle and
loved to fight. Koolau Boys Home made him proud of his heritage,
proud of his Ohana and friends, and proud of the Arts. Some
of his best friends went from Koolau direct to Oahu Prison,
sad as that was Professor learned the value of life at an
early age.
He moved to the mainland in 1960 and began
his training under Professor Sig Kufferath. At Los Altos
Aiki Jitsu dojo in Los Alto CA. In 1965 Nikko Jujitsu &
View Aiki Kai was established by Professor Kufferath, Fermin
Urmeneta, Bob Nadeau and Kyoshi. He studied under Koichi
Tohei Sensei for many years, Prof. Bill Montero Sr. &
others.
However, the teachings of Prof. Kufferath had more meaning
then anyone who taught him or he trained with. Professor
Kufferath is missed more than any words that can be spoken.
Professor Coelho gave the final eulogy at Punchbowl it was
at that moment when he was interned that he realized a major
part of the System had died with Professor Kufferath.
Professor holds rank in Jujitsu, Judo, and Aikido and has
studied many Martial Arts styles throughout the country
and in Taiwan.
Honors:
- Granted Professor and 8th Dan by Professor
James Moro under the Chow Hoon System
- Kufferath family requested Kyoshi take Professors
seat, as a "representative" for the Dan Zan
Ryu within World Head of Family Sokeship council. WHFSC
is headed up by Grandmaster Frank Sanchez, who in the
60's was a dojo mate of Kyoshi's.
- Master's Hall of Fame, Hawaii Martial Arts
Hall of Fame, WHFSC Hall of Fame.
- LAPD Gang Intervention program Hui Hale
Mana, Las Vegas Metro Police and instructs other agencies
within the US.
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