The repeated World Champion and winner of numerous Grand Champion trophies was born on December 21, 1961 on the island of Cabo-Verde, West Africa. In 1978, at the age of 16 he was exposed to the art of competitve fighting. It was here that Emanuel's career in WUN HOP KUEN DO began. He first started training under the instruction of Malia Dacascos, then later trained under Si Gung Al Dacascos.

Emanuel Bettencourt achieved his first-degree black belt in April 1982. By 1986, Emanuel had successfully achived his second-degree black belt andwon (for the first time ever) the World Champion title. In May of 1992, Emanuel achived the titel of SIFU and three years later was promoted to a fourth-degree black belt that carried on his winnings onto the undefeated World Grand Champion of Kajukenbo.

His career has been marked  with many achievements  including  many  German and European titles.   His success is also  contributed to being named  the Grand  Champion   winner  in  all  of Europe.  Emanuel is the recipient  of the  tallest  trophy  ever  which  is recorded  in  the   Guiness  Book  of World Records.          

The secret to  Emanuel's success  is found in the multi-talented disciplined system of WUN HOP KUEN DO, not to mention the other martial arts that he practices, such as  CAPOEIRA,  MODERN ARNIS   and JUSEMA VIJITY ( an African stick rhythm ).
Emanuel is certainly a  world class fighter  with countless    achievements.    The     specialized competence  of  Emanuel Bettencourt   speaks  for itself,   he   is   sought worldwide   for   his instruction and demonstration.  Emanuel has also put his knowledge  and  expertise  into areas of Film,  TV   and  other areas of media such as an actor,   stunt  man  and  action  choreographer.