SCRAPP! FIGHT MAGAZINE
March - 2015
15
Brazil has Jiu-Jitsu, now Cuba has JKB.
The ‘Cuban Style’ mixed martial arts
program is comprised primarily of Judo,
Kickboxing and Boxing. According to
Finales, there are currently over 500 Cu-
bans training ‘JKB style’ in Cuba.
JKB is also becoming a popular fight style
internationally. There are JKB instructors
teaching this ‘Cuban’ form of MMA in
other countries as well; countries such as
Spain, Italy, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Hon-
duras, Mexico and the U.S.
Scrapp! Fight Magazine recently had the
opportunity to conduct a one-on-one in-
terview with Carlos Finales and he was
happy to give Scrapp! reader’s the inside
scoop on what JKB is all about.
SFM:
What was your motivation behind
creating a form of martial arts specific to
Cuban fighters?
CF:
Like many Cuban’s, my partner and I
are very passionate about the sport. We
wanted to offer Cubans living inside (and
outside) of Cuba the opportunity to be
part of a unique ‘Cuban-based’ MMA
program. We wanted to introduce a spe-
cial form of martial arts, one that encour-
ages respect as well as a different way of
teaching and training. It is vital for Cuban
fighters to be able to identify themselves
on a global level and we feel that JKB will
help them achieve that.
SFM:
What makes JKB different?
CF:
JKB combines Judo, Kickboxing and
Boxing (primarily). JKB gives fighters in
the program continuous recognition by
motivating them to excel by earning dif-
ferent belts. They do not earn these belts
by winning a competition, they rise in
rank through their own hard work and
dedication. JKB is not only for fighters,
it is for everyone; men, women and chil-
dren of all ages.
SFM:
You mentioned that JKB is made
up of primarily Judo, Kickboxing and Box-
ing. How does this impact the fighter’s
ground game? Do you incorporate Wres-
tling and/or BJJ training into the program
as well?
CF:
When JKB athletes have to partici-
pate in events or pure MMA skills, these
athletes will incorporate some moves
of Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling and other varied
techniques - but the foundation of JKB
is based on judo, kickboxing and boxing.
Our athletes are capable of confronting
any competitor in any form of combat
fighting. JKB athletes are prepared to
take on karate, judo, jujitsu, boxing etc.,
with great success and no fear.
SFM:
You hold a black belt in many dis-
ciplines, please tell us more about your
mixed martial arts background.
CF:
In the past I was a member of one
of he most prestigious Judo groups in
Havana. My master teachers were none
other than Luis Gatson and Federico
Guardia. I was also trained in self-de-
fense by Master Jesus Cuspinera Navarro
and placed 4th in the world champion-
ship in Italy.
SMF:
What are some of the biggest chal-
lenges for MMA fighters based in Cuba?
CF:
In many cases, Cuban fighters lack