Joseph Serio “Joe” Halbuna was born on March 12, 1926, in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Serio and Marcelina Halbuna. Raised in the multicultural environment of Hawai‘i, Joe developed a lifelong love of the ocean, became an accomplished diver, and later served his country as a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II and a member of the Hawaii National Guard and the American Legion. He married his beloved wife Jane and together they raised their family, eventually relocating from Honolulu to San Francisco in 1962 and later settling in Pacifica, California in 1966, where they became active community members and co‑founders of Sea View Baptist Church.

Halbuna’s journey in the martial arts began in the early 1950s, and he was first introduced to Kajukenbo in 1955 in Honolulu, later formally training under prominent instructors and earning his black belt from Sijo Adriano D. Emperado in 1962. He swiftly became one of the earliest and most respected pioneers of Kajukenbo. A firm believer in realism and practicality, Halbuna trained extensively and immersed himself in the art’s techniques, principles, and philosophy.

In the early 1960s, as part of a generation of senior Kajukenbo practitioners, Joe Halbuna was among the first to bring the art from Hawai‘i to the United States mainland, establishing dedicated schools in San Francisco and Pacifica. Alongside fellow Kajukenbo luminaries such as Tony Ramos, Aleju Reyes, Charles Gaylord, he helped introduce the “hard‑and‑practical” Hawaiian self‑defense system to California’s martial arts community and contributed to its growth and recognition.

Throughout his decades of teaching, Halbuna was known for his deep commitment not only to technique but also to unity, respect, and the martial arts community. He taught numerous students, instructed law enforcement in baton and riot training, and certified officers in judo. Beyond his dojo work, he founded the Unified World Martial Arts Federation, traveled internationally to connect with teachers of diverse disciplines, and welcomed a lifelong exchange of knowledge across styles.

Recognized as a 9th‑degree red belt with silver lining, Great Grandmaster Halbuna’s influence extended well beyond his own lineage: he encouraged fellowship among martial artists, championed high standards of training, and emphasized the integrity and heritage of Kajukenbo. He continued teaching, mentoring, and shaping practitioners until his passing on September 28, 2002, leaving behind a rich legacy of dedication, community, and lifelong commitment to the art he helped anchor on the mainland.