Born and raised in abject racism in the deep South, Chief Inst. Kajana Cetshwayo enlisted in the Navy at seventeen. He traveled on the ship and took liberty at Honolulu, Hawaii. Locals rushed with enthusiasm to the ships welcoming the sailors, although most of the sailors didn’t look at them the same way. Two little children always greeted the sailors with grins and waves and Inst. Kajana returned their enthusiasm with small gifts and stories of his travels. One day, he asked them to ask their parents, if they could go to the movies (ironically it was a martial arts movie). The children had never been to the movies before and were excited to go. The next time he docked on the shores, a large native man stood with the children. Concerned, Inst. Kajana cautiously approached. The man confirmed that Inst. Kajana wanted to treat the children and gave his approval. He treated the children and they all enjoyed themselves. A few months passed before the ship returned to Honolulu. Inst. Kajana looked for the children but instead was greeted by another man holding a sign with his name on it. Puzzled, the man explained that this was a treat for him! He drove him to the other side of the island and ushered him into a little jitney. Now at this time, Inst. Kajana was small like Steve Rogers in Capt America: the First Avengers, (weighing about 125lbs standing at 5’5) so he was afraid to take this journey alone to an unknown island; but the driver assured him that this is good. Slowly after what seemed like hours, they arrived on the coast of a densely forested island. Inst. Kajana got off the boat and to his dismay, the driver remained. “Go,” he instructed. “You will know when to stop.” Inst. Kajana waded cautiously through the forest as it was beyond midday and the sun was dropping. He came upon an empty clearing and stopped to ponder which way to go. Suddenly, on both sides of him men rolled out to create two even rows placing him in the center. Nervously, he put up his guard. To his delight, instead of attacking, the men all had sticks tapping a rhythm. He searched cautiously for the impulse to strike, but the men calmly kept the rhythm and peered into the bushes. Inst. Kajana followed their gaze to the movement coming through the trees. Unaware as to what would happen next, he started to shrink away considering his options. He couldn’t run, he’s on an unknown remote island in the middle of nowhere. He couldn’t fight, he was already outnumbered by the men to his left and right. What a disturbing predicament he’d gotten himself in. Suddenly, two rows of beautiful smiling women criss-crossed the clearing singing and dancing joyfully. Was he some kind of sacrificial offering? He watched everyone carefully unsure what to make of this engagement. No one spoke to him or each other for that matter; everyone kept the pace of the rhythm. As the whole scene unfolded, Inst. Kajana relaxed his guard a bit realizing that this was some type of celebration. Children ran about with laughter and chatter, the others joined in the dance and song. After the full display, four men came forward carrying an elder in a chair. They placed the elder steps away from where Inst. Kajana stood. And alas, a familiar face! Inst. Kajana saw the children’s father standing beside the elder. “Relax, Kajana!” Grandmaster boomed with a smile. “This is a joyous occasion.” Inst. Kajana, apparently still confused, didn't move. Grandmaster approached him carefully and placed a hand on his shoulder, “You’re ok, this is a celebration for you,” he whispered. The elder motioned for Grandmaster to return to his side and whispered something in his ear. “Let the ceremony begin!” Grandmaster bellowed. Everyone resumed to their previous rhythm making; the women singing and dancing, the children playing. In the center, right before Inst. Kajana’s eyes he saw the most magnificent display of martial arts skill and precision. They performed slo-step, throws, kumite, club attacks, multiple attacks - everything that you witness entering any of our Ebanmus today. The demonstration excited and frightened Inst. Kajana. He enjoyed watching the performance but was unsure why he was the only invited spectator, and why they put on such an elaborate show for him. If this was all in thanks for taking the children to the movies, a simple hallmark card or dinner on the base would have sufficed. After the demonstration, the men fell back in line at the back of the clearing. Grandmaster, translating for the elder, said, “Kajana, with great honor, we welcome you to our family. I have observed you and deemed you worthy of caring on our family legacy. All that you see is our family tradition. I invite you to become a part.” Stunned, Inst. Kajana stood there looking around for a moment, trying to collect his thoughts. “What does this mean? What? How can I become a part? A part of what? His family? I don’t even know him…” his thoughts whirled around in his head. Before even finishing the thought process, he heard his mouth saying, “I accept.” The thought of “what do I accept and why am I saying this” Was drowned out by the raucous cheers and clamoring. He found himself smiling as he gazed upon Grandmaster's smiling face. After the ceremony, Grandmaster elaborated on the details finally easing Inst. Kajana’s racing heart. What a momentous occasion!

Master Cetshwayo began training in tumfo tu in 1966, in Hawaii, under the watchful eye and tutelage of Grand Master Hughes Naumu, sr. He traveled with Grandmaster to the Philippines, Japan, and finally finished his training in Hong Kong, China, where he earned the rank of Black Belt in 1968. He trained from six to fourteen hours, seven days a week,and as you can imagine, it was thorough and brutal. His training consisted of heavy concentration in Strengthening the Will; Heightened Sensitivity Training; One-pointed Mindfulness; Moving Body-Energy for Power; and Acute Body-sensitivity to Movement, to name a few. Authentic to the training style that we observe today, Master Cetshwayo's training consisted of simple yet highly effective equipment and training aids found in his environment. ​ When Master Cetshwayo had to return to his post for duty, Grandmaster got a job on the ship. It was important for Master Cetshwayo to continue his training as he was chosen to be the forebearer for this discipline. He chose to become a Navy Seal - Special Forces Operative in Vietnam (where he continued to refine his skill). As part of a highly mobile six-man fighting unit, he operated in Cam Ranh Bay, Qui Nhon, Saigon, Nha Be, and My Tho, in the Mekong Delta, South Vietnam. In the interim, he extended his combat skill fighting in Bangkok, Thailand and in Hong Kong, China, and Honorably discharged from the Navy in 1970.

Upon returning to the US, he founded his first tumfo tu Ebanmu (Temple) in Detroit, Michigan in October 21, 1971. ​ The Detroit Ebanmu quickly earned the reputation for developing courageously skilled students –thousands in Michigan and then, later, in Texas, Utah, Washington D.C., Colorado, and now Hawaii and Ethiopia. There are numerous Black Belts teaching internationally under Master Cetshwayo’s teaching and leadership. To his credit, not only has he outstanding students, but has also produced teaching videos, audios, print materials, and specialized training curriculums for tumfo tu, including some very sensitive and specialized training aids. He founded the Cetshwayo-Kempo Systems (C-KS) headquartered in Denver, Colorado and tumfo tu Movement Masters. Master Cetshwayo is a 9th Degree Kempo* Black Belt. Master Cetshwayo’s commitment to community excellence and healing earned him the appreciation and respect of Detroit and beyond. He involved C-KS in significant Detroit Community Actions during the 70s to present day. To name a few, Detroit Deputy Mayors, Jim Ingram, and Bill Beckham, called upon Master Cetshwayo to link C-KS with Detroit Police Street-Ops, and C.Y.S.P., to curb street gang violence during the seventies. Further, he formed “The Michigan Thirteen” (Delegates) who, along with himself, took Detroit Community interests and concerns to a world stage at the “2001 State of the Black World Conference” held in Atlanta, Georgia. His academic achievements include an Associate Degree, a legal Degree, and a BA Degree. He is a prodigy of Dr. John Henrik Clarke and Dr. Ben-Jochanan of the African Heritage Studies Association. Master Cetshwayo lectures at local schools, organized civic functions, and various colleges around the Country.

The schedule changes seasonally. You can check it here.

We are open for classes Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. However, you can reach us anytime here.

You can come to check us out: Wednesdays @ 6:30 pm and Saturdays at @10:30 am. After a showing, you will have the opportunity to join. You can register for the FREE showing here.

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"Tumfo tu Movement Masters is movement therapy based on a traditional martial arts application. In 52 years of teaching, Grandmaster Kajana Cetshwayo introduced this discipline to over 50,000 students worldwide. It empowers its students to fearlessly thrive through adversity, let go of any self-doubts, and move through life with power. It helps professionals and families who are looking to improve themselves move forward in their lives. There are many forms of therapy and many forms of martial arts. Why tumfo tu? The phrase tumfo tu means “power movement”. This discipline uncovers your innate power. Tumfo tu is you - empowered!

Yes! With clearance from your doctor for physical activity, you can train. Tumfo tu movements are based on natural movement. Many students find that training encourages the healing of their injuries.