Road To WAKO 2021: HiBred House

Hey All!

Most recently, we got wind of our friends from HiBred House would also be taking part in the WAKO tournament coming up this month. So off to the Eastside we went! We ended up doing some portraits of them as they prepped for their upcoming competition. The fighters competing consist of Alfonzo Martinez, Tristan Futa, Scott Higashi, Webster Aluli, Nakoa Fujimura, Nate Yoshimura, and Ikaika Barboza. We even had Canaan Kawaihae appear for a cameo! Hibred House will be going up with Westside Striking to compete and hopefully put Hawaii on the map once again for combat sports. Have a look at our session and enjoy!

*If you would like to help support their journey, reach out to coach Kaleo Kwan :)

Road To WAKO 2021: Westside Striking

What’s up all!

We recently had a chance to work with our friends at Westside Striking again. This month they are taking a team of hopefuls to the WAKO Team USA Kickboxing National Championships in Nashville, Tennessee. Representing Westside Striking: Taz Kaleiopu, Joven Lopez, JJ Morales, Sefo Manuel, Quincy Manuel, Isaac Martinez, Christian Tajiri, and Brandon Abiva. We got to take get some portrait work in with them, with a little action on the side. We were unable to photograph Christian Tajiri and Brandon Abiva this time around, but hopefully next time around we will get the chance. Fun fact: Christian and Brandon actually fought each other a few years ago! Even though we didn’t get to work with them this time around, enjoy a little throwback of their fight. Have a look at our session with Westside Striking and enjoy!

*If you would like to help support, reach out to coach Mike Talalotu to see what you can do :)

Keiki Of The Future: Westside Striking

They say children are the future. This couldn’t be any more true. The keiki of today are the future leaders of tomorrow. They will be the ones leading us in due time. This pertains to everything, including combat sports.

I had the pleasure of getting some portraits done with some of the keiki of an awesome and humble group that is Westside Striking. As the name implies, we ventured out West to Waianae. Now any negative stereotypes you may have or may have heard, try to tune them out. Not everything you heard is 100% true all the time. Sometimes, some unfortunate things happen. A couple of bad apples should ruin your opinion of the whole tree. In fact, some of the kindest people I know are in Waianae. Some were even born and raised there. Just remember, don’t mistake ANYONE’S Aloha for weakness ;)

I was able to work with some of the members of the team. It’s hard to believe this was hardly a fraction of the whole team. It was a fun session, and hopefully won’t be the last with this awesome and humble group. Take a quick look and enjoy! Thanks again to the coaches, kids, and parents for having us there!

Francis