Remembering Guro Bud Balani – Rest In Peace – Fundraiser

DONATE:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembering-bud-balani

 

balani_Page_011

Remembering Guro Bud Balani

My name is Johnathan Balani, and it’s with great sadness that I’m announcing the passing of my father, Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr. who unexpectedly and tragically passed away on May 11, 2023 at the age of 60 years old.
To those who knew him he was a great man, teacher, loyal friend, and coworker. To our family he was a great son, brother, uncle, godfather and most of all a great father. He left behind his three brothers (Phil, John, and Dale), his mother Helly, and above all his Son, Johnathan. He was dealing with a great amount of medical issues these past few years following a near fatal motorcycle accident in 2019. One year ago Bud moved to Las Vegas with Johnathan to go be with Buds mother. Beforehand, he worked as a Local 80 Motion Pictures Studio Grip for 20+ years and was a martial arts instructor of Lameco Escrima & Kali lustrisimo.
Bud leaves behind a community that has been forever touched by his kindness, passion, and unmatchable hardheadedness and love for his family, friends, and colleagues. His impact on the lives will continue to be with us for years to come. Bud will be deeply missed, his spirit will live on through the memories and countless lives he has touched throughout his journey.
This fundraiser is to help our family with covering the funeral costs, memorial services, and transportation to get him back to Los Angeles from Las Vegas to be laid to rest with his late wife and Johnathans mother, Cindy Balani. Our family and friends really want to make it possible to give Bud the service that he deserves. For anyone in the position and/or willing to donate to our cause, any amount of money helps and it will be appreciated tremendously by me and my family.
Thank you greatly.
More About Guro Bud Balani:

Lameco Eskrima / Kali Ilustrisimo Seminar in Las. Vegas with Guro Ariel F. Mosses and Guro Dino Flores Sunday, April 30th, 2023

LV 2023

Lameco Eskrima / Kali Ilustrisimo Seminar in Las. Vegas
with Guro Ariel F. Mosses and Guro Dino Flores
Sunday, April 30th, 2023.
11AM to 3PM
Ten Tigers Martial Arts, Las Vegas, Nevada.
Payments: Combat FMA Paypal – CombatFMA@yahoo.com
More Instructor Information:

 

 

 

 

Lameco Eskrima S.O.G. and Kali Ilustrisimo Seminar with Guro Dino Flores – Hosted by EFA , Chiapas Mexico. Feb 11 & 12 , 2023

Lameco Eskrima S.O.G. and Kali Ilustrisimo Seminar with Guro Dino Flores – Hosted by EFA , Chiapas Mexico. Feb 11 & 12 , 2023

 

mexico semiar 2023 feb

 

LAMECO ESKRIMA SOG – ZOOM SEMINAR With Guro Ariel Flores Mosses, Guro Bong Hebia & Guro Dino Flores – Sunday, May 22nd, 2022

ZOOM-SEMINAR-MAY-2022-V7

Lameco Eskrima SOG

Spain & Germany

Presents

 

LAMECO ESKRIMA SOG – ZOOM SEMINAR

With Guro Ariel Flores Mosses,

Guro Bong Hebia & Guro Dino Flores

 

DATE AND TIME:

USA (West Coast Time) -

Sunday, May 22nd, 2022 – 8 AM to 12 PM .

(Streamed Live from Los Angeles, Californa).

 

Madrid Time (Central European Time) -

Sunday, May 22nd, 2022 – 5 PM till 9 PM .

(+9 Hours Ahead of  US West Coast Time).

 

 

REGISTRATION ONLY:

Apprentice Guro Tim Fredianelli – Event Host

Email – Fredianellibruno@gmail.com

 

$60.00 USD Per Person Prepaid.

$75 Per Person after April 30th, 2022.

 

 

 

MORE SEMINAR INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:

 

Guro Ariel:

http://www.combatfma.com

https://www.facebook.com/CombatfmaLV

https://twitter.com/CombatFMA

YouTube Channel-Combat FMA

https://www.instagram.com/combatfmalv/

 

 

Guro Bong Hebia:

http://backyardeskrima.com/?cat=76

 

Guro Dino:

http://mandirigma.org/?p=122

 

 

EUROPEAN SEMINAR SPONSORS:

Apprentice Guro Tim Fredianelli  – Spain Representative

Apprentice Guro Christof Froehlich – Germany Representative

 

 

More Information at:

http://mandirigma.org/

http://backyardeskrima.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Eskrimador1898/

https://www.youtube.com/user/MandirigmaOrg

https://vimeo.com/mandirigma

https://www.instagram.com/lameco_sog_eskrima/

 

——

 

https://mandirigma.org/?p=3931

Lameco Eskrima & Kali Ilustrisimo Europe Presents Online Zoom Seminar with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores – USA West Coast Time: Saturday, January 29th, 2022 – 8 AM to 12 PM – (Streamed Live from Los Angeles, California).

ZOOM-1-29-2022-RD

 

Lameco Eskrima& Kali Ilustrisimo Europe Presents

Online Zoom Seminar with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores

 

ZOOM SEMINAR NEW DATE & TIMES!

USA West Coast Time: Saturday, January 29th, 2022 – 8 AM to 12 PM – (Streamed Live from Los Angeles, California).

Madrid Time (Central European Time):  Saturday, January 29th, 2022 – 5 PM till 9 PM  (+9 Hours Ahead of  US West Coast Time).

OTHER TIME ZONES

Mexico City Time:  Saturday, January 29th, 2022 – 10 AM till 2 PM – (+2 Hours Ahead of  US West Coast Time).

Singapore Time:  Sunday, January 30th, 2022 -  12 AM to 4 AM – (+16 Hours of Ahead of  US West Coast Time).

Melbourne Time: Sunday, January 30th, 2022 -  3 AM to 7 AM – (+19 Hours of Ahead of  US West Coast Time).

(Please inform us ASAP if you see any errors in the time/date calculations)

$30 Per Person

This one time special low price for the seminar is usually reserved for Kapisanang Mandirigma Spain and Germany members only. However to launch our first European Public Zoom Seminar the discount will be extended to all.

$50 – if paid after January 10th, 2022.

REGISTRATION:

Apprentice Guro Tim Fredianelli – Spain Representative – Event Host and Sponsor  – fredianellibruno@gmail.com

MORE INSTRUCTOR INFO:

Guro Ariel: http://www.combatfma.com

https://www.facebook.com/CombatfmaLV

https://twitter.com/CombatFMA

YouTube Channel-Combat FMA

https://www.instagram.com/combatfmalv/

Guro Dino: http://mandirigma.org/?p=122

More Information at:

http://mandirigma.org/

http://backyardeskrima.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Eskrimador1898/

https://www.youtube.com/user/MandirigmaOrg

https://vimeo.com/mandirigma

https://www.instagram.com/lameco_sog_eskrima/

MORE SEMINAR INFO:

https://mandirigma.org/?p=3915

Lameco Eskrima / Kali Ilustrisimo Seminar. with Guro Ariel F. Mosses and Guro Dino Flores Sunday, September 12th, 2021.

LAS VEGAS SEMINAR Sept2021 2

 

 

Lameco Eskrima / Kali Ilustrisimo Seminar.

with Guro Ariel F. Mosses and Guro Dino Flores

Sunday, September 12th, 2021.

Ten Tigers Martial Arts, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Payments: Combat FMA Paypal – CombatFMA@yahoo.com

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores. Las Vegas, Nevada. March 27th, 2021.

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo

with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores.

Las Vegas, Nevada. March 27th, 2021.

Ten Tigers Martial Arts, Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

LAS VEGAS SEMINAR MARCH 27 2021 2 2

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores. Las Vegas, Nevada. November 22nd, 2020.

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo

with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores.

Las Vegas, Nevada. November 22nd, 2020.

 

Las Vegas Seminar 11-20 FLAT

 

 

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores. Las Vegas, Nevada. November 22nd, 2020.

Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Dino Flores will be doing a seminar in Las Vegas November 22nd, 2020. It will be held at the Lohan School of Shaolin. 3850 Schiff Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89103.

Strictly No Video Recording. Photos OK.

Payments: Combat FMA Paypal – CombatFMA@yahoo.com

 

More Instructor Information:

Guro Ariel: https://ariel-mosses.squarespace.com/about-ariel-f-mosses

Guro Dino: http://mandirigma.org/?p=122

 

More Information at:

http://mandirigma.org/

http://backyardeskrima.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Eskrimador1898/

https://www.youtube.com/user/MandirigmaOrg

https://vimeo.com/mandirig

Online Lameco Eskrima S.O.G. and Kali Ilustrisimo Seminar – Hosted by EFA , Chiapas Mexico. November 21, 2020

Online Lameco Eskrima S.O.G. and Kali Ilustrisimo Seminar

– Hosted by EFA , Chiapas Mexico. November 21, 2020

 

Zoom 2 Seminar

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores. Las Vegas, Nevada. October 11h, 2020. http://mandirigma.org/?p=3817

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo

with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores.

Las Vegas, Nevada. October 11h, 2020.

http://mandirigma.org/?p=3817

 

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores. Las Vegas, Nevada. October 11h, 2020. http://mandirigma.org/?p=3817

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores. Las Vegas, Nevada. October 11th, 2020.
http://mandirigma.org/?p=3817

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores. Las Vegas, Nevada. April 4th, 2020.

LAS VEGAS SEMINAR MAY 4 2020

 

 

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores. Las Vegas, Nevada. April 4th, 2020.

Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Dino Flores will be doing a seminar in Las Vegas April 4th, 2020. It will be held at the Lohan School of Shaolin. 3850 Schiff Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89103.

Strictly No Video Recording. Photos OK.

Payments: Combat FMA Paypal – CombatFMA@yahoo.com

 

More Instructor Information:

Guro Ariel: https://ariel-mosses.squarespace.com/about-ariel-f-mosses

Guro Dino: http://mandirigma.org/?p=122

 

More Information at:

http://mandirigma.org/

http://backyardeskrima.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Eskrimador1898/

https://www.youtube.com/user/MandirigmaOrg

https://vimeo.com/mandirig

LAMECO ESKRIMA and KALI ILUSTRISIMO CAMP – Saturday, August 24 & Sunday August 25 , 2019. Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

Vegas Camp 11x17 V2 flat

 

Warrior Arts of the Philippines

Arnis Camp – Las Vegas, USA

LAMECO ESKRIMA and KALI ILUSTRISIMO

 

Saturday, August 24 & Sunday August 25 , 2019

 

 

Featuring Guro’s Bong Hebia, Ariel Flores Mosses & Dino Flores.

Don’t miss this opportunity to train with World Class Eskrimadors!

 

Date: Saturday, August 24, 2019.

Location: Lohan School of Shaolin

Las Vegas Chinatown, Nevada.

Registration: 9am

Event Time: 10am – 5pm

 

Date: Sunday, August 25, 2019.

Location: Lohan School of Shaolin

Las Vegas Chinatown, Nevada.

Event Time: 10am – 5pm

 

Contact: Guro Ariel – (702) 533-9688

Email: combatfma@yahoo.com

 

Seminar Fees:

 

2 Days Seminar

Prepaid – $125 • At the door – $175

 

1 Day Seminar

Prepaid – $95 • At the door – $130

 

Prepaid special ends July 1st, 2019

 

——-

 

Additional Workshops:

 

Date: Monday, August 26th

Subject: Sparring Workshop & Coaching.

Sparring qualifies towards ranking requirements.

Location: TBD

Event Time: 10am – 2:30pm

Fee: $50

*Please bring own Padded Weapons, Helmet, Gloves and Armor.

 

Date: Tuesday, August 27th

Subject: Combat FMA – Firearm Basics.

Fundamentals of Shooting. Includes Live Fire.

Location: Green Valley Range

Event Time: 10am – 2:30pm

Fee: $75 – Includes Workshop, firearm, ammo & range time.

 

Date: Wednesday, August 28th

Subject: Lameco Eskrima Fundamentals and Foundations.

For students interested in Essential Lameco or ranking.

Location: Ten Tigers Martial Arts

Event Time: 10am – 2:30pm

Fee: $50

Strictly No Video Recording. Photos OK.

Payments: Combat FMA Paypal – CombatFMA@yahoo.com

Bring your own Sparring Gear if you want

to participate in Sparring. Bring own helmet, hand and

forearm armor, padded knife and sticks, eye protection.

Gear available at www.LamecoEskrimaIntl.com.

Some gear will be available at event. Sparring Sunday & Monday.

 

——

 

www.combatfma.com • www.mandirigma.org • www.backyardeskrima.com

 

Presented by:

TEN TIGERS MARTIAL ARTS,

LOHAN SCHOOL OF SHAOLIN,

GREEN VALLEY RANGE,

ESKRIMADOR DNA, COMBAT FMA &

KAPISANANG MANDIRIGMA

 

 

http://tentigersmartialarts.com

https://www.lvlohans.org

https://www.greenvalleyrange.com

Lameco Eskrima & Kali Ilustrisimo Spain Opens New Location in Madrid. November 2018

Lameco Eskrima & Kali Ilustrisimo Spain Opens New Location in Madrid. November 2018

 

http://www.kali-jeetkunedo.com

 

Curso de inauguracion de nuestra nueva sala en Avenida de Carabanchel Alto con el Presidente de la Federación de Esgrima Histórica FEEH Manuel Campo (de Galicia) nuestro Instructor Quino (de Cantabria), Manu García Nieto (de
Asturias) Pionero de MMA en España y luchador de Bellator, y ex campeon de Kick y guarda espaldas de los famosos Xacobo Gancedo. DM nos ofrece tambien curso teórico de municiones. Y Kali Ilustrisimo, Lameco y JKD. Todo un encuentro. Mas completo imposible.

 

46785161_10218458583637523_1163923896559206400_o

 

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+++++++++++++++++++
 

About Tim B. Fredianelli:

Tim B. Fredianelli is Assistant Instructor in Jeet Kune Do under Sifu Tim Tackett and Sifu Bob Bremmer, Certified Knife Expert under Hock Hocheim, 2nd dan Black Belt in Kick Boxing, was a senior member of the Instituto de Kali Jun Fan in Madrid for 11 years training in Inosanto Kali and Muay Thai, and Wing Chung, Jun Fan and Jeet Kune Do. Has more than 25 years of experience in martial arts. Was the first to train and promote Lameco Eskrima and Kalis Ilustrisimo in Spain, and has been promoting and training Lameco and Kalis Ilustrisimo since 2003. He now trains a small group of dedicated students in all these arts.

http://www.kali-jeetkunedo.com

 

 

Lameco Eskrima S.O.G. and Kali Ilustrisimo Camp – Chiapas Mexico. November 2, 3, 4 – 2018. JUNE 27, 2018

Lameco Eskrima S.O.G. and Kali Ilustrisimo Camp – Chiapas Mexico. November 2, 3, 4 – 2018.

Lameco Eskrima S.O.G. and Kali Ilustrisimo Camp -

Chiapas Mexico. November 2, 3, 4 – 2018.

https://www.facebook.com/EFAchiapas

 

35852501_10214854664893762_2618230841238618112_o

 

 

Prepárate!!
CAMPAMENTO INTERNACIONAL
LAMECO ESKRIMA.
Noviembre 2018.

Efectividad en este enorme legado!
Además KALI ILUSTRISIMO!
Chiapas, México.

Tres Guros herederos de LAMECO ESKRIMA, el legado de Punong Guro Edgar Sulite de nuevo en México!

Para mayor información ve el Cartel con quienes comunicarte y en EFA.

Comunícate

LAMECO ESKRIMA & KALI ILUSTRISIMO SEMINAR, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 10AM-4PM. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA.

LAMECO ESKRIMA & KALI ILUSTRISIMO SEMINAR, SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 10AM-4PM. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA.

 

vegas sept 2018

 

 

For more Information,

Contact Guro Ariel Flores Mosses:

https://ariel-mosses.squarespace.com/contact-us/

(702) 533-9688

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores. Las Vegas, Nevada. May 26th, 2018.

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores.

Las Vegas, Nevada. May 26th, 2018.

 

LAS VEGAS SEMINAR MAY 2018 V2

 

 

Guro Dino and Guro Ariel have been training partners since the 1980′s. They first began teaching seminars together in the 1990′s in Washington State, Oregon, Nevada and California.

About Guro Ariel:

Traditional Arts for a Modern World!Master Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under the watchful eyes and close supervision of three legendary Grandmasters: Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois, the late Grandmaster Christopher “Topher” Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo, and the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, founder of Lameco Eskrima International.Master Ariel F. Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. Master Mosses holds an 8th degree black belt in Kali Jukune Do, as well as an 8th level Master Instructor in Manaois Eskrima.He is an authorized Senior Instructor in Lameco S.O.G., and an authorized Senior Instructor in Kali Ilustrisimo C.N.R. Master Mosses is enshrined in the Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and is a proud member of Kapisanang Mandirigma, a Federation of warriors from different disciplines of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines.Master Mosses is a certified Nevada CCW instructor.Trained by LEGENDS of Filipino CombatThe Filipino Warrior Tradition is founded upon honoring and preserving the knowledge passed on though our teachers. Each generation of students should seek to maintain the virtues and the original intent of his teachers’ systems of combat. These are the teachers and friends who have directly trained Master Mosses.Grand Master Conrad A. ManaoisGrand Master Christopher “Topher” RickettsPunong Guro Edgar G. Sulite

 

Close Ties: Family, Honor, TraditionMaster Mosses has close ties with the influential trainers and practitioners in FMA today. This close knit group forms a small community, frequently training together to keep the tradition ALIVE, VIBRANT, and TRUE to its roots.

Master Mosses’s cousin, Guro Dino Flores, shares in this long history of training and sparring together.They began their formal training in the 1980′s with Grandmaster Henry Bio, of Sikaran Arnis. Both Master Mosses and Guro Flores also trained in the NINOY CINCO TEROS Arnis style with Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois.Each also trained directly with Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite. Guro Dino was accepted as an initial member of Sulite’s newly formed BACKYARD GROUP, AKA The Sulite Oriehenal Group (S.O.G.) into which Master Mosses became an honorary member.Master Mosses soon relocated to Washington State, where Punong Guro Sulite made Master Mosses his head representative for the state. Over the years, Punong Guro spent many weeks at Master Mosses’s home where he PERSONALLY trained Master Mosses. He became Master Mosses’s close friend and mentor. Today, Master Mosses continues to teach his beloved instructor’s Lameco Eskrima in its pure form.Guro Flores and Master Mosses also trained for many years under Grand Master Christopher N. “Topher” Ricketts until his passing in 2010.

 

https://ariel-mosses.squarespace.com

 

About Guro Dino:

Guro Dino trained for many years with Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois in Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis and Master Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis in the 1980′s along with his cousins Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores. In the early 1990′s he was accepted as an initial member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites’ newly forming Backyard Group AKA the Sulite Oriehenal Group

At the recommendation of Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Dino first visited Master Christopher Ricketts in the Philippines in 1995 and was introduced to his perspective on the Warrior Arts.  Since the passing of Punong Guro Sulite,  he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts, who gave Guro Dino permission to teach his method before his passing. Guro Dino was the Lameco representative for Master Ricketts and a member of Bakbakan Philippines sponsored by Master Ricketts. Guro Dino continues his training in Master Ricketts method of training with his two sons, the young Masters Bruce and Guro Brandon Ricketts. Masters Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts are now officially the head of the late Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts “Ilustrisimo” organization which strives to preserve the purity of the art.

Guro Dino additionally had good fortune to experience training in Kali Ilustrisimo with Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster Yuli Romo and Grandmaster Tony Diego. He also trained in Kali Ilustrisimo with one of his training partners and fellow Lameco Backyard member Guro Hans Tan, who was certified to teach Kali Ilustrsimo under Master Tony Diego.Additionally Guro Dino trained privately for several years in California and the Philippines with Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO.

Guro Dino also cites the importance of his training partners in Lameco SOG and Kapisanang Mandirigma in his growth. After the passing of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, certain members of the Lameco Backyard group reformed also became know as Kapisanang Mandirigma. The group regularly continued  training, sparring, experimenting and seeking the deeper roots of their chosen arts. This group includes Guros Joel Adriatico, Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr., Mar Elepaño, Choy Flores, Arnold Noche, Gary Quan, Hans Anton Tan and Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (RIP). With frequent visits by Guro Lowell Pueblos, Guro Bong Hebia and honorary member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses.

http://backyardeskrima.com/?page_id=52

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores. Las Vegas, Nevada. March 23rd, 2018.

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores. Las Vegas, Nevada. March 23rd, 2018.

 

Las Vegas March 2018 V4 JPG1

 

 

Guro Dino and Guro Ariel have been training partners since the 1980′s. They first began teaching seminars together in the 1990′s in Wahington State, Oregon, Nevada and California.

About Guro Ariel:

Traditional Arts for a Modern World!Master Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under the watchful eyes and close supervision of three legendary Grandmasters: Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois, the late Grandmaster Christopher “Topher” Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo, and the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, founder of Lameco Eskrima International.Master Ariel F. Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. Master Mosses holds an 8th degree black belt in Kali Jukune Do, as well as an 8th level Master Instructor in Manaois Eskrima.He is an authorized Senior Instructor in Lameco S.O.G., and an authorized Senior Instructor in Kali Ilustrisimo C.N.R. Master Mosses is enshrined in the Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and is a proud member of Kapisanang Mandirigma, a Federation of warriors from different disciplines of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines.Master Mosses is a certified Nevada CCW instructor.Trained by LEGENDS of Filipino CombatThe Filipino Warrior Tradition is founded upon honoring and preserving the knowledge passed on though our teachers. Each generation of students should seek to maintain the virtues and the original intent of his teachers’ systems of combat. These are the teachers and friends who have directly trained Master Mosses.Grand Master Conrad A. ManaoisGrand Master Christopher “Topher” RickettsPunong Guro Edgar G. Sulite

 

Close Ties: Family, Honor, TraditionMaster Mosses has close ties with the influential trainers and practitioners in FMA today. This close knit group forms a small community, frequently training together to keep the tradition ALIVE, VIBRANT, and TRUE to its roots.

Master Mosses’s cousin, Guro Dino Flores, shares in this long history of training and sparring together.They began their formal training in the 1980′s with Grandmaster Henry Bio, of Sikaran Arnis. Both Master Mosses and Guro Flores also trained in the NINOY CINCO TEROS Arnis style with Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois.Each also trained directly with Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite. Guro Dino was accepted as an initial member of Sulite’s newly formed BACKYARD GROUP, AKA The Sulite Oriehenal Group (S.O.G.) into which Master Mosses became an honorary member.Master Mosses soon relocated to Washington State, where Punong Guro Sulite made Master Mosses his head representative for the state. Over the years, Punong Guro spent many weeks at Master Mosses’s home where he PERSONALLY trained Master Mosses. He became Master Mosses’s close friend and mentor. Today, Master Mosses continues to teach his beloved instructor’s Lameco Eskrima in its pure form.Guro Flores and Master Mosses also trained for many years under Grand Master Christopher N. “Topher” Ricketts until his passing in 2010.

 

https://ariel-mosses.squarespace.com

 

About Guro Dino:

Guro Dino trained for many years with Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois in Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis and Master Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis in the 1980′s along with his cousins Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores. In the early 1990′s he was accepted as an initial member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites’ newly forming Backyard Group AKA the Sulite Oriehenal Group

At the recommendation of Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Dino first visited Master Christopher Ricketts in the Philippines in 1995 and was introduced to his perspective on the Warrior Arts.  Since the passing of Punong Guro Sulite,  he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts, who gave Guro Dino permission to teach his method before his passing. Guro Dino was the Lameco representative for Master Ricketts and a member of Bakbakan Philippines sponsored by Master Ricketts. Guro Dino continues his training in Master Ricketts method of training with his two sons, the young Masters Bruce and Guro Brandon Ricketts. Masters Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts are now officially the head of the late Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts “Ilustrisimo” organization which strives to preserve the purity of the art.

Guro Dino additionally had good fortune to experience training in Kali Ilustrisimo with Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster Yuli Romo and Grandmaster Tony Diego. He also trained in Kali Ilustrisimo with one of his training partners and fellow Lameco Backyard member Guro Hans Tan, who was certified to teach Kali Ilustrsimo under Master Tony Diego.Additionally Guro Dino trained privately for several years in California and the Philippines with Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO.

Guro Dino also cites the importance of his training partners in Lameco SOG and Kapisanang Mandirigma in his growth. After the passing of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, certain members of the Lameco Backyard group reformed also became know as Kapisanang Mandirigma. The group regularly continued  training, sparring, experimenting and seeking the deeper roots of their chosen arts. This group includes Guros Joel Adriatico, Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr., Mar Elepaño, Choy Flores, Arnold Noche, Gary Quan, Hans Anton Tan and Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (RIP). With frequent visits by Guro Lowell Pueblos, Guro Bong Hebia and honorary member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses.

http://backyardeskrima.com/?page_id=52

 

Seminar: Lameco S.O.G. & Kali Ilustrisimo European Tour August 2018 with Guro Dino Flores

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Seminar: Lameco S.O.G. & Kali Ilustrisimo

European Tour August 2018

with Guro Dino Flores

 

More information about Guro Dino:

http://backyardeskrima.com/?page_id=52 

About Guro Dino:

Guro Dino trained for many years with Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois in Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis and Master Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis in the 1980′s along with his cousins Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores. In the early 1990′s he was accepted as an initial member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites’ newly forming Backyard Group AKA the Sulite Oriehenal Group

At the recommendation of Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Dino first visited Master Christopher Ricketts in the Philippines in 1995 and was introduced to his perspective on the Warrior Arts.  Since the passing of Punong Guro Sulite,  he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts, who gave Guro Dino permission to teach his method before his passing. Guro Dino was the Lameco representative for Master Ricketts and a member of Bakbakan Philippines sponsored by Master Ricketts. Guro Dino continues his training in Master Ricketts method of training with his two sons, the young Masters Bruce and Guro Brandon Ricketts. Masters Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts are now officially the head of the late Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts “Ilustrisimo” organization which strives to preserve the purity of the art.

Guro Dino additionally had good fortune to experience training in Kali Ilustrisimo with Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster Yuli Romo and Grandmaster Tony Diego. He also trained in Kali Ilustrisimo with one of his training partners and fellow Lameco Backyard member Guro Hans Tan, who was certified to teach Kali Ilustrsimo under Master Tony Diego.Additionally Guro Dino trained privately for several years in California and the Philippines with Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO.

Guro Dino also cites the importance of his training partners in Lameco SOG and Kapisanang Mandirigma in his growth. After the passing of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, certain members of the Lameco Backyard group reformed also became know as Kapisanang Mandirigma. The group regularly continued  training, sparring, experimenting and seeking the deeper roots of their chosen arts. This group includes Guros Joel Adriatico, Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr., Mar Elepaño, Choy Flores, Arnold Noche, Gary Quan, Hans Anton Tan and Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (RIP). With frequent visits by Guro Lowell Pueblos, Guro Bong Hebia and honorary member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses.

http://backyardeskrima.com/?page_id=52

 

For more information – Contact Guro Dino’s LAMECO S.O.G and Kali Ilustrisimo Representative in Spain,

Tim Fredianelli: fredianellibruno@gmail.com

 

 

 

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Budo International Publishing Co. is one of the world’s leading publishers in the field of martial arts, with more than 35 years in the industry.

Budo International Publishing Co. is one of the world’s leading publishers in the field of martial arts, with more than 35 years in the industry.

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Budo International Has been a big supporter of Mandirigma.org and associated projects. It has additionally been an early promoter of Lameco Eskrima, Kali Ilustrisimo and the Warrior Arts of the Philippines in general. It is among the favorite Martial Arts publishing companies of Mandirigma.org.

Budo International Publishing Co. is one of the world’s leading publishers in the field of martial arts, with more than 35 years in the industry. Our product catalog:
Instructional Martial Arts, Combat Sports & Self Defense DVDs (PAL and NTSC, more than 600 titles in 5 languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Italian), Videos on Download Books, and Free online monthly Magazine Budo International in 8 language editions (English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese).

https://budointernational.com/en/

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The late Punong Guro Edgar Sulite on the cover. The first magazine ever to publish an article about him. First to put him on the cover. Many publications would follow years later, but Budo Publishing  was the first.

Guro Dino Flores in Budo Magazine, Japanese and Chinese Language Edition. November 2017.

Guro Dino Flores in Budo Magazine, Japanese and Chinese Language Edition. November 2017.

 

https://youtu.be/R0Gvw6NZjH4

 

https://issuu.com/budoweb/docs/martial_20arts_20magazine_20budo_20_bd9e9e848cf9e4/72

 

https://budointernational.com/en/buscar?controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=guro+dino&submit_search=

 

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Budo International Has been a big supporter of Mandirigma.org and associated projects. It has additionally been an early promoter of Lameco Eskrima, Kali Ilustrisimo and the Warrior Arts of the Philippines in general. It is among the favorite Martial Arts publishing companies of Mandirigma.org.

Budo International Publishing Co. is one of the world’s leading publishers in the field of martial arts, with more than 35 years in the industry. Our product catalog:
Instructional Martial Arts, Combat Sports & Self Defense DVDs (PAL and NTSC, more than 600 titles in 5 languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Italian), Videos on Download Books, and Free online monthly Magazine Budo International in 8 language editions (English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese).

https://budointernational.com/en/

 

Screen Shot 2018-03-15 at 4.45.44 PM

 

 

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The late Punong Guro Edgar Sulite on the cover. The first magazine ever to publish an article about him. First to put him on the cover. Many publications would follow years later, but Budo Publishing  was the first.

SEMINARIO DE LAMECO ESKRIMA Y KALI ILUSTRISIMO CON GURO DINO FLORES EN TUXTLA GUTIERREZ, CHIAPAS. September, 2017.

SEMINARIO DE LAMECO ESKRIMA Y KALI ILUSTRISIMO CON GURO DINO FLORES EN TUXTLA GUTIERREZ, CHIAPAS. September, 2017.

 

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Article: Zona de Campeones – Guro DIno Flores impartió seminario de Lameco Eskrima y Kali Ilustrisima. September 2017

Article: Zona de Campeones – Guro DIno Flores impartió seminario de Lameco Eskrima y Kali Ilustrisima. September 2017

http://www.zonadecampeones.com/portal/index.php/selecciona-tu-deporte/artes-marciales/judo-y-jiu-jitsu/1257-guro-dino-flores-impartio-seminario-de-lameco-eskrima-y-kali-ilustrisima

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zona article

 

ZONA GALLERY

 

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Guro Ariel F. Mosses Seminar in South New Jersey. June, 2017.

Guro Ariel F. Mosses Seminar in South New Jersey

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Presents:
 COMING JUNE 10TH AND 11TH
Traditional Arts for a Modern World!Master Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under the watchful eyes and close supervision of three legendary Grandmasters: Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois, the late Grandmaster Christopher “Topher” Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo, and the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, founder of Lameco Eskrima International.Master Ariel F. Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. Master Mosses holds an 8th degree black belt in Kali Jukune Do, as well as an 8th level Master Instructor in Manaois Eskrima.He is an authorized Senior Instructor in Lameco S.O.G., and an authorized Senior Instructor in Kali Ilustrisimo C.N.R. Master Mosses is enshrined in the Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and is a proud member of Kapisanang Mandirigma, a Federation of warriors from different disciplines of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines.Master Mosses is a certified Nevada CCW instructor.Trained by LEGENDS of Filipino CombatThe Filipino Warrior Tradition is founded upon honoring and preserving the knowledge passed on though our teachers. Each generation of students should seek to maintain the virtues and the original intent of his teachers’ systems of combat. These are the teachers and friends who have directly trained Master Mosses.Grand Master Conrad A. ManaoisGrand Master Christopher “Topher” RickettsPunong Guro Edgar G. SuliteClose Ties: Family, Honor, TraditionMaster Mosses has close ties with the influential trainers and practitioners in FMA today. This close knit group forms a small community, frequently training together to keep the tradition ALIVE, VIBRANT, and TRUE to its roots.

Master Mosses’s cousin and friend, Guro Dino Flores, shares in this long history of training and sparring together.They began their formal training in the 1980′s with Grandmaster Henry Bio, of Sikaran Arnis. Both Master Mosses and Guro Flores also trained in the NINOY CINCO TEROS Arnis style with Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois.Each also trained directly with Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite. Guro Dino was accepted as an initial member of Sulite’s newly formed BACKYARD GROUP, AKA The Sulite Oriehenal Group (S.O.G.) into which Master Mosses became an honorary member.Master Mosses soon relocated to Washington State, where Punong Guro Sulite made Master Mosses his head representative for the state. Over the years, Punong Guro spent many weeks at Master Mosses’s home where he PERSONALLY trained Master Mosses. He became Master Mosses’s close friend and mentor. Today, Master Mosses continues to teach his beloved instructor’s Lameco Eskrima in its pure form.Guro Flores and Master Mosses also trained for many years under Grand Master Christopher N. “Topher” Ricketts until his passing in 2010.

Ten Tigers Martial Arts Las Vegas presents Guro Dino Flores and Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Seminar in Lameco Eskrima. Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday, April 29th, 2017

Ten Tigers Martial Arts Las Vegas presents Guro Dino Flores and Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Seminar in Lameco Eskrima. Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday, April 29th, 2017

 

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Lameco Eskrima Practitioners Honor Punong Guro Edgar Sulite on his 20th Death Anniversary with training sessions and gatherings around the globe.

Lameco Eskrima Practitioners Honor Punong Guro Edgar Sulite  on his 20th Death Anniversary with training sessions and gatherings around the globe. 2017.

 

 

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Punong Guro Edgar Sulite

September 25, 1957 – April 10, 1997

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MADRID, SPAIN

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Madrid, Spain Group headed by Guro Tim Fredianelli:

Honoring the memory of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite by training in Lameco Arnis in Madrid Spain. Our mode to all Lameco practitioners everywhere! Punong Guro Sulites 20th death anniversary. In Honor of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite we made a special training today. Our respects to our brothers from Lameco everywhere.

 

 

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MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

 

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ZACATEPEC DE HIDALGO, MEXICO

 

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PINTO, SPAIN

 

Alfonso Lopez

Pinto Spain Group headed by Alfonso Lopez:

On April 2 we did a training, in memory, and tribute to Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, in which we read the biography of Punong Guro, and performed a training with a great feeling, of course we had a memory of our brother recently deceased Alex Garduño, Our respects to all Lameco practitioners everywhere, Punong Guro Edgar Sulite 20th Death anniversary, and a special thanks to our Guros to keep alive the memory of Punong Guro.
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA

 

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FOLSOM, NEW JERSEY, USA

 

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South Jersey Group headed by Jamie Morris

Rest In Peace Guro Alejandro Garduno Hernandez of Lameco Eskrima Mexico/Combat Academy. 1970 to 2017.

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An announcement from Guro Dave Gould:

I wanted to announce to everyone on the Group some sad news; One of my most trusted and loyal Lameco Eskrima students from Mexico has just passed. Most of you know him and have befriended him on Face Book, Alejandro “Alex” Garduno from Morelos.

On September 12, 2016 after test results came back, Alex was diagnosed with a blood disease called: “Hemoconcentration” which is associated with a life time of untreated High Blood Pressure, which resulted in an enlarged heart, the same thing that happened to PG Sulite which lead to his suffering a stroke 20 years ago from two day ago. Alex died from the stroke that he was felled by.

Alex first began training with me back in 2000 when I was flown into teach a Lameco Eskrima seminar in Mexico City. He went on to become my student and trained with me as he would bring me to Mexico for Seminars over the years. He ranked under me as an Apprentice Instructor in the Lameco Eskrima system. He also later brought in brother Roger Agbulos and Dino Flores to do Seminars there in Mexico, as well he hosted the Sulite Orehenal Group in Mexico City in 2014 where Bong Hebia, Bud Balani Jr., Dino Flores, and I conducted a Lameco Eskrima Camp there for three days. He will be missed…

Rest in peace brother  :(

——

From Guro Dino Flores:

Rest well Alex…

Rest In Peace my good friend. One of the kindest gentlemen I have ever met. Not only was Alex one of the primary heads of Lameco Eskrima in Mexico, he was also our representative for Kali Ilustrisimo in Mexico. Love and prayers to Leti and all the immediate and huge extended family. You will be dearly missed.

—-

 

The Year of Remembrance, Legacy and Honor, regarding the milestone Anniversaries of the following: Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite whose 20th Anniversary of Death will be on April 10, 2017. GM Jose D. Caballero whose 30th Anniversary of Death will be on August 24, 2017. GM Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo whose 20th Anniversary of Death will be on August 30, 2017.

Anniversary

 

 

Guro Dave Gould made this poster to declare 2017: The Year of Remembrance, Legacy and Honor, regarding the milestone Anniversaries of the following:

Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite whose 20th Anniversary of Death will be on April 10, 2017.

GM Jose D. Caballero whose 30th Anniversary of Death will be on August 24, 2017.

GM Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo whose 20th Anniversary of Death will be on August 30, 2017.

For all Lameco Eskrima practitioners the lives and contributions of all three of these men should be celebrated as they were all so responsible for the Lameco Eskrima system as we know and practice it today.

We know that there will be events planned to pay respect for PG Sulite on his upcoming 20th Anniversary of death and throughout the year and I really hope that we will all do the same in honor of both GM Jose D. Caballero and GM Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo in like manner, as the knowledge of both run deep in the Lameco Eskrima system in making it as effective as it is.

Naturally we will always honor the memory of Master “Topher” Ricketts for his influence on the Lameco Eskrima system as well as all of our fraternal Lameco Eskrima family who have passed both some time ago and recently.

Lets make this a memorable year for all of these great men and remind people who we are and from whence we come.

Guro Dan Inosanto interview about his Lameco Eskrima Instructor, PG Edgar G. Sulite. April 1997.

Guro Dan Inosanto interview about his Lameco Eskrima Instructor, PG Edgar G. Sulite. April 1997.

Below is an interview circa April 1997 that Guro Dan Inosanto gave about his Lameco Eskrima Instructor, PG Edgar G. Sulite. Guro Dan Inosanto trained privately in Lameco Eskrima under PG Sulite from 1989 – 1997 for a total of 8 years and was very impressed with his combative prowess as well as his teaching ability.In that time Guro Dan Inosanto rose to the rank of Senior Instructor in the Lameco Eskrima system under PG Sulite and has been the Vice President (Vice Chairman) of the Lameco Eskrima International Association since about 1990 and still remains in that position today.

The interview below was published in Guro Dan Inosanto`s; Inosanto Academy of Martial Art`s (IAMA) “Free Voice” Magazine which was made available quarterly to those of us who trained at the Inosanto Academy. This Interview was in the Spring Issue of 1997 just after PG Sulite passed away.

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Punong Guro Edgar Sulite interview by Guro Steve Tarani. February 1997.

Following is a very interesting Interview from 20 years ago of Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, conducted by our Lameco Eskrima “backyard” brother, Steve Tarani in February of 1997. This was probably the last interview that PG Sulite would give before he passed away soon after on April 10, 1997. This interview was published in Guro Dan Inosanto`s; Inosanto Academy of Martial Art`s (IAMA) “Free Voice” Magazine which was made available quarterly to those of us who trained at the Inosanto Academy. This Interview was in the Spring Issue of 1997 just after PG Sulite pased away.

In the Interview PG Sulite speaks about his years of practicing the Chinese Internal Arts of Tai-Chi and Hsing-I, both of which he had trained for quite a while back in the Philippines while he was younger. There he would get up early every morning and train his Kali, Arnis and Eskrima for hours, which was always a very intensive hard energy driven labor. He would then follow that up and finish with a Tai-Chi or Hsing-I session and then meditate to balance the “warrior inside” as he would call it, that being his spiritual being which had to be in harmonious balance with his physical being to complete both opposing sides of “yin and yang” representing both hard and soft when combining Lameco Eskrima with Tai-Chi and Hsing-I.

PG Sulite used to demonstrate to us often his push hands of Hsing-I. I remember him literally lifting our Lameco Eskrima “backyard” brother, Hans Anton Tan off of his feet and throwing him into the side of a wall to demonstrate the power of his Chi. He practiced a lot of this with our “backyard” brother Bong Hebia as well. PG Sulite would often tell us that we had to master both external and internal in order to have the best and most effective versions of our combative selves to come forward.

In addition to training Tai-Chi and Hsing-I, PG also trained Ng Cho Kung Fu from his friend and publisher, Master Alexander L. Co in addition to that PG Sulite would further condition his palms, hands and forearms with a type of Iron Palm training. All of this in addition to his Indigenous Pilipino Warrior Arts of Kali, Arnis and Eskrima.

Click on each of the two images below to read the full context of the interview below.

 

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Written by Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite; From the “Vortex” Lameco Eskrima International Newsletter, Volume 4, Number 1 circa 1995.

Written by Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite; From the “Vortex” Lameco Eskrima International Newsletter, Volume 4, Number 1 circa 1995.

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Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite had to say about the need of having “LAMECO” Goals in training, in life and beyond… circa May 1993.

Below is what Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite had to say about the need of having “LAMECO” Goals in training, in life and beyond… circa May 1993.

This was published in our quarterly Lameco Eskrima “Vortex” Newsletter, Volume 2, Number 3 circa 1993.

 

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Sen. Miguel Zubiri, Author and Sponsor of the National Arnis Law (Rep. Act 9850) gave this message during the First National Arnis Congress held at the Red Cross Headquarters Multipurpose Hall, Mandaluyong City, Philippines, on January 12, 2017.

Sen. Miguel Zubiri, Author and Sponsor of the National Arnis Law (Rep. Act 9850) gave this message during the First National Arnis Congress held at the Red Cross Headquarters Multipurpose Hall, Mandaluyong City, Philippines, on January 12, 2017.

 

By: Joy @ https://thedeadlydance.wordpress.com/tag/national-arnis-congress-2017/

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Sen. Miguel Zubiri, Author and Sponsor of the National Arnis Law (Rep. Act 9850) gave this message during the First National Arnis Congress held at the Red Cross Headquarters Multipurpose Hall, Mandaluyong City, Philippines, on January 12, 2017.

He asked his staff to email this to me and I’m printing it as is.

“My love affair with Arnis started many years ago, when I was a young teenager training in martial arts, fascinated by traditional Chinese and Japanese weaponry. As young boys, we all wanted to be just like Ezekiel Thompson of the movie, “Force Five” played by weapons expert Richard Norton for his expertise in different weapons systems.

Inspired by these icons, I started training with these weapons systems under 9th Dan, Sensie Robert Campbell of the Uechi-Ryu Okinawan Karate while doing my open hands training and kick boxing skills with Master Topher Ricketts of Bakbakan and Sagasa Karate System.

When Master Topher saw that I was interested in weapons, he asked me to try Arnis. My first reaction was “Why?”. All 16 year olds at that time wanted to be like Sho Kusugi from all the Ninja films. But then he told me to trust him about the effectiveness of the Filipino Martial Art. I guess at that time, hindi uso maging Arnisador as it wasn’t as famous as those weapons systems seen in the movies. Unlike today, where we see Tom Cruise or Matt Damon doing FMA on screen, to the delight of all FMA practitioners.

So one afternoon, in 1986, Master Topher introduced me to a short and stocky man in his mid-twenties who had the biggest forearms I had ever seen.

I clearly recall telling him that he had “Popeye arms”, which broke the ice and started a wonderful friendship between student and master. His name was Master Edgar Sulite.

My first lesson from him was a realization of how deadly and effective our Arnis system was in the real world. He would ask me to throw sticks, and even tennis balls at him, while doing the sinawali and to my amazement; it was impossible for me to penetrate his defense.

He would then show Knife fighting techniques and empty hand techniques including takedowns, which were truly effective for real life situations and not just for fancy movie props and entertainment.

I was in love… in love with this martial art and there was no turning back.

I discovered for myself that we had a hidden gem, a secret treasure. A martial art that was so unassuming yet so effective, so complex and yet so simple, so graceful and yet so deadly. But most of all, it was our very own Filipino Martial Art. From then on, I met and trained with other legends like Grand Master Antonio Illustrissimo and GM Tony Diego, under the watchful eye of my adopted father figure Master Rickettes.

It was at this time that I saw how the art and sport grew. I had the opportunity to compete in several national competitions and the honor to represent the Philippins at the First World Arnis Tournament held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in 1989, under the invitation of the Cañete Family of Doce Pares and WEKAF. I will forever be greatful to them for allowing me to compete in their tournament.

Unfortunately, as the sport grew, so did the intrigues. I have seen for myself how little by little, we have been tearing each other apart rather than staying united. On how groups were starting to feel unwelcome because of certain personalities. Or being deemed “disloyal” for joining certain activities not “sanctioned” by governing bodies.

This should never be the case. I, myself was a victim as well, of this brand of destructive politics in sports. In 1991, I was not allowed to participate in the SEA Games Arnis competition even if I was the reigning National Champion because of the simple reason that I had joined tournaments sponsored by other organizations. Again, this should never happen. I believe that every one of you, your students and your followers, should have the support and encouragement from the government and our national organization to enhance your skills and strengthen your art and style. No jealousy, no discrimination; only support and guidance.

Moving forward, through the efforts of Grand Master Roland Dantes and several Arnisador, I filed SB #3288 and in 2009, we finally passed it as RA 9850.

Unfortunately, GM Roland was never able to see it made into law as he passed away before it was approved. Let us recognize his efforts. Let us give GM Roland Dantes a rousing round of applause for all his efforts to unify our Martial Art and Spots through legislation, and this is what we are recognizing today. Not just the efforts of GM Roland, but of all our Masters and Grand Masters who have gone before us. This gathering today is for all their hopes and dreams that one day, Arnis, Kali and Escrima would be recognized; by our government, by our people, by the world.

The steps that we take today will make sure that no one should be left behind, that no student should be disallowed from joining competitions, that no organization, or school, should be discriminated from financial assistance from government or by the unified organization, and that no Grand Master, past or present, will ever be forgotten.

Today, we are at the crossroads of history my friends. Today, we forget that we are Doce Pares, Kalis Illustrissimo, Modern Arnis, Balintawak, Lightning, Pekiti Tirsia, Bakbakan, Lameco, etc…

Today, we are one in our mission to unite all our styles, all our beliefs, all our dreams, under one unified FMA Organization; promoting inclusivity, chosen democratically and run through constant consultation and guided by our RA 9850, under the guidance and support of the Philippine Sports Commission.

Change has come.

Today, let us make history!

Mabuhay and Arnis, Kali and Escrima.

Mabuhay tayong lahat.”

Ariel seminarGuro Ariel Flores Mosses Lameco and Ilustrisino Eskrima Seminar. Moses Lake, Washington. August 2016.

http://backyardeskrima.com/?p=1978

Punong Guro Edgar Sulites Influences in creating Lameco Eskrima. Courtesy of Guro Dave Gould.

Punong Guro Edgar Sulites Influences in creating Lameco Eskrima.
Courtesy of Guro Dave Gould.
Below is a poster which I placed together showing the Major and Minor Influences which Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite credited for his knowledge and for the creation of the Lameco Eskrima System. In essence these Grandmasters, their systems and knowledge were responsible for the Lameco Eskrima System that we know and train today. In addition to the numerous actual experiences which PG Sulite drew from and the thousands of hours of sparring and fighting with his two primary sparring partners, Master Christopher N. Ricketts and Master Jun Pueblos.

The Major Influences were from Masters and Systems which PG Edgar G. Sulite thoroughly trained under for years and was certified to teach their respective styles. The Minor Systems were from Masters with whom PG Edgar G. Sulite trained to some degree and with whom he collaborated but never received ranking in their respective Systems.

5 Major Influences on the Lameco Eskrima System:

* De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orihinal (GM Jose D. Caballero)
* Kali Illustrisimo (GM Antonio “Tatang” Illustrisimo)
* Kali Pekiti-Tirsia (Tuhon Leo Tortal Gaje Jr.)
* Modernos Largos (GM Jesus Abella & GM Pablicito “Pabling” Cabahug)
* Sulite Rapelon (GM Helacrio Sulite Sr.)

6 Minor Influences on the Lameco Eskrima System:

* Doce Pares (GM Diony Canete)
* Balintawak (GM Johnny Chiuten)
* Lapunti Arnis De Abanico (GM Felimon E. Caburnay)
* Siete Teros Serado – Serado no Puwede Entra (GM Marcelino Ancheta Sr.)
* Abanico De Sungkiti (GM Billy Baaclo)
* Tres Personas Eskrima De Combate (GM Maj. Timoteo E. Maranga)

Lameco

Seminar: Lameco S.O.G. & Kali Ilustrisimo European Tour 2016 with Guro Dino Flores

https://www.facebook.com/LAMECOESKRIMAKALISILUSTRISIMO/timeline

 

https://vimeo.com/170345485

 

https://youtu.be/f-7qJgs418I

 

Seminar: Lameco S.O.G. & Kali Ilustrisimo European Tour 2016 with Guro Dino Flores

Seminar Spain 2016

Lameco S.O.G. & Kali Ilustrisimo European Tour

Come train with one of Lameco S.O.G´s and Kali Ilustrisimo´s most combat oriented Instructors.

Lameco S.O.G. & Kali Ilustrisimo European Tour – July 2016

Come train with one of Lameco S.O.G´s and Kali Ilustrisimo´s most combat oriented Instructors – Guro Dino Flores! Guro Dino has almost 25 years of experience with Lameco Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo.

Guro Dino was one of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite favorite fighters from the Infamous Lameco Backyard Group. In the Lameco Backyard, fancy drills were always secondary – various degrees of sparring intensity always came first. He was personally trained by Punong Guro to be a fighter above all else. Even accepting challenges on Punong Guro Sulite’s behalf. He is also is an Authorized Instructor under Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts and Grandmaster Antonio Diego. During Master Ricketts time in the USA, Guro Dino was one of his assistants. Constantly sparring people at Master Ricketts request. He has also had the good fortune to train with all Five Pillars of Ilustrisimo and was one of the few members of the notorious LAMECO S.O.G. He is currently the director and an Instructor of the Kapisanang Mandirigma Institute founded by members of Lameco S.O.G.

Join us in Madrid and Ibiza. Guro Dino will be taking it a high level of intensity. As an option only – for those who want to take full advantage of this combat oriented training, bring you sparring gear. To add to the excitement, Guro Dino will also be accompanied by two of his most skilled fighters – Brett Granstaff and Mark Ramos. Find out for yourself why Lameco S.O.G. and Kali Ilustrisimo is respected in the Martial Art World.

More information about Guro Dino Flores at this link: http://backyardeskrima.com/?page_id=52

Guro Dino Flores will be conducting Action Packed seminars in IBIZA AND MADRID. Guro Dino is only in Europe periodically. Don’t miss this very rare opportunity!!!

 

IBIZA Seminar 12 hours

15th and 16th , OF JULY 2016

120 Euros if paid before May 30th

150 Euros after May 30th

 

 

MADRID Workshop 8 hours

23 RD OF JULY Saturday From 9:00 am to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00 pm.

70 Euros if paid before May 30th, 2016

85 Euros after May 30th

 

Special prices for groups.

 

For more information – Contact Guro Dino’s LAMECO S.O.G and Kali Ilustrisimo Representative in Spain,

Tim Fredianelli: fredianellibruno@gmail.com

 

More Seminar Information at: http://backyardeskrima.com/?p=1813 and http://mandirigma.org/?p=2957
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Spain Seminar Colr

 

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German

Italian

 

French

 

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Rest In Peace Master Alexander Lim Co – April 12th, 2016

Rest In Peace Master Alexander Lim Co – April 12th, 2016

Alex Co - Author Pic - 200 b

Alexander Lim Co was a living treasure in the arts of Chinese kung-fu. In fact, no name is more synonymous with Kung-Fu in the Philippines than Alexander Co. He spearheaded the Chin Wu Club in Manila, wrote the first kung-fu book ever published in the Philippines, and published the country’s first martial arts magazine, simply titled “Martial Arts Magazine.” Co has studied a dozen different kung-fu styles, was an “in-door” disciple of Ngo Cho Kun’s late grandmaster Tan Ka Hong, and has studied Seven Star Praying Mantis and Hung-gar under Grandmaster Shakespeare Chan, Wu style Tai Chi Chuan under the late Master John Hu Chuan Hai, and Hsin-I Liu Ha Pa Fa under Master David Chan.

Alexander Co was the Advising Grandmaster of The International Beng Hong Athletic Association. He has served as Chairman of the Philippine-Chinese Beng Kiam Athletic Association and the Tsing Hua Ngo Cho Kung-fu Center and as Vice-chairman of the Hsin-I Society of Internal Arts. In addition to dozens of articles featured in such magazines as Martial Arts Magazine, Rapid Journal, Inside Kung-Fu, Martial Arts Illustrated, and Martial Arts Legends. Grandmaster Co has written three books: Secrets of Seven Star Praying Mantis, The Way of Ngo Cho Kun and Five Ancestor Fist Kung-Fu, and is translator of The Bible of Ngo Cho Kun. He also filmed a series of instructional videos “The Essence of Ngo Cho Kun” and “The Essence of Seven Star Praying Mantis” for Unique Publications Video.

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Ronnie Ricketts

I was saddened to hear of the passing of a good friend and a great master, Alex Co . He was an amazing influence in the lives of our Bakbakan brothers. Our sincerest condolences to the family and may you rest in peace, Master Alex!

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‎Lance Velez‎

The loss of Master Alex is a loss to the world of martial arts. He knew so much and shared his knowledge with those who showed Interest, with no reservation , he was a true master of his art and I am sad that I wasn’t able to spend more time with him… It hurts that I no longer have his counsel and insight when I have questions the thought that we will no longer have our conversations is heartbreaking. I will do my best to maintain and master what you taught me so in my own small way I can preserve the art of Ngo Cho … Rest in peace Master Alex … I will miss you …

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Mark Wiley‎ 

It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of one of my best friends, big brother and kung-fu master, Sifu Alex Co. He passed at 10:34 PM Manila time, April 12, 2016. His kind and loving heart and openness in sharing his passion for all martial arts with all people was unmatched. He is one of the legends of the Philippine martial arts masters, who brought all together from every discipline.

He suffered much these past years with heart troubles, kidney failure, diabetes, digital amputation… But his drive to keep documenting and spreading the arts he loved was unstoppable.

My son, Alex, is named in his honor and forever I will treasure his memory in my heart.

 It is with a heavy heart that I mourn your passing, Sifu Alex, you are one of my best friends, big brother, father and kung-fu master. Our long relationship is deeply embedded in my heart and I am struggling with not being able to call you and talk or come for a visit. You are among the most important people in my life and I can’t imagine my future without you here.

Rest in peace.

 

 

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Doran Sordo

Master Alex Co was an exceptional human being. He was one of the best friends of my master, Christopher Ricketts. He was very strict when he would be teaching us. Always keen on the details. It was because of Master Topher that I met, got to know, and learned extensively from Master Alex. He was so selfless in his teaching. Breaking from the norm, because of his friendship and trust for Master Topher and the students he would bring by. He was such a kind man. Soft spoken and yet, powerful. I will miss him greatly. He was a cornerstone to our Bakbakan Brotherhood. On one of the last conversations I had with Master Topher, he told me to never stop learning. He mentioned only two people. Master Alex was one of them. Rest in peace, Master. Thank you so much for teaching me. I will never forget it, or you. Paalam Po.

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Jun Nunez

This picture was taken by Grandmaster Topher Rickets of Bakbakan. With me is Grandmaster Edgar Sulite of Lameco Escrima, Master HuTuan Hai of Wu Tai Chi Chuan, and Master Alex Co of Ngo Cho Kun. It’s sad to know that I am the only one left with the passing of my friend Alex. Goodbye my friend

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Felipe P. Jocano Jr.

With deep sorrow, I mourn the passing of my kung-fu teacher and friend, Sifu Alexander L.co. He was one of the kindest, most generous and caring men I have had the privilege of meeting and learning from. He not only taught martial arts, he was also an example of the true martial arts master, capable of wielding tremendous power, and at the same time, remaining kind, gentle and humble. Such was his character that he was friends with and was highly respected by, everyone within the Philippine martial arts community.

I miss you po, sir. You were always kind, generous and constantly encouraging to me, the least of your students. You showed me that true kung-fu was not only physical ability but also the development of character. I will always treasure everything you taught me.

I have previously posted this picture below. This is of me and Mark Wiley with Sifu Alex at Sifu’s house in Mandaluyong. Taken last year.

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Edgar-Tatang-Roland-Alex

More on Master Alexander Lim Co:

http://www.tambulimedia.com/chinese-martial-arts-welcome/bible-ngo-cho-kun/

http://backyardeskrima.com/?cat=68

Seminar: Lameco S.O.G. & Kali Ilustrisimo European Tour 2016 with Guro Dino Flores

Seminar: Lameco S.O.G. & Kali Ilustrisimo European Tour 2016 with Guro Dino Flores

Seminar Spain 2016

Lameco S.O.G. & Kali Ilustrisimo European Tour

Come train with one of Lameco S.O.G´s and Kali Ilustrisimo´s most combat oriented Instructors.

Lameco S.O.G. & Kali Ilustrisimo European Tour – July 2016

Come train with one of Lameco S.O.G´s and Kali Ilustrisimo´s most combat oriented Instructors – Guro Dino Flores! Guro Dino has almost 25 years of experience with Lameco Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo.

Guro Dino was one of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite favorite fighters from the Infamous Lameco Backyard Group. In the Lameco Backyard, fancy drills were always secondary – various degrees of sparring intensity always came first. He was personally trained by Punong Guro to be a fighter above all else. Even accepting challenges on Punong Guro Sulite’s behalf. He is also is an Authorized Instructor under Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts and Grandmaster Antonio Diego. During Master Ricketts time in the USA, Guro Dino was one of his assistants. Constantly sparring people at Master Ricketts request. He has also had the good fortune to train with all Five Pillars of Ilustrisimo and was one of the few members of the notorious LAMECO S.O.G. He is currently the director and an Instructor of the Kapisanang Mandirigma Institute founded by members of Lameco S.O.G.

Join us in Madrid and Ibiza. Guro Dino will be taking it a high level of intensity. As an option only – for those who want to take full advantage of this combat oriented training, bring you sparring gear. To add to the excitement, Guro Dino will also be accompanied by two of his most skilled fighters – Brett Granstaff and Mark Ramos. Find out for yourself why Lameco S.O.G. and Kali Ilustrisimo is respected in the Martial Art World.

More information about Guro Dino Flores at this link: http://backyardeskrima.com/?page_id=52

Guro Dino Flores will be conducting Action Packed seminars in IBIZA AND MADRID. Guro Dino is only in Europe periodically. Don’t miss this very rare opportunity!!!

 

IBIZA Seminar 12 hours

15th and 16th , OF JULY 2016

120 Euros if paid before May 30th

150 Euros after May 30th

 

 

MADRID Workshop 8 hours

23 RD OF JULY Saturday From 9:00 am to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00 pm.

70 Euros if paid before May 30th, 2016

85 Euros after May 30th

 

Special prices for groups.

 

For more information – Contact Guro Dino’s LAMECO S.O.G and Kali Ilustrisimo Representative in Spain,

Tim Fredianelli: fredianellibruno@gmail.com

 

More Seminar Information at: http://backyardeskrima.com/?p=1813 and http://mandirigma.org/?p=2957
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Spain Seminar Colr

 

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German

Italian

 

French

 

KM Online Meme 5 flattt

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores. Las Vegas, Nevada. May 29th, 2016.

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with

Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores.

Las Vegas, Nevada. May 29th, 2016.

 

Las Vegas, Nevada. May 29th, 2016.

 

Seminar: Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Brandon Ricketts. Glendale FMA, California. April 9th, 2016

Seminar: Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Brandon Ricketts.

Glendale FMA, California. April 9th, 2016.

 

Brandon Seminar  2016 4

Seminar: Lameco SOG and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Dino Flores Guro and Ariel Flores Mosses. March 17th, 2016. Las Vegas.

Seminar: Lameco SOG and Kali  Ilustrisimo

with Guro Dino Flores Guro and Ariel Flores Mosses.

March 17th, 2016. Las Vegas.

Guro Dino Flores Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Lameco Ilustrisimo

Seminar: Lameco S.O.G. & Kali Ilustrisimo European Tour 2016 with Guro Dino Flores

Seminar Spain 2016

Lameco S.O.G. & Kali Ilustrisimo European Tour

Come train with one of Lameco S.O.G´s and Kali Ilustrisimo´s most combat oriented Instructors.

Lameco S.O.G. & Kali Ilustrisimo European Tour – July 2016

Come train with one of Lameco S.O.G´s and Kali Ilustrisimo´s most combat oriented Instructors – Guro Dino Flores! Guro Dino has almost 25 years of experience with Lameco Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo.

Guro Dino was one of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite favorite fighters from the Infamous Lameco Backyard Group. In the Lameco Backyard, fancy drills were always secondary – various degrees of sparring intensity always came first. He was personally trained by Punong Guro to be a fighter above all else. Even accepting challenges on Punong Guro Sulite’s behalf. He is also is an Authorized Instructor under Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts and Grandmaster Antonio Diego. During Master Ricketts time in the USA, Guro Dino was one of his assistants. Constantly sparring people at Master Ricketts request. He has also had the good fortune to train with all Five Pillars of Ilustrisimo and was one of the few members of the notorious LAMECO S.O.G. He is currently the director and an Instructor of the Kapisanang Mandirigma Institute founded by members of Lameco S.O.G.

Join us in Madrid and Ibiza. Guro Dino will be taking it a high level of intensity. As an option only – for those who want to take full advantage of this combat oriented training, bring you sparring gear. To add to the excitement, Guro Dino will also be accompanied by two of his most skilled fighters – Brett Granstaff and Mark Ramos. Find out for yourself why Lameco S.O.G. and Kali Ilustrisimo is respected in the Martial Art World.

More information about Guro Dino Flores at this link: http://backyardeskrima.com/?page_id=52

Guro Dino Flores will be conducting Action Packed seminars in IBIZA AND MADRID. Guro Dino is only in Europe periodically. Don’t miss this very rare opportunity!!!

 

IBIZA Seminar 12 hours

15th and 16th , OF JULY 2016

120 Euros if paid before May 30th

150 Euros after May 30th

 

 

MADRID Workshop 8 hours

23 RD OF JULY Saturday From 9:00 am to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00 pm.

70 Euros if paid before May 30th, 2016

85 Euros after May 30th

 

Special prices for groups.

 

For more information – Contact Guro Dino’s LAMECO S.O.G and Kali Ilustrisimo Representative in Spain,

Tim Fredianelli: fredianellibruno@gmail.com

 

More Seminar Information at: http://backyardeskrima.com/?p=1813 and http://mandirigma.org/?p=2957

 

KM Online Meme 5 flattt

 

Book Release – Kali Ilustrisimo: The Sword Fighting Art of Antonio Ilustrisimo by Master Christopher Ricketts

Ilustrisimo Book

Kali Ilustrisimo: The Sword Fighting Art of Antonio Ilustrisimo

By Master Christopher Ricketts, Guro Bruce Ricketts, Guro Brandon Ricketts

 

http://www.blurb.com/b/6612146-kali-ilustrisimo-the-sword-fighting-art-of-antonio

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

With over 3 decades of intensive training in both
Filipino & Chinese disciplines, Christopher Ricketts
presents Kali Ilustrisimo as it was taught to him by
the now legendary swordsman, Antonio Ilustrisimo.
Grandmaster Ricketts brings his insight to this highly
regarded fighting art with clarity and precise
methodology that is sure to enrich any student
regardless of style or system.

Lavishly illustrated with diagrams and pictures
from Grandmaster Rickett’s personal and
comprehensive archives, experts and beginners
alike stand to benefit greatly from this presentation.
Catch a rare glimpse into the inner workings
of this uniquely Filipino fighting system.

The art and legacy of Antonio Ilustrisimo lives on.

Author website
https://www.facebook.com/IlustrisimoUSA

Media: El Guro Dino Flores impartirá seminario de Lameco Eskrima

http://esdiario.com.mx/el-guro-dino-flores-impartira-seminario-de-lameco-eskrima/

 

El Guro Dino Flores impartirá seminario de Lameco Eskrima

jul 31, 2015 – 3:04 am  Deportes Comentarios desactivados


El Guro Dino Flores impartirá seminario de Lameco Eskrima

La Academia EFA que dirige el profesor Adán Castillejos se prepara para recibir una visita de lujo, pues el Guro Dino Flores estará impartiendo sus conocimientos en un seminario de Lameco Eskrima –Kali Ilusitrisimo-, el cual se desarrollará este próximo 14 y 15 de agosto.

Lo anterior fue confirmado por el profesor Adán Castillejos Gallegos quién destacó que este seminario busca la preparación de sus alumnos, por lo que es de suma importancia continuar trabajando en las artes marciales.

Indicó que el Guro Dino Flores nació en Hawai. Ha vivido en varios lugares, incluyendo Fiji, Papua Nueva Guinea, Australia, así como Manila y Laguna – Filipinas.

Guro Dino se introdujo primero en el concepto de historia “Arnis” y Filipinas Guerrero por su padre el Dr. AS Flores a mediados de 1970. Esto se hizo a través de la tradición oral, Pilipino Komiks y difícil de encontrar publicaciones durante la Ley Marcial. Su primer contacto con el entrenamiento físico fue en la década de 1980 en la provincia de Laguna, Filipinas. Familiares mayores y vecinos de la familia tierras ancestrales de muchas generaciones, lo presentaron en las sesiones de traspatio a aplicaciones básicas de la calle y la estrategia de la hoja balisong durante las estancias en las Filipinas. Muchos de estos primeros instructores habían experimentado situaciones de hoja real con las cicatrices para probarlo. Las primeras lecciones fueron evitación, la conciencia ambiental y el comportamiento adecuado para evitar el conflicto.

Dino entrenó durante varios años con el Gran Maestro Conrado A. Manaois en Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis y Master Henry Bio en Sikaran Arnis en la década de 1980, junto con sus primos Ariel Flores Musgos y Choy Flores. A principios de 1990 fue aceptado como miembro inicial de Punong Guro Edgar Sulites ‘nueva formación Backyard Grupo AKA el Oriehenal Grupo Sulite. Durante el entrenamiento constante en el patio trasero que pasó de ser un boxeador agresivo a uno que ahora más tranquilo y preciso. Su estilo de lucha en los primeros días del Grupo de los Backyard le valió el apodo de “Aso’ng Gulo” de sus compañeros de los compañeros y era considerado combatiente patio trasero favorito Punong Guro Sulites ‘debido a la clara el uso del plan de estudios durante los combates.

Además, tuvo la buena fortuna de experimentar el entrenamiento en Kali Ilustrísimo con Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Guro Arnold Narzo, Guro Peachie Baron, Maestro Rey Galang, Maestro Yuli Romo y Master de Tony Diego. También entrenó en Kali Ilustrísimo con uno de sus compañeros de entrenamiento y miembro Lameco Backyard Guro Hans Tan, que fue certificado para enseñar Kali Ilustrsimo con el Maestro, Tony Diego en 1999. Además Guro Dino entrenado en privado durante varios años en California y las Filipinas con el profesor Ireneo L. Olavides en Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO. Guro Dino también cita la importancia de sus compañeros de entrenamiento en Lameco SOG y Kapisanang Mandirigma en su crecimiento.

Dino ha impartido numerosos seminarios y clases en los últimos años. Ha aparecido en la televisión, videos instructivos, Cine Independiente y programas de radio promoción de las artes. Ha contribuido al artículo de la revista para publicaciones como “Budo International”, “Maestros”, “Blitz” “FMA informativo” y “FMA Digest.

Guro Dino es un miembro fundador de Kapisanang Mandirigma de: Organización de Investigación Mandirigma / Mandirigma.org, Kali Klub sa Filipinotown histórico de Los Ángeles y la Organización Backyard Eskrima ™. El Kali Klub es una colaboración voluntaria con varias agencias sin fines de lucro en Los Ángeles. El proyecto incluye la creación de un programa premiado desviar positivamente la juventud en riesgo de las drogas y las pandillas que usan los filipinos Guerrero Artes como una metáfora para la adaptación y el aprendizaje. Cientos de estudiantes experimentaron el programa a lo largo de diez años. Para algunos estudiantes de la educación salvó literalmente su vida en varias situaciones callejeras armadas. Algunos de los premios y reconocimientos de para el programa provienen de organizaciones como en Buscar para Involucrar Pilipino estadounidenses, la Asamblea Estatal de California y el Ayuntamiento de Los Ángeles.


Guro Gary Quan (06/14/1962 – 09/16/2015) – Rest In Peace – Lameco SOG / Kapisanang Mandirigma Member

 

Guro Gary Quan (06/14/1962 – 09/16/2015)

by Guro Arnold Noche

Like myself, Gary grew up knowing a little of a lot of things. And unlike myself, Gary perfected everything he did and he did so with passion.

I met Gary during the late 80′s / early 90′s at the Jun Fan Martial Arts Club in Monterey Park. Gary and Tsuyoshi Abe were teaching the class and even though I was not officially enrolled at CSULA, they still accepted me as a student. It was there where they refined my kicking and punching techniques. It was there that they also rekindled my passion for sticks and knives… something that I have had a love-hate relationship with since I was 12.

Gary was just 4 years older than me but was already well-versed in many subjects… from Martial Arts to Music, being a college graduate, being a working professional, and being able to enjoy everything else in between while searching for new things to try.

We later found out that we had many things in common. We collected the same comic books. We idolized the same guitar players. We loved to play street hockey. And we even competed for the same girl once. But Gary was a deep person and always in the know. Like any Engineer (he had a degree in Electrical Engineering) he took things apart, put it all back together again and completely owned it in the end.

Throughout the years, some of his friends became my friends and some of my friends became his. I was there when he started to take an interest in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). I was there when he started to take an interest in Swing Dancing. I stayed away from both, joking with Gary that I would rather focus on Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) and just stick to spinning the vinyl records that people danced to.

He completely understood as he continued to drag me into other things like the Women’s Self Defense Classes that we consistently taught free of charge for many years from 1990 to 2009 all over LA in both public and private places, to running the Martial Arts Arena at the Cherry Blossom Festival from 2002 to 2010 trying to keep the stage free of egos and a safe place for democracy, to attending countless Guitar Clinics, Expos, Festivals and Workshops to continue sharing a common bond that we had outside of the Martial Arts, and a few other activities throughout Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas and Tijuana that I, happily, can neither confirm nor deny at this time.

One of my fondest memories of Gary came during a time around 2008 when I finally obtained all of the guitars I ever wanted to own for my personal collection. So Gary said, “Now that you have all that, what’s next?”

“I don’t know…” I replied, “maybe learn to play them as good as you?”

So he invited me to his house where he broke everything down for me… what and who to listen to, what books to read, what DVDs to buy, what fundamentals to practice and what to watch on YouTube. I even bought a ukulele in 2011 and got dragged into a few local bars to watch some of his other friends play. So will I ever be as good as him? Probably not, and then I would joke about how he can play them while I collect them.

I am still numb over all of this. Gary’s passing at 53 last week reminded me of my father’s passing at 55. But I am now blessed to have them both looking over me on a spiritual level as I continue throughout my journey.

Gary traveled in many circles and being a hard guy not to like, he touched many lives and because of this, I am a better person.

He will be sorely missed and lived a life worth remembering.

Paalam. (Farewell)

 

Guro Gary Quan Lameco Eskrima SOG 1

 

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Guro Gary Quan Lameco Eskrima SOG 2

Gary Quan with fellow Lameco SOG. Dog Brothers Gathering September 19, 1998. Hermosa Beach, California

Guro Gary Quan Lameco Eskrima SOG 3

Gary Quan with fellow Lameco SOG and Guro Brandon Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo and Bakbakan. Lameco Reunion Seminar. 2014. Los Angeles, California

Guro Gary Quan Lameco Eskrima SOG 4

Gary Quan with Guro Johnathan Balani. Photo shoot for Lameco Legacy book. 2014. Los Angeles, California.

Guro Gary Quan Lameco Eskrima SOG 5

Gary Quan with Guro Johnathan Balani. Photo shoot for Lameco Legacy book. 2014. Los Angeles, California.

Guro Gary Quan Lameco Eskrima SOG 6

Gary Quan with Guro Johnathan Balani. Photo shoot for Lameco Legacy book. 2014. Los Angeles, California.

Guro Gary Quan Lameco Eskrima SOG 7

Gary Quan with Guro Johnathan Balani. Photo shoot for Lameco Legacy book. 2014. Los Angeles, California.

Guro Gary Quan Lameco SOG 10 

Gary Quan with fellow Lameco SOG and Guro Brandon Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo and Bakbakan. Lameco Reunion Seminar. 2014. Los Angeles, California.

 

 

Guro Gary Quan Lameco SOG 11 

Gary Quan with fellow Lameco SOG members Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores. Lohan School, Las Vegas, Nevada. 2014.

 

Guro Gary Quan Lameco SOG 12 

Gary Quan with fellow Lameco SOG . Alhambra, California. 2013.

 

 

Guro Gary Quan Lameco SOG 13 

Gary Quan with fellow Lameco SOG and Guro Brandon Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo and Bakbakan. Lameco Reunion Seminar. 2014. Los Angeles, California.

 

 

Guro Gary Quan Lameco SOG 14 

Gary Quan with fellow Lameco SOG Guro Steve Grody. Book delivery for contributors. 2014. Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California.

 

 

Guro Gary Quan Lameco SOG 15 

Gary Quan with fellow Lameco SOG and Guro Brandon Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo and Bakbakan. Lameco Reunion Seminar. 2014. Glendale FMA, California. Guro Bill Aranda’s school.

 

Guro Gary Quan Lameco SOG 16

 

Gary Quan with fellow Lameco SOG Guro Steve Grody. Book delivery for contributors. 2014. Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California.

 

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Phil Rapagna’s school in Altadena, California. January, 22, 1998.

 

Random Memories of the above photo with Guro Gary Quan by Guro Dino Flores

Taken around the time Gary Quan joined the Lameco Backyard Group. Rest In Peace my Brother. You were always authentic, sincere, kind and positive. Beyond sad to lose you. You will always be missed.

I just now remembered that Punong Guro made us full on fight first..and then it was only afterwards that we formally met each other. I think I was your welcoming committee and first fight in the group. Just before the fight Punong Guro tells me “be careful, because this guy is good…he’s an instructor”! In my mind I am thinking sarcastically “great….lucky me”. So I go full blast agressive to protect myself against “the instructor”. Naturally he had to respond appropriately. Great fight. We remained friends ever since.

In the photo are some of Lameco SOG and guests with Punong Guro Sulite. At Phil Rapagna’s school in Altadena, California. Behind the Pet store way up on Lake Blvd. Arnold just reminded me that “El Nino” was causing all kinds of rain at the time, so we had to take a break from the “backyard” and find a roof to train under.

Seated L to R: Hans Tan, Arnold Noche, Eric Koh, Roger Agbulos, Gary Quan (RIP), Howard Chen.

Standing L to R: Me, Marc’s student, Marc Denny, Felix, Punong Guro Edgar Sulite (RIP), Bud Balani, Dave Gould, Guy from Ohio, Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles (RIP)

Photo taken on January 22nd, 1995.

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Guro Gary Quan Remembers Punong Guro Edgar Sulite – Excerpted from the book, Lameco Eskrima: The Legacy of Edgar Sulite.

I first learned about LAMECO Eskrima and Punong Guro Edgar Sulite through
my good friend and training partner Phil Rapagna. Phil was training
privately with Punong Guro and he would often rave to me about his Punong
Guro’s skills and training methods. At that time I was training FMA under
Guro Dan Inosanto and it was at the Inosanto Academy where I got to first
experience a few classes with Punong Guro. I really enjoyed those classes
and hoped to train with him again.

A few months later, Phil called me and told me that Punong Guro is going to
be holding classes in Altadena and asked if I was interested in training
with him. I told him for sure I was interested. And through Phil I was
accepted as a LAMECO student.

At my first LAMECO class, I remember being warmly greeted by Punong Guro.
From then on I was in Kali/Eskrima heaven. Even though I had previous
training in FMA, I felt like I was a beginner again. I even had to relearn
how to do my angle 1 and 2 strikes. Footwork was heavily emphasized in
class. We always started classes with footwork drills and I remember
huffing and puffing after we were done. Also, the LAMECO stick progressions
and drills were so well thought out.

One of the most important martial art lessons I learned from Punong Gruo
was that whenever we train that we must alway strike with “INTENTION”. I
can still hear his voice in my head – “Gary, you must strike with
INTENTION!”. Even now I continue to apply that lesson to whatever martial
art I am training in.

Classes eventually resumed back at Punong Guro’s home in Glendale and I was
very honored to be invited to train with the “backyard” group.
Unfortunately, I did not get to train with him at his Palmdale home. The
last time I spoke with Punong Guro was when he called me to invite me to
train with him in Palmdale. I told him I would train with him after he
returns from the Philippines. Unfortunately, with great sadness, I would
never get to train with Punong Guro again.

I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to train with Punong Guro
Edgar. His teachings will always have a special place in my heart.

From:  Lameco Eskrima: The Legacy of Edgar Sulite

Sifu Alex Co Remembers Punong Guro Edgar Sulite. *Excerpted from the new book, Lameco Eskrima: The Legacy of Edgar Sulite.

Sifu Alex Co Remembers Guro Edgar Sulite

*The following is excerpted from the new book, Lameco Eskrima: The Legacy of Edgar Sulite.

Sulite Orehenal Group (35) Edgar G. Sulite, backyard, Los Angeles (1995)I

first met Edgar Sulite in the early 1980s under very unique circumstances. I was invited by Yuli Romo, an Arnis grandmaster, to attend a tournament sponsored by Master Picate. Yuli told me that the grandmaster considered the “King of Kings” in the field of Arnis, named Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo, shall be present in the tournament. Usually, I don’t attend tournaments because I find them boring, as I am already used to their routines. But this time, curiosity got the better of me; I desired to meet the grand master touted to be the king of Arnis. Ironically, as even in kung-fu events, which is my field, I am hardly present; but in this event, with its system then alien to me, I was very visible.

I asked my best buddy, Topher Ricketts, to come along with me. It was when we reached the tournament site that we found out that Yuli will challenge and fight a young master from Cagayan de Oro, one of the provinces of the Mindanao region. Their fight will be the main highlight of the event, using live sticks and without the use of body armor. Unfortunately, their anticipated fight did not push through, as Master Picate failed to come up with the prize money. Considering that the renowned masters were already in the venue, it was decided that there would be a demonstration where each master would be presented. In the event, I was introduced by Yuli to the great “Tatang” Ilustrisimo. I cannot remember the other demonstrators, but what I vividly remembered were the ones presented by Grandmaster “Tatang” Ilustrisimo and Ka Piryong Lanada of the Lanada Style. “Tatang” did the single baston, and Ka Piryong did the double baston. The reason why I singled out these two was simply because they were the ones I knew; “Tatang” having been introduced to me there by Yuli, and Lanada, who had been featured in Inside Kung-Fu magazine through the workings of his students in the U.S. So basically, knowledge wise at that time, I could not distinguish the versatility and salient points of their different styles.

After the tournament, Yuli introduced me to Edgar Sulite, whom I noticed to be very well mannered, respectful and who projected an aura of self-confidence, though still younger than most masters. I had just finished publication of my first book on Ngo Cho Kun, and I was aware that there as a demand for reference materials for the ever-growing market of Arnis practitioners. During those times, the only available book on Arnis was the one published by Remy Presas.

Grab your copy of Lameco Eskrima: The Legacy of Edgar Sulite here.

GM Jose Diaz Caballero and De Campo 1-2-3 Orehenal (5)

In the course of our conversation, publishing a book on Arnis came up. I thought a book on the art would be a great idea as the art of Arnis, though well-known in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, was then not so well-known in the metropolis of Manila and its neighboring cities. In fact, it was widely believed that Arnis was personified and represented only by the style of Remy Presas, who had established quite a name in this field, by virtue of his book. I found the young Edgar Sulite very skilled, educated and very passionate about Arnis. I gave my business card to him to pay me a visit, and sure enough, the following week, he appeared at my doorstep, presented me with a manuscript of his work, and was indeed looking for a publisher.

This started our business and personal relationship, and together with Topher Ricketts, we three established a lifelong friendship. Edgar would come to my office almost every day to discuss his book and demonstrate his Arnis knowledge to us. I would in turn expose him to the field of kung-fu, sharing my knowledge of Ngo Cho, Hung-gar, Praying Mantis, internal strength training, while Topher would delve into full-contact, pugilistic fighting with boxing basics and scientific training methods. So, in essence, we three became brothers in the martial arts, and at nighttime, would regularly practice at the penthouse of my residence in Makati.

Since the three of us were in constant company, I got to introduce Edgar and Topher to the different kung-fu masters, and Edgar also utilized some internal kung-fu techniques in his Lameco Eskrima, which explains his seemingly internal strength. I also learned Edgar’s Arnis style: Lameco. So the three of us each had knowledge in Arnis, Kung-fu, pugilistic fighting with specific strength on our own individual systems.

The publication of Edgar Sulite’s book was a great challenge to me. First, we had to change his original manuscript to be able to appeal to the readers. As I was more experienced in the field of book publishing I suggested we incorporate many items to make the book attractive enough to the readers, like putting its history, calisthenics, basics and fundamentals, strides, attack and defense techniques, closed inter-relations between a stick and dagger, plus introduction to some well-known masters. The latter was to expose these masters so their students would like to have their own copies, like a sort of marketing strategy. I published his first book with the title Secrets of Arnis.

Grab your copy of Lameco Eskrima: The Legacy of Edgar Sulite here.

 

During those times, I normally traveled back and forth to Hong Kong, to buy stuff for my store, a hobby shop which specialized in model kits and radio control items from Japan and the U.S. Hong Kong, being an Asian free port, was much cheaper to buy goods than to import from their sources. I tried to find a distributor for Edgar Sulite’s Arnis book, but unfortunately I was told the market was not yet ripe for that kind of book, and instead was advised to come up with a book on knife techniques, which can be more profitable. I was able to find a worldwide distributor for a book on knife techniques, so after Edgar’s first book, we immediately came up with his second book, a book on knife techniques titled Advanced Balisong. Both books were distributed and well-received locally, and got positive reviews from practitioners. Unfortunately, the Hong Kong distributor I got for the knife book encountered domestic problems, and was forced to close his business, so the worldwide distribution of the book was thwarted, and instead we relied on National Bookstore, the Philippine’s primary book seller and distributor.

As a martial arts practitioner and publisher, I was greatly intrigued and mystified by the art of Arnis, with this style having no definitive roots. Where did this style originate? From what particular place? Although nobody can specifically say something very definite, I noticed that all styles have three similar movement concepts, although there are certain variations. These three are always present in any Arnis system, so there might be only one origin. These three are the concepts of doce pares, singko teros and siete pares. All Arnis styles rotate on these three concepts, although by now, there might already be numerous deductions and additions, as normally any martial arts system is accorded different adaptations by the master to make it particularly unique and his very own. Arnis styles are commonly defined and named after its master, so we have the Ilustrisimo style, the Lanada style, the Presas style, etc. while some still retain their ‘generic’ names like Lameco style, Balintawak style, Modern Arnis, etc. Because of the many questions in my mind regarding Arnis, I told Edgar to go to the different provinces and meet the prominent masters, interview them, get whatever knowledge is available, and delve deeper. With all provinces scattered around, I financed Edgar’s odyssey to these local destinations. He compiled all the data, which became the contents for our third book, Masters of Arnis. In this book was the very first time these masters were heard about, as most were obscure and secretive.

As Edgar’s name rose to prominence since the publication of his first book, he dreamt of hitting it big in the U.S., but the difficulty of getting a U.S. visa even for a short stint seemed impossible. When Topher went to the U.S. to conduct some clinics and seminars, he brought with him copies of Edgar’s book Secrets of Arnis. At that time (I cannot remember the exact year), Topher conducted a seminar for Richard Bustillo, and gave him a copy of the book. Somehow, Dan Inosanto got a hold of the book, and called the Philippines for Edgar Sulite. Edgar could not believe his ears when he received the call. Dan Inosanto expressed willingness to meet him, which all the more stoked Edgar’s desire to try his luck in the U.S., having an extended family which relied on him for support.

Grab your copy of Lameco Eskrima: The Legacy of Edgar Sulite here.

Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite Germany (5)

 

After numerous attempts to secure a U.S. visa, Edgar finally got one but with a big letdown: his visa was only a single entry visa, good for 30 days, and in this short time, he cannot come up with the sufficient finances to fund his travels and expenses abroad, so in true blue brotherly passion, I advanced his royalties to pay for his tickets, and advised him to solicit contributions from his students to raise money for his living expenses. He was able to land in the U.S., the fabled land of milk and honey, and in no time, with his skills and dedication, carved a niche for himself in the field of Arnis, and as they say, the rest is history.

With Edgar’s knowledge and determination, in no time, he became well-known for his style, and was able to secure his place in the U.S., bringing his whole family from the Philippines to settle in the U.S. With his prominence came the desire to pay back, to help all Arnis masters in the Philippines. He planned to come back every now and then to bring U.S. enthusiasts to study under Filipino masters and meet them personally, and giving income to these native masters, who by then were already old and have passed on their knowledge to their younger generations. But fate intervened and cut short this dream. In one of his homecoming seminars, he suffered an excruciating headache and dizziness during the session, sat down, and collapsed in the arms of Topher Ricketts, while I, at home, was scheduled to see him at the gym in the afternoon.

Alex_Tonfa

 

He died of aneurysm in his late thirties, so young and accomplished. Perhaps the books we published, all three of them (Secrets of Arnis, Advanced Balisong, Masters of Arnis), all happened for a reason: they would serve as his legacy, a reminder to all Arnis practitioners of his unequaled passion for the arts. Constant reminders that although he is already gone, his legacy will forever live on in his books. Fate willed us to meet each other, so we could work as a team to publish his works. We were brothers in the martial arts, and it gave me great joy to know that some of his students pay homage to him by continuing his legacy, the Edgar Sulite Lameco style of Eskrima (the Visayan preferred term for Arnis). As the founder/forerunner of the Lameco style, Edgar Sulite’s name and memory shall forever be remembered for all lifetimes. Here is one person who has shown unequaled, exemplary passion and dedication to his craft. Not that he and our brother Topher have both passed on, I am saddened that my brothers and our penthouse training will have to wait for our eventual reunion.

 

Grab your copy of Lameco Eskrima: The Legacy of Edgar Sulite here.

Lameco Eskrima Cover

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Family and Students Remember Master Christopher Ricketts on his 2015 Death Anniversary

Master Ricketts

Students Remember Master Christopher Ricketts on his 2015 Death Anniversary.

From Doran Sordo:

Reflecting on all the time spent with Master Topher, its hard to believe there will be no more, and now I’m just left with memories. Great memories. I fail when trying to find words to describe how grateful I am for all the lessons, the advice, the laughter, the camaraderie and brotherhood. Teacher, Big Brother, Friend, and Father Figure. He has been all these and more to me. Thank you, so much, Master Tophs. Gone too soon and sorely missed, you are always in my thoughts and prayers. Pugay Po.

Doran Sordo

———————

From: Viko Aquino Perrine

We miss you Master Toops.
A superb warrior with innovative insights.
A mentor, friend, a member of the family.
A never ceasing smile.
Our Master.

Viko Aquino Perrine's photo.
———————
From: Beth Mercado Ricketts

My dear families and friends , may I request you to please join us in prayers today in memory of our dearest TOPHER’S 5th year death anniversary Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him we miss you and love you much for always  10/05/2015

Beth Mercado Ricketts's photo.
———–

From: Ronnie Ricketts

You are always in our thoughts as we remember how you celebrated life to the fullest. We miss you Brother Master Topher…

Ronnie Ricketts's photo.
Ronnie Ricketts's photo.
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From: Lester Salvado
Me looking goofy, with Mang Topher Ricketts, Mang Alexander L.co, Sifu Bonifacio Lim, Mang Reynaldo Galang, John G. Jacobo, and Rob Jacobolooking *Awesome*. Good Times.
Lester Salvador's photo.
——–
From: Toby Ramos Reyes

Didn’t realize it’s been 5 years already. RIP Master Topher Ricketts. Thanks for everything! Never thought last time I would see you was in San Diego almost a decade ago.

Toby Ramos Reyes's photo.
———–
From: David E. Gould

I just wanted to post this here to remember and pay my respects to Master “Topher” Ricketts who was taken from us 5 years ago today, on October 5, 2010.

Master Topher also has his fingerprint on the development and evolution of the Lameco Eskrima system as Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulites primary sparring partner back in the Philippines during the infancy of the Lameco Eskrima System and its vital early years.

With out the hundreds of hours of sparring between Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite and Master “Topher” Ricketts, Lameco Eskrima would have a very much different appearance and effect than that which we know it as today.

So on this day we honor you Master Topher, and forever we will keep you in our hearts and memories.

David E. Gould's photo.
———
Beth Mercado Ricketts's photo.

Seminar: Guro Ariel Flores Mosses to teach Lameco Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo in Washington State. September 2015.

Seminar: Guro Ariel Flores Mosses to teach Lameco Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo in Washington State. September 2015.

Seminar: Guro Ariel Flores Mosses to teach Lameco Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo in Washington State. September 2015.

 

combat fma

Heart Bypass Fundraiser for Grandmaster Alexander Co SEPTEMBER 17, 2015.

Heart Bypass Fundraiser for Grandmaster Alexander Co

SEPTEMBER 17, 2015.

MAster Alex Co

Heart Bypass Fundraiser for Grandmaster Alexander Co

Donate Here: https://www.gofundme.com/tp3wnp9c

Alex Co is synonymous with martial arts in the Philippines. He is grandmaster of Ngo Cho and Tang Lang, owner of the beloved Squadron Shop, publisher of books and magazines, and supporter of all teachers and styles. Master Co has done so much for so many, never asking for anything in return. His life has been filled with friends and masters and robust health and financial stability. He has been my mentor for over 20 years.

Now, he is sick, he is poor, he is weak, and his life is touch and go each month.

Master Co suffers from multiple morbidities: Heart Disease, Diabetes, Low Blood Pressure, and Kidney Failure. He can no longer urinate. He has had several surgeries in the past few years. Stents in his heart, stents in his legs, and he is in dialysis 5 hours a day, 4 days per week. He recently almost had his legs amputated.

The thing is, Master Co could have a kidney transplant, except his heart it too weak. It is only at 25% function. But he cannot afford the heart bypass to make him strong enough for the kidney transplant. He has spent all his retirement on temporary procedures to keep him alive. But now the doctors told him he has a 50% chance of suffering heart attack each time he is connected to the dialiysis machine. And they have recommended another heart stent. He cannot afford it.

So now, the most generous and knowledgeable teacher in Manila, who has been mentor to many and financial supporter of many passed masters, like Tatang Ilustrisimo, Edgar Sulite and more… is at the threshold of life and death. One day feels ok and the next he is flattened and swollen and unable to breath and in need of more temporary surgeries.

Those who know and love Master Co, who is only in his mid-60s, do not want this legend to pass from this earth, We ask for your help. He needs your support. A few dollars, a hundred dollars… whatever donation you can manage.  If we can raise enough for the heart bypass, the docs say he will be strong enough for the kidney transplant, and perhaps live another 15 years. If we can’t do it in time, there may be no more time.

Please help, as you can. Please.

Donate Here: https://www.gofundme.com/tp3wnp9c

 

A word from Mandirigma.org

Grandmaster Alex Co is a longtime practitioner of the Philippine Warrior Arts. He is also a member of Bakbakan International and has published several book on the subject, most notably the books on Lameco Eskrima by Punong Guro Edgar Sulite. Grandmaster Alex is a living Martial Arts treasure of the Philippines.

Budo Magazine Publishes the final Interview of Grandmaster Tony Diego of Kalis Ilustrisimo. Interview by Tim Fredianell.

 

Budo Magazine Publishes the final Interview of Grandmaster Tony Diego of Kalis Ilustrisimo. Interview by  Tim Fredianell.

 

Read interview in English here: http://issuu.com/budoweb/docs/martial_arts_magazine_budo_internat_f897c9abdb5660

Read interview in Spanish here: http://issuu.com/budoweb/docs/revista_artes_marciales_cinturon_ne_86c3fa97b13e16?e=1589527%2F30101651

GM Tony Diego

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Guro Brandon Ricketts to teach Kali Ilustrisimo in San Diego, California. October 2015.

 Guro Brandon Ricketts to teach Kali Ilustrisimo in San Diego, California. October 2015.

 

Brandon

Guro Dave Gould reflects on Punong Guro Edgar Sulite on his Birthday. September 25, 2015.

Guro Dave Gould reflects on Punong Guro Edgar Sulite on his Birthday. September 25, 2015.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on the memory of Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite on what would have been his 58th Birthday today if he were still with us in life.

As well today, September 25, 2015 is the 34th Anniversary of the Lameco Eskrima System which Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite founded in Manila, Philippines on September 25, 1981.

Soon after arriving to Manila, Luzon, Philippines on his 24th birthday, a young Edgar G. Sulite formally founded his own personal style which he named the Lameco Eskrima System. Several of his Masters had expected him to carry on their specific systems, but he felt, if he chose any one system over the others, he would not be able to fairly represent just the one system without disrespecting the others, since he would also be teaching by drawing from the lessons of all his Masters but doing so in the name of the one system which he would claim to represent.

Instead of disrespecting the Masters from whom he received his knowledge, he decided to form his own system, inclusive of all the Masters’ collective knowledge, and give them each credit for their knowledge and, thus, for the founding of the system. He came up with an acronym, “LA- ME-CO,” which represented all three major ranges in fighting, by combining the first two letters of the long range (largo), medium range (medio), and the close range (corto). “Lameco Eskrima” seemed to be the perfect compromise as he would be representing all of his Masters knowledge equally and be able to give them all credit.

Below is a list of the Five Major Influences and Six Minor Influences which were responsible for the creation of the Lameco Eskrima System. The Major Influences were Masters and Systems which Edgar G. Sulite formally trained under extensively for years and was certified to teach. The Minor Systems were from Masters with whom Edgar G. Sulite trained to some degree and with whom he collaborated but never received ranking in their respective Systems.

Five Major Influences on the Lameco Eskrima System:

1. De Campo 1-2-3 Orehenal (GM Jose D. Caballero)
2. Kalis Ilustrisimo (GM Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo)
3. Pekiti-Tirsia Kali (Tuhon Leo Tortal Gaje Jr.)
4. Modernos Largos (GM Jesus Abella & GM Pablicito “Pabling” Cabahug)
5. Sulite-Rapelon (GM Helacrio L. Sulite Sr.).

Six Minor Influences on the Lameco Eskrima System:

1. Doce Pares (GM Diony Cañete)
2. Balintawak (GM Johnny Chiuten)
3. Lapunti Arnis De Abanico (GM Felimon E. Caburnay)
4. Siete Teros Serado – Serado no Puede Entrar (GM Marcilino Ancheta)
5. Abanico De Sungkiti (GM Billy Baaclo)
6. Tres Personas Eskrima De Combate (GM Maj. Timoteo E. Maranga).

David E. Gould's photo.

“Thorn or Echo?” Guro Dave Gould reflects on training with Lameco Eskrima founder Punong Guro Edgar Sulite

Thorn or Echo…

Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite once commented to me that in training he would rather be a thorn in the side of his training partner than his training partner’s echo. What he meant was that if you only agree with and systematically echo everything presented to you in training with out first and more importantly thoroughly investigating and testing its actual combative worth in an noncompliant training environment, how can you honestly gauge its true combative effect? By being the thorn and not just echoing sentiment you are keeping your training partner challenged to adapt and adjust to the unexpected attack or counter attacks as they are randomly presented in a constantly changing structure. A thorn annoys, distracts and requires much investigation as it involves a certain amount of discomfort where as an echo once becoming the standard in training quickly creates an environment of complacency thereby diluting response and ability.

I demand that my students constantly challenge me when opportunities become available to do so in training as this alone will hone my combative abilities and keep them in check against an unexpected random attack. Rather than echoing what facilitates uncontested success and establishing a false perception of ability in the throws of training complacency. By my students or training partners being naturally resistive in training this keeps me honest and more importantly it forces me to constantly adapt and adjust to change as it occurs in combat or face the consequences for any failure to do so. Most importantly it keeps me challenged as I have to react to the unexpected and in doing so I am constantly kept on a heightened level of awareness throughout the ordeal looking at every threat equally as opposed to just anticipating what is expected or agreed upon in an overly compliant environment. Our training partners and our training environment are our portals to reality through which we must pass in order to transcend from martial artists to warriors. Unless we thoroughly challenge ourselves in training and hold reality solely as the standard of combative development at best we will only remain martial artists without the possibility of ever moving onwards to achieve warrior status.

Just going through the motions while training is not enough, the fact is for us to be effective in combat at some point in time our training must brush up against reality as we are always charged to diligently train with intention. Simply when our training partners comply and assist our every performance willingly without natural resistance or recourse the most important lessons can never be learned. Without resistance in training there will be no need for counter measures or counter to counter activity as uncontested success will be misconstrued for great skill, “uncounterable if you will”. Remember that opportunity in combat at real time speed is measured in inches and centimeters not in feet or meters and timing will definitely be a factor. What seems to be the accepted more popular approach to training these days (total compliance) reminds me of an old adage that states: “The cat is king over a path of mice, that is until he runs across an elephant farther down that same path”. In the dojo you are the shit mixing it up with your students but outside of your dojo forced to fight tooth and nail against some street thug willing to kill you for his next booger of heroine you are nothing more than a gift delivered on a silver platter. The only one that will be able to neutralize this situation will be you alone for if you can not stop him from killing you no one else will, this is not an acceptable place to find yourself at anytime. Remember that you will not be fighting according to your schedule but someone else’s so immediately everything that you will encounter will be unexpected and less than ideal to say the least.

Combative effect solely dictates ones abilities in combat and nothing else, regardless of how many certificates or trophies awarded or gained. We are only as effective as we are today as yesterday has passed and tomorrow is yet to be written so if your life hangs limp in the balance of what you were “told that you can do” and what you “think you can do” you are doomed for certain failure. For at this time only what you “truly are capable of doing” under less than desired circumstances will dictate if you will live or be left for dead. So how well you prepare yourself for this eventuality begins with your immediate training environment and rules of engagement in that environment. When you train as if your life depends on it you will fight as if it does as well.

I hear more times that not someone stating and gauging their own combative effect based solely on who they know or who their Instructors are. Just because your Instructor is world famous or has experienced combat himself this does not mean that you share in his experiences equally. It is true that a great source of knowledge will get you much farther along the path of knowledge than a poor source will. However, for you to pass the test of actual combat your instructor’s name and experience in and of themselves will not be enough. You will have to apply your skills in your own time of need and if you fail or succeed it will be by your own abilities or lack there of and not some one elses.

There is an old adage in the Philippines which states: “Ang langaw na tumuntong sa kalabaw, ay mataas pa sa kalabaw” which is translated as “A fly that stands on the back of the Carabao thinks that he is taller than the Carabao”. This is endemic of what is going on amongst a majority in our own community. Most seem to gauge combative effect solely in accordance with whom they are training as opposed to their own combative effect or abilities in combat. I hate to repeat myself but I feel the need to reiterate that only your own experiences will allow you greater effect in combat and you only form this type of experience by actual fighting or at the very least sparring in a very limited arena adhering not to overly stringent rules and regulations.

Respect your elders in the arts for they have paved the path that you currently travel but be your own man and prepare to fight and live as such. Prepare yourself well for war and no-one will have to fight your battles for you, arm yourself with knowledge and no-one will feel the need to speak in your defense, train as if your life depends on it… because it does and no-one will have to carry your dead carcass from the field of battle prematurely. We are judged not by our Instructors reputation good or bad but by our own actions and abilities. Either you are effective… or not. Either you allow your abilities speak for you… or not. Either you survive combat and live… or not. A lot is at stake gentlemen so please remember that there are no guarantees in combat, only opportunity and either you will take advantage of that opportunity when it is revealed to you in real time… or not.

David E. Gould's photo.
Punong Guro Sulite with Guro Lowel Pueblos.

 

Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite asks the question – “Are you a dedicated student or are you a butterfly?”

PG Sulite

 

Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite solía hablar de la “mariposa”, aquella que flota de flor en flor, que toma un poco de néctar de aquí y de alla, no dedicándose a cualquier ubicación por un periodo de tiempo adecuado para llegar a ser plenamente alimentada y crecer fuerte.
PG Sulite decía que esto es similar al comportamiento del estudiante que constantemente va de una fuente a otra (de Instructor a Instructor) recogiendo generalidades pero nunca dominando el fundamento básico, debido a su falta de compromiso e impaciencia para permanecer en un lugar el tiempo suficiente para desarrollarse combativamente.
Un entrenamiento de esa naturaleza tendrá más debilidades que fortalezas, recordemos que en el entrenamiento no buscamos la mera acumulación de técnicas pues algunas partes parecerán tener lógica, otras más no sabremos donde ponerlas, lo que buscamos es el desarrollo de las habilidades combativas, aquellas que nos permitirán protegernos o proteger a nuestros seres queridos en caso de necesidad.
Así pues, la pregunta que debemos hacernos es: ¿soy un estudiante dedicado o soy una mariposa?

******

Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite used to talk about the ‘ butterfly “, Someone who floats from flower to flower, which takes a little bit of nectar from here and there, not dedicating themselves to any location for a period of time suitable for to become fully fuelled and grow strong.
Punong Guro Sulite said that this is similar to the behaviour of the student who constantly goes from a source to another (from instructor to instructor) picking up generalizations, but never dominating the basic thrust, due to their lack of commitment and impatience to stay in one place long enough To develop combativamente.
A training of this nature will have more weaknesses that strengths, let us remember that in the training we are not looking for the mere accumulation of techniques because some parts seem to have logic, other more we will not know where to put them, what we are looking for is the development of the skills combativas, those that Will allow us to protect us or protect our loved ones in time of need.
So, the question that we must ask is: am I a dedicated  student or I am a butterfly?
(Translated by Facebook from Spanish)

Ten Tigers Martial Arts Las Vegas presents Guro Dino Flores and Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Seminar in Ilustrisimo & Lameco Eskrima. Las Vegas, Nevada, August 6th, 2015

Ten Tigers Martial Arts Las Vegas presents Guro Dino Flores and Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Seminar in Ilustrisimo & Lameco Eskrima. Las Vegas, Nevada, August 6th, 2015

 

Lameco Ilustrisimo

SEMINARIO DE LAMECO ESKRIMA Y KALI ILUSTRISIMO CON GURO DINO FLORES EN TUXTLA GUTIERREZ, CHIAPAS. 14 Y 15 DE AGOSTO

SEMINARIO DE LAMECO ESKRIMA Y KALI ILUSTRISIMO CON GURO DINO FLORES EN TUXTLA GUTIERREZ, CHIAPAS. 14 Y 15 DE AGOSTO

 

Mexico Lameco Ilusrisimo

Photos: Guro Brandon Ricketts at Glendale FMA / Aranda – Ricketts Memorial Gym. July 12, 2015.

Guro Brandon Ricketts Seminar at Glendale FMA / Aranda – Ricketts Memorial Gym.

On July 12 2015 Guro Brandon Ricketts conducted a seminar at Glendale FMA / Aranda – Ricketts Memorial Gym. The Event was hosted by Guro Bud Balani and Guro Dino Flores of the Los Angeles chapters of Lameco SOG, Kali Ilustrisimo and Kapisanang Mandirigma. Attendees came from all over California from places such as San Diego, Santa Barbara, Stockton and San Francisco. Guro Brandon was also supported by some of his students from the USA Headquarters of Kali Ilustrisimo.

Guro Brandon Ricketts focused of the fundemental core techniques and how they relate to real time sparring. A concept his father the late Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts drilled into his dedicated students. The seminar concluded with the participant doing some light sparring to test some of the techniques they had just learned in real time.
All the participants had a great time with this truly hands on approach to the art.

Guro Brandon is leaving for the Philippines at the end of the year. One of his objectives is to take partial administrative charge of his fathers Bakbakan Legacy and bring it into the next generation. The Los Angeles chapters of Lameco SOG, Kali Ilustrisimo and Kapisanang Mandirigma will try to host Guro Brandon Ricketts again for another seminar before he leaves. Check the www.mandirigma.org website for updates.
About Guro Brandon Ricketts

In 2011 Guro Bruce Ricketts was formally selected as the new Chief Instructor of Master Christopher Ricketts Ilustrisimo Organization and Bakbakan Philippines. The official ceremony was held  in Manila, Philippines. During the same ceremony Guro Brandon Ricketts was promoted to the the position as Second in Command to Guro Bruce Ricketts. Also selected was the Administrative Board which includes Guro Ronnie Ricketts, Guro Alex Ricketts and Guro Jason Ricketts. The organization is dedicated to maintaining the legacy of Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts. The Advisory Board was also selected.

Guro Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts trained under their Father, Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts since they could walk. The training room in their Philippine home was located in front of their bedroom. Daily exposure to the arts was the norm. Besides daily training with their Father and other students, many masters spent time training in their home. To name a few, legends such as Master Roland Dantes, Master Rey Galang, Master Yuli Romo, Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, Master Tony Diego and none other than Grandmaster Ilustrisimo himself would train there. The technical and fighting skill of these young Guro’s clearly reflect their esteemed lineage. Guro Bruce and Guro Brandon are also accomplished practitioners of Bakbakan Sagasa Kickboxing, Ngo Cho Kun, Jiu-Jitsu and Boxing.

 

1 Flyer

Event Flyer

2 Gym Banner

Aranda – Ricketts / Glendale FMA Gym Banner

 

 

 

3 Lameco SOG

 

Lameco SOG Members with Guro Brandon. Guro Bud Balani, Guro Dino and Guro Bryan Emerson with his son.

4 Hosts

 

Events Hosts with Guro Brandon. Guro Dino, GM Joe Tan, Guro Johnathan Balani, Guro Bud Balani.

5 Participants in action

 

Guro Brandon giving pointers.

6 Sparring 1

 

Sparring!

7 Sparring 2

Sparring!

 

8 Sparring 3

 

Sparring!

9 Some of the participants

Group photo with some of the participants.

10 Sparring 4

 

Sparring!

11 Participants in action 2

 

Guro Brandon giving pointers

12 Participants in action 3

 

Participants in action.

13 Participants in action 4

 

Participants in action.

14 Guro Brandon giving pointers

 

Guro Brandon giving pointers.

15 Participants in action 5

 

Guro Johnathan giving pointers.

16 Contact drilling 1

 

Contact drilling.

17 Contact drilling 2

Contact drilling.

Eskrima Documentary Series – Teaser Trailer: Ang Dangal Ng Lahi (Pride)

Eskrima Documentary Series – Teaser Trailer: Ang Dangal Ng Lahi (Pride)

Ang Dangal ng Lahi (Pride) is a series of short documentaries about the Warrior Arts of the Philippines commonly known as Eskrima, Arnis and Kali. The focus will be arts and organizations of Bakbakan Philippines, Ilustrisimo and Lameco Eskrima.

Director: Tim Fredianelli
General Consultant: Dino Flores
Distribution: Mandirigma.org
Kapisanang Mandirigma Productions

Release Date: 2015

For more information go to:

http://mandirigma.org/?p=2651

© 2015 Kapisanang Mandirigma Productions, All Rights Reserved.

 

Los Angeles City Hall Celebrate 117th Philippine Independence Day/Araw ng Kalayaan with Kapisanang Mandirigma. June 12th, 2015. Los Angeles, California.

Los Angeles City Hall Celebrate 117th Philippine Independence Day/Araw ng Kalayaan with Kapisanang Mandirigma/Mandirigma.org. June 12th, 2015. Los Angeles, California.

Los Angeles City Hall to celebrated the 117th Philippine Independence Day or Araw ng Kalayaan. The event was organizes by the Los Angeles Association of City Employees. Kapisanang Mandirigma/Mandirigma.org demonstrated a sample of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines at the event. In particular the Arts of Lameco Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo. This is the second time Kapisanang Mandirigma has appeared at L.A. City Hall. The last time was for the official dedication of L.A. Historic Filipinotown in 2002. The first official Filipinotown in the country. Guro Bud Balani and Guro Dino Flores was assisted by Guro Johnathan Balani, Mark Ramos and Daniel Parker. Their performance was after the flag ceremony in the main building forecourt. The Flag c Ceremony consisted of Filipino-American law enforcement officers parading with various flags of the Philippine Revolution. Los Angeles has the largest population of Filipinos outside of the Philippines. Mabuhay Ang Pilipinas!

 

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City of Los Angeles official dedication to the celebration.

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The demo team with Master Joe Tan of Modified Tapados/Vinias Eskrima Systems.

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Guro Bud Balani, Dr. A.S. Flores, Guro Dino Flores

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Demo Team in action headed by Guro Johnathan Balani.

 

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Event program.

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Guro Dino and Guro Johnathan demonstrating single sword techniques as Guro Bud narrates.

 

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Filipino-American Law Enforcement Officers parading various flags of the Philippine Revolution.

 

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The Eskrima Demo team.

 

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Guro Bud Balani and Guro Dino Flores.

 

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Filipino-American Law Enforcement Officers parading various flags of the Philippine Revolution.

 

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Los Angeles City Hall and L.A. Sister Cities.

 

 

Photos property of Mandirigma.org. Photographer Dr. A.S. Flores.

Kali Ilustrisimo Seminar with Guro Brandon Ricketts, July 12, 2015. Glendale FMA, California.

Kali Ilustrisimo Seminar with Guro Brandon Ricketts, July 12, 2015.

Glendale FMA, California.

 

Brandon Seminar 5 flat

 

 

A rare opportunity to train with Guro Brandon Ricketts. Guro Brandon grew up with the art and will give you insight into the transition from being a theory based drill practitioner to a real time functional based Eskrimador. Guro Brandon will only be in the USA till the end of 2015 – so don’t miss your chance to train with one of the heirs of Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts Ilustrisimo lineage.

10Am to 2PM

$50.00 prepaid by friday, July 10th. Spectators $40.00 prepaid.

$70.00 at the door.  Spectators $60 at the door.

Contact: mandirigma.org@gmail.com

More info at: http://mandirigma.org/?p=2783

http://backyardeskrima.com/?p=1613

This seminar is open to the general public. No Video Please. No Photography without permission.

Brought to you by The Warrior Arts of the Philippines Alliance – Kali Ilustrisimo, Bakbakan Philippines, Lameco SOG, Eskrima, Kapisanang Mandirigma, Combat FMA Las Vegas.

—————-

In 2011 Guro Bruce Ricketts was formally selected as the new Chief Instructor of Master Christopher Ricketts Ilustrisimo Organization and Bakbakan Philippines. The official ceremony was held  in Manila, Philippines. During the same ceremony Guro Brandon Ricketts was promoted to the the position as Second in Command to Guro Bruce Ricketts. Also selected was the Administrative Board which includes Guro Ronnie Ricketts, Guro Alex Ricketts and Guro Jason Ricketts. The organization is dedicated to maintaining the legacy of Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts. The Advisory Board was also selected.

Guro Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts trained under their Father, Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts since they could walk. The training room in their Philippine home was located in front of their bedroom. Daily exposure to the arts was the norm. Besides daily training with their Father and other students, many masters spent time training in their home. To name a few, legends such as Master Roland Dantes, Master Rey Galang, Master Yuli Romo, Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, Master Tony Diego and none other than Grandmaster Ilustrisimo himself would train there. The technical and fighting skill of these young Guro’s clearly reflect their esteemed lineage. Guro Bruce and Guro Brandon are also accomplished practitioners of Bakbakan Sagasa Kickboxing, Ngo Cho Kun, Jiu-Jitsu and Boxing.

Quote: Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite – Quote about performance.

punong Guro Edgar Sulite Quote

Rest in Peace Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite on this the 18th year anniversary of your passing, your memory will always be with us.

Punong Guro

 

 

Post courtesy of Guro Dave Gould.

Seminar: Invitation Only. Guro Viko Aquino-Perrine of Kalis Ilustrisimo and Bakbakan International. Glendale FMA, California. Feb 2014

Seminar: Invitation Only. Guro Viko Aquino-Perrine of Kalis Ilustrisimo and Bakbakan International. Glendale FMA, California. Feb 2014

Guro Viko Aquino-Perrine of Kalis Ilustrisimo and Bakbakan International will be conducting a private full day seminar at Glendale FMA, to teach and showcase the Ilustrisimo Fighting style as taught by the late Master Topher Ricketts, Grandmaster Tony Diego and Mang Romy Macapagal. The basics and fighting mindset of this complete fighting system will be showcased with

emphasis on the basics and its foundational techniques. Guro Viko will also demonstrate various intermediate and advanced techniques. Kalis Ilustrisimo is held in very high regard as one of the most effective styles of Filipino Martial Arts. It is named after its originator, the legendary Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo, who had in many situations proven the value of his martial craft in the real world, as he intended the art to be used for the preservation of one’s life.Based on a bladed weapon combative system, its effectiveness can be applied to unarmed combat with relative ease. This seminar will thoroughly cover the basics of Kalis Ilustrisimo and will enable students to absorb the ingenuity and simplicity of the art as it is taught in it’s native land.Guro Viko Aquino-Perrine has been a senior student and practitioner of Kalis Ilustrisimo for the majority of his life. He has been an instructor of this craft in the Philippines, Australia and the United States.  

Guro Viko Aquino-Perrine of Kalis Ilustrisimo and Bakbakan International
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Bakbakan Philippines Classes in Alabang, 2015.

Bakbakan Philippines Classes in Alabang, 2015.

 

bakbakan philippines

New Lameco Eskrima Book by Guro David Gould released 2014. Published by Mark Wiley’s – Tambuli Media.

New Lameco Eskrima Book by Guro David Gould released 2014. Published by Mark Wiley’s – Tambuli Media.

lameco-eskrima-coverIn the art of Eskrima, few names stand out like the late Edgar Salute’s. He dedicated his life to mastering the art of Eskrima and put his reputation on the line, taking challenges for money and honor. He earned the confidence of a collection of legendary grandmasters of the day, and earned the mutual respect of his era’s newest masters. When Sulite came to the United States he took the country—and then the world—by storm. In this unique book, Guro David E. Gould recounts the life, the art and the legacy of Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite and his Lameco Eskrima system. Broken down into 10 distinct chapters, Lameco Eskrima: The Legacy of Edgar Sulite, presents the evolution of a fighter and his art, from his early days in Tacloban City and Ozamis City, through his middle period in Manila, and finally his later years in the United States.

http://www.amazon.com/Lameco-Eskrima-Legacy-Edgar-Suilite/dp/0692306757/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1415230995&sr=8-2&keywords=lameco+eskrima

 

http://tambulimedia.com/

Lameco/Ilustrisimo/Bakbakan Workshop with Guro Doran Sordo and Guro Dino Flores in FMA Informative Newspaper Vol3 No12 – 2014

Lameco/Ilustrisimo/Bakbakan Workshop with Guro Doran Sordo and Guro Dino Flores         in FMA Informative Newspaper Vol3 No12 – 2014

 

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Lameco Eskrima Mexico Camp 2014 in FMA Informative Newspaper – Vol3 No11 – 2014

Lameco Eskrima Mexico Camp 2014 in FMA Informative Newspaper – Vol3 No11 – 2014

 

FMA_Informative_Newspaper-Vol3No11-2014

Eskrima Workshop: with Guro Doran Sordo and Guro Dino Flores. Boracay Island, Philippines. Oct 30th to Nov 5th, 2014.

lameco ilustrisimo bakbakan

Bakbakan Combat Arts International Senior Instructor -Doran Sordo. Guro Doran Sordo has had the privilege to begin training in his teens under the legendary Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, Master Yuli Romo, Master Tony Diego, Master Christopher Ricketts and Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo himself.

Guro Dino is a long time practitioner who has had the privilege to train with under legendary Masters –  Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, Master Yuli Romo, Master Tony Diego and Master Christopher Ricketts.

Lameco Eskrima Opening Salutation & Oath

Lameco Eskrima Opening Salutation

 

Lameco Eskrima Salutation Punong Guro Edgar Sulite

PAGGALANG SA PAG – UMPISA

PAGGALANG SA PAG – UMPISA:
Salutation at the beginning of training.

KARANUNGAN:
I come seeking Knowledge.

PAGGALANG:
I offer you my Respect.

KATAPATAN
I offer you my Loyalty.

NAKAHANDA SA PAGSASANAY
I am ready to train.

———–

LAMECO ESKRIMA OATH

LAMECO OATH

Guro Doran Sordo pays tribute to his long time teacher Grandmaster Tony Diego.

Guro Doran Sordo

 

I met Mang Tony Diego Kalis Ilustrisimo around 1986. He was introduced to me by my master, GM Topher Ricketts when we would accompany him to practice at the Luneta park on Sundays or the gym in Binondo. As the years passed, Master Topher would always ask Master Tony to teach me some techniques and polish details in my form whether it be stance, swing, footwork, etc. Master Tony was always so generous in his teaching and would share so much. I know him to be a quiet, humble man who would always tell me not to call him “Master”. Whenever he saw me, he would always fondly greet me by exclaiming “Sord!” and he always had a smile on his face whenever i came to Luneta. We would sit sometimes between practice and just chat. He would tell me about the good old days with Master Topher, showing me techniques while we were chatting. How he remembers us when we were still young and would joke that we were thinner then. He was a learned man, who would often ask me how my spiritual practice was coming along.

I remember one of the last conversations I had with Master Topher before he passed away. He told me “Never forget your Ilustrisimo. See Master Tony as often as you can and learn as much as you can. You practice what you learn until you are old.” I remember now the last conversation i had with Master Tony at his home in Tondo. He said to always be mindful of the details. I remember the last time I saw him. It was a day before he passed away. We said a prayer together and I went downstairs so he could rest.

I am honoured to be his student and proud to continue his legacy however way I can. I feel privileged to have been able to spend some time with him and learn from this great teacher. I can almost hear swords clashing as he is reunited once again with Grand Master Tatang Ilustrisimo, GM Topher Ricketts and PG Edgar Sulite. We miss you Master Tony.

Paalam Po, GM Tony Diego.

Pugay

 

Master Diego 1

Rest In Peace Master Tony Diego, Head of Kalis Ilustrisimo. August 25th 2014.

Master Diego 1

 

Rest In Peace Master Tony Diego, Head of Kalis Ilustrisimo.

Rest In Peace Master Tony Diego. Thank you for the friendship, knowledge and wisdom you shared. I hope you are now happily practicing again with your dear teacher – Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo. Along with your old training buddies Master Christopher Ricketts and Punong Guro Edgar Sulite who also departed way too soon.

Love & Respect,
Dino Flores

 

Master Diego 2

Guro Dave Gould of Lameco Eskrima pays tribute to Grandmaster Tony Diego of Kalis Ilustrismo.

Master Tony Diego Ilustrisimo

Guro Dave Gould of Lameco Eskrima pays tribute to Grandmaster Tony Diego of Kalis Ilustrismo.

I just wanted to pass on some sad news, that being the passing of Grand Master Tony Diego of Kalis Ilustrisimo fame. He passed due to a long illness yesterday on August 25, 2014 (Philippine Time).

GM Tony Diego and Master Yuli Romo were the first students of GM Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo who formally began their training with the old battle tested Grand Master in 1977. years later along came PG Edgar G. Sulite, Master Christopher N. Ricketts and Master Rey Galang who were recognized as the 5 Pillars of Kalis Ilustrisimo and were credited with spending the most time training directly under the astute tutelage of GM Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo as well as them being credited with better organizing the Kalis Ilustrisimo system and creating its curriculum based on the movements and reactions of their teacher, “Tatang” Ilustrisimo regarding that discipline.

For us in the Lameco Eskrima System Master Tony Diego was a great influence and he was the one who really brought PG Edgar G. Sulite to Kalis Ilustrisimo and to GM Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo, basically resulting from a sparring match between PG Edgar G. Sulite and Master Tony Diego, this was a defining moment in the evolution of the Lameco Eskrima System as we know it today, simply because up until this sparring session Lameco Eskrima was comprised of only 4 major influences, those being; De Campo 1-2-3 Orehenal, Kali Pekiti-Tirsia, Modernos Largos and the Sulite Rapelon Style along with the 6 minor influences of the system. Kalis Ilustrisimo would prove to be the missing piece of the system and this was discovered during that very crucial sparring session between PG Edgar G.Sulite and Master Tony Diego so many years ago.

The result of that sparring match saw PG Edgar G. Sulite becoming a student of Kalis Ilustrisimo under GM Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo and over the years adding countless techniques, concepts and principles from Kalis Ilustrisimo to the Lameco Eskrima curriculum to strike a fine balance to the system, especially regarding the blade and dagger portion of the curriculum.

Master Tony Diego became fast friends with PG Edgar G. Sulite and remained a very close friend for the rest of Edgar`s life and was partially responsible for the International Recognition of Kalis Ilustrisimo, Bakbakan International and Lameco Eskrima International along with Master Yuli Romo, Master Christopher Ricketts, PG Edgar G. Sulite and Master Rey Galang.

After GM Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo Passed away in 1997 Master Tony Diego being the heir apparent of the system was elected by the other senior members of kalis Ilustrisimo to take control of the system. It is a shame that he has been taken from us but he was taken contributing much back to the Filipino Warrior Arts Community from which much was given him over his life time.

Rest in Peace Master Tony Diego and long live your legacy!

Ten Tigers Martial Arts Las Vegas presents Guro Dino Flores and Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Seminar in Ilustrisimo & Lameco Eskrima. Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday, September 21st, 2014

Ariel Dino Lameco Ilustrisimo Arnis Kali Eskrima FMA

Photo Archive: Lameco Practitioners & Friends at the Dog Brothers Gathering in 1997

Photo Archive: Lameco Practitioners & Friends at the Dog Brothers Gathering in 1997

Photo courtesy of Arnold Noche.

This photo was taken in 1997.  It was at the Dog Brothers Gathering in Hermosa Beach, California. Arnold was in town from NYC.

Some of the people in the photo: Arnold Noche, Dino Flores, Ron Balicki, Diana Inosanto, Sebastian, Al, Perla,  JP, Crafty Dog, Hans Tan, Nick Papadakis, Sung Han, Felix and Dogzilla.

lameco SOG at dog bros

 

Lameco Eskrima S.O.G. in Mexico. October 3, 4, 5 – 2014.

Lameco Eskrima S.O.G. in Mexico. October 3, 4, 5 – 2014.

 

Lameco Eskrima 2014

 

Guro Dino from Kapisanang Mandirigma reflects on teaching Eskrima at the Non-Profit organizations in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles.

Guro Dino from Kapisanang Mandirigma reflects on teaching Eskrima at the Non-Profit organizations in Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles.
When our teacher Punong Guro Edgar Sulite passed away, the group wanted to honor his work but in the least commercial way possible. We weren’t sure how we could do it…and looking back I am not sure why we wanted to do it that way. One day after one of our countless demos around the city, Aki from PWC approached me to do a history workshop at Glendale City College. Afterwards she asked if I would like to use the art to help at risk to kids to gangs violence and drug use. My first reaction was “are you sure?” I was thinking we are kind of a rough bunch and we are wielding sticks, knives and swords and were more like a gang ourselves. I didn’t think it was exactly appropriate at the time. I was reminded that the Rampart district (where the movie “Training Day” was set) had the highest murder rate in the city at the time and was kind of rough itself with numerous hyper violent gangs such as MS13 and 18th St. claiming the area as their turf. Thus I half heartedly accepted. Anyway, to cut a long story short – our recruiter was right. We had a surprisingly high success rate with the youth. Just a few minor glitches like gunshot wounds, knife fights, comas and molotov cocktails on roofs…but thats another story.From what I can gather, most of the rougher kids changed their ways….after maybe a little backyard method persuasion techniques. Two things were very effective. 1.Military style drilling, rules and lots of push ups for the whole class if someone was out of line – Guro Bud was an expert at this method. 2. Lots and lots of sparring. Be it Eskrima, Grappling, Kickboxing etc. If they were very bad they would have to spar everyone in class ending with me. It was truly a transformative and effective method…but probably illegal in several states…lol. Some parents told us their kids grades had gone up. Another parent told us that a school teacher said to her that her son was “The most moral student in the school” (since joining the program)…still makes me laugh.

We had an amazing experience doing volunteer work with those great Non-Profit Community organization like SIPA, PWC and FilAm ARTS. The at risk youth positive diversion program from gangs and drugs we taught from 1997 to 2004 was a big learning experience for us all. I am proud that when government funding was low or disappeared, we didn’t let it stop us. Instead myself, Guro Arnold A. Noche and Guro Bud Balani Jr. offered adult classes at the centers at an affordable rate and used the proceeds to assist in funding the youth programs. One of the adult students even got Asics to sponsor us for a semester and we got some cases of their wrestling shoes. It was a grand adventure that took us far and wide. What more could you ask for, help a few kids out, teach a few adults some culture and still train in the art you love. All that was missing was a small paycheck for the Eskrima staff…lol.

It’s funny to think that all those non-martial artist participants who went through the program where forced to learn our Eskrima lineage and history. They were exposed to Lameco and the teacher in our lineage such as GM Ilustrisimo and his 5 Pillars (GM Tony Diego, GM Yuli Romo, GM Rey Galang, GM Christopher Ricketts and PG Edgar Sulite), GM Caballero and various other arts over the years.

Our first guest instructor at the program was none other than the legendary Grandmaster Doc Lengson – which was an incredible honor for me. Not only was GM Dr. Guillermo B. “Doc” Lengson one of Master Ricketts teachers. He was also the one who advised GM Presas to add “Modern” to Arnis. GM Lenson also advised PG Sulite to use the title” Punong Guro”. Punong Guro was the first to use this term in the Martial Arts, all others since were somehow inspired by his usage. GM Lengson was the first to feature FMA on Philippine TV. One of the TV shows had a 14 year old Master Ricketts representing Sagasa Kickboxing fighting a seasoned professional boxer. With another legend GM Roland Dantes as a judge.

Other guest instructors at our program included GM Taboada, GM Gaabucayan, GM Manaois, GM Olavides, Guro Ariel Mosses, Guro Hans Tan and half of Lameco SOG. What a journey. Maybe this is why the kids responded.

 

eskrima kali arnis fma 1

eskrima kali arnis fma 2 eskrima kali arnis fma 3 eskrima kali arnis fma 4 eskrima kali arnis fma 5

 

Some items of recognition for our volunteer work back in the days of seemingly limitless energy.

Photo Archive: Bakbakan Kali Seminar with Master Rey Galang at the Inosanto Academy, 1997.

Bakbakan Kali Seminar with Master Rey Galang at the Inosanto Academy, 1997.

Photo courtesy of John Jacobo.
 

Members of Lameco SOG with Master Rey Galang and John Jacobo from Bakbakan New Jersey. Bakbakan Kali Seminar at the Inosanto Academy in Marina Del Rey, California.

 
w:Lameco Tribe (aka Sulite Orehenal Group) Circa 97'

Through sponsorship by Senator Miguel Zubiri – Arnis Officially Declared National Martial Art and Sport, Dec. 11 2009

170px-Seal_of_the_Philippine_Senate.svg

UPDATE ON LAWS PASSED DURING THE 14th & 15th CONGRESS
Researched by the Executive-Legislative Liaison Service

LAWS OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE (15th CONGRESS)

 

RA 9850

AN ACT DECLARING ARNIS AS THE NATIONAL MARTIAL ART AND
SPORT OF THE PHILIPPINES (SIGNED INTO LAW ON DECEMBER 11,  2009)

 

**********

 

The principal author and sponsor of RA 9850 is Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri. He is a dedicated Martial Artist and Eskrimador. His primary teacher since childhood is Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts, founder of Bakbakan Philippines. System that he studied under Grandmaster Ricketts include Bakbakan Sagasa Kickboxing, Ngo Cho Kung Fu and Kali Ilustrisimo. Other teachers include Bakbakan Members Grandmaster Alex Co (Ngo Cho), Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite (Lameco Eskrima), Grandmaster Tony Diego (Kali Ilustrisimo) and Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo himself.

 

master-ricketts-bakbakan lameco ilustrisimo sagasa sulite

Miguel with some of his teachers and fellow Bakbakan members.

 

Lameco Sulite-advanced-balisong www.mandirigma.org

On the cover of the “Advanced Balisong” book with one of his teachers, Punong Guro Edgar Sulite.

Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri

In 2008, Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri, at age 39, became the youngest to be elected as Senate Majority Leader since the First Congress in 1946. A veteran legislator, he served the 3rd District of Bukidnon from 1998 to 2007 and was always cited as one of the most outstanding solons in the House of Representatives. He has also maintained a perfect attendance in the Plenary Sessions for the last 12 years (4 Congresses) both as Congressman and as Senator, and including this 15th Congress.

In the 14th Congress and during his stint as Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Zubiri helped steer the Senate to a record performance of around 650 bills enacted into laws.

Sen. Migz is the principal author and sponsor of more than 20 major laws, both in the Senate and during his stint as Congressman. As a fervent advocate of clean energy, he worked for the passage of RA 9513 or the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 and RA 9367 or the Biofuels Act of 2006, earning him the moniker Mr. Clean Energy. Among the other laws he sponsored, principally authored or co-authored are:

 

RA10068 – Organic Agriculture Act of 2010;

RA 9147 – Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act;

RA 10121 – Philippine Disaster Risk Management Act;

RA 9165 – Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002;

RA 9679 – the Home Development Mutual Fund Law of 2009 (Pag-IBIG Fund);

RA 9653 – the Rent Control Act of 2009;

RA 9997 – the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos Act of 2009;

RA 9996 – the Mindanao Development Authority Act of 2010;

RA 9904 – the Magna Carta for Homeowners and Homeowners’ Associations;

RA 9903 – Condonation of Penalties on Delinquent Social Security Contributions;

RA 9507 – the Socialized and Low-Cost Housing Loan Condonation Program;

RA 9850 – Declaring Arnis as the National Martial Art and Sport;

RA 9500 – UP Charter Amendments;

RA 9163 – National Service Training Program;

RA 9166 – Armed Forces of the Philippines Rate Pay Base Increase Act;

RA 10072 – the New Charter of the Philippine Red Cross;

RA 9645 – Declaring July 27 of Every Year as Araw ng Iglesia Ni Cristo and as Special Working Holiday; and

RA 9849 – Declaring Eidul Adha as a National Holiday.

He is also considered the “father” of the New Cooperative Code being the principal sponsor and author of RA 9520 or the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008.

Sen. Migz is known as a champion of environmental concerns, an advocacy he pursues in the Senate and among his top legislative agenda. In the current 15th Congress, he chairs the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources. He also chairs the Committee on Cooperatives and 3 Joint Congressional Oversight Committees such as the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act; Joint Congressional Committee on Clean Air Act; and the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Cooperatives. He is also a member of 20 other Senate standing committees.

Sen. Migz is involved in concrete environmental programs such as being the founder of the Philippine Deer Foundation, a deer conservation project, and as President of the Palawan-based Katala Foundation which protects endangered wildlife species and their habitats. A trained first aider and certified rescue diver, he is a Governor of the Philippine Red Cross and active member of the Red Cross Youth Committee and Concerned Divers of the Philippines.

Senator Zubiri has published two books: the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008, and Bukidnon: The Philippine Frontier. He is a graduate of Master’s in Environment and Natural Resources Management at the University of the Philippines Open University and Bachelor of Science in Agri-Business Management at the University of the Philippines in Los Baños. He has also been conferred four Honorary or Honoris Causa Doctoral degrees by various private and state universities.

Senator Migz takes pride for being the husband to lovely Audrey; a loving father to Ma. Adriana and Juanmi; and a good son to Vice-Governor Jose Ma. Zubiri, Jr. of Bukidnon, and Victoria Fernandez-Zubiri of Libon, Albay.

From: http://www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/zubiri_juanmiguel_bio.asp

 

Miguel Zubiri Bakbakan Ilustrisimo Lameco

Miguel Zubiri signing a copy of RA 9850 for us.RA 9850
AN ACT DECLARING ARNIS AS THE NATIONAL MARTIAL ART AND
SPORT OF THE PHILIPPINES (SIGNED INTO LAW ON DECEMBER 11, 2009)

Principal author and sponsor of RA 9850 as Senator.

In the rear there are several Eskrima tournament awards that Miguel won. In his first ever tournament which he won, it was only Punong Guro Sulite and himself who entered him on a whim. Other tournaments had Master Ricketts and Grandmaster Ilustrisimo as his Coach and corner man.

In the foreground a copy of Punong Guro Sulites book “Advanced Balising” with him as a teenager on the comer with one of his teachers.

FMA Informative – Issue 138 – featuring Fanged Blade with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Lance Parvin.

FMA Informative – Issue 138 – featuring Fanged Blade with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Lance Parvin.

AUGUST 15, 2014 BY  (EDIT)

Ariel Mosses Lameco Ilustrisimo

 

FMA Informative – Issue 138 – Fanged Blade

What is the Fanged Blade Program?
-Technique Examples
–Fanged Blade
–Manaois System
–Lameco
Footwork Within Filipino Martial Arts
A Tactical Professionals’ View
Fanged Blade in Action – A Students’ Perspective
The Cultural Arts Training Foundation

The FMA Informative in talking with Lance Parvin found out that the Fanged Blade was created by Ariel Mosses and Lance Parvin to address worst-case scenarios. The program incorporates several arts and systems, mainly comprised of Filipino martial arts including: Lameco S.O.G, Kali Ilustrisimo, and Manaois Eskrima, Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis. Based on violent, destructive, and killing strikes, Filipino ground fighting (Buno), and “uninterrupted biting and eye gouging” (Kagatin at Mangamot ng Mata) techniques are emphasized.

Fanged Blade comes under the main organization, “The Cultural Arts Training Foundation” which uses movement arts to empower those dealing with traumatic injury, PTSD, and bullying.

The programs are developed by qualified professionals with dynamic backgrounds in movement including: kinesiology, gymnastics, martial arts, dance, and yoga. Lance Parvin, Founder and Executive Director, created the organization after his own traumatic injury from a near fatal car accident left him with spine damage.

Visit www.fmainformative.info and download a copy.

Link - www.fmainformative.info/Informative_Issues/2014/FMA_Informative-Issue138.pdf

Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Seminar in Honolulu, Hawaii, Saturday, September 13th & 14th, 2014

Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Seminar in Honolulu, Hawaii, Saturday, September 13th & 14th, 2014

Announcing the upcoming seminar in Honolulu, Hawaii September 13 & 14, 2014. Please check out our exciting new website at www.combatfma.com designed by humaninterestvideoproductions@gmail.com

 

\Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Kali Arnis Eskrima

Lameco Eskrima S.O.G. in Mexico. October 3, 4, 5 – 2014.

Lameco Eskrima S.O.G. in Mexico. October 3, 4, 5 – 2014.

 

Lameco Eskrima 2014

Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Launches New Website @ http://combatfma.com

Guro Ariel Flores Mosses:

combat fma

 

About Guro Ariel:

Guro Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under Filipino Hall of Fame Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois, the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, and Grand Master Christopher Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo. Guro Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. He holds a 7th degree in Kali Jukune Do. Guro Ariel is a member of Kapisanang Mandirigma. He has experience as a professional bodyguard and is a former police officer. Guro Ariel is currently teaching at LV Tactical Training in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Guro Ariel will be one of the instructors at Jeff Speakman’s 5.0 Fighter Event Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. June 27, 28, 29 – 2012.

 

To contact Guro Ariel go to:

http://combatfma.com/index.html

The “Ilustrisimo World Tour” – June & July 2014

The “Ilustrisimo World Tour” will run during June & July 2014 in the following location: USA/Denver – CANADA/ Toronto – BELGIUM/Brussels – SPAIN/Madrid.

Peachie Baron & Arnold Narzothe 2 top instructors under Master Tony Diego will animate the “KI Tour 2014″

 

 

WWW.MANDIRIGMA.ORG 1

 

WWW.MANDIRIGMA.ORG 2

 

——————–

https://www.facebook.com/events/1415937185336231/1445571492372800/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity

The “Ilustrisimo World Tour” will run during June & July 2014 in the following location: USA/Denver – CANADA/ Toronto – BELGIUM/Brussels – SPAIN/Madrid.

Peachie Baron & Arnold Narzothe 2 top instructors under Master Tony Diego will animate the “KI Tour 2014″

Wish you would like to host an “Ilustrisimo” evening training in your club keep me posted.

Schedule:
Saturday 19 july : 12h – 18h00
Sunday 20 july : 10h – 16h00
Monday 21 july : 10h – 16h00 (bank holiday in Belgium)

Seminar fee:
60€/day
2 days = 110€
3 days = 150€

Registration can be done by bank account :
SEAMA asbl : 001-6326993-50
IBAN : BE86 0016 3269 9350
BIC : GEBABEBB

Location:
SPORTCITY : Avenue Salomé 2, 1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre (BRUSSELS)
Flavio

————-

KALIS ILUSTRISIMO WORLD TOUR en Madrid, España

https://www.facebook.com/events/964908103648925/?fref=ts

KALIS ILUSTRISIMO WORLD TOUR en Madrid, España

¡OPORTUNIDAD UNICA!

Los Maestros, Guro Peachie Baron y Guro Narzo Arnold; herederos de Kalis Ilustrisimo, bajo el Gran Maestro Tony Diego, visitarán Madrid, el día 26 y 27 de Julio 2014.

Por primera vez en España los Herederos de Kalis Ilustrisimo impartirán un curso de fin de semana del Arte Marcial Filipino… Kalis Ilustrisimo.

El Gran Maestro Antonio Tatang Ilustrisimo, fundador del arte, fue imbatido durante toda su vida en combates a muerte con armas de filo en Filipinas.

Cabe destacar la fuerte influencia del Arte Marcial Español de Espada y Daga perdido en la historia. Es un momento para redescubrir un legado con influencias de artes de combate españolas.

Organiza Kapisanang Mandirigma España
Lameco-Kalis Ilustrisimo Group Madrid “La Tribu”
www.kali-jeetkunedo.com

Plazas Limitadas
90 euros por persona
precios especiales para grupos de cinco
días 26 y 27 de Julio

Master Christopher Ricketts magazine article, 2002

Master Christopher Ricketts magazine article, 2002

 

Master Ricketts Bakbakan

Fundraiser Seminar for Master Tony Diego: Two Day Invitation Only. With Kalis Ilustrisimo Senior Instructors Peachie Baron-Saguin and Arnold Narzo. July 7th, Monday & July 8th, 2014. Los Angeles & Las Vegas.

Seminar: Two Day Invitation Only. With Kalis Ilustrisimo Senior Instructors  Peachie Baron-Saguin and  Arnold Narzo. July 7th, Monday & July 8th, 2014. Los Angeles & Las Vegas.

Los Angeles Lameco SOG & Los Angeles Ilustrisimo in association with Kapisanang Mandirigma is proud to present an invitation only Seminar not advertised to the General Public. This is an extremely rare opportunity to train with Kalis Ilustrisimo Senior Instructors Arnold Narzo and Peachie Baron-Saguin. They are direct students of the Living Legend in the Philippines, Grandmaster Tony Diego of Kalis Ilustrisimo. Grandmaster Tony Diego is the top disciple of Grandmaster Antonio ‘Tatang’ Ilustrisimo and is continuing Tatang’s legacy through his Kalis Ilustrisimo Repeticion Orehenal.This is a rare opportunity and their first seminar in Los Angeles.
Proceeds go to the Medical Fund of Master Diego and his wife. This is also a fundraiser for the serious medical conditions of Master Tony and his wife. Thank you all in advance for your continued support!
Los Angeles
Two Day Seminar – July 7th, Monday & July 8th, Tuesday.
Location – Seminar will be in Los Angeles/Eagle Rock.
Address given after enrollment.
Time – 7pm-11pm
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Filipino Martial Arts with guest instructor Ariel Mosses at Green Valley Range in the Fight Room.

Filipino Martial Arts with guest instructor Ariel Mosses at Green Valley Range in the Fight Room.

 

 

Filipino Martial Arts with guest instructor Ariel Mosses at Green Valley Range in the Fight Room.
This GVR Tacticals class is included in the Club Membership and open to the public.
The S.A.F.E. Program (Survive an Attack by Fighting Effectively) is based on Filipino Martial Arts.
Utilizing everyday objects like a pen, keys, a rolled up magazine, stick and a knife, Ariel Mosses instructs on basic self-defense techniques.
These techniques can be utilized and adapted for different age groups and physical ability.
Every month GV Range offers a Skill Building Class called “GVR Tacticals” with guest instructors who specialize in specific self – defense arts. Be sure to like and share our video and stop on by to get some Trigger Time on at Green Valley Range!
Stay Safe!

 

Guro Ariel F. Mosses is also an advisor for Mandirigma.org and a founding member of Kapisanang Mandirigma.

More information on him at: http://combatfma.comhttp://backyardeskrima.com/?cat=43 and http://backyardeskrima.com/?p=858

 

guro ariel flores mosses

 

Introduction to Kalis Ilustrisimo with Bakbakan Senior Instructor – Doran Sordo. Boracay, Philippines. May 2014

Tatang01

Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo

Introduction to Kalis Ilustrisimo with Bakbakan Senior Instructor – Doran Sordo.

Introduction to Kalis Ilustrisimo. Covering basic strikes, body mechanics, combative ranges, footwork, blade drills and defense, and Punta y Daga or sword and dagger. Kalis Ilustrisimo is the blade art or system of the late Grand Master Antonio Ilustrisimo. Brought to you by Bakbakan Combat Arts International Senior Instructor -Doran Sordo. Guro Doran Sordo has had the privilege to begin training in his teens under the legendary Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, Master Yuli Romo, Master Tony Diego, Master Christopher Ricketts and Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo himself.

Dates to be announced for May, 2014.

Demo class tomorrow at The Vessel, Mandala Spa & Villas. —  at The Vessel, Mandala Spa & Villas. Boracay, Philippines

This seminar is not to be missed! Bakbakan Combat Arts International Senior Instructor – Doran Sordo sharing Kalis Ilustrisimo! Just in case you need more convincing, the seminar is in Beautiful Boracay. Be there! Date in May to be announced. Proceeds go to Grandmaster Tony Diego’s medical fund.

 

More Information: http://facebook.com/doransordo

 

 

 

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Training with Master Christopher Ricketts in Makati, Philippines.

 

 

 

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Training with Master Tony Diego in Luneta Park, Philippines.

 

 

 

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Training session with Bakbakan Brothers Monsour del Rosario and Miguel Zubiri in Manila, Philippines.

 

Kapisanang Mandirigma Las Vegas Presents presents Guro Dino Flores and Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Seminar in Ilustrisimo & Lameco Eskrima. Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday, May 31st, 2014

Kapisanang Mandirigma Las Vegas Presents presents Guro Dino Flores and Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Seminar in Ilustrisimo & Lameco Eskrima. Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday, May 31st, 2014

 

update

 

 

Guro Dino and Guro Ariel have been training partners since the 1980′s. They first began teaching seminars together in the 1990′s in Wahington State, Oregon, Nevada and California.

About Guro Ariel:

Guro Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under Filipino Hall of Fame Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois, the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, and Grand Master Christopher Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo. Guro Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. He holds a 7th degree in Kali Jukune Do. Guro Ariel is a member of Kapisanang Mandirigma. He has experience as a professional bodyguard and is a former police officer. Guro Ariel is currently teaching at LV Tactical Training in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

About Guro Dino:

Guro Dino trained for many years with Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois in Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis and Master Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis in the 1980′s along with his cousins Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores. In the early 1990′s he was accepted as an initial member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites’ newly forming Backyard Group AKA the Sulite Oriehenal Group

At the recommendation of Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Dino first visited Master Christopher Ricketts in the Philippines in 1995 and was introduced to his perspective on the Warrior Arts.  Since the passing of Punong Guro Sulite,  he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts, who gave Guro Dino permission to teach his method before his passing. Guro Dino was the Lameco representative for Master Ricketts and a member of Bakbakan Philippines sponsored by Master Ricketts. Guro Dino continues his training in Master Ricketts method of training with his two sons, the young Masters Bruce and Guro Brandon Ricketts. Masters Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts are now officially the head of the late Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts “Ilustrisimo” organization which strives to preserve the purity of the art.

Guro Dino additionally had good fortune to experience training in Kali Ilustrisimo with Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster Yuli Romo and Grandmaster Tony Diego. He also trained in Kali Ilustrisimo with one of his training partners and fellow Lameco Backyard member Guro Hans Tan, who was certified to teach Kali Ilustrsimo under Master Tony Diego.Additionally Guro Dino trained privately for several years in California and the Philippines with Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO.

Guro Dino also cites the importance of his training partners in Lameco SOG and Kapisanang Mandirigma in his growth. After the passing of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, certain members of the Lameco Backyard group reformed also became know as Kapisanang Mandirigma. The group regularly continued  training, sparring, experimenting and seeking the deeper roots of their chosen arts. This group includes Guros Joel Adriatico, Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr., Mar Elepaño, Choy Flores, Arnold Noche, Gary Quan, Hans Anton Tan and Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (RIP). With frequent visits by Guro Lowell Pueblos, Guro Bong Hebia and honorary member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses.

 

Ariel & Me BW

Master Christopher Ricketts and Bakbakan Philippines doing Ilustrisimo on TV Show – 2005.

Master Christopher Ricketts and Bakbakan Philippines doing Ilustrisimo on TV Show.
Master Ricketts is assisted by Bruce Ricketts, Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Miguel Zubiri, Doran Sordo, Brandon Ricketts, Monsour del Rosario and other members of Bakbakan Philippines. Shot at Olympians Taekwondo Training Center (OTTC) in Fort Bonifacio, Manila, Philippines. 2005.

 

 

Master Christopher Ricketts on TV

Anting Anting by Reynaldo S. Galang

Anting Anting by Reynaldo S. Galang

kali arnis eskrima lameco ilustrisimo

Anting Anting

The Filipino Warrior's Amulet

Shrouded in secrecy and mystery,
the anting-anting is a subject close to the
Filipino’s heart. It holds promise of
invincibility, of victory and of heroic deeds. Legends
have been born and men have died because of the
lure of the mysterious and powerful anting-anting.

The anting-anting made a resurgence into popularity in the early 70’s when the
film Nardong Putik chronicling the life of the
outlaw Leonardo Manecio made its debut. The
hero of the film, a local Robin Hood, credited his ability to survive and escape numerous
ambushes and gunfights to his anting-anting.

There is much dispute as to what his anting-anting really was. Some claim it was
a smooth pebble of rare and mysterious material that Nardong Putik kept under his tongue.
While others say it is a 66-day old fetus that he kept in a small crystal container. Whatever
his anting-anting was, Nardong Putik’s ability to elude the law and his enemies made him a
legend and a hero to many people.

Jikiri, the noted Muslim pirate,
eluded the Philippine Constabulary and U. S.
soldiers for over three years. Yet Jikiri boldly
operated in broad daylight. The legendary source
of his galing (gift) — an anting-anting,
of course.

These stories and more contribute to the growing number of legends and belief in
the efficacy of the anting-anting. Combined with the equally mysterious
Orascion (a special verse or prayer), warriors can be psyched
to become confident and daring to undertake suicidal missions.

There are many prescribed ways of acquiring an anting-anting. The easiest is to have
an existing, sacred anting-anting bestowed to
you as an inheritance or reward. This happens very rarely, for the
agimat (amulet) is usually buried with its owner and master for
continued protection against spirits from the
nether world.

Stealing an anting-anting makes it lose its power and is therefore a useless
alternative. An anting-anting loses its power when
it leaves its master’s possession without his knowledge or blessing. Various types of
anting-anting can be bought at holy places but
these are patay (dead/blanks) with no power
whatsoever.  These blanks have to undergo sacred
and secret rituals to become empowered and effective.

There are many different methods to make an anting-anting
sagrado (sacred). The most popular day for the anting-anting to
have birtud (power) is on Good Friday. This,
according to legend, is when God abandons His creation and the spirits roam freely and can
be lured, captured, harnessed and enslaved by the brave and mighty. Another popular occasion
is at midnight during a full moon with the ritual taking place at a cross road or a cemetery
with a sacrificial black cat as a bait or offering.

Another kind of anting-anting, known as
Mutya, comes from plants, such as a banana or
a palm tree. This requires a lot of patience and diligence for one has to wait until the
heart of the banana discharges its essence, a
crystal clear solid drop that must not be allowed
to touch the ground and must be swallowed immediately. With this captive prize, legends
say that a successful and prosperous life is guaranteed.

Some types of anting-anting or
orascion are meant as love charms. Most are for
protection — against the forces of darkness,
against one’s enemies, and even against sickness.
Others are for special gifts, such as the mysterious and esoteric art of
Hilot (massage and healing), Hula
(fortune telling) and Kulam (spells and witchcraft).

However, every anting-anting and every orascion carries with it an immutable
commitment. One must be prepared to perform the required rituals, the mandated daily
devotion, the annual pilgrimage, to keep the birtud
of the anting-anting.

Man will always be fascinated with this mysterious harbinger of success, victory
and protection. Many, though not all, of the Philippine Grand Masters and Masters of
martial arts believe in the power and protection of
the anting-anting and orascion.

And everyone of these believers, without exception, recognize the value and worth
of diligence, dedication and discipline in martial arts training. Like the anting-anting,
the easiest way to learn a martial art is to find
a good teacher, a worthy master. Someone who, like the anting-anting’s master,  will pass
on to you, the secret and power of his own knowledge and skills. Again, like the
anting-anting, this knowledge and skill must be nurtured
with diligent practice, with moral righteousness, discipline, devotion and dedication.


Written by Reynaldo S. Galang

 

Copyright © 1994, 1997 Bakbakan International

Mandirigma.org – Online Since 1998 – A Project of Kapisanang Mandirigma

mandirigma.org

Mandirigma.org – Online Since 1998 – A Project of Kapisanang Mandirigma

Go to: Mandirigma.org

Mandirigma Research Organization also known as mandirigma.org is a project of Kapisanang Mandirigma. Their focus includes preserving and promoting the Warrior Arts commonly known as Kali, Eskrima and Arnis. The Warrior Arts is one of the most important aspects of any society because its very nature is to defend and preserve the culture. Thus, mandirigma.org is also involved in researching issues from ancient to current.

The primary objective of mandirigma.org is to do its part in keeping alive ancient knowledge and give honor to the sacrifices made by previous generations. Using both traditional and modern methods in its work, mandirigma.org has organized, collaborated with and participated in classes, conferences, demonstrations, festivals, lectures, seminars and workshops with prominent college and community organizations. Aside from their hands-on approach, mandirigma.org utilizes multimedia technologies such as audio, desktop, video and web to reach people across the globe.

Researching since the 1970′s and online since 1998, mandirigma.org believes in being actively involved in giving back to the community. They have collaborated with and volunteered in various non-profit agencies. They have also arranged fundraisers in order to assist causes for indigenous tribal groups and organizations dedicated to cultural preservation in the Philippines.

mandirigma.org believes that this expansive pursuit is at its best a collaborative effort. This has allowed mandirigma.org to meet and work with many fine individuals and organizations throughout the Philippines, the United States and the world. mandirigma.org welcomes all with an open and positive mind to participate and join them on this never-ending cultural adventure.

This humble site is dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of Warriors throughout the many generations that have come before us.

Maraming Salamat!

Go to: Mandirigma.org

 

Kapisanang Mandirigma founders Guro Ariel Flores Mosses, Guro Arnold Noche, Guro Bud Balani and Guro Dino Flores mentioned in the Virtual Filipino Martial Arts Museum’s “Top 200 Living Guro’s” List

Kapisanang Mandirigma founders Guro Ariel Flores Mosses, Guro Arnold Noche, Guro Bud Balani and Guro Dino Flores mentioned in the Virtual Filipino Martial Arts Museum’s “Top 200 Living Guro’s” List

filipino martial arts

Exerpt from:

http://www.filipinomartialartsmuseum.com/index.htm

Welcome to the Filipino Martial Arts Museum, the virtual museum and repository of knowledge of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) systems, styles, masters, history, literature and virtual artifacts. The writing ranges from incisive to light-hearted to even controversial, and the literary and virtual exhibits encompass all aspects of Filipino martial arts systems and disciplines including arnis, kali, eskrima, dumog, buno, hilot and other indigenous arts of the Philippines.

Authors are well-known experts in their fields as well as volunteer writers. Article submissions are encouraged. The authors of these articles have consented to have their articles reprinted and republished in whole or in part, as long as the author’s name, website reference address and this website are acknowledged.
I would like this site to become the most comprehensive online reader-written encyclopedia on FMA. It is meant to be a contemporary or living as well as an archival museum. Send your submissions for The Top 200 Living Masters, The Top 100 FMA Schools and other FMA Museum Who’s Who series, and then see your submissions published online. We also accept original articles and online book publications.

http://www.filipinomartialartsmuseum.com/index.htm

 

http://www.filipinomartialartsmuseum.com/FMA_masters-systems-schools/FMAguros-living-list.html

1 Dino Flores Lameco Los Angeles, CA, USA
2 Hospecio Balani Lameco Los Angeles, CA, USA
3 David Gould Lameco
4 Leonard Trigg Lameco
5 Arnold Noche Lameco Los Angeles, CA, USA
6 John Jacobo Bakbakan Maryland, USA
7 Roger Agbulos Lameco North Hills, CA, USA
8 Marc Denny Dog Brothers CA, USA
9 Eric Knauss Dog Brothers CA, USA
10 Tim Hartman Modern Arnis USA
11 Kelly Worden Modern Arnis WA, USA
12 Myrlino Hufana Modern Arnis WA, USA
13 Jeffrey Delaney Modern Arnis Canada
14 Randi Schea Modern Arnis
15 Jay de Leon Modern Arnis, Los Angeles, CA, USA
16 Alvis Solis Seneres Arnis TX, USA
17 Ron Balicki Inosanto Kali Los Angeles, CA, USA
18 Diana Balicki Inosanto Kali Los Angeles, CA, USA
19 Ramon Rubia San Miguel Eskrima CA, USA
20 Mel Lopez Villabrille-Largusa
21 Greg Alland Dekiti-Tirsia-Siradas
22 Mary Ann Presas Modern Arnis San Pablo, CA, USA
23 Demetrio Presas Modern Arnis San Pablo, CA, USA
24 Remy Presas, Jr. Modern Arnis San Pablo, CA, USA
25 Tom Bolden Modern Arnis NY, USA
26 Jerome Barber Modern Arnis NY, USA
27 Percival “Val” Pableo Doce Pares
28 Graciella Casillas CA, USA
29 Raffy Pambuan Pambuan Tulisan Arnis FL, USA
30 Steven Dowd Arnis Balite Fallon, NV, USA
31 Hock Hochheim Modern Arnis, Kombatan TX, USA
32 Jorge Penafiel Balintawak Cincinatti, OH, USA
33 Larry Alcuizar Doce Pares Los Angeles, CA, USA
34 Felix Valencia Lameco Santa Barbara, CA, USA
35 Anthony Davis Cabales Serrada CA, USA
36 Sultan Uddin Cabales Serrada CA, USA
37 Darren Tibbon Cabales Serrada CA, USA
38 Jason Inay Inayan Eskrima San Jose, CA, USA
39 Jena Inay Inayan Eskrima San Jose, CA, USA
40 Ray Dionaldo Sayoc Kali FL, USA
41 Edwin Mosqueda Doce Pares
42 Nate Defensor Doce Pares Chicago, IL, USA
43 Conrado Manaois Manaois Eskrima Los Angeles, CA, USA
44 Dan Anderson Modern Arnis WA, USA
45 Rocky Pasiwk Modern Arnis
46 Ron Harris Original Filipino Tapado New Orleans, LA, USA
47 Tim Waid Pekiti-Tirsia TX, USA
48 Leslie Buck Pekiti-Tirsia TX, USA
49 Erwin Ballarta Pekiti-Tirsia TX, USA
50 Gaudencia Ruby Comjuka TX, USA
51 Phil Rapagna Lameco, Inosanto Kali Los Angeles, CA, USA
52 Victor Gendrano Inosanto Kali Los Angeles, CA, USA
53 Stephen Aron Inosanto Kali Glendora, CA, USA
54 Menandro “Anding” de Leon Arnis de Leon Garland, TX, USA
55 Jaime Abregana Hawaii, USA
56 Vincent Cabales Cabales Serrada CA, USA
57 Vincent Cabales, Jr. Cabales Serrada CA, USA
58 Carlito Bonjoc Mata sa Bagyo CA, USA
59 Mark Wiley Cabales Serrada
60 Tom Bisio San Miguel Eskrima
61 Rafael Kayanan Sayoc Kali
62 Tom Kier Sayoc Kali
63 Jeff Chung Sayoc Kali
64 Paul Vunak Inosanto Kali CA, USA
65 Burton Richardon Inosanto Kali HI, USA
66 Steve Grody Lameco
67 Steve Tarani
68 Blaise Loong
69 Cass Magda CA, USA
70 Rick Tucci Inosanto Kali Princeton, NJ
71 James A. Keating Comtech Walla Walla, WA, USA
72 Ed Goco Galang Las Vegas, NV, USA
73 Michael Replogle Modern Arnis USA
74 Felix Roiles Doce Pares Los Angeles, CA, USA
75 Spencer Gee Pananandata NY, USA
76 Bruce Ricketts Kali Ilustrisimo San Diego, CA, USA
77 Maurice Gatdula CA, USA
78 Mar de Leon Tumba-tumba Arnis San Diego, CA, USA
79 Chris Siangco Pedoy Derobio Eskrima San Diego, CA, USA
80 Ernie Reyes, Jr. San Jose, CA, USA
81 Alex France Kombatan CA, USA
82 Alex Ercia Kombatan CA, USA
83 Arthur Gonzalez De Cuerdas Stockton, CA, USA
84 Teofisto “Toby” Tobosa Tobosa Kali/Eskrima Hawaii, USA
85 Bram Frank Modern Arnis FL USA
86 Jeff “Stickman” Finder Cabales Serrada CA, USA
87 Dennis Servaes Cabales Serrada CA, USA
88 Khalid Khan Cabales Serrada CA, USA
89 Eddie Lastra Lastra System CA, USA
90 Rico Acosta NY, USA
91 Carl Atienza Atienza Kali NJ, USA
92 Allain Atienza Atienza Kali NJ, USA
93 Apollo Ladra Pasadena, MD, USA
94 Bobby Ladra Pasadena, MD, USA
95 Pedro Israel IMB WA, USA
96 Madeline Coffin Cabales Serrada Seattle, WA, USA
97 Michael G. Davies Cabales Serrada Sacramento, CA, USA
98 Ariel Mosses Las Vegas, NV, USA
99 Jon Cuenca Las Vegas, NV, USA
100 Victor Rivera
101 Christopher Turla LESKAS WA, USA
102 Tony Somera Bahala Na CA, USA
103 Richard Van Donk De Cuerdas CA, USA
104 Wileen Arellano Bakbakan NJ, USA
105 James Muro Inayan Eskrima San Jose, CA, USA
106 Jon Ward Inayan Eskrima San Jose, CA, USA
107 Cory Hanosh Inayan Eskrima San Jose, CA, USA
108 Rupert Bisquera Cacoy Doce Pares San Jose, CA, USA
109 Ron Lew Cacoy Doce Pares San Jose, CA, USA
110 Carlos Patalinghug Cacoy Doce Pares USA
111 Virgilio Apostol Hilot CA, USA
112 Leo Fong CA, USA
113 David James Vee-Arnis-Jitsu NY, USA
114 Arsenio “Sonny” Padilla Kali Ilustrisimo Canada
115 Badger Jones Modern Arnis, Siling Labuyo Arnis Canada
116 Vic Ferrer Sikaran Saskatoon, Canada
117 Romelle Espiritu Kali De Leon Canada
118 Dan Rutano Estokada Kali Canada
119 Oliver Salvador Estokada Kali Canada
120 Gil Lafantasie Estokada Kali Canada
121 Dante Alhambra Alhambra Arnis and Sikaran Canada
122 Tom Sulit Sikaran Canada
123 Roger Paclibar Paclibar Arnis Canada
124 Rommel Tortal Pekiti-Tirsia
125 Sinuhe Martinez Modern Arnis Mexico
126 Jan-Jan Presas Kombatan Manila, Philippines
127 Manuel Caballero Caballero Orihinal Uno-Dos-Tres Cebu, Philippines
128 Rodrigo Maranga Combat Eskrima Maranga Cebu, Philippines
129 Ondo Caburnay Lapunti arnis de abanico Cebu, Philippines
130 Dennis Canete Cacoy Doce Pares Cebu, Philippines
131 Nilo Limpin Modern Arnis Manila, Philippines
132 Ronnie Ricketts Bakbakan Manila, Philippines
133 Monsour del Rosario Bakbakan Manila, Philippines
134 Miguel Zubiri Bakbakan Manila, Philippines
135 Nathan Dominguez LESKAS Manila, Philippines
136 Bot Jocano LESKAS Manila, Philippines
137 Manolo Luis del Rosario LESKAS Philippines
138 Jon Escudero LESKAS Philippines
139 Sioc Glaraga Modern Arnis Philippines
140 John Russell Visayan Martial Arts Australia
141 Henry Jayme Visayan Martial Arts Cebu, Philippines
142 Samuel Ibe Mantas Daga Philippines
143 John Villasin Balintawak Cebu, Philippines
144 Jimson Dearos Modern Arnis Manila, Philippines
145 Rei Samson Modern Arnis Mountain Province, Philippines
146 Paolo Motitta Modern Arnis Manila, Philippines
147 Noel Penaredondo Modern Arnis Manila, Philippines
148 Michael Gubat Modern Arnis Manila, Philippines
149 Armando Soteco Modern Arnis Manila, Philippines
150 Marcelo “Cocoy” Oyales Modern Arnis Manila, Philippines
151 Nile Jordan Modern Arnis Cordillera, Philippines
152 Antolin “Ace” Rosales Modern Arnis Philippines
153 Romy Macapagal Kali Ilustrisimo Philippines
154 Alberto “Jhun” Dacayana Philippines
155 Isagani Abon Rapido Realismo Philippines
156 Galo D. Lalic Kalintaw Philippines
157 James U. Sy, Jr. Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis, Original Tapado, Yasay Sable, Conceptual Martial Arts Bacolod City, Neg. Occ. Philippines
158 Nelson D. Vargas Silab Kanto Filipino Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines
159 Ronaldo Garciano Garciano Arnis Kilat Serrada Dagupan, Pangasinan
160 Rohnee Tiong Gumpal Garciano Arnis Kilat Serrada Dagupan, Pangasinan
161 Abner Anievas Modern Arnis Hong Kong
162 Nathan Walker Modern Arnis Saudi Arabia
163 Ghazzi Al-Turaifi Modern Arnis Saudi Arabia
164 Manuel Maer Modern Arnis Saudi Arabia
165 Mohammed Issa Al Issa Modern Arnis Saudi Arabia
166 Raymond Floro Kali Ilustrisimo Australia
167 Graham Jamieson Black Eagle Eskrima Australia
168 Vincent Palumbo Doce Pares Australia
169 David Foggie Modern Arnis Australia
170 Edessa Ramos Modern Arnis Zurich, Switzerland
171 Jorgen Gydesen Modern Arnis Germany
172 Hans Karrer Modern Arnis Germany
173 Uli Weidle Pekiti-Tirsia Germany
174 Alfred Plath Modern Arnis Germany
175 Uwe Schwarz Cacoy Doce Pares Germany
176 Bob Breen England
177 Danny Guba England
178 Krishna Godhania Balitok / Warrior System England
179 Peter Lewis England
180 Pat O’Malley Rapid Arnis England
181 Shamim Hague England
182 Bill Lowery England
183 Jeff Espinous Inayan Eskrima France
184 Galo “Jun” Matagay Modern Arnis Italy
185 Tim Kashino Modern Arnis Italy
186 Flaviano Cabuang
187 Philip Gelinas Pekiti-Tirsia
188 Emanuel Hart Inayan Eskrima
189 Trovador Ramos TRACMA
190 John Chow Kalis Ilustrisimo Orihinal Repeticion Australia
191 Jerry Evangelisan Dekiti-Tirsia Manila, Philippines
192 Jun Martinada NARAPHIL Manila, Philippines
193 Brian Zawilinski Modern Arnis USA
194 Orly Junio Lightning Scientific Arnis Philippines
195 Narciso L. Alojado - Original Filipino Tapado, Conceptual Martial Arts Bacolod City

196 Felix A. Altarap Yaming Bacolod City

197 Fr. Jerson Balitor Oido de Caburata Murcia
198 Nelson Carmona Original Filipino Tapado Bago City
199 Joeffrey S. Deriada - Original Filipino Tapado Bacolod City

200 Irving P. Elefante Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis Valladolid
Andrew Filardo Arnis and Boxing New York
John Brown Bahad Zubu Utah

Kalis Ilustrisimo Seminar with Arnold Narzo and Peachie Baron-Saguin. June 21-22 in Seminar in Denver, Colorado, USA

Kalis Ilustrisimo in Colorado!!!!

June 21-29, 2014
Denver and Estes Park, Colorado.

Kapatiran Mandirigma is proud to announce the only appearance in the United States for Kalis Ilustrisimo Senior Instructors Arnold Narzo and Peachie Baron-Saguin. They are direct students of the Living Legend in the Philippines, Grandmaster Tony Diego of Kalis Ilustrisimo.

Grandmaster Tony Diego is the top disciple of Grandmaster Antonio ‘Tatang’ Ilustrisimo and is continuing Tatang’s legacy through his Kalis Ilustrisimo Repeticion Orehenal.

Do not miss this once in a lifetime chance to train with a legend!

We are hosting a week’s worth of training in Colorado.

June 21-22. 2 Day Seminar in Denver.
Everyone is welcome to attend. Beginners or experts.
Cost – Pre-Registration. $150 for 2 days and $90 for one day. Pre-Registration is Deadline May 17th.
After May 17th, $180 for 2 days, $110 for one day.
Location – Northglenn Rec Center. http://goo.gl/maps/cepWE
Time – 9am-4pm with a one hour lunch.

June 23-25. Private Training during the week
GM Tony and his assistants will train you in a small group, or privately. Openings are limited, so please reserve your spot soon. We will have two days worth of private lessons in Denver and one day in Longmont. Locations of the private training will be announced to those who reserve spots.
Cost – $150 for a 4-5 hour session.

June 27-29. Kapatiran Mandirigma Camp in Estes Park.
Please go here for the official Event Page -> https://www.facebook.com/events/443936922405914/

KM will host their yearly camp in Estes Park. This year, we will have Peachie Baron and Arnold Narzo teaching. We will also have a few special guest instructors.
The camp is held on private land with cabins with bunk beds, lodge house with kitchen and entertainment area and acres of wilderness to explore.
The camp is only a few minutes from old town Estes Park and many hotels and lodges.
Camp lodging is limited to 25 persons. Camp attendance is limited to 40 persons.
Location and schedule will be provided to those who reserve a spot.
Cost – Pre-Registration. $180 for the whole camp. (which includes lodging, training and meals). $100 for Saturday only. Pre-Registration Deadline is May 17th.
After May 17th, $220 for the whole camp and $110 for Saturday.

If you attend both the Denver Seminar and the KM Camp, you will receive a 10% Discount.

For more information, please email Shelley Millspaugh at sanduko@gmail.com

We are only taking payments by Paypal or Money Order.
To send your payment through Paypal, send to dan@theacademyofma.com with a description of what you are paying for (seminar, privates, camp).
If sending a Money Order, please make it out to ‘The Academy of martial Arts” and send to:
Dan Lowman
20210 West Sycamore Drive
Spring Hill, KS 66083

Sponsored by Kapatiran Mandirigma, U.T.A.M.A. and Archipelago Sandata.

 

WWW.MANDIRIGMA.ORG 1

 

WWW.MANDIRIGMA.ORG 2

Kapisanang Mandirigma Spain

Kapisanang Mandirigma Spain

kapisanang mandirigma ESPANA kali arnis eskrima lameco ilustrisimo

Spain Eskrima School kali arnis escrima kalis fma ilustrisimo lameco ricketts sulite

Kapisanang Mandirigma Spain Representative

Tim B. Fredianelli is the Kapisanang Mandirigma Spain Representative.
He is in the process of obtaining his Level One Trainer Credentials.
He can be contacted at: tim.fredianelli@facebook.com
 
+++++++++++++++++++
 

About Tim B. Fredianelli:

Tim B. Fredianelli is Assistant Instructor iin Jeet Kune Do under Sifu Tim Tackett and Sifu Bob Bremmer, Certified Knife Expert under Hock Hocheim, 2ºdan Black Belt in Kick Boxing, was a senior member of the Instituto de Kali Jun Fan in Madrid for 11 years training in Inosanto Kali and Muay Thai, and Wing Chung, Jun Fan and Jeet Kune Do. Has more than 25 years of experience in martial arts. Was the first to train and promote Lameco and Kalis Ilustrisimo in Spain, and has been promoting and training Lameco and Kalis Ilustrisimo since 2003. He now trains a small group of dedicated students in all these arts.

http://www.kali-jeetkunedo.com/7instructor.html

 

kapisanang mandirigma espana kali arnis eskrima lameco ilustrisimo

Like this:

 

Fundraiser for Master Tony Diego of Kalis Ilustrisimo, July 2013

master Tony Diego, mater tony diego, ilustrisimo, kalis ilustrisimo, kali, arnis, eskrima, escrima, kali, arnis, eskrima, escrima, www.mandirigma.org, www.backyardeskrima.com, master Tony Diego, mater tony diego, ilustrisimo, kalis ilustrisimo, kali, arnis, eskrima, escrima, kali, arnis, eskrima, escrima, www.mandirigma.org, www.backyardeskrima.com, master Tony Diego, mater tony diego, ilustrisimo, kalis ilustrisimo, kali, arnis, eskrima, escrima, kali, arnis, eskrima, escrima, www.mandirigma.org, www.backyardeskrima.com

 

 

Greetings friends,

We are seeking assistance for Master Tony Diego of Kalis Ilustrisimo.

Master Diego’s wife has breast cancer and has just had surgery for the second time. Sadly, even with surgery it has spread and costly chemotherapy is required. Master Diego is retired from work and has no medical or retirement benefits, so any amount donated will be very much appreciated and put to good use.

If you would like to donate you can contact Dino at: mandirigma.org@gmail.com
or you can contact Peachie Baron at:  peachiebaron@facebook.com

Second Lameco Eskrima DVD featuring Guro Dino Flores released by Budo International

Second Lameco Eskrima DVD featuring Guro Dino Flores released by Budo International

This dvd is focused in long distance with the sword, a special training that was heavily influenced by Great Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo. Guro Flores will teach you the differences in strategy in long distance with either stick or sword, the footwork and five of the 12 Eskrima Drills in detail with their applications and variations.

Guro Dino Flores has focused this work on long range distance, a distance you must master before venturing into medium or short range distance with any weapon and without protective gear. The 12 Eskrima Drills are a combination of the movements Punong Gruo Sulite found most common in real combat situations and referred to them as the “Soul of Lameco”, because many hidden secrets are found in these apparently simple exercises. Though most of the Eskrima exercises can be done either with stick or sword, this dvd is focused in long distance with the sword, a special training that was heavily influenced by Great Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo. Guro Flores will teach you the differences in strategy in long distance with either stick or sword, the footwork and five of the 12 Eskrima Drills in detail with their applications and variations. These exercises are essential in order to understand the Great Art of Fighting know as Lameco Eskrima.

LANGUAGES: ENGLISH. ESPAÑOL, ITALIANO, FRANÇAIS

http://www.budointernational.net/296_dino-flores

 

guro dino flores budo

 

528058_3532306760843_1431069027_n

Information on the first DVD can be found at this link: http://backyardeskrima.com/?p=361

Magazine interview featuring Guro Dino Flores in July, 2013 issue of Cinturon Negro

Magazine interview featuring Guro Dino Flores in July, 2013 issue of Cinturon Negro

http://www.budointernational.net/

 

1234918_10201334054427836_1985914581_n

 

1187051_10201334055667867_446153193_n

 

guro dino flores www.mandirigma.org

 

The Films of Bakbakan Philippines member Ronnie Ricketts and the Warrior Arts of the Philippines

The Films of  Bakbakan Philippines member Ronnie Ricketts and the Warrior Arts of the Philippines ilustrisimo bakbakab

The Films of  Bakbakan Philippines member Ronnie Ricketts and the Warrior Arts of the Philippines

Ronnie Ricketts is an actor, film producer and film director in the Philippine Movie and Film Industry. What is less commonly know is that he is a martial artist expert and a Master instructor in the Martial Arts group, Bakbakan International. He is currently the Chairman of the Optical Media Board (OMB), a Philippine Government Agency, which combats piracy of films, music, computer games and software.

Ronnie in versed in several forms on Martial arts including the Filipino Warrior Art Kali Ilustrisimo. Ronnie is the brother of Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts the founder of the Martial Arts Brotherhood – Bakbakan International. Several of Ronnie’s films feature the Martial Arts including the Warrior Arts of the Philippines generally know as Kali, Arnis or Eskrima. Bakbakan Members frequently appear in Ronnies movies.

The-Fighting-Chefs ronnie ricketts bakbakan

Ronnies latest movie “The Fighting Chefs”. Some scenes feature the Philippines Martial Arts performed by himself and his nephews Bruce and Brandon Ricketts. Bruce and Brandon are Martial Arts experts and instructors in Kali Ilustrisimo.

bakbakan 2 ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan 1 ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan 3 ricketts ilustrisimo.jpg

Behind the scence for the movie “The Fighting Chefs. Ronnie with nephews Bruce and Brandons rehearsing some Ilustrisimo Filipino Martial Arts moves for the scene.

 

bakbakan philippines master christopher ricketts ronnie ricketts sagasa ilustrisimo

Ronnie with his brother, Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts.

mano mano 3 the lost art ricketts ilustrisimo

Poster for Mano Mano 3: The Lost Art.

 

Ronnie Ricketts Filmography

    • 2013 The Fighting Chefs
    • 2007 One Percent Full
    • 2006 Lagot Ka Sa Kuya Ko
    • 2005 Uno
    • 2004 Mano Mano 3: Arnis The Lost Art
    • 2003 Utang Ng Ama – Director (Uncredited)
    • 2003 Dayo
    • 2001 Mano Mano 2: Ubusan Ng Lakas
    • 1999 Ang Boyfriend Kong Pari
    • 1999 Desperado, Bahala Na Ang Itaas
    • 1998 May Sayad
    • 1998 My Guardian Debil
    • 1998 Kamandag Ko Ang Papatay Sa ‘Yo (Released Date: 4 February 1998)
    • 1998 Anting-Anting
    • 1997 Emong Salvacion
    • 1997 Ilaban Mo Bayan Ko
    • 1997 Wala Ka Ng Puwang Sa Mundo (Released Date: 22 October 1997)
    • 1996 Kahit Sa Bala Kakapit Ako (Released Date: 9 October 1996)
    • 1996 Hawak Ko Buhay Mo (Released Date: 25 September 1996)
    • 1996 Madaling Mamatay, Mahirap Mabuhay (Released Date: 22 May 1996)
    • 1995 Huwag Mong Isuko Ang Laban (Released Date: 25 December 1995) to (1995 MMFF)
    • 1995 Mano Mano
    • 1995 Angel On Fire
    • 1995 Ultimate Revenge
    • 1995 Matinik Na Kalaban (Released Date: 8 November 1995)
    • 1994 Matira Ang Matibay (Released Date: 22 June 1994)
    • 1993 Maton (Directed by: TOTO NATIVIDAD) (Released Date: 24 November 1993)
    • 1993 Pambato (Released Date: 6 October 1993)
    • 1993 Ikaw Lang (Released Date: 25 August 1993)
    • 1993 Alejandro ‘Diablo’ Malubay (Released Date: 26 May 1993)
    • 1992 Boy Recto (Released Date: 25 December 1992) to (1992 MMFF)
    • 1992 Basagulero (Released Date: 14 October 1992)
    • 1992 Dalawa man ang Buhay mo Pagsasabayin ko (Released Date: 12 August 1992)
    • 1992 Aguila At Guerrero (Released Date: 22 July 1992)
    • 1992 True Confessions (Evelyn, Myrna, & Margie)
    • 1992 Zei Fa Wei Long
    • 1991 Ganti Ng Api
    • 1991 Kumukulong Dugo
    • 1991 Anak ng Dagat
    • 1990 Baril ko ang Uusig (Released Date: 14 November 1990)
    • 1990 Isa-Isahin Ko Kayo (Released Date: 6 June 1990)
    • 1990 Kakampi Ko Ang Diyos (Released Date: 8 May 1990)
    • 1989 My Darling Domestic (Greyt Eskeyp)
    • 1989 Black Sheep Baby (Released Date: 22 November 1989)
    • 1989 UZI Brothers (Released Date: 27 September 1989)
    • 1989 Uzi Brothers 9mm (Released Date: 9 August 1989)
    • 1989 Tatak Ng Isang Api (Released Date: 26 April 1989)
    • 1989 Gapos Gang (Released Date: 22 March 1989)
    • 1988 Alex Boncayao Brigade: The Liquidation Arm Of The Npa
    • 1988 Kumakasa, Kahit Nag-iisa
    • 1988 Tumayo Ka’t Lumaban
    • 1988 Target: Maganto
    • 1987 The Rookies And The Mighty Kids
    • 1987 Mga Agila Ng Arkong Bato
    • 1987 Ambush
    • 1987 Target Sparrow Unit
    • 1987 Cabarlo
    • 1987 Kamandag Ng Kris
    • 1986 Payaso
    • 1986 Nakagapos Na Puso
    • 1986 Agaw Armas
    • 1986 Bodyguard: Masyong Bagwisa Jr.
    • 1986 I Love You Mama, I Love You Papa
    • 1986 The Graduates
    • 1986 John En Marsha ’86 TNT Sa America
    • 1986 Dongalo Massacre
    • 1985 The Crazy Professor
    • 1985 Heated Vengeance
    • 1984 Sa Hirap At Ginhawa
    • 1983 Love Birds
    • 1983 I Love You, I Hate You
    • 1982 Good Morning, Professor

1982 My Heart Belongs To Daddy

Directed by Ronnie Ricketts

Rumble Boy (2007)
Lagot ka sa kuya ko (2006) (as Ronn Rick) … aka Isusumbong kita sa kuya ko
(Uno (2005) (as Ronn Rick)
Mano Mano 3: Arnis, the Lost Art (2004) (as Ronn Rick)
Dayo (2003) (as Ronn Rick)
Boyfriend kong pari, Ang (1999) (as Ronn Rick)
Boy Buluran (1997) (as Ronn Rick)
Wala ka nang puwang sa mundo (1997) (as Ronn Rick)
Madaling mamatay, mahirap mabuhay (1996) (as Ronn Rick)

Produced:
Lagot ka sa kuya ko (2006) … aka Isusumbong kita sa kuya ko (Philippines: Tagalog title)
Mano Mano 3: Arnis, the Lost Art (2004) (producer)

Wrote:
Mano Mano 3: Arnis, the Lost Art (2004)
Huwag mong isuko ang laban (1996) (as Ronn Rick)

 

http://www.naldoricketts.com/rockets.html

Rockets ronnie ricketts bakbakan sagasa kickboxing ilustrisimo

Laban Laro – Invitation Only Sparring, June 22nd. Aranda/Ricketts Memorial Gym

Laban Laro – Invitation Only Sparring, June 22nd. Aranda/Ricketts Memorial Gym

An Event Honoring the Sparring Tradition Founded by the Five Pillars of Ilustrisimo and the Original Bakbakan Philippines.

Participating Organizations: Bakbakan Philippines – USA HQ,  Ilustrisimo USA, Lameco SOG, Kapisanang Mandirigma.

Event Supervised by: Guro Brandon Ricketts, Guro Bud Balani, Guro Ariel Flores Mosses,  Guro Dino Flores.

 

Laban Laro, GM Ricketts, PG Sulite, kali, kalis, eskrima, escrima, arnis, ilustrisimo, lameco, bakbakan, kapisanang mandirigma, www.backyardeskrima.com, www.mandirigma.org, guro dino flores

Kapisanang Mandirigma presents an  Introductory Course in Backyard Lameco Eskrima. JULY 14th till AUGUST 17th, 2013, Los Angeles, California.

http://mandirigma.org/, http://backyardeskrima.com/, dino flores, guro dino flores, kali, kalis, arnis, eskrima, escrima, fma, lameco, ilustrisimo, sulite, ricketts, luzon, visayas, mindanao, kampilan, balisong, kris, rattan, http://mandirigma.org/, http://backyardeskrima.com/, dino flores, guro dino flores, kali, kalis, arnis, eskrima, escrima, fma, lameco, ilustrisimo, sulite, ricketts, luzon, visayas, mindanao, kampilan, balisong, kris, rattan
Kapisanang Mandirigma presents an  Introductory Course in Backyard Lameco Eskrima.           JULY 14th until AUGUST 17th, 2013, Los Angeles, California.

This course will introduce you to the the Foundations and Combat Applications of Lameco Eskrima, the Philippine Warrior Art System founded by Punong Guro Edgar Sulite. Class will focus on core Lameco “Eskrima Drills” and “Kali Drills”. Classes will be conducted primarily by Guro Dino Flores.

Classes will be kept small in order to ensure quality instruction.
This is a very rare opportunity. These classes are only held when time permits.
This course also serves as a prerequisite to any future classes that are only open to members and individuals that have completed this course.

For further course details go to: http://backyardeskrima.com and email us directly from the “Contact” page.
Please give us a little background on yourself when requesting information. Maraming Salamat.

The FMA Informative publishes Master Tony Diego & Kalis Ilustrisimo Special Issue, March 2013

master diego fma digest kalis ilustrisimo

http://www.fmainformative.info/Informative_Issues/2013/FMA_Informative-Issue67.pdf

http://www.fmainformative.info/Informative_Issues/past_informative-issues.html

Informative Issue No #67
Kalis Ilustrisimo

The FMA Informative publishes Master Tony Diego & Kalis Ilustrisimo Special Issue, March 2013

Master Antonio “Tony” Diego

When Master Tony moved to Manila, he trained in the Balintawak style of Arnis with the Eskrimadors
from Cebu while he was working at the docks and at the same time training with Berting Presas (Modern Arnis) in Quiapo, a district of Manila. Soon after, he met Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo in 1974. Tatang’s simple but ferocious style greatly impressed him. He then requested Tatang to teach him. At first Tatang would not teach Master Tony, explaining that it was only for his use alone! He said he remained undefeated because others do not know his style. Master Tony, far from being deterred, relentlessly pestered Tatang with attention and gifts until the old man finally agreed to teach him the ways of the blade.
As a teacher of Eskrima, Master Tony has earned the highest reputation as a person and as an instructor. He fully believes that a student who learns the Ilustrisimo system should give credit where credit is due, and not to learn and then claim it or its derivatives as a personal innovation or declare it as coming from an imagined family tradition.
Compared with Tatang, Tony teaches almost the same way with the exception that he has structured his
instruction procedures into sets of techniques which make learning easier. This comes from having seen it from the student’s point of view.
Tony has insisted on maintaining the purity of the system as Tatang taught it. The only change is the way the Ilustrisimo system is now taught in a structured sense, which Tatang did not.
Any Questions Contact: Ms. Peachie Baron-Saguin at: peachiebaron@yahoo.com

————————

Kalis Ilustrisimo in its Pure Form

Kalis Ilustrisimo in its pure form
tries to maintain the life and death
combative perspective and ex-
presses this point of view in its
techniques and their applications.
There has been also a need to enter
the Filipino martial arts world,
which has a greater emphasis on
the sports aspect. For this, Ilus-
trisimo methods and techniques
have perforce been modified in
order to keep within the structure
of the necessary constricting rules
of sports. These rules are meant
for the safety of participants and
life and death combat movements
are illegal. This is true for other
ing, etc.
Because of the greater
emphasis on sports in the present
Filipino martial arts community,
students are more – keen on learn-
ing techniques believing these
will enhance their skill and their
chances of winning competitions.
In contrast, instruction in Ilustri-
simo is based on the foundational
combat philosophy of Antonio
“Tatang” Ilustrisimo when teach-
ing the techniques and their appli-
cation. This point of view delin-
eates objectives which give rise
to the movements or techniques
necessary to achieve such objec-
The original main objective
of Tatang’s fighting system is win-
ning in battle and coming out of it
alive and unhurt. For this, a flexi-
ble fighting capability is necessary.
Thus the Ilustrisimo system has a
varied set of techniques which are
effective at various distances and
with various weapons all the way
to empty hands.
In using Kalis Ilustrisimo they use what one would call fraction (Master strikes at the student
according to numbers). The Master strikes the student first countering the strikes one through twelve
strikes, Abierta: Compared with Tatang, Master Tony teaches almost the same way with the exception that he has structured his instruction procedures into sets of techniques which make learning easier. This comes from having seen it from the student’s point of view. Master Tony has insisted on maintaining the purity of the system as Tatang taught it.

The FMA Informative publishes Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite and Master Christopher Ricketts Memorial Seminar Special Issue, March 2013

The FMA Informative publishes Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite and Master Christopher Ricketts Memorial Seminar Special Issue, March 2013

The FMA Informative was very lucky to be able through the cooperation of Guro Dino Flores to be able to bring just a hint of the knowledge that was put forth and the skills that were demonstrated on March 16 and 17, 2013.
At the Lameco S.O.G and Kali Ilustrisimo Memorial Seminar the instructors were the dedicated instructors of Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite and Master Christopher Ricketts. They were: Guro Dino Flores, Guro Bud Balani, Guro David Gould, Guro Bong Hebia, Guro Ariel Flores Mosses, and the son of Master Christopher Ricketts Guro Brandon Ricketts.
First you will read about the participant Dr. Bryan Stoops reflections on his experience in the 12 Week Backyard Lameco Eskrima course and the 2 day Lameco S.O.G and Ilustrisimo Eskrima Seminar.
Then on another aspect Guro David Gould his thoughts on the 2nd Lameco Eskrima “SOG” Memorial Seminar held in Los Angeles, California.

Visit www.fmainformative.info and download a copy.

Download a copy – www.fmainformative.info/Informative_Issues/2013/FMA_Informative-Issue68.pdf

The FMA Informative publishes Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite and Master Christopher Ricketts Memorial Seminar Special Issue, March 2013, kali kalis eskrima escrima arnis

Guro Bill Aranda – A True Warrior’s Path – January 22, 1947 – April 12, 2013

guro bill arranda, kali arnis eskrima, inosanto, lameco, ilustrisimo guro bill arranda, kali arnis eskrima, inosanto, lameco, ilustrisimo

Guro Bill Aranda – A True Warrior’s Path

Guro Billʼs involvement in the Filipino Martial Art (FMA) has spanned a period of over 6
decades.  He has been studing and researcing this complete, ethnically Filipino, fighting
art with masters and guros of Kali, Escrima, & Arnis from both the Philippines & the
USA since the summer of 1962.  His years of training has familiarized him in the use of
single & double, equal & unequal length, rigid & flexible, bladed & impact weapons, and
in the Filipino empty hand art of bunoan (grappling), suntukan (boxing), & sipaan
(kicking).  Today he continues to actively promote the art through individual & group
classes and public seminars & demonstrations.  His years of practice has led him to see
this simple, direct, & intuitive art not just as the fighting art that it is, but also as a path
for personal growth (physical, mental, emotional, & spiritual) that can be taught &
practiced by all people regardless of sex, age, nationality, and martial arts background.
It is his hope that through the FMA, people will develop an appreciation for All Things
Filipino (ATF) – especially its culture and history.

Training

Guro Bill has trained with many different teachers specializing not only in the
FMA, but also in other weapon and empty hand based martial arts through
training seminars & classes given on an individual & group basis, in a formal &
informal environment, using structured & unstructured teaching methodology.
Through the years his training progressed through different phases.  From the
early 60s thru the 80s, the conscious effort was on learning the lessons taught by
his instructors (the how & when phase).  On the 90s, learning continued with an
emphasis on understanding the lessons (the what & why phase).  From the
beginning of the millennium to the present, the learning & understanding was
augmented with extracting the essence of the lessons using the Lee methodology.

The many instructors who have served as a guide and influence in Guro Billʼs
personal growth as a martial artist and to whom he will be forever grateful,
include the following:

Core

• Guro Mike Barairo, Private Individual Training
Makati, Philippines
Eskrima, Arnis, Judo, & Boxing

• Guro Dan Inosanto, Formal Group Classes
Kali Academy of America, Torrance, CA
Leo Giron System (Arnis), & Angel Cabales System (Eskrima), Villabrille/Largusa
System (Kali), John La Coste System (Kali), Pekiti Tirsia (Eskrima)
Inosanto Academy, Culver City, CA

Leo Giron System (Arnis), & Angel Cabales System (Eskrima), Villabrille/Largusa
System (Kali), John La Coste System (Kali), Sikaran, Western Boxing, Wing
Chun, Jun Fan Gung Fu, Tai Chi
Kali-Eskrima-Silat/JunFan Martial Arts Academy, Marina Del Rey, CA

Leo Giron System (Weapon All Ranges), Angel Cabales System (Weapon Corto
Range), Villabrille/Largusa System (Weapon & Empty Hands Training Methods &
all Ranges), John La Coste System (Weapon, Empty Hand, & Kicking Ranges),
Western Boxing (Empty Hands w/o Reference Points), JunFan Gung Fu (Energy
Drills, Chinese Boxing, Trapping, & Attacking Concepts), Silat (Leveraging
Concepts), Doce Pares System (Uneven Length Weapon), Siniwali (Equal
Length Weapon), Capoera (Brazilian Kick Boxing), Savate (French Kick Boxing),
Muay Thai (Thai Kick Boxing), Cinco Teros System (Long Range),
Suntukan/Sikaran (Filipino Kick Boxing), Carenza, Numerado, & Sumbrada
(Filipino Training Methods), with special emphasis on proper body mechanics,
fighting ranges, rhythm, & timing

• Guro Pete BatungBakal, Private Individual Training
Makati, Philippines

• Arnis, Tabak Toyok, Japanese Sai & Staff; through this teacher Guro Bill met GM
Porfiro Lanada of the Lanada System

• Guro Chris Kent, Formal Group Classes
Kali-Eskrima-Silat/JunFan Martial Arts Academy, Marina Del Rey, CA
Inosanto Blended System using impact & bladed weapons, empty hands, and kick boxing

• Guro Ted LucayLucay, Formal Group Classes
Kali-Eskrima-Silat/JunFan Martial Arts Academy, Marina Del Rey, CA
Inosanto Blended System plus the LucayLucay Kali/JKD System of
Panantukan/Sikaran, Knife Fighting, tabak maliit

• GM Topher Ricketts, Private Individual/Group Training
Glendale FMA Academy, Glendale, CA
Ilustrisimo (Eskrima, Kali), Sagasa (Filipino Karate), Ngo Cho Kun (Beng Kiam
Kung Fu), Boxing, Hand Sparring

Other
• Guro Richard Bustillo, Inosanto Blended System
• Guro Jeff Imada, Inosanto Blended System
• Master Fernando Bernardo, Scientific Lightning Arnis
• Guro Louis Campos, Pentjak Silat Serak & Bukti Negara
• GM Bobby Taboada, Balintawak Arnis Cuentada
• Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, LAMECO Eskrima
• Pendekar Guru Besar Herman Suwanda, Pencak Silat Mande Muda
• GM Leo Giron/Master Tony Somera, Bahala Na Arnis/ Eskrima
• GM Dionisio Canete, Doce Pares Eskrima
• Guro Hans Tan, Kalis Ilustrisimo
• GM Ising Atillo, Atillo Balintawak Eskrima
• GM Irineo Olavides, Caballero JDC-IO
• Master Rey Galang, Bakbakan Kali, Tulisan Knife Fighting System
• Guro Dino Flores, Ilustrisimo (Kali, Eskrima) and LAMECO Eskrima

Ongoing
• Guro Victor Gendrano, Private Individual/Group Training
All over Los Angeles County, CA
Inosanto Blended System, H2O FMA System impact & bladed weapons, empty
hands, & kicking techniques; drills; & controlled sparring
• Master Instructor Tony Morel, Formal Group Classes
Yama-Kan Kajukenbo Self Defense School, Austin, TX
Kajukenbo
• Master Joe Tan, Private Individual Training
Glendale FMA Academy, Glendale, CA
Tapado Arnis long range fighting, striking concept
• Guro Bud Balani, Private Individual/Group Training
Gendale FMA Academy, Glendale, CA
Kali, Silat
• Master Ramon Rubia, Private Individual Training
Buena Park, CA
San Miguel Eskrima

Teaching
From his long time FMA instructor and mentor Guro Dan Inosanto, Guro Bill also
learned the following valuable lessons in learning & teaching:

• to teach is to learn twice
• one ought to teach what one has learned not what one was taught
• the teacher is the pointer to the truth and not the giver of the truth
• all learning is ultimately self learning

Guro Bill believes that we are all seekers in this earthly journey of ours called life, that
there is a spiritual component to this life, and that ultimately we all seek the same
transcendental things.  He summarizes this belief in the following message to all his
students:

To all seekers of “The Way, The Truth, & The Light”
Knowledge comes from The Master
Guidance comes from your instructors
Strength & Wisdom come from “within”

And it is in the spirit of these lessons and values that Guro Bill gained the courage to
share his art and hone his skill through teaching.  Guro Billʼs initial teaching experiences
were of the private, one on one type because they were easier to conduct.  Today he
continues to take private students because he enjoys the closer teacher/student
interaction.  His private, individual teaching experiences are listed below.

• 1981 an American co worker & black belt instructor in American Kenpo Karate at
the Northrop facility in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia
• 1982 a Filipino CISI manager w/o prior martial arts training at the Meralco gym in
Pasig, Philippines
• 1985 an American co worker & senior instructor in Southern Praying Mantis Kung
Fu at the Northrop facility in Hawthorne, CA
• 1986 my American manager w/o prior martial arts training at the Litton facility in
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• 1992 a Filipino co worker & black belt student in Hawaiian Kenpo Karate at the
GTE facility in Thousand Oaks, CA
• 1995 a Vietnamese co worker w/o prior martial arts training at the SCE facility in
San Dimas, CA
• 1996 an American co worker w/o prior martial arts training at the Kaiser
Permanente facility in Pasadena, CA
• 2004 to present a Filipino friend w/o prior training, motivated by his brother who
passed away to study the art at the Glendale FMA Academy in Glendale, CA
• 2006 an American friend & black belt student in Tae Kwon Do at Club Cascadas
de Baja in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• 2007 my favorite Brazilian instructor in Kajukenbo from Ausin, TX at Club
Cascadas de Baja in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
• 2007 a Filipina acquaintance with no martial arts background, married to an FMA
student of GM Topher Ricketts, at their residence in Beverly Hills, CA
• 2011 an American acquaintance & black belt student in Kajukenbo at the
Glendale FMA Academy in Glendale, CA

Guro Billʼs group teaching past & present teaching experience in a classroom
environment and training seminar format are listed below.

• 1993 to the present at the Glendale FMA Academy in Glendale, CA
• 1995 to 1996 at GM Bill Ryusakiʼs Hawaiian Kenpo Ryu Dojo in Chatsworth, CA
• 1997 at the Inosanto (Westchester) Academy in Los Angeles, CA as guest
instructor of Guro Victor Gendrano
• 2003 to the present at Master Tony Morelʼs Yama-Kan Kajukenbo Self Defense
School whenever he comes to visit his daughter, granddaughters, & hermano in
the art in Austin, TX
• 2004 at Professor Moses Williamsʼ Fire Dragon Martial Arts Institute in Austin, TX
• 2008 at Master Eddie Urbistondoʼs Panther Martial Arts Center in Camarillo, CA

Demonstration
Guro Bill also got the opportunity to hone his FMA Estillo Entablado (Stage Style) skills
while performing as part of a demo team at the following events:

• 1985 Marina Yacht Club Dinner, Marina Del Rey, CA
• 1986 China Town New Year Celebration, Los Angeles, CA
• 1996 Ryu Dojo Beach Training Weekend, Ventura, CA
• 2005 Annual South American Hispanic Festival, Los Angeles, CA
• 2006 Annual Festival of Filipino Art & Culture, San Pedro, CA
• 2007 Historic Filipino Town Festival, Los Angeles, CA
• 2008 West Coast FMA Congregation, Duarte, CA

Personal Life
Guro Bill was born in the city Manila, the former capital of the Philippines, in the island
of Luzon in January, 1947.  He migrated to the US in July, 1967.  The same year he got
married to his wife, Tina Palanca Aranda. Together they have 2 daughters and 5
grandkids – Kristen & Kate from Claudine & Kevin Thorne of Austin, TX and Madison,
Nick, & Kit from Catherine & Scott Braybrooke of Hermosa Beach, CA.

Guro Bill received his Certificate of Citizenship in February, 1979 documenting his US
citizenship from birth by virtue of being the son of a US National, Filipino father (Antonio
Katigbak Aranda) and a US citizen, Filipina mother (Teresita Abad Santos Peralta), both
residents of the Philippines, a US territory, 1 year prior to giving birth to him.

Guro Bill currently resides in Glendale, CA in the apartment building he bought in 1986
with his 2 brothers and the present location of the Glendale FMA Academy, he
established in January 1993.  He is by profession an independent Information
Technology (IT) consultant and by avocation, a perpetual martial art teacher/student.

Formal Education

Ateneo University, Loyola Heights, Philippines
Major Economics, Minor Accounting, 1st  – 3rd Year

Loyola University of Los Angeles, Westchester, CA
BS Economics, 4th Year

ITT Computer Learning Center, Los Angeles, CA
Certificate in Computer Systems & Programming

 

Article copied from:

http://mandirigma.org/?p=1769

Written by Bill at the request of Mandirigma.org and

in Collaboration/Edited by Mandirigma.org around 11/2012. Third Revision.

 

 

 

————–

 

Services for :

Guerillmo “Billy” Aranda
aka
Guro Bill

Born – January 22, 1947
Died – April 12, 2013

Visitation will be on:

Wednesday April 17, 2013
@ 10-9pm

Thursday April 18, 2013
@ 10-4pm

Forest Lawn Memorial Park
1712 S. Glendale Blvd. Glendale, CA

Prayer service on:

Thursday April 18, 2013
@ 6:15 pm

Forestlawn Chapel
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
1712 S. Glendale Blvd. Glendale, CA

Funeral Mass

Saturday April 20, 2013
@ 10:00am

Incarnation Church
1001 N Brand blvd
Glendale, CA 91202

**
Please feel free to share this information with All his Martial Arts family
and friends

 

**

Article copied from:

http://mandirigma.org/?p=1769

Written at the request and in collaboration with Mandirigma.org around 11/2012.

**

Bill Tribute Guillermo “Bill” Peralta Aranda – A Video Tribute

When asked by his daughter, Cathy, if I could do a video presentation for her dad (my ninong or godfather as we say in Tagalog), I knew I had my work cut out for me. What typically takes me a couple of months to complete, I knew I had to complete in a couple of days. I would only have a few days to perform my usual gathering of files, reviewing of files, sorting of files before coming up with a cohesive and meaningful story based on those files. For my beloved Ninong Bill, I could not simply put something together without putting my best foot forward. I had to give my uncle a proper tribute – one that encompasses how amazing he was. In fact I had already thought about doing a documentary piece on my uncle. I wanted to interview him on film and really get to the heart of his core beliefs…how he thinks…how he feels. You see, my uncle was a very enlightened man and was very generous in sharing his knowledge to those who would listen. We (his tribe as he likes to call us) all likely associate a saying or words of wisdom with our beloved Uncle Bill…For me it was, “Know the difference between being childish and child-like…always remain child-like.” To this day, these words are at the very core of who I am…to see the world with such curiosity, innocence and wonder has always been something that I would attribute to my uncle.

Unfortunately, I never had the courage to ask my uncle for that interview. I didn’t want him to think that I was preempting the possibility of death, even though in my eyes we are all facing the possibility of death regardless of our health condition.

So the pressure was on to come up with a fitting tribute, and I could not help but pray to my recently deceased uncle for guidance. Uncle Bill, how would you like me to tell your story?

As it turns out, I would be using his words….his own handwritten words.

Shortly before his passing, my uncle began writing words of wisdom on scrap pieces of paper or post-it notes left on his computer. It was his daughter, Claudine, who found these handwritten notes and offered to share them with me…It was my sign. My Uncle Bill had left these notes for a reason, and it was my job to share them.

Aside from his words of wisdom, I incorporated his love for family, the filipino martial arts/kali, and the Beatles.

I love you, Ninong Bill. Thank you for continually teaching us, even after your death. Please continue to guide and watch over your tribe.

- Luigi Aranda

The Combat Academy, Arte Marcial Filipino and Yip Pui Wing Chun presents a Kapisanang Mandirigma Seminar with Guro Dino Flores in Mexico, April 2013

The Combat Academy, Arte Marcial Filipino and Yip Pui Wing Chun presents a Kapisanang Mandirigma Seminar with Guro Dino Flores in Mexico, April 2013

http://wingchunkuenoriginal.blogspot.mx/2015/08/guro-dino-flores-mexico_16.html?spref=fb

Muy pronto tendremos la visita de mi Instructor de Kali Ilustrísimo, Guro Dino Florence, es una muy buena oportunidad para conocer el sistema de Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrísimo y profundizar nuestro conocimiento en Lameco Eskrima.

En Lameco Eskrima, una parte importante del currículum de cuchillo, espada, así cómo espada y daga viene del sistema Ilustrísimo, por tanto el conocimiento directo del sistema nos permite comprender las raíces de Lameco Eskrima tal y cómo PG EdgarSulite las concibió.

 

Guro Dino Flores Mexico 2013 kali arnis eskrima FMA Ilustrisimo Lameco Kapisanang Mandirigma

 

kali arnis eskrima kali arnis eskrima kali arnis eskrima kali arnis eskrima kali arnis eskrima kali arnis eskrima

 

Combat academy cuernavaca kali arnis eskrima Ilustrisimo lameco kapisanang mandirigma

The Combat Academy, Arte Marcial Filipino and Yip Pui Wing Chun presents a Kapisanang Mandirigma Seminar arte marcial The Combat Academy, Arte Marcial Filipino and Yip Pui Wing Chun presents a Kapisanang Mandirigma Seminar arte marcial

 

wing chun The Combat Academy, Arte Marcial Filipino and Yip Pui Wing Chun presents a Kapisanang Mandirigma Seminar arte marcial wing chun The Combat Academy, Arte Marcial Filipino and Yip Pui Wing Chun presents a Kapisanang Mandirigma Seminar arte marcial

Kapisanang Mandirigma Germany presents Seminar with Guro Dino Flores in Frankfurt, Germany. May 18 & 19, 2013

kapisanang mandirigma germany lameco ilustrisimo kali arnis eskrima fma

Kali Ilustrisimo & Lameco Eskrima – Seminar mit Guro Dino Flores/USA
presented by Kapisanang Mandirigma Germany
sponsored by JuWe-Sticks ;-)

Das Seminar bildet die Grundlage für ein tieferes Verständnis des Kali Ilustrisimo (CNR) und des Lameco Eskrima (SOG) .

Thema wird sein:

Kali Ilustrisimo (Single & Double Blade) – Lameco Eskrima (Single & Double Stick)

Laßt euch die Gelegenheit Kali Ilustrisimo von einem der wenigen zertifizierten Instruktoren unter Master Christopher Ricketts sowie Punong Guro Edgar. G. Sulite zu lernen nicht entgehen.

KOSTEN: 1 Tag 55€ – 2 Tage 100€ bei Zahlung vor 01.05.2013, danach plus 10€ Nachmeldegebühr

Bei Nichterscheinen verfällt die bereits gezahlte Seminargebühr.
Der Veranstalter übernimmt für Personen- und Sachschäden keinerlei Haftung.

Die Teilnahme erfolgt auf eigenes Risiko!

S.E.A.M.A. and Kapisanang Mandirigma Seminar with Guro Dino Flores in Brussels, Belgium, May 11 & 12, 2013

S.E.A.M.A. and Kapisanang Mandirigma Seminar with Guro Dino Flores in Brussels, Belgium, May 11 & 12, 2013

2013+dino+flores+seminar lameco ilustrisimo kali arnis eskrima s.e.a.m.a. 2013+dino+flores+seminar lameco ilustrisimo kali arnis eskrima s.e.a.m.a.

Participant Dr. Bryan Stoops reflects on his experience in the 12 Week Backyard Lameco Eskrima course and the two day Lameco S.O.G and Ilustrisimo Reunion Seminar. March 2013

Participant Dr. Bryan Stoops reflects on his experience in the 12 Week Backyard Lameco Eskrima course and the 2 day Lameco S.O.G and Ilustrisimo Reunion Seminar.

***

For 12 weeks, I had been taking an introductory class in Lameco Escrima with Guro Dino Flores in Southern California. The classes were conducted in the same backyard in which many of the late Punong Guro Edgar Sulite’s select students would train when there was no scheduled class. With just under a decade of FMA training under my belt, and some certifications from well-known names, I was impressed (and a little shocked) with how demanding the training was in terms of getting everything just right, down to the smallest detail, without those minor details becoming trivial. Guro Dino wants the best out of and for his students.

I missed a few of the classes due to other commitments to some of my other instructors (and one day because the babysitter was sick), but I was able to attend a good percentage of the classes. There were a handful of other dedicated students also taking the class. I tend to give my instructors my best when I have a little time with them, and I feel comfortable (when I’m uncomfortable, I know I have the tendency to move a little stiffly), so getting to know my instructor a little better and getting to know my fellow students helped me really enjoy my training.

Along with rich, progressive, physical training, Guro Dino also had great stories about PG Sulite, the late Master Christopher “Topher” Ricketts, and Grand Master Ilustrisimo. Part of the work of Guro Dino and his Mandirigma Research Organization is to preserve the legacy of his instructors and their systems of martial arts. I have dedicated a great deal of my time, money, and energy to the martial arts, particularly the Filipino Martial Arts, so to be involved in that preservation (even in a very small way), felt very humbling and at the same time important. I was glad I could be there to take the class and take on a basic understanding of the life’s work of those instructors who are no longer with us.

A few weeks before the end of the 12 week class, Guro Dino notified his students that there would be a special Lameco and Ilustrisimo seminar to be held in the backyard on Saturday, March 16th (right after our last class of the 12 week session) and at another location in Glendale on Sunday the 17th. I signed up for both days fairly quickly after receiving notice of the event, as the seminar struck me as a great opportunity to train with some excellent people, and a wonderful way to celebrate the completion of the 12 week class.

On Saturday, March 16th, we gathered in the backyard for our last class, and the seminar immediately following. The collective knowledge of the presenters/instructors was pretty amazing. Guro Dave Gould opened the seminar with a warm-up focused on footwork. Guro Dave had everyone huffing and puffing. After the warm-up, all of the presenters had an opportunity to teach. I’ll go instructor by instructor, and share my impressions:

Guro Dino Flores – In discussing Guro Dino’s style/teaching with others, my comment was usually something like, “Guro Dino wants everything picture perfect, which makes you (the participant) really focus on your form, and exact, specific details.” It’s refreshing to come into systems that force you to slow down and not let your ego get in the way. Guro Dino always has a logical progression to what he teaches. Guro Dino presented some single stick material the first day and double sword material the second day.

Guro Bud Balani – It’s always productive to see an overview of how a system approaches disarms. On the first day, Guro Bud presented several stick disarms from both the forehand and backhand sides. Many of the disarms led to stick-assisted chokes, or joint locks. Guro Bud has a very straight forward, no-nonsense style to both the techniques and his teaching style. I’m sure everyone in attendance left with at least one or two new disarms to explore. I had to miss Guro Bud’s session on day 2 (which I’ll explain).

Guro Dave Gould– Guro Dave presented a progressive approach to single blade versus single blade on Saturday. Guro Dave strikes me as one of those scary people: a big person who moves with the speed and deliberateness of a small person, with all of the benefits that come from being big and strong. I enjoyed the manner in which he sequenced the material. Unfortunately, I had to miss Guro Dave’s session on Sunday.

Guro Bong Hebia – On both Saturday and Sunday, Guro Bong was on the verge of almost apologizing for teaching such a small block of material over the two days, but I was really taken with what he had to show us (four knife hold-up counters, three for gun, and an empty hand progression that made a lot of sense). There is nothing wrong with having a focus, and with Guro Bong, we were very focused on those particular techniques. Guro Bong kept telling us stories about how he had to run single movements of the techniques over and over with PG Sulite.

Guro Brandon Ricketts– What a difficult position to find yourself in: Your father is revered by many, and upon his passing, you’re thrust into a leadership position in your father’s system. I found Guro Brandon to be very relaxed and easy-going, which made learning from him very enjoyable. I have overheard Guro Dino mention that Guro Brandon is involved in some kind of dance group in his free time; the dance influence is very evident in the graceful nature of Guro Brandon’s movement. Getting to train with Guro Brandon both days felt like a unique opportunity for which I was very grateful.

Guro Ariel Flores Mosses – Unfortunately I had to leave and I did not get the opportunity to train in this segment.

I live just about 40 miles inland of the area of Los Angeles in which the seminar was held. The first day, I left my home around 10 am and got home around 9 PM. My wife told me that my three-year-old daughter had been asking where I was all day. On Sunday, we took a break after having trained for about 5 hours. I realized that in two days, I had gotten in about 13 hours of training, and I wanted to go home and get in some time with my children before the weekend ended. As I drove home, I had the sense that I had been part of a very special class and a very special seminar.

My martial arts training was hit and miss when I was younger. I did three years of Tae Kwon Do, stopped for years, and then three years of Shaolin Kempo in college. I always read martial arts magazines from the time I was about 7, and I was always fascinated by the FMA’s. The first FMA VHS tape I ever bought just happens to be PG Edgar’s single stick tape from Unique Publications. I bought it while I was teaching Kempo in my early 20’s. One day I brought in the one Kali stick I had bought with the video tape to the Kempo School. My head instructor asked me what I was doing, and I told him I was going to try and teach what I had been researching. I was shut down, but I spent a lot of time watching that VHS tape over and over.

Years later, to be involved with Guro Marc “Crafty Dog” Denny and the Dog Brothers and to have Guro Inosanto say so many nice things about PG Edgar, I’ve always felt drawn to Lameco. I teach some of the Lameco that Guro Crafty has put into the DBMA system in my FMA Phase curriculum, and Lameco 3 through 6 (single stick patterns) have always been a major part of my single stick game (most of my students are used to my catching them with redondos in sparring). PG Edgar is in the top five of my list of people with whom I wish I could have trained (in fact, he used to do seminars at Sifu/Guro Bud Thompson’s school, my first Kali/JKD school) before their passing.

Throughout both days of the seminar, 8 by 10 pictures of PG Sulite and Master Ricketts were on a nearby table. The presence of the pictures was not morbid, nor was it overly reverent. The presenters clearly were in good spirits to be representing their teachers, and to all be together. Looking at the instructors spending time together made me think of my martial arts family, people spread all over the world that I get to see a few times a year that I feel closer to than some of my blood relatives. Martial arts are about people discovering the best versions of themselves. I feel lucky to have been at the seminar with such an authentic group of people.

***

Guro Doctor Bryan Stoops is a certified instructor of the Filipino Martial Arts in the Inosanto/LaCoste System under Guro Dan Inosanto, and Sifu/Guro Bud Thompson (one of Guro Inosanto’s “Old School” Full Instructors from the original Kali Academy). Guro Bryan is also a full Dog Brother (“Guide Dog”) with 49 career Dog Brothers stick fights, and an official Teacher of Dog Brothers Martial Arts under Guro Marc “Crafty Dog” Denny. Guro Bryan also represents Master Virgil Cavada as a certified Module 1 Instructor in the Applied Eskrima Method of Balintawak.

Outside of the FMA’s, Bryan also teaches Jeet Kune Do, (under Sifu‘s Inosanto and Thompson) Thai Boxing (Master Chai), Wing Chun (Sifu Francis Fong), Savate (Professor Nic Saignac), Mixed Grappling (Professor Roy Harris), and Maphilindo Silat (Guro Insoanto). Bryan Stoops has taught public high school in southern California for the past ten years. His master’s degree project was a DVD designed to help new K-12 teachers use the philosophy of Jeet Kune Do to become functional in the classroom. Bryan earned his Doctor of Education Degree from the University of La Verne in 2011.

Guro Gary Quan on how he started Lameco Eskrima under Punong Guro Edgar Sulite

I first learned about LAMECO Eskrima and Punong Guro Edgar Sulite through my good friend and training partner Phil Rapagna. Phil was training privately with Punong Guro and he would often rave to me about his Punong Guro’s skills and training methods. At that time I was training FMA under Guro Dan Inosanto and it was at the Inosanto Academy where I got to first experience a few classes with Punong Guro. I really enjoyed those classes and hoped to train with him again.

A few months later, Phil called me and told me that Punong Guro is going to be holding classes in Altadena and asked if I was interested in training with him. I told him for sure I was interested. And through Phil I was accepted as a LAMECO student.
At my first LAMECO class, I remember being warmly greeted by Punong Guro. From then on I was in Kali/Eskrima heaven. Even though I had previous training in FMA, I felt like I was a beginner again. I even had to relearn how to do my angle 1 and 2 strikes. Footwork was heavily emphasized in class. We always started classes with footwork drills and I remember huffing and puffing after we were done. Also, the LAMECO stick progressions and drills were so well thought out.
One of the most important martial art lessons I learned from Punong Gruo was that whenever we train that we must alway strike with “INTENTION”. I can still hear his voice in my head – “Gary, you must strike with INTENTION!”. Even now I continue to apply that lesson to whatever martial art I am training in.
Classes eventually resumed back at Punong Guro’s home in Glendale and I was very honored to be invited to train with the “backyard” group. Unfortunately, I did not get to train with him at his Palmdale home. The last time I spoke with Punong Guro was when he called me to invite me to train with him in Palmdale. I told him I would train with him after he returns from the Philippines. Unfortunately, with great sadness, I would never get to train with Punong Guro again.
I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to train with Punong Guro Edgar. His teachings will always have a special place in my heart.
Taken in 1995 at Tom Belt's school in Altadena, Ca
Taken in 1995 at Tom Belt’s school in Altadena, Ca

Lameco S.O.G Seminar, Los Angeles, March 16th & 17th, 2013

Lameco Eskrima Flyer Kali Arnis Eskrima FMA Ilustrisimo

Lameco S.O.G Seminar

A VERY rare opportunity to train with several members of Lameco SOG and Ilustrisimo under the same roof. Some of the instructors are from out of town and some rarely teach the general public – this will be a very educational experience.

SEMINAR ONE
Date: Saturday, March 16th, 2013
Place: Eagle Rock (North East L.A.), CA.
Time: Noon till 6pm
Intructors: Guro Bong Hebia, Guro Dave Gould, Guro Bud Balani, Guro Dino Flores.
Possibly more Instructors more to be announced.
Special Guest Instructor: Guro Brandon Rickets of Ilustrisimo USA
VIP Guests: Guro Choy Flores (Lameco SOG), Guro Gary Quan (Lameco SOG),
Guro Bill Arranda and Master Joe Tan. Possibly more Special Guests to be announced.
Participant Capacity: ONLY 16
Spectator Capacity: 6

SEMINAR TWO
Date: Sunday, March 17th, 2013
Place: Glendale, CA.
Time: 9am till 4pm
Intructors: Guro Bong Hebia, Guro Dave Gould, Guro Bud Balani,
Guro Dino Flores, Guro Ariel Mosses, Guro Brandon Ricketts.
Possibly more Instructors to be announced.
Special Guest Instructor: Guro Brandon Rickets of Ilustrisimo USA
VIP Guests: Guro Choy Flores (Lameco SOG), Guro Gary Quan (Lameco SOG),
Guro Bill Arranda and Master Joe Tan. Possibly more Special Guests to be announced.
Participant Capacity: 33
Spectator Capacity: 12

Participant Cost PER Seminar: $100.
If Pre-Paid before March 7st: $85.
If Pre-Paid for both days before March 7st: $150.

Spectator Cost PER Seminar: $75.
If Pre-Paid before March 7st: $60.
Spectator Both Days Pre-Paid before March 7st: $100.

For more information go to:
www.backyardeskrima.com and go to the “contact” link.

Dr. Guillermo B. “Doc” Lengson [1929 - 2000] Founder of KAFEPHIL and Sagasa Kickboxing

Dr. Guillermo B. Lengson  [1929 - 2000]
Founder of KAFEPHIL and Sagasa Kickboxing

Doctor Guillermo Lengson
was born on March 12, 1929, in
Pangasinan City in the Philippines.
Because he had a bad condition of
asthma, he started training arnis at
an early age to improve his health.
Over time, he became proficient in
boxing, kickboxing, some form of
combat Judo, Kung Fu, and Shoto-
kan. He eventually developed his
own training methods based on his
martial arts background, as well as
his sparring and training experienc-
es with close friends Remy Presas
and Johnny Chuten. Dr. Lengson
had his own martial arts club, and
his team, the Black Banders, was
the longtime reigning champion in
karate and arnis. Dr. Lengson along
with Remy Presas was invited to
demonstrate and teach arnis, or
kali, to the Tokoyo Police Depart-
ment. He also trained the Philip-
pine Air Force Anti Riot Squad in
his martial arts system.
Dr. Lengson was re-known
for inventing dodging drills, Sa-
gasa drills and drills which empha-
size the strengthening of the hips.
Adding to his fame, he was the first
Filipino martial arts instructor to
have a television program in the
Philippines (Karate Arnis Pilipino)
which featured Karate and Arnis
ring tournaments.

 

Dr. Guillermo B. "Doc" Lengson  [1929 - 2000] Founder of KAFEPHIL and Sagasa Kickboxing

 

Dr. Guillermo B. "Doc" Lengson  [1929 - 2000] Founder of KAFEPHIL and Sagasa Kickboxing Dr. Guillermo B. "Doc" Lengson  [1929 - 2000] Founder of KAFEPHIL and Sagasa Kickboxing Dr. Guillermo B. "Doc" Lengson  [1929 - 2000] Founder of KAFEPHIL and Sagasa Kickboxing

 

Master Doc Lengson with Master Christopher Ricketts. Manila, Philippines.

 

Doc Lengson

Lameco SOG with Master Doc Lenson and Che. Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles.

 

 

 

Guro Bruce Ricketts selected as the new Chief Instructor of Master Christopher Ricketts Ilustrisimo Organization and Bakbakan Philippines, 2011

Guro Bruce Ricketts selected as the new Chief Instructor of Master Christopher Ricketts Ilustrisimo Organization and Bakbakan Philippines, 2011

In 2011 Guro Bruce Ricketts was formally selected as the new Chief Instructor of Master Christopher Ricketts Ilustrisimo Organization and Bakbakan Philippines. The official ceremony was held  in Manila, Philippines. During the same ceremony Guro Brandon Ricketts was promoted to the the position as Second in Command to Guro Bruce Ricketts. Also selected was the Administrative Board which includes Guro Ronnie Ricketts, Guro Alex Ricketts and Guro Jason Ricketts. The organization is dedicated to maintaining the legacy of Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts. The Advisory Board was also selected.

Guro Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts trained under their Father, Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts since they could walk. The training room in their Philippine home was located in front of their bedroom. Daily exposure to the arts was the norm. Besides daily training with their Father and other students, many masters spent time training in their home. To name a few, legends such as Master Roland Dantes, Master Rey Galang, Master Yuli Romo, Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, Master Tony Diego and none other than Grandmaster Ilustrisimo himself would train there. The technical and fighting skill of these young Guro’s clearly reflect their esteemed lineage. Guro Bruce and Guro Brandon are also accomplished practitioners of Bakbakan Sagasa Kickboxing, Ngo Cho Kun, Jiu-Jitsu and Boxing.

 

More Information at: http://ilustrisimo-usa.com/

Guro Viko Aquino-Perrine of Kalis Ilustrisimo and Bakbakan International Seminar, Canada, Saturday, 15 December 2012

Bakabakan International Canada and Undisputed Martial Arts are very proud to present the Fighting System of Kalis Ilustrisimo Workshop.

Guro Viko Aquino-Perrine of Kalis Ilustrisimo and Bakbakan International will be conducting a full day seminar at Undisputed Martials Arts, to teach and showcase the Ilustrisimo Fighting style as taught by the late Master Topher Ricketts, Grandmaster Tony Diego and Mang Romy Macapagal. The basics and fighting mindset of this complete fighting system will be showcased with

emphasis on the basics and its foundational techniques. Guro Viko will also demonstrate various intermediate and advanced techniques.

Kalis Ilustrisimo is held in very high regard as one of the most effective styles of Filipino Martial Arts. It is named after its originator, the legendary Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo, who had in many situations proven the value of his martial craft in the real world, as he intended the art to be used for the preservation of one’s life.

Based on a bladed weapon combative system, its effectiveness can be applied to unarmed combat with relative ease. This seminar will thoroughly cover the basics of Kalis Ilustrisimo and will enable students to absorb the ingenuity and simplicity of the art as it is taught in it’s native land.

Guro Viko Aquino-Perrine has been a senior student and practitioner of Kalis Ilustrisimo for the majority of his life. He has been an instructor of this craft in the Philippines, Australia and the United States. This will be his first opportunity to teach here in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The cost of the seminar will be $80 (cash) per person. Students should bring their own equipment. Sticks, training swords and knives are recommended. Equipment can be made available with advanced notice.

Guro Viko will also be available from December 13th – 16th for private training sessions. Please contact Archie Luz at left-hook@rogers.com to inquire about Guro Viko’s availability for personal sessions.

Guro Viko Aquino-Perrine of Kalis Ilustrisimo and Bakbakan International

De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal; “You train to live, not die.” Guro Dave Gould reflects on GM Jose D. Caballero

De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal; “You train to live, not die.” -

by David E. Gould

The views of GM Jose D. Caballero regarding fighting were simply this; you are only as effective in fighting as you are in training. You will fight the way that you train, hence one of his sayings: “suffer during training, not during a fight.” Simply put if you fight with weakness and compromise it is because you have trained with weakness and compromise. In De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal under the very critical eyes of GM Caballero his students never had the opportunity to rest on their laurels as he would literally push them until their hands bled in training from striking so much with their garotes and then expect them to improve on their results.

De campo 1-2-3 Orihinal is a work of art regarding fighting and ones true combative effect. The system was truly created to win fights and nothing more. It is definitely one of the most effective systems that I have had the opportunity to train as its foundation is anchored in reality and governed by combative truth. Cause and effect seem to dictate response and counter response as opposed to some orchestra of speculation which may or may not ever come to pass. You were truly only as effective as you were in the moment as it were on any given day.

Nong Otek, as he was known to his family and closest friends, formed his system of De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal in 1925 based solely on his observations of local Grand Masters and Masters in the Toledo area of Mindanao, Philippines as they would “play“ with one another with sticks, knives and swords. Since GM Caballero didn’t have formal instruction he would go to tournaments, watch street fights and watch challenges played out to the death as a kid and adolescent. So he based his system on the actions and reactions that he saw people do in these fights and would teach himself as it were. Even as a young man he would notice the smallest curiosities while these Grandmasters and Masters would fight and he would take mental note of them as they were revealed to him.

One of the things that he noticed right away was that when the matches would start both fighters involved would typically walk around each other watching the others movements and waiting for the other to strike. Sometimes there would be no action at all for the first minute of the fight and Nong Otek saw a lot of advantage to the contrary. So GM Caballero established a series of 3 second rules in initiating a fight. He would await his opponent to strike first as he was a counter fighter by nature. However at the start of the fight he would count to 3 and if his opponent was not ready had not thrown the first strike Nong Otek would launch his attack with strong purpose on his opponent catching him by surprise and either break his head or his hand, the two primary targets in De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal and as his opponent would react to the damage inflicted he would back just outside of his opponents reach to see if he could continue or not, always at the ready to counter respond should the fight continue. In most cases the fight would be over in mere seconds as few of his opponent could recover and continue with the fight thereby accepting defeat or death as their fate.

Nong Otek would constantly get in trouble because he never made it to school on time. As he walked to school he would see a stick on the ground, cut a piece of rattan out of a stalk, or cut a tree branch down and practice Kali and would lose track of time. He used to get much grief from his father as he wanted the best for his son and thought that education was a necessity to better his son in giving him a chance to lift himself out of poverty one day and have a better life than that of his father. However young Jose D. Caballero had other interests and fighting was at the top of them in which he gave the highest priority. When Nong Otek was 18 years of age he formally named and formed his own system and started fighting tournaments and playing with local masters at fiestas and based on his success or failures in these matches he would update and enhance his system.

In De campo there are no drills other than actually hitting a moving target (weapon hand) with the feed being thrown in real time at random and you either break the hand or you break the head at largo-medio range which are the only primary targets in his system. There are no other targets available to you in your minds-eye. It doesn’t get simpler than that. However there are other secondary targets available which he recognized and would strike upon as they became available, if the head or hand were not readily accessible, solely for the sake of maiming his opponent and not killing him. For every strike that you make in training or fighting you expect one in return, this is a reality and as such you prepared for it and developed the awareness and abilities to contend with it. You throw every strike with intention with speed and power enough to break your opponents head or you don`t throw one at all.

Timing is very important based on real time as well as your fighting mentality. In the Philippines when Punong Guro Sulite was learning De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal from Grand Master Caballero this was the training that he hated the most, but he went on to fall in love with it and it became his confidence system. Because there are no blocks in De Campo or disarms and there are only two types of strikes; one to kill and one to maim, it was sometimes very boring to train but highly effective. De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal is one hard strike after another, you strike until your hand bleeds and then you strike some more. Grand Master Caballero`s requirement was that you strike as hard and as fast as you can for 15 minutes with-out slowing or stopping, then you would do 2 minutes of aggressive footwork and 15 more minutes of striking for three hours a day. He would have you break small coconuts, hit tires, and daily sparring was for real, no head gear or padding, if the head was open you are required to take the shot. The only way that you can truly protect your head and weapon hand is to constantly have them just outside of the reach of your opponent all the while keeping highly aware of your opponents every move.

De Campo only had two weapon categories that GM Caballero would train and fight with and those were “solo garote” and “doble garote“. He fought challenges against many Masters with them using knives, bolos and swords and still he killed or defeated them with him using only medium weight rattan to fight with himself. GM Caballero was the undefeated “Juey-go todo” champion of his region. Which gained him much notoriety and respect from his fellow Eskrimadors. He would often go to tournaments and place his name on the list of fighters during local fiestas only to find many whom had previously placed their names on the list of fighters withdrawing their names as they did not want to fight him. He would then withdraw his name and watch the other fighters run back to the table to place their names back on the list once they knew that he would not fight.

De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal is a “largo-medio” range fighting system with only 7 strikes, 3 double stick patterns, no blocks, no hand contact between players, no disarms, no punyos, only 3 pieces of footwork, 10 striking groups, a plethora of group mixing, 3 finishing strikes, alertness training and “specialisation“ of striking and thousands of hours of sparring against single and multi-person scenarios. It is simply a system of a continuous series of hard destructive strikes designed to work well against chaos and uncertainty which is all to common in association with a street fight as it dynamically evolves from second to second in the streets. GM Caballero only recognized two available targets the hand and head. When he wasn’t striking one he would strike the other. The advantage of this is that one or the other will always be available to you. Since your target identification is so limited you can focus more of your attention on the movements of your opponent.

GM Caballero was a counter fighter by nature, when he was attacked he would retreat to largo range while breaking the hand and once the tip of his opponents weapon passed his nose he would immediately charge forward to break the head of his opponent and anticipating a counter from his opponent he would then retreat into largo range again just outside of his opponents reach, awaiting to attack whatever angle his opponent would counter with and then shoot forward again with head shots until another counter would come if the fight was not over by then. On average his fights lasted only 3 to 5 seconds and the person would be dead, on the ground bleeding from the head, or unable to continue due to being maimed.

GM Caballero made his living for 40 years traveling from island to island in the Philippines challenging various grandmasters to fight for money. He would go to an island and challenge the best fighter, make side bets with the village people then fight and defeat his opponent. He would go home to Mindanao live off the profits from the fight and when he would run low of money he would be off to another island. He did this until he got too old to fight for a living any longer and was forced into teaching. That is when young Edgar G. Sulite hearing of this old mans reputation sought him out as a teacher. But the old man refused Edgar as a student fearing that Edgar was a spy from another kali group out to steal his technique. It took a young Edgar G. Sulite a full year of courting this old man by leaving poultry, eggs and milk at his doorstep day after day before he would accept him as a student in De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal. And as Edgar trained in this system year after year it became his confidence system. Whenever Edgar would fight in the future he would draw heavily from this system to end the fights very quickly.

Edgar G. Sulite began training De Campo 1-2-3 Orihinal in the early 1970`s under the tutelage of GM Jose D. Caballero. He trained a total of 6 years under the “Old Man” before Graduating the system in 1978, as he would affectionately call him and felt that the training was second to none. At first Edgar felt that GM Caballero was being stingy with his teachings as he would always force him to repeat himself in training with the same thing every time. What he eventually came to understand was that GM Caballero was trying to get him to Master the Basics against all situations and probable scenarios and to learn all that they had to offer in street combat. To learn them so well that you not only learn the strength of the technique, concept or principle but also the weakness equally attached to them as well. Only then can you truly come to depend on it as sometimes the weakness of a technique may be greater than the strength and therefore ill advised to use under certain conditions.

Bend only to “truth to self”, “truth in training” and “truth in combat” and you will become a more proficient warrior. Cut the fat from your technique, focus on simplicity, train in a realistic environment, with a realistic mind-set and you are well on your way to becoming street effective. In the words of GM Jose D. Caballero; “You train to live, not die.“

David E. Gould's photo.

Kapisanang Mandirigma presents an Introductory Course in Backyard Lameco Eskrima. Jan 5th until March 16th, 2013, Los Angeles, California.

Kali Klub 2013 arnis eskrima backyard lameco

Kapisanang Mandirigma presents an  Introductory Course in Backyard Lameco Eskrima. Jan 5th until March 16th, 2013, Los Angeles, California.

This course will introduce you to the the Foundations and Combat Applications of Lameco Eskrima, the Philippine Warrior Art System founded by Punong Guro Edgar Sulite. Topics includes Knife, Stick, Sword, Sword and Dagger and Empty Hands.

Classes will be conducted primarily by Guro Dino Flores. Guest Instructors;  Guro Bud Balani, Guro Gary Quan and Guro Ariel Mosses will make appearances when available. Other Guest Instructors may also make an appearance during the course.

Classes will be kept small in order to ensure quality instruction.
This is a very rare opportunity. This course has not been taught in over five years since the Kali Klub sa Filam Arts.

This course also serves as a prerequisite to any future classes that are only open to members and individuals that have completed this course.

For further course details go to: http://backyardeskrima.com and email us directly from the “Contact” page.

Please give us a little background on yourself when requesting information. Maraming Salamat.

 

Invitation Only Ilustrisimo Workshop with Guro Viko Perrine in Orange County, California. Irvine, California. October 15th, 2012

Invitation Only Ilustrisimo Workshop with Guro Viko  Perrine in Orange County, California. Irvine, California. October 15th, 2012

Guro Viko Perrine conducted a training Worksop on the style of Tatang Illustrisimo (as taught by the late GM Topher Ricketts) on Saturday, October 15th, 2012 at Orange County. Guro Viko was joined by Guro Dino Flores and Rick Alexander.  The Workshop was by invitation only and not open to the general public .

Guro Viko can be contacted at:http://www.facebook.com/viko.perrine?fref=ts

or http://ilustrisimo-usa.com/

 

Viko Aquino Perrine Viko Aquino Perrine

Photo: Christopher Bruce

 

About OC KICKBOXING & MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

Since 1995, OC KICKBOXING & MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
has been Orange County’s premiere Mixed Martial Arts program.
Offering MMA, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, No Gi Jiu Jitsu,
Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts, Kick Boxing, MMA Kids,
Jiu-Jitsu Kids and MMA Pee Wees, OC Kickboxing
is dedicated to staying on the cutting edge of
martial arts, self-defense and fitness training.

http://www.ockickboxing.com/

Glendale FMA Academy proudly presents an Invitation Only Ilustrisimo Seminar with Guro Brandon Ricketts. Glendale, California. Saturday, September, 2012

Glendale FMA Academy proudly presents an Invitation Only Ilustrisimo Seminar with Guro Brandon Ricketts. Glendale, California. Saturday, September, 2012

Guro Brandon Ricketts will be conducting a training seminar on the style of Tatang Illustrisimo (as taught by the late GM Topher Ricketts) on Saturday, September, 2012. Guro Brandon will be assisted by Guro Dino Flores.  The seminar is by invitation only and not open to the general public . It will be held at the Glendale FMA Academy.

Guro Brandon can be contacted at: http://ilustrisimo-usa.com/

 

brandon ricketts ilustrisimo 1 kali arnis eskrima escrima fma filipino martial arts brandon ricketts ilustrisimo 1 kali arnis eskrima escrima fma filipino martial arts

Photo by Felici Photography.

 

brandon ricketts ilustrisimo guro  brandon ricketts ilustrisimo  kali arnis eskrima escrima fma filipino martial arts philippines brandon ricketts ilustrisimo guro  brandon ricketts ilustrisimo  kali arnis eskrima escrima fma filipino martial arts philippines

Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts Guro Bruce Guro Brandon Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo kali arnis eskrima Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts Guro Bruce Guro Brandon Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo kali arnis eskrima

TATANG+TOPHER Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts Guro Bruce Guro Brandon Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo kali arnis eskrima TATANG+TOPHER Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts Guro Bruce Guro Brandon Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo kali arnis eskrima

 

 

Guro Brandon Videos:

 

 

ILUSTRISIMO – Guro Brandon explaining the Estrella Series.

 

ILUSTRISIMO – Guro’s Bruce and Brandon free flowing.

 

ILUSTRISIMO – Double Stick Amara (freestyle) with Bruce and Brandon Ricketts

 

ILUSTRISIMO – Espada y Daga with Bruce and Brandon Ricketts

 

brandon ricketts ilustrisimo eskrima arnis kali master christopher ricketts brandon ricketts ilustrisimo eskrima arnis kali master christopher ricketts

Some of the Seminar Participants at the Glendale FMA Academy.

 

Las Vegas Open Invitational Stick-Knife Tournament. Sunday, November 11th, 2012.

kapisanang mandirigma las vegas 2012 kali kali arnis arnis eskrima escrima kampilan bolo balisong kapisanang mandirigma las vegas 2012 kali kali arnis arnis eskrima escrima kampilan bolo balisong

Las Vegas Open Invitational Stick-Knife Tournament. Sunday, November 11th, 2012.

 

Las Vegas Open Invitational Stick-Knife Tournament. Sunday, November 11th, 2012.

 

 

Lameco Eskrima Salutation

Lameco Eskrima Salutation Punong Guro Edgar Sulite

PAGGALANG SA PAG – UMPISA

PAGGALANG SA PAG – UMPISA:
Salutation at the beginning of training.

KARANUNGAN:
I come seeking Knowledge.

PAGGALANG:
I offer you my Respect.

KATAPATAN
I offer you my Loyalty.

NAKAHANDA SA PAGSASANAY
I am ready to train.

———–

LAMECO ESKRIMA OATH

LAMECO OATH

Master Christopher Ricketts reflects on how he met Punong Guro Sulite through Master Alex Co

Master Christopher Ricketts reflects on how he met Punong Guro Sulite through Master Alex Co

(Q) You were a close friend of PG Edgar Sulite. How did you meet him and do you have any fond memories you would like to share?

Edgar G. Sulite was one of my closest friends. I met him through another close friend of mine, Alex Co, a pioneer publisher in the Philippines of martial arts books and magazines. Alex asked me to check whether Edgar was the real McCoy because Edgar wanted to discuss the publication of a book. After meeting Edgar, I reported that he was indeed the real thing and the rest is history. Alex ended up publishing all three of Edgar’s books: Secrets of Arnis, Advanced Balisong and Masters of Arnis, Kali and Eskrima.

The Masters of Anis, Kali and Eskrima was a landmark book because it was the first time a researcher traveled throughout the entire Philippines to research the art and publish it in a book. It revealed many relatively unknown systems to the world and opened many doors for future researchers and practitioners. I am happy to have been a participant in bringing these projects to light.

***

Extact from Grandmaster Christopher ’Topher’ Ricketts Interview
Research & questions by David Foggie Interviewed by Dino Flores. Answers by Master Ricketts given in Tagalog, Translation by Dino Flores.  Interview commenced 12 th February 2006 and conducted over a span of three months by Dino Flores in Los Angeles, California U.S.A.
 
To read full interview: http://backyardeskrima.com/?page_id=61
 
More on Master Alex Co: http://www.bengkiam.com/bengkiam/Archives.aspx
 
Master Alex Co and Master Christopher Ricketts, Five Ancestor Fist Kung-Fu: The Way of Ngo Cho Kun, Bakbakan Philippines, www.mandirigma.org
Master Alex Co and Master Christopher Ricketts in “Five Ancestor Fist Kung-Fu: The Way of Ngo Cho Kun” book by Master Alex.
 
Below are the three legendary books by Punong Guro Sulite published by Master Alex Co. Master Ricketts also played a major role in making the project come to life.
 
The books are: Masters of Kali, Arnis and Eskrima, The Secrets of Arnis and Advanced Balisong – Filipino Butterfly Knife.
These books influenced most writers on the Warrior Arts of the Philippines that came after it. Many of Punong Guro Sulites original photos of the old Masters can even be seen in some of the books by Master Rey Galang and Mark Wiley.
 
 
Punong Guro Edgar Sulite masters-of-arnis Lameco Eskrima Punong Guro Edgar Sulite masters-of-arnis Lameco EskrimaPunong Guro Edgar Sulite secrets-of-arnis  Lameco Eskrima Punong Guro Edgar Sulite secrets-of-arnis  Lameco EskrimaPunong Guro Edgar Sulite  advanced-balisong Lameco Eskrima Punong Guro Edgar Sulite  advanced-balisong Lameco Eskrima 

Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, Master Christopher Ricketts,Master Alex Co

Left ot right: PG Edgar G. Sulite, GM Tony Diego, GM Christopher Ricketts, GM Rey Galang, Tom Dy and GM Alex Co. Seated Left to right: Rodney Wilson, Steve Tarani and Dodong Sta. Iglesia. This is one of the last known photos of  PG Edgar G. Sulite before his passing due to a stroke in 1997.

Bakbakan Philippines Diego Sulite Ilustrisimo Ricketts Alex Co

From left to right: Master Tony Diego, PG Edgar G. Sulite, Master Roland Dantes, GM Antonio “Tatang” Illustrisimo, Master Christopher Ricketts and Master Alex Co.  Philippines circa 1989. Legendary Members of Bakbakan Philippines.

The Combat Academy presents a Kapisanang Mandirigma Seminar with Guro Dino Flores in Cuernavaca City, Mexico, October 6 & 7, 2012

KAPISANANG MANDIRIGMA MEXICO kali arnis eskrima filipino martial arts philippines lameco ilustrisimo KAPISANANG MANDIRIGMA MEXICO kali arnis eskrima filipino martial arts philippines lameco ilustrisimo

The Combat Academy presents a Kapisanang Mandirigma Seminar with Guro Dino Flores in Cuernavaca City, Mexico, October 6 & 7, 2012.

Guro Dino Flores will be sharing some of his experience in Ilustrisimo and Backyard Lameco Eskrima.

For more information contact Alex Garduño at the Combat Academy.

 

About Guro Dino:

Guro Dino began informally training in the Philippines with family and  family friends in balisong for the streets. Guro Dino trained for many years with Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois in Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis and Master Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis in the 1980′s along with his cousins Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores. In the early 1990′s he was accepted as an initial member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites’ newly forming Backyard Group AKA the Sulite Oriehenal Group

At the recommendation of Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Dino first visited Master Christopher Ricketts in the Philippines in 1995 and was introduced to his perspective on the Warrior Arts.  Since the passing of Punong Guro Sulite,  he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts, who gave Guro Dino permission to teach his method before his passing. Guro Dino was the Lameco representative for Master Ricketts and a member of Bakbakan Philippines sponsored by Master Ricketts. Guro Dino continues his training in Master Ricketts method of training with his two sons, the young Master Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts.

Guro Dino additionally had good fortune to experience training in Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster Yuli Romo and Grandmaster Tony Diego. He also trained in Kali Ilustrisimo with one of his training partners and fellow Lameco Backyard member Guro Hans Tan, who was certified to teach Kali Ilustrsimo under Master Tony Diego. Additionally Guro Dino trained privately for several years in California and the Philippines with Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO.

About The Combat Academy:

The “Combat Academy” was born in February of 2012 as an Independent training center after 17 years of work and continuous training.

The Combat Academy curriculum includes Filipino Martial Arts (Lameco Eskrima & Doce Pares Eskrima), Muay Thai/Boxing, Sambo/ Jiu Jitsu, JKD and AMOK!

Alex Garduño, Director and chief Instructor of the “Combat Academy”, is a Lameco Eskrima student under Guro Dave Gould and Guro Roger Agbulos, holds the Guro Rank in Doce Pares Eskrima under SGM Cacoy Cañete and He´s student of Tom Sotis in AMOK!

 

Kapisanang Mandirigma and LV Tactical Training presents Guro Dino Flores and Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Seminar. Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday, September 22, 2012

Guro Dino and Guro Ariel have been training partners since the 1980′s. They first began teaching seminars together in the 1990′s in Wahington State, Oregon, Nevada and California. About Guro Ariel:  Guro Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under Filipino Hall of Fame Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois, the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, and Grand Master Christopher Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo. Guro Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. He holds a 7th degree in Kali Jukune Do. Guro Ariel is a member of Kapisanang Mandirigma. He has experience as a professional bodyguard and is a former police officer. Guro Ariel is currently teaching at LV Tactical Training in Las Vegas, Nevada.    About Guro Dino:  Guro Dino trained for many years with Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois in Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis and Master Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis in the 1980′s along with his cousins Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores. In the early 1990′s he was accepted as an initial member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites’ newly forming Backyard Group AKA the Sulite Oriehenal Group  At the recommendation of Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Dino first visited Master Christopher Ricketts in the Philippines in 1995 and was introduced to his perspective on the Warrior Arts.  Since the passing of Punong Guro Sulite,  he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts, who gave Guro Dino permission to teach his method before his passing. Guro Dino was the Lameco representative for Master Ricketts and a member of Bakbakan Philippines sponsored by Master Ricketts. Guro Dino continues his training in Master Ricketts method of training with his two sons, the young Masters Bruce and Guro Brandon Ricketts. Masters Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts are now officially the head of the late Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts “Ilustrisimo” organization which strives to preserve the purity of the art.  Guro Dino additionally had good fortune to experience training in Kali Ilustrisimo with Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster Yuli Romo and Grandmaster Tony Diego. He also trained in Kali Ilustrisimo with one of his training partners and fellow Lameco Backyard member Guro Hans Tan, who was certified to teach Kali Ilustrsimo under Master Tony Diego.Additionally Guro Dino trained privately for several years in California and the Philippines with Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO.  Guro Dino also cites the importance of his training partners in Lameco SOG and Kapisanang Mandirigma in his growth. After the passing of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, certain members of the Lameco Backyard group reformed also became know as Kapisanang Mandirigma. The group regularly continued  training, sparring, experimenting and seeking the deeper roots of their chosen arts. This group includes Guros Joel Adriatico, Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr., Mar Elepaño, Choy Flores, Arnold Noche, Gary Quan, Hans Anton Tan and Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (RIP). With frequent visits by Guro Lowell Pueblos, Guro Bong Hebia and honorary member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses. Guro Dino and Guro Ariel have been training partners since the 1980′s. They first began teaching seminars together in the 1990′s in Wahington State, Oregon, Nevada and California. About Guro Ariel:  Guro Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under Filipino Hall of Fame Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois, the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, and Grand Master Christopher Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo. Guro Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. He holds a 7th degree in Kali Jukune Do. Guro Ariel is a member of Kapisanang Mandirigma. He has experience as a professional bodyguard and is a former police officer. Guro Ariel is currently teaching at LV Tactical Training in Las Vegas, Nevada.    About Guro Dino:  Guro Dino trained for many years with Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois in Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis and Master Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis in the 1980′s along with his cousins Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores. In the early 1990′s he was accepted as an initial member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites’ newly forming Backyard Group AKA the Sulite Oriehenal Group  At the recommendation of Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Dino first visited Master Christopher Ricketts in the Philippines in 1995 and was introduced to his perspective on the Warrior Arts.  Since the passing of Punong Guro Sulite,  he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts, who gave Guro Dino permission to teach his method before his passing. Guro Dino was the Lameco representative for Master Ricketts and a member of Bakbakan Philippines sponsored by Master Ricketts. Guro Dino continues his training in Master Ricketts method of training with his two sons, the young Masters Bruce and Guro Brandon Ricketts. Masters Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts are now officially the head of the late Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts “Ilustrisimo” organization which strives to preserve the purity of the art.  Guro Dino additionally had good fortune to experience training in Kali Ilustrisimo with Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster Yuli Romo and Grandmaster Tony Diego. He also trained in Kali Ilustrisimo with one of his training partners and fellow Lameco Backyard member Guro Hans Tan, who was certified to teach Kali Ilustrsimo under Master Tony Diego.Additionally Guro Dino trained privately for several years in California and the Philippines with Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO.  Guro Dino also cites the importance of his training partners in Lameco SOG and Kapisanang Mandirigma in his growth. After the passing of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, certain members of the Lameco Backyard group reformed also became know as Kapisanang Mandirigma. The group regularly continued  training, sparring, experimenting and seeking the deeper roots of their chosen arts. This group includes Guros Joel Adriatico, Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr., Mar Elepaño, Choy Flores, Arnold Noche, Gary Quan, Hans Anton Tan and Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (RIP). With frequent visits by Guro Lowell Pueblos, Guro Bong Hebia and honorary member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses.

 

 

Kapisanang Mandirigma and LV Tactical Training presents
Guro Dino Flores and Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Seminar.
Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday, September 22, 2012

Backyard Lameco Seminar Series.
Location: LV Tactical Training Facility

6366 W. Sahara, Las Vegas, NV 89146
Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm
Cost: $99.00 per person
Contact: Ariel Flores Mosses
Email: arielfmosses@yahoo.com
Phone: (702) 533-9688
Guro Dino and Guro Ariel have been training partners since the 1980′s. They first began teaching seminars together in the 1990′s in Wahington State, Oregon, Nevada and California.

About Guro Ariel:

Guro Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under Filipino Hall of Fame Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois, the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, and Grand Master Christopher Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo. Guro Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. He holds a 7th degree in Kali Jukune Do. Guro Ariel is a member of Kapisanang Mandirigma. He has experience as a professional bodyguard and is a former police officer. Guro Ariel is currently teaching at LV Tactical Training in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

About Guro Dino:

Guro Dino trained for many years with Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois in Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis and Master Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis in the 1980′s along with his cousins Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores. In the early 1990′s he was accepted as an initial member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites’ newly forming Backyard Group AKA the Sulite Oriehenal Group

At the recommendation of Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Dino first visited Master Christopher Ricketts in the Philippines in 1995 and was introduced to his perspective on the Warrior Arts.  Since the passing of Punong Guro Sulite,  he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts, who gave Guro Dino permission to teach his method before his passing. Guro Dino was the Lameco representative for Master Ricketts and a member of Bakbakan Philippines sponsored by Master Ricketts. Guro Dino continues his training in Master Ricketts method of training with his two sons, the young Masters Bruce and Guro Brandon Ricketts. Masters Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts are now officially the head of the late Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts “Ilustrisimo” organization which strives to preserve the purity of the art.

Guro Dino additionally had good fortune to experience training in Kali Ilustrisimo with Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster Yuli Romo and Grandmaster Tony Diego. He also trained in Kali Ilustrisimo with one of his training partners and fellow Lameco Backyard member Guro Hans Tan, who was certified to teach Kali Ilustrsimo under Master Tony Diego.Additionally Guro Dino trained privately for several years in California and the Philippines with Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO.

Guro Dino also cites the importance of his training partners in Lameco SOG and Kapisanang Mandirigma in his growth. After the passing of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, certain members of the Lameco Backyard group reformed also became know as Kapisanang Mandirigma. The group regularly continued  training, sparring, experimenting and seeking the deeper roots of their chosen arts. This group includes Guros Joel Adriatico, Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr., Mar Elepaño, Choy Flores, Arnold Noche, Gary Quan, Hans Anton Tan and Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (RIP). With frequent visits by Guro Lowell Pueblos, Guro Bong Hebia and honorary member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses.

Kapisanang Mandirigma and LV Tactical Training presents Guro Dino Flores and Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Seminar in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 29, 2012

Backyard Lameco Seminar Series.

Instructors: Guro Dino Flores & Guro Ariel Flores Mosses
Date: July 29, 2012
Location: LV Tactical Training Facility
               6366 W. Sahara
                Las Vegas, NV 89146
Time:  10:00am-3:00pm
Cost:  $99.00 per person
Contact:  Ariel Flores Mosses – email arielfmosses@yahoo.com
Guro Dino and Guro Ariel have been training partners since the 1980′s. They first began teaching seminars together in the 1990′s in Wahington State, Oregon, Nevada and California.

About Guro Ariel:

Guro Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under Filipino Hall of Fame Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois, the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, and Grand Master Christopher Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo. Guro Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. He holds a 7th degree in Kali Jukune Do. Guro Ariel is a member of Kapisanang Mandirigma. He has experience as a professional bodyguard and is a former police officer. Guro Ariel is currently teaching at LV Tactical Training in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

About Guro Dino:

Guro Dino trained for many years with Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois in Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis and Master Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis in the 1980′s along with his cousins Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores. In the early 1990′s he was accepted as an initial member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites’ newly forming Backyard Group AKA the Sulite Oriehenal Group

At the recommendation of Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Dino first visited Master Christopher Ricketts in the Philippines in 1995 and was introduced to his perspective on the Warrior Arts.  Since the passing of Punong Guro Sulite,  he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts, who gave Guro Dino permission to teach his method before his passing. Guro Dino was the Lameco representative for Master Ricketts and a member of Bakbakan Philippines sponsored by Master Ricketts. Guro Dino continues his training in Master Ricketts method of training with his two sons, the young Masters Bruce and Guro Brandon Ricketts. Masters Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts are now officially the head of the late Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts “Ilustrisimo” organization which strives to preserve the purity of the art.

Guro Dino additionally had good fortune to experience training in Kali Ilustrisimo with Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster Yuli Romo and Grandmaster Tony Diego. He also trained in Kali Ilustrisimo with one of his training partners and fellow Lameco Backyard member Guro Hans Tan, who was certified to teach Kali Ilustrsimo under Master Tony Diego.Additionally Guro Dino trained privately for several years in California and the Philippines with Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO.

Guro Dino also cites the importance of his training partners in Lameco SOG and Kapisanang Mandirigma in his growth. After the passing of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, certain members of the Lameco Backyard group reformed also became know as Kapisanang Mandirigma. The group regularly continued  training, sparring, experimenting and seeking the deeper roots of their chosen arts. This group includes Guros Joel Adriatico, Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr., Mar Elepaño, Choy Flores, Arnold Noche, Gary Quan, Hans Anton Tan and Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (RIP). With frequent visits by Guro Lowell Pueblos, Guro Bong Hebia and honorary member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses.

 

 

Farewell Seminar for the Frankfurt Lameco Arnis Club with Guro Wolfgang Mueller, July 2012

frankfurt lameco eskrima Guro Wolfgang Mueller kali arnis frankfurt lameco eskrima Guro Wolfgang Mueller kali arnis

 

End of July 2012 the Lameco Arnis Club Frankfurt under the guidance of Guro Wolfgang Mueller will close his doors permanently.
After that Guro Wolfgang will teach only selected students and some seminars.
To make this a worhty farewell, the Lameco Arnis Club offers this last opportunity to get taught publicly.

Some Info’s on Wolfgang Mueller:

Guro Wolfgang’s Martial arts journey started 1972 with Karate, Judo, Ju-Jutusu and a little later with Kobudo. Since the middle to late 70′s he trained TKD, Hapkido, Aikido and several Kung Fu styles.
In the 80′s he started with Boxing, Kickboxing, Savate and Muay Thai. Their essence build the 4 main styles of his Flexible Combined Fighting System and are still trained nowadays.
Since 1987 he studies Jeet Kune Do/ Jun Fan Gung Fu, Inosanto Kali/ Silat and Lameco Eskrima . In this systems he got several Instructorgrades, for example the Associate Instructor of the JKD Wednite Group under Sifu Tim Tackett.
After a visit to the PI for several months he was awarded the 3rd degree Black Belt in Lameco Eskrima by PG Sulite. TheGuro Antas Tatlo is one of his most prestigious titels, making him the highest graded Lameco-representative in Europe.
MMA/Freefight is also part of his curriculum , being taught by Frank Burczynski for example. Wolfgang teaches Grappling since 1995, MMA and FF since 2003.
Pacific Archipelago Combatives, CQCG, Knife/ Counter-Knife Combatives are specialzied Weapon /Selfdefense systems, being created by W. Hock Hochheim. they descended from Budo, Eskrima and the Military Combatives. . Since 2005 Guro Wolfgang is the highest graded Knife/CounterKnife Combatives Instructor /Level 11 in Germany.
Since the mid90′s Guro Wolfgang is teaching Lameco Eskrima Seminars regularly, in his club (monthly seminars with a certain focus) or abroad like Italy, Spain, Belgium, France or Sweden, even a spezialized Knife-Defense -Seminar course for the German JJ-Organization.
He represented Lameco Eskrima at the first and second FMA Festival 2002 in Essen and 2004 in Dortmund.

Saturday and Sunday 5 hours each with 5 different topics.
Fee. 75€ for 2 days, 40€ for 1 day.
Start Saturday 12:00 end 18:30 afterwards dinner
Topics on saturday
1 Boxing
2. Knife Hold-ups
3 Kali/Silat
4 Dos Manos
5 Standing Grappling

Sunday start 11 Uhr Endca. 17/30

End Sunday :

1. Muay Thai Elbows
2. Kubotan, Dulo-Dulo, Ministick (10-12cm)
3. Savate Kicktechniques
4. Flexible Weapons
5. JKD Trapping

Pay one of the best Martial Arts teachers a homage and make it a worthy farewell for the Lameco Arnis Club.

frankfurt lameco eskrima Guro Wolfgang Mueller kali arnis frankfurt lameco eskrima Guro Wolfgang Mueller kali arnis frankfurt lameco eskrima Guro Wolfgang Mueller kali arnis frankfurt lameco eskrima Guro Wolfgang Mueller kali arnis frankfurt lameco eskrima Guro Wolfgang Mueller kali arnis

 

Kapisanang Mandirigma Founding Member Guro Hans Tan

Kapisanang Mandirigma Founding Member Guro Hans Tan

Master Diego chooses only to have a handful of full time students and even fewer certified to represent him. Hans Anton Tan is one of those fortunate to be certified by Master Diego in 1999. Hans Anton Tan also trained under the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite in Lameco Eskrima from 1990 to 1997 and served as one of his assistants after being referred by his teacher in the Philippines, one of Lameco Eskrima International’s first instructors, Honesto “Jun” Nunez. Hans Anton Tan was not only a private student of Punong Guro and a senior member of the Sulite Orihinal Group. It is the Kali Ilustrisimo system that has most influenced Lameco Eskrima’s advanced sword and knife techniques. Punong Guro himself trained under “Tatang” for nine years prior to coming to the United States.

 

guro hans tan ilustrisimo lameco eskrima kali arnis kapisanang mandirigma

Punong Guro Sulite with Hans in the Lameco Backyard, Los Angeles.

Hans Seminar 1

Guro Hans Tan first ever seminar at Gotta Play in Pasadena, California. Hosted by Lameco SOG. 12/13/1998.

Hans Seminar 2

 

Guro Hans Tan first ever Ilustrisimo seminar at SIPA Community Center, Los Angeles Historic Filipinotown, California. Hosted by Lameco SOG. 12/13/1998.

Kapisanang Mandirigma Founding Member Guro Choy Flores

Kapisanang Mandirigma Member Guro Choy Flores

Guro Choy is currently teaching by invitation only.

 

lameco bakbakan ilustrisimo sagasa kafefil

 In the Original “Backyard” on Goodwin Ave. in Los Angeles, California. 1996.
L to R: Arnold Noche, Hans Tan, Bong Hebia, Choy Flores, Dino Flores
with Bud Balani in the back.
Photo property of Dino Flores.
 
kali arnis eskrima ilustrisimo lameco
Rear L to R: Master Doc Lengson, Master Christopher Ricketts, Steve Terani, Dino Flores,
Rem Cruz, Bong Hebia, Edgar Sulite Jr., Guro Lowell Pueblos, Master Rey Galang.
Front L to R: Choy Flores, Bud Balani, Roger Agbulos, Arnold Noche.
Ilustrisimo Seminar in San Fernando Valley, California. 1998.
Photo property of Dino Flores.
 
Punong Guro Edgar Sulite
L to R: Ariel Flores Mosses, Punong Guro Edgar Sulite,
Andrew Sulite, Choy Flores, Dino Flores.
Cousins Dino, Choy and Ariel  assisting Punong Guro with seminars in
Washington and Oregon States. 1995.
Photo property of Dino Flores.
 
 
Guro Choy and Guro Dino representing Lameco Eskrima
after fighting at “The Gathering” 1994.
Photo courtesy of DBMA.
 
 
kali arnis eskrima escrima kali arnis eskrima escrima
Rear L to R: Guro Arnold Noche, Guro Steve Terani, Guro Mar Elepano, Guro Bud Balani,
Master Christopher Ricketts, Guro Dino Flores
Front L to R: Guro Roger Agbulos, Guro Choy Flores, Guro Dave Gould
 
Group reunion. San Fernando Valley, California.
Photo courtesy of Victor Gendrano.

Kapisanang Mandirigma Founding Member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses

Guro Ariel Flores Mosses

ariel mosses kali arnis eskrima manaois lameco ilustrisimo mandirigma.org ariel mosses kali arnis eskrima manaois lameco ilustrisimo mandirigma.org Guro Ariel Flores Mosses:  About Guro Ariel:  Guro Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under Filipino Hall of Fame Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois, the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, and Grand Master Christopher Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo. Guro Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. He holds a 7th degree in Kali Jukune Do. He has experience as a professional bodyguard and is a former police officer.  To contact Guro Ariel go to: http://www.lvtacticaltraining.com/ lameco ariel mosses kali arnis eskrima manaois lameco ilustrisimo mandirigma.org lameco ariel mosses kali arnis eskrima manaois lameco ilustrisimo mandirigma.org ariel mosses kali arnis eskrima manaois lameco ilustrisimo mandirigma.org ariel mosses kali arnis eskrima manaois lameco ilustrisimo mandirigma.org Guro Ariel Flores Mosses:  About Guro Ariel:  Guro Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under Filipino Hall of Fame Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois, the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, and Grand Master Christopher Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo. Guro Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. He holds a 7th degree in Kali Jukune Do. He has experience as a professional bodyguard and is a former police officer.  To contact Guro Ariel go to: http://www.lvtacticaltraining.com/ lameco ariel mosses kali arnis eskrima manaois lameco ilustrisimo mandirigma.org lameco ariel mosses kali arnis eskrima manaois lameco ilustrisimo mandirigma.org

Guro Ariel with Grandmaster Manois in Washington State, 1998
 

Guro Ariel Flores Mosses:

About Guro Ariel:

Guro Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under Filipino Hall of Fame Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois, the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, and Grand Master Christopher Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo. Guro Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. He holds a 7th degree in Kali Jukune Do. Guro Ariel is a member of Kapisanang Mandirigma and cousin/training partner of Guro Dino Flores and Choy Flores of Lameco SOG. Guro Ariel is the head of Kapisanang Mandirigma Las Vegas. He has experience as a professional bodyguard and  is a former police officer. Guro Ariel is currently teaching at LV Tactical Training in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Guro Ariel will be one of the instructors at Jeff Speakman’s 5.0 Fighter Event Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. June 27, 28, 29 – 2012.

. http://mandirigma.org/?p=1537

To contact Guro Ariel go to:

 

 

kali arnis eskrima manaois lameco mandirigma.org kali arnis eskrima manaois lameco mandirigma.org
Grandmaster Manois Tournament and Official at FACLA Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles, 2000

 

 

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Guro Ariel with student at his school Washington State,
Guro Ariel mandirigma.org kali arnis eskrima manaois lameco Guro Ariel mandirigma.org kali arnis eskrima manaois lameco

Guro Ariel, Guro Dino, Grandmaster Conrad Manaois and daughter, Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles, 1998

 

 

lameco  ariel mosses kali arnis eskrima manaois lameco ilustrisimo mandirigma.org lameco  ariel mosses kali arnis eskrima manaois lameco ilustrisimo mandirigma.org
Guro Ariel Flores Mosses, Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Choy Flores, Guro Dino Flores in Washington State
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Guro Ariel Flores Mosses with Master Ricketts in Washington State
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Guro Ariel Flores Mosses with Master Ricketts, Maste Galang, Master Dodong in Washington State
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Guro Ariel and Guro Dino being filmed by student Ron Gabriel.
Location in the backyard of Guro Ariel’s Mothers house in Los Angeles, 2000

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Guro Ariels Lameco I.D. Number one for Washington State and Lameco Representative. 1995

Kapisanang Mandirigma Spain Representative

kapisanang mandirigma ESPANA kali arnis eskrima lameco ilustrisimo

Kapisanang Mandirigma Spain Representative

Tim B. Fredianelli is the Kapisanang Mandirigma Spain Representative.
He is in the process of obtaining his Level One Trainer Credentials.
He can be contacted at: tim.fredianelli@facebook.com
 
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About Tim B. Fredianelli:

Tim B. Fredianelli is Assistant Instructor iin Jeet Kune Do under Sifu Tim Tackett and Sifu Bob Bremmer, Certified Knife Expert under Hock Hocheim, 2ºdan Black Belt in Kick Boxing, was a senior member of the Instituto de Kali Jun Fan in Madrid for 11 years training in Inosanto Kali and Muay Thai, and Wing Chung, Jun Fan and Jeet Kune Do. Has more than 25 years of experience in martial arts. Was the first to train and promote Lameco and Kalis Ilustrisimo in Spain, and has been promoting and training Lameco and Kalis Ilustrisimo since 2003. He now trains a small group of dedicated students in all these arts.

http://www.kali-jeetkunedo.com/7instructor.html

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Kapisanang Mandirigma Germany Representative

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Kapisanang Mandirigma Germany Representative

Christof Froehlich is the Kapisanang Mandirigma Germany Representative.
He is in the process of obtaining his Level One Trainer Credentials.
He can be contacted at: http://facebook.com/lameco
 
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About Christof Froehlich:

Christof Froehlich is a longtime Practioner of Lameco Eskrima under Guro Antas Tatlo Wolfgang Mueller (Lameco Arnis Club Frankfurt/Main – Germany), training with him mostly on a private basis. He started at the age of 9 with Judo, but moved on to learn TKD/Kickboxing and later Muay Thai and Western Boxing. From 1988 to 1991 he studied Wing Tsun under Heiko Martin and had some privates with Emin Boztepe.

On the search for something different, Christof met Sifu Howard Williams and Bob Baker through Georg Tan in London, which was an Eyeopener for him. After that he became more interested in JKD, initially he learned through a pactitioner with Inosanto-Linage-Knowledge. He then learned JKD through Sifu Larry Hartsell himself, who was also the one to give him a lesson in Lameco Eskrima.

Seminars with Pendekar Paul de Thouras, Sifu Rick Faye, Sifu Rick Young, Sifu Jesse Glover, Sifu Richard Bustililo, Tom Sotis, Pat O’Malley, and many more followed.

In 2009 Sifu Tim Tackett presented him with his apprentice Instructor Certificate.

Not being able to find proper training in Lameco at that time, he trained with Ralf Tebel, a Muay Thai Practioner that taught Latosa Eskrima as well, but with a touch of Muay Thai. Very competive days, but always good.

A business opportunity in 2000 allowed Christof to move to the Rhein-Main-Area, where by luck and good fortune he found that Guro Wolfgang Mueller was teaching in Frankfurt. This turn of events also led Wolfgang to introduce him to Guro Dave Gould, who also instructed him privately in Lameco Eskrima.

An opportunity to meet W. Hock Hochheim lead to an invitation to do a seminar in Germany. Hock’s modern and tactical approch was well received and thus he returned to Germany several times, sometimes twice a year. Hock Hochheim awarded Christof with several certificates including the Master Instructor Certificates in Knife/CounterKnife Combatives, Filipino Knife, Pacific Archipelago Combatives, Filipino Combatives, Solo Dos Manos Combatives and some other Certificates like the Gun/CounterGun Combatives Basic Instructor and the Unarmed Combatives Basic Instructor Level 4.

Christof also holds an ASP Telescopic Baton Instructor Certificate.

In 2007 Christof travelled to Great Britian to meet Guro Jun Pueblos, a close friend of PG Guro Edgar Sulite and a high ranked Lameco Instructor.

In 2011 Guro Dave Gould returned to Germany for a long overdue seminar and visit. During a lengthly conversation, Guro Dave recommended Guro Dino Flores very highly. This led to Christof inviting Guro Dino to Germany for a seminar. Guro Dino accepted the invitation and after several seminars it was decided after to begin a chapter of Kapisanang Mandirigma in Germany.
Christof hopes that it will grow and prosper in an honorable manner, while always giving credit to its esteemed lineage which includes the teachings of Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite and Master Christopher N. Ricketts.
Email christof@backyardeskrima.de

www.backyardeskrima.de

 

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Kapisanang Mandirigma Savannah Representative

Kapisanang Mandirigma Savannah, Georgia and Arlington, Virginia Representative

Guro George Freeman is an Authorized Level 4 Trainer in the Lameco eskrima SOG method. He has almost 10 years experience under Guro Dino Flores and some training with other Senior Members of Lameco SOG and Kali Ilustrisimo. Guro George is also the founder and head of the Arlington, Virginia and Savannah, Georgia Chapters of Kapisanang Mandirigma.
He can be contacted at: gmfreemanjr@facebook.com.
 
Guro George is currently conducting classes in Arlington, Virginia. More information at:
http://www.meetup.com/DMV-Kali-and-Martial-Arts-Group/events/222093134/
 
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About: George Freeman, Jr.

G.M. Freeman, Jr. is a Bronx, NY native. He was introduced to martial arts as a child. His first formal training was in Okinawan Goju Rye Karate at age 10. Studying martial arts has been a way of life for George for over 25 yrs. He has studied different systems of martial arts over the years. Aikido, Brazilian Jiujitsu, Escrima, Gundo (Korean Kendo), Karate, KAPAP, Kendo, Kung-Fu, Judo, Tae Kwon Do. Much of his diverse training has been due to moving around the world with the US Army. His travel has lead to 2 tours of South Korea; 1 tour to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and he has been stationed at 7 different locations within the United States.

George is currently a Staff Sergeant in the US Army and lives in Savannah, GA. He started his military career in 1995 while attending Norwich University, Military College of Vermont. George, went active duty in 1997, leaving the Vermont National Guard to be stationed in the Republic of Korea.

During his second tour to Korea in 2002, George started to train in Tae Kwon Do. At the end of his two years in Korea, he obtained his 1st Dan Black belt degree. He would obtain his 2nd Dan black belt from Lima’s Martial Arts Academy in Culver City, CA in 2008. He studied under Master Andre and Christine Lima. From his Tae Kwon Do training at Lima’s George meet Prof. John Machado who formally indoctrinated him into Jiujutsu.

In 2005 while stationed as an Army recruiter in Inglewood, CA George meet Guro Dino Flores and started his journey in LAMECO Escrima. He spent 3 years training under Guro Dino Flores before being reassigned to the 3rd Infantry Division Ft Stewart. George continues to augment his LAMECO training with WTF Tae Kwon Do, as well as, Brazilian Jiujutsu, at Gracie Barra, Savannah.

 

Kapisanang Mandirigma Savannah Lameco Eskrima Kali Arnis

 

Kapisanang Mandirigma Savannah Lameco Eskrima Kali Arnis

 

Lameco Eskrima Kapisanang Mandirigma Savannah Lameco Eskrima Kali Arnis

 

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Eskrima George Freeman Kapisanang Mandirigma Savannah Lameco Eskrima Kali Arnis Eskrima George Freeman Kapisanang Mandirigma Savannah Lameco Eskrima Kali Arnis

 

Kampilan Eskrima George Freeman Kapisanang Mandirigma Savannah Lameco Eskrima Kali Arnis Kampilan Eskrima George Freeman Kapisanang Mandirigma Savannah Lameco Eskrima Kali Arnis

 

George Freeman Kapisanang Mandirigma Savannah Lameco Eskrima Kali Arnis George Freeman Kapisanang Mandirigma Savannah Lameco Eskrima Kali Arnis

Master Rey Galang By Jim Winterbottom

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Master Rey Galang By Jim Winterbottom

Born in the heart of Manila’s Chinatown, Master Rey Galang was exposed at an early age to the Chinese operas and legends of warriors and heroes that spawned and nurtured his love and interest in the martial arts. Having lost his father at an early age, Master Rey’s early pursuit of the martial arts was nurtured and encouraged by his uncles. Stemming from a family with a tradition and history of military and police career officers and Filipino-Chinese bloodlines, the discipline and demands of martial arts training became natural for him. Master Rey attributes his exposure to the martial arts, specifically Filipino and Chinese disciplines, to his family.

The general public has been unaware of Master Rey’s contribution to the organizations of Bakbakan, Lameco and Kali Ilustrisimo. He is the driving force and co-founder of the Bakbakan organization, the other being Master Christopher Ricketts. Master Rey officially named and registered the organization Bakbakan and also created its famous “double phoenix” or sabong (cockfight) symbol and “Matira Matibay” (Best of the Best) motto and logo. The first international exposure of Masters Antonio Diego, Christopher Ricketts and Edgar Sulite was with Master Rey’s 1986 groundbreaking project “Masters of Arnis” which featured these three as well as himself on a promotion and instructional tour in the cities of Sydney and Melbourne in Australia. From this early beginning, the public became aware of the arts of Kali Ilustrisimo and Lameco as well as of the Bakbakan organization.

It was also at this time that Master Rey focused on making Bakbakan the organization into which it has developed. He standardized its ranking, certification and the classification of its arts. From the skills and knowledge gleaned from Bakbakan’s collective strength, the separate arts of Tulisan, Hagibis and Sagasa were born. As part of his effort to continuously improve and enhance the training methods and regimen of Bakbakan, the desire to create a scientific and progressive training method for the art of Kali Ilustrisimo resulted in its spawning a separate and distinct art now known as Bakbakan Kali (Ilustrisimo).

Identical in principles to its parent art, the art of Bakbakan Kali is different in its methodology, progression and training. Master Rey developed a progressive and structured curriculum that has proven so effective that many of Bakbakan’s relatively new students can face-off and win in tournaments against opponents of many years experience. This has been consistently proven many times over through the years.

In a visit to the Philippines to train and compete with their counterparts, Bakbakan Kali disciples were surprised and pleased to find that they could keep up and hold their own against their more experienced Philippine brothers-in arms. This was a further proof of the value of the training methods developed for Bakbakan Kali. Always emphasizing the need for realism in training, Master Rey puts a high priority on training that develops reflex and realistic application of techniques. He shuns drill “patterns” judging them of little merit which only build false confidence. Never one to dismiss a good technique because of its origin, he will meticulously analyze it to discover or develop a method of training that will process the technique into a conditioned reflex.

As the official designated heir of the knife fighting aspect of Kali Ilustrisimo – Master Rey developed it into its present form – the art of Tulisan. Among the handful of senior students of the legendary Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo, Master Rey’s Tulisan reigns supreme in knife-fighting tournaments. His latest changes to tournament rules in knife fighting will further improve this aspect of the Filipino martial arts. Because of his disdain for the lack of reality in some of the practices in tournaments, he is constantly seeking for ways to put realism and practicality back on track. It is this unselfish passion for perfection that has endeared Master Rey not only to his students but even to his colleagues in the Filipino martial arts.

His research into the unarmed combat arts of Asia and the Philippines has resulted in the integrated throwing and grappling art known as Hagibis. Master Rey holds ranks in the arts of karate, jiu-jitsu, judo and aikido. Despite the fact that he holds a high respect for the popular Brazilian form of jiu-jitsu, Master Rey nevertheless warns students that street encounters are rarely unarmed and one-on-one. Although throwing and grappling are practiced and part of Hagibis, the intent is to eliminate each opponent as quickly as possible by injury or otherwise and be prepared to defend against other attackers in an ensuing melee. Notwithstanding this, Master Rey still enjoys getting on the mat with his students and partakes in the benefit of what he calls “proof and discovery” journeys. He explains this simply as showing proof that a technique is truly learned and the discovery of things to do and not to do.

His organizational and instructional skill has become so well known in the Filipino martial arts community that many have sought his assistance. Included among these is Lameco Eskrima’s late Punong-Guro Edgar Sulite who sought Master Rey’s support and advice in developing the final structure of the Lameco Eskrima organization. He assisted in designing and naming Lameco’s grade and rank levels as well as the requirements for each category. He also designed the Lameco training “passport” booklet intended to keep track of a student’s workshop and seminar attendance leading to certification credits. The Lameco instructor ring is also one of Master Rey’s designs and it was at PG Sulite’s request that permission was granted for Lameco to additionally use Bakbakan’s logo and “Matira Matibay” motto on its ring. Master Rey also designed and edited Lameco Eskrima’s newsletter “Vortex” of which he was one of its major contributors. He is also in the second highest ranked (5th Degree) group of Lameco Eskrima instructors certified by PG Edgar Sulite, the highest, outside of PG Sulite himself, being held by only one person, Master Christopher Ricketts of Bakbakan International (Philippines).

Ever proud of his warrior heritage, Master Rey’s research into his province’s (Pampanga) legacy of Sinawali – the art of the twin blade, led him to many discoveries that he has shared in his book “Complete Sinawali”. Recognized and named by his peers in the Philippines as the developer and founder of the present form of Sinawali, Master Rey is proud to have preserved and enhanced this long neglected and misunderstood art. Proof of his love for this art can be found and enjoyed in the many Sinawali forms he has developed to preserve the history, culture and techniques of this fascinating and powerful legacy. He never fails to point out that many of the Espada y Daga techniques are actually gleaned from and practiced in Sinawali. In addition, he states that the legendary Placido Yambao, whose superior sword and dagger techniques are documented in the rare book “Mga Karunungan sa Larong Arnis” (Classic Arnis), hails from the province of Pampanga, the birthplace of Sinawali. Another obscure fact is that Joaquin Galang of the Magtanggol Sporting Club, a family member, awarded Placido Yambao’s instructorship diploma.

Many students preparing for competition find it a rewarding experience to spar with Master Rey. He points out the weaknesses and strength of their strategy and repertoire and assists them in overcoming the flaws in their techniques or strategy. Whether it is weapons or unarmed sparring, Master Rey will make time to help a student “discover” his fighting ability. Sparring with students whose ages could be that of his own grown children, he gives his best to yield the best from his pupils.

Nonetheless, Master Rey is not always that liberal in sharing his wealth of information and knowledge. Occasionally he has been known to pretend lack of knowledge, skill and interest to avoid teaching an individual he feels does not deserve to share the legacy. An astute judge of character, he has been proven many times correct in judging the selfish motives of an overeager candidate. By the same token, once a student has won his trust and confidence, the wealth of knowledge shared is limited only by the student’s own capacity to learn. Always learning and studying, he claims that sparring with his students keeps him on his toes as well as enables him to harvest their individual discoveries.

Acceptance into the Bakbakan membership is intentionally spread over a period of time in such a way that the wannabes are weeded out without any restrictive requirements. The interval between apprenticeship into associate status and the final full-fledged membership is customized to automatically discard those that are looking for easy and fast recognition and to extract the committed and dedicated practitioner.

Recent years have seen Master Rey focusing on promoting and raising the standard of Filipino martial arts in general. His now celebrated annual tournaments have truly become “a Gathering of Warriors”. Held three times a year, the tournaments have appealing names such us “Masters of the Blade” – held in the first quarter of each year; “Guardians of the Legacy” – held around the middle of the year; and “A Gathering of Warriors” – held before the last quarter of the year. Master Rey personally runs these tournaments, keeping track of each match as well as keeping a record of each participant’s track record regardless of style or school. He also maintains the web site where tournament participants can view their records and are kept informed of forthcoming events.

Until the opening of the Lodi gym a few years ago, the Bakbakan group was a “closed door ” group to outsiders – you needed to know someone in Bakbakan, and only by personal introduction and a screening period were you admitted into the brotherhood. This is a little relaxed now; admission is open to the public. However, the beauty of belonging to this brotherhood is that the screening process still exists in order to ensure that students are pure in their intent and free from egos. I have never met a more dedicated group of martial artists whose sole goal is self-perfection and the propagation of their art using Master Rey as their guide.

Short Interview with Grandmaster “Yuli” Romo, Bahad Zubu, May 25th, 2008

Short Interview with Grandmaster “Yuli” Romo, Bahad Zubu

bahad zubu kali kalis arnis eskrima escrima fma, master yuli romo, ilustrisimo

 

INTERVIEW WITH GRANDMASTER “YULI” ROMO

Interview conducted at: DAHIKAN WHITE BEACH RESORT, PILAR, CAMOTES, CEBU, PHILIPPINE ARCHIPELAGO, MAY 25TH, 2008

Q:   How is Bahad Zubu different from other Martial Arts?

YR:

I have researched and restored the ancient Filipino Fighting arts of the Philippine Archipelago. “Fighting Arts” is different from “Martial Arts”. The Filipino warriors of ancient times didn’t know what was 1,2,3 or a,b,c but they knew how to fight like a cat knows how to be a cat.

“Martial” to me means something rigid and prescriptive. Bahad Zubu is intuitive and natural. It is not a “Mixed” martial art that employs different “techniques” at different ranges. Nor does it have any un-natural stances just “Situational Footwork”. Step in, Step Out. Kompass 1 (right foot), compass 2 (left foot). That’s it.

Q:    How is it possible to teach the art of Bahad Zubu in just 20 sessions?

YR:

Generic basics and proper learning and understanding.

All we need is forehand and backhand, Compass 1 and Compass 2, touch and un-touch. These simple basics. Of course, we need correct balance, posture and co-ordination. For example the 3 different levels upper (neck / chest), middle (hips) and bottom (legs, heels / toes) need to move as one.

Before there were no gyms, clubs or instructors. “Proper Learning” is done by observation. “Proper Understanding” is having a friend to check you and practice with. Without “Proper Learning” you can not have “Proper Understanding” and vice versa.

Bahad Zubu is a very natural fighting art. It is not taught like the common group era or by mass practice. It is taught 1 on 1 by intuitive interactive drills.

Q:   How can you learn to “Control the fight”?

YR:

With simple basics you can fight. Of course, you need tactics to be able to handle the fight. Bahad Zubu is a “Situational and multiple distractive tactics”. You must bait your opponent. Things like dis-arms are all just options. Everything that happens in the fight is unexpected and intuitive so you must practice the basics.

Simple basics – most advanced!

Q   Why do you think many people practice “Un-Natural” Martial Arts?

YR:
I hink their minds are poisoned like the serpent in the garden of Eden. We are not tigers, snakes, cranes, etc, etc. We are the top animal. The most evolved. So their mind is confused. For me these arts are good for entertainment but not for the challenge of combat. Unfortunately these “un-natural” arts are the most common.

Q   :     A student from another group invites one of your students to spar. How should  your student re-act?

YR:    That is the time to test our individual skill.

In Bahad Zubu we do not have padded sticks and helmets for sparring. We spar with live sticks. At the end of the 80’s and in the 90’s my Kali Parmatukan group competed in WEKAF tournaments and won a stack of medals. Now we just use padded sticks for practice. Obviously if we practice with live sticks we will not be able to train due to the injuries caused.

Once you have all that padding on it stops being a “Fighting Art” and becomes a sport. Also, there are certain strikes you can not perform with a padded stick due to it not being rigid. So, if anybody wants to spar with “live” stick that is good for our group.

From: www.bahadzubughq.com

GM YULI ROMO, GM YULI ROMO, GM YULI ROMO, www.mandirigma.org, www.backyardeskrima.com, GM YULI ROMO, GM YULI ROMO, GM YULI ROMO, www.mandirigma.org, www.backyardeskrima.com, GM YULI ROMO, GM YULI ROMO, GM YULI ROMO, www.mandirigma.org, www.backyardeskrima.com

FMA Informative Newspaper Issue Vol1 No.6 – 2012 Interview with Guro Dino Flores of Kapisanang Mandirigma

FMA Informative Newspaper Issue Vol1 No.6 – 2012
Interview with Guro Dino Flores of Kapisanang Mandirigma
Visit www.fmainformative.info and download a copy.

Aid for Grandmaster Tony Diego of Kalis Ilustrisimo.

Aid for Grandmaster Tony Diego

Greeting Fellow Eskrimadors,
Kapisanang Mandirigma is  gathering donations to assist Master Tony Diego with his house that burned down. Fortunately with great support much of the work has been done. However there are still things like the electrical system that needs installing. When we send the donations it will also include a list of who donated so he knows who it is from. Email this site if you are interested. Donations will be send 01/06/12. Maraming Salamat .

Guro Dino Flores
mandirigma.org@gmail.com

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On the morning of February 24, 2012 a fire raged through a small community in Manila. Many houses were razed to the ground leaving families homeless. We received sad news that the home of Master Tony Diego was among those houses that didn’t survive the fire. Absolutely none of their possessions were saved except the clothes on their backs. Master Tony and family are alive and safe but in dire need of assistance. Since the fire, they have been given temporary shelter at the local community center. We would like to solicit the immediate help of our brothers and sisters in Kalis Ilustrisimo and other kind souls to send aid for Master Tony and his family. Since Master Tony has no home at the moment, donations in kind may pose a problem. Instead, cash donations would be preferred and much appreciated.

 

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Thanks to the following for their kind donations to Master Tony Diego:

Joe Tan, Arnold Noche, Jamie Morris, Ronnie Buenafe, Christof Froelich (Germany)
Louis Eguaras, Michael Rayas, Flavio Ruiz Van Hoof (Belgium), Lester Salvador, Stephan F.J. (France),
Brett Granstaff and Michael Orland.

Thanks to Peachie Baron for  all her assistance in theprocess.
Mabuhay!

Gallery: Budo International 2nd Video Shoot, Madrid, Spain, 5.3.2012.

Gallery: Budo International 2nd Video Shoot, Madrid, Spain, 5.3.2012.

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Photo Gallery: Kali Ilustrisimo & Lameco Eskrima, Madrid, Spain – Seminar- Guro Dino Flores May 2, 2012 5 & 6, 2012

 

 

 

 

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kapisanang mandirigma espana spain

 

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Archives: Ilustrisimo Seminar Sunday, September 27, 1998

Sunday, September 27, 1998 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
In Association With Bakbakan International
AN EXTREMELY RARE OPPORTUNITY

Master Christopher Ricketts (Philippines)
Master Reynaldo Galang (New Jersey)
Master Eugene Pelegrin (Vancouver)
Sifu Alex Co (Philippines)

A special weekend seminar will be open to the general public and will be conducted by Sifu Alex Co on the arts of Ngo Cho Kun and Praying Mantis Ku and by Masters Christopher Ricketts, Rey Galang and Eugene Pelegrin on Bakbakan Kali Ilustrisimo and Sagasa Kickboxing.

The workshop fee is $25. Certificate of attendance will be given to each participant.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to train and learn from these world renowned instructors and close affiliates of Lameco Eskrima International – Sulite Orehenal Group.

Hilton Woodland Hills
6360 Canoga Avenue
Woodland Hills, California 91367
818.595.1000
Bring eskrima sticks, training swords and knives.

 

Archives: Kalis Ilustrisimo seminar conducted by Dr. Hans Tan in association with Lameco SOG and Kapisanang Mandirigma, December 10, 2000 and December 13, 1998

When it comes to a life or death situation, no other system is more combat proven than Kalis Ilustrisimo.

Kapasinang Mandarigma, and SOG proudly presents a Kalis Ilustrisimo seminar conducted by Dr. Hans Tan, one of the few ceritified instructors under Master Tony Diego, the man Tatang appointed as heir to the system.

I have posted the official flyer on the FMA discussion forum and all the details you need concerning the seminar are there.

But if you are too lazy to go check it out, here is the details.

WHEN: Sunday, December 10, 2000
TIME: 10 am – 3 pm
WHERE: SIPA, (Search to Involve Pilipino Americans)
3200 W. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90026
Cost: $40 prepaid, $50 at the door.

This is an extremely rare opportunity, so be sure you check it out!
Info: Hans Tan 626-441-7726
Dino Flores 323-258-4777

 

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Sunday, December 13, 1998 from 10:00am to 3:00pm

In Association With Kapisanang Mandirigma and LEI-SOG

KALI ILUSTRISIMO SEMINAR

Hans Anton Tan

When it comes to a life or death situation, no other system is more combat proven than Kali Ilustrisimo. The Ilustrisimo family name is dreaded and respected in the toughest barrios of the Philippines due to the legacy of masters such as the late Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo, his father Isidro Ilustrisimo and his uncle Melicio Ilustrisimo. This family is know for having successfully engaged in live blade confrontations and emerging victorious.

The current heir to the system is the humble, yet formidable, Master Antonio Diego who dedicated over 26 years of intensive training under “Tatang.” In the early days, in order to obtain advanced techniques, Master Diego had to get “Tatang” drunk, resulting in Master Diego being ordered to go to the kitchen to get a sharp knife and attack “Tatang” from various angles. No one other than Master Diego can justly represent Kali Ilustrisimo in its purest form.

Master Diego chooses only to have a handful of full time students and even fewer certified to represent him. Hans Anton Tan is one of those fortunate to be certified by Master Diego. Hans Anton Tan also trained under the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite in Lameco Eskrima from 1990 to 1997 after being referred by his teacher in the Philippines, one of Lameco Eskrima International’s first instructors, Honesto “Jun” Nunez. Hans Anton Tan was not only a private student of Punong Guro and a senior member of the Sulite Orehenal Group, he was also a close friend. It is the Kali Ilustrisimo system that has most influenced Lameco Eskrima’s advanced sword techniques. Punong Guro himself trained under “Tatang” for nine years prior to coming to the United States. This seminar is highly recommended for any martial arts practioner, especially if you have any kind of bladed weapons interest. This seminar will be an eye opener for all kali practioners, see for yourself why several established eskrima systems acknowledge lineage or influence from the Kali Ilustrisimo system. Experience first hand techniques such as Estrella, Media Fraile, Boca Y Lobo and Warwok. This IS no frills Combat Ilustrisimo – expand your arsenal and don’t miss this rare opportunity.

Bring eskrima sticks, training knives, workout clothes and an open mind. Sparring helmets and traditional Filipino blades will be available so don’t forget to bring extra cash. Hans Anton Tan is only in the United States once a year so don’t miss out.

Jim Gott’s “Gotta Play”
72 West Bellevue Drive
Pasadena, California 91105
626.793.1700
$40.00 prepaid / $50.00 door

Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo’s last interview conducted by Steven Drape, July 29, 1997

Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo’s last interview before his death.

Conducted by Steven Drape, a teacher of San Miguel Eskrima under Urbano “Banoy” Borja who was a student of Momoy Canette.

This interview was conducted with Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo, along with his senior students Antonio Diego and Christopher Ricketts, on 29 July1997 in Manila, Philippines. At the time of the interview, GM Ilustrisimo had been ill for several weeks, so he was weak and had some difficulty talking.   (As it turned out, his illness became worse and he eventually passed away in the fall of 1997.)  We were accompanied by a live-in companion, who helped serve as a translator for some of the Grandmaster’s answers.
GM Ilustrisimo lives in one of the toughest sections of Manila, near the docks. He was a merchant seaman for 35 years, and has spent most of his life in this same area. As an example of the respect people here give to this living legend, the story is told of a gang fight between a local Manila gang and a group of men who had come to Manila from the Visayan islands for work. At the height of the melee, with many men involved in the fight, “Tatang” walked right through the middle of the spot and everyone stopped fighting to let him pass. He is one of those rare men where legend may actually match reality.
This interview was conducted for Australasian Fighting Arts Magazine (AFAM).

AFAM: Erle Montaigue met you and wrote an article in AFAM in 1981. He told me that he was very impressed with you and your art. Have any of your training methods changed since 1981?
GM Ilustrisimo:  The principles of the art have not changed, so of course it is the same.
AFAM: When you began teaching your students, like Tony Diego, you had certain ideas as to what they would learn by now. Have they reached your expectations?
GM Ilustrisimo:   Yeah! Tony has been with me for a long time, since 1975. If you want to train with me, you must learn the old way. When we train, I will hit your hands, many times, so you learn. You must take the pain to learn.
AFAM:   Tony Diego, you’ve been with GM Ilustrisimo for more than 20 years. Have you been satisfied with your training in the Art, and with “Tatang”?

Tony Diego: At first, he wouldn’t teach me. He said that the Art was only for fighting. I kept asking and finally he accepted me. I’ve been very satisfied. I have never felt that I wanted to change, or stop training. At one time, I was a little frustrated, though, and I asked “Tatang” why I couldn’t be more like him (in his ability). He simply answered, “You are you, you are not me.” Everyone learns in a
different way, so you must be satisfied with the result that you get. You can never be exactly the same as your teacher.
AFAM: Do you feel like you have mastered everything the grandmaster has to teach? Tony Diego:  Once I asked “Tatang” if he had taught me everything, if I had the complete system. He replied, “When a guest comes to your house and you give him food, you always give him the rice from the top of the pan. It’s the best rice that everyone likes to eat, but you save for yourself the rice from the bottom of the pan. There it has become hard and crusty.” I think that means that he taught me everything he could teach, but that there are things that he still has that are not teachable. Things that come from a person’s experiences in life.
AFAM:   Tony, you will retire from your job in a few years. Do you think that you will take on more students, expand your teaching?
Tony Diego: No, I don’t think so. I have several students who have been with me for many years. Probably they will take over the job of carrying on, of passing on Kali Ilustrisimo.
AFAM: GM Ilustrisimo, your style of arnis impresses as one of the most natural for self-defense. Are your views still the same in that this Art should only be used for self-defense using straight-forward methods instead of more flowery techniques?

GM Ilustrisimo: The fancy stuff in arnis, all the flowery movements, is only for stage shows and demonstrations, not for real fighting.
AFAM: What is your advice to students who would wish to take up arnis nowadays in the Western world? It seems that today, the old ways of learning are fading, and more and more students want to learn tournament styles.
GM Ilustrisimo: Arnis is simple- 1-2-3 (demonstrating a 3-strike combination in the air). The tournament styles are different, not really arnis.
AFAM: How long do you feel a student needs to train to learn arnis, how many years?
GM Ilustrisimo: Only two weeks, you can master the techniques! Arnis is simple-   1-2-3 !
AFAM:   Two weeks!?
GM Ilustrisimo: Study with me one hour every day and you can learn how to fight for tournaments. My students usually win in the tournaments. Remember, though, that training for tournaments is not training for real fighting. Wearing armor is bad for the Art, students don’t learn well.
AFAM: Have your methods changed much as you have grown older?
GM Ilustrisimo: When fighting, you only adjust to your opponent, to what he does. As you get older, you must still adjust. Maybe you do something differently than when you were younger, but it is just an adjustment to the situation. Age is just one part of the situation.

AFAM:   Does that mean that the inevitable physical decline that comes with age can be compensated for? Does someone’s increasing skill and experience make up for declining physical ability?
GM Ilustrisimo: Yes!

(To illustrate this point, when Tony Diego first introduced me to “Tatang”, he
playfully attacked him. The grandmaster was holding two canes at the time, one to
help him walk and a shorter rattan. Even though he does not see well any more, and
he is 90 years of age, his reaction to even the playful attack was immediate, very
fast and obviously exactly right to defend himself if the attack had been real. A
very impressive introduction to the grandmaster!)

AFAM:   Let’s change directions now. In your lifetime, who were the best arnis players you can remember, the very best ones?

GM Ilustrisimo: Here in the Philippines, no one would fight me. I had fights in Singapore and in Jakarta with good players. The toughest one was in Singapore. I cut him across the right wrist and won the fight and $5000. I also fought in Calcutta and broke that man’s right arm.
AFAM: Besides yourself, then, who here in the Philippines were the best fighters?

GM Ilustrisimo: My father, my grandfather and the brother of my father were all great fighters.

AFAM: So you learned from your father and uncles?

GM Ilustrisimo:   Yes.
AFAM: Who was Pedro Cortes? Did you learn anything from him?
GM Ilustrisimo:   Yes, he was the sparring partner of my father, from Mindanao. His style was much like the Ilustrisimo style, same as my father’s.
AFAM: What about some of the famous names everyone has heard about? People like Dizon, Villabrille, Cabales? Did you know them when you were all younger?
GM Ilustrisimo: Yes, we were all here in Manila. Villabrille was my cousin.
AFAM: Did you ever teach Cabales anything?
GM Ilustrisimo: Yes, but I didn’t like his techniques.
AFAM:   Did you ever fight with Cabales or the others?
GM Ilustrisimo: Yes, we played often, but none of them would fight me for real.
AFAM:   So you had a reputation even then, when you were a young man. What other fights have you had?
GM Ilustrisimo:   Yes. No one wanted to fight me. In the early 50′s, I had a real fight, not an arranged match, with a man called “Doming” here on Dock 8. He had a knife and I picked up a short piece of pipe from the ground. He died from a blow to the head with that pipe.

AFAM: I’ve heard that you have another nickname. “Dagohoy”, is that correct?
GM Ilustrisimo: Yes, it is only a nickname.
Tony Diego: “Dagohoy” was a famous fighter from the island of Bohol who led the people in an uprising. He was a famous figure in our history, so people call “Tatang” this name as, well, a name of respect.
AFAM: Dan Inosanto is very well-known in martial arts circles. One of his teachers of arnis was John LaCoste. Did you know John LaCoste here before he went to the US?
GM Ilustrisimo: No, I didn’t know him.
AFAM:   What about the fighters from Cebu? The Canetes, the Saavedras, etc.? Did you know them, or ever fight anyone from Cebu?
GM Ilustrisimo: No, I never fought them, but I don’t like their techniques. The Cebu fighters like to use the abanico techniques to the head. No good!
AFAM:  In your style, you train to use a blade. Does that change how you use a
stick?
GM Ilustrisimo: It’s the same, no different.
AFAM: There was a famous match arranged once, between Joe Mena and “Cacoy” Canete. Can you tell me what happened?
GM Ilustrisimo:   They began to fight but someone interfered and the fight was not resolved, no winner.
AFAM: I’ve heard that you began training when you were 9 years old. That would have been in about 1916. How was training different then, from the way it has become today?
GM Ilustrisimo:   It was very different. It was only practical training then, learning how to survive.
AFAM:   During World War II, you were a resistance fighter. There are several stories about you from that time. Can you tell me about some of them?
GM Ilustrisimo: Yes, I was fighting the Japanese. I killed 7 Japanese with my blade.
Tony Diego: There is a good story about that time. One night, “Tatang” and a friend had been drinking and were walking home when they came upon a single Japanese sentry. “Tatang” walked right up to the man and pulled his samurai sword right out of the scabbard, looked at it and put it back. The Japanese soldier was so surprised that he just stood there and did nothing, even though he had a gun.

AFAM:   GM Ilustrisimo, you’ve had a long and eventful life. Is there anything you regret, or anything you would like to change?
GM Ilustrisimo: Nothing. I’ve been happy.
AFAM:   Thank you for this interview and for the knowledge that you have passed along.

 

Interview: Guro Dino Flores by Christof Froehlich, March 2012

Guro Dino, please introduce yourself.

Guro Dino:
I am Guro Dino Flores and I am a member of the organization Kapisanang Mandirigma. I was a member of the late Punong Guro Edgar Sulite’s Backyard Group, also known as the Lameco SOG (Sulite Orihinal Group). I am also a practitioner of Ilustrisimo taught primarily by the late Master Christopher Ricketts.

How did you first start in the Warrior Arts of the Philippines?

Guro Dino:
I was first introduced to the existence of the Philippine Warrior Art in 1975 by my father. As a child, my father would tell me stories about the battles against the Spanish and Americans during the struggle for Philippine independence. Some of the stories he told were of his grandfather, Segundo Morato Flores, who was a Katipunero in the Bicol Province during the Philippine Revolution. His grandfather would proudly celebrate Philippine independence day by putting on his Katipunero uniform. He would dress my father in a matching outfit and wooden sword. Then with great pride they would march to the town square and meet with other veterans. Other stories involved my paternal grandfather, as a decorated Captain in the USAFFE (United States Armed Forces in the Far East). He was also a guerilla fighter after the Americans surrendered with the fall of the Philippines to Japan.

On my mothers side, my grandfather fought on the Island Fortress of Corrigador as a staff sergeant in the USAFFE where he was in charge of a unit of 50 caliber water cooled machine guns. He survived the infamous Bataan “Death March” and numerous solo recon missions.

One day during story time, my father showed me the sword my paternal grandfather used in World War II. It was in a leather scabbard and had a water buffalo horn handle (Kalabaw). He held it proudly over his head pointing to the sky telling me these swords were used in “Filipino Arnis”! He did a few fighting stances, and that was how the seeds of the Philippine Warrior Arts were first planted in me.

My first instruction was in the early 80′s as a young teen in my mother’s province of Laguna, Philippines. I had bought my first Balisong knife and would practice with it constantly. The town of Balisong where the knife was invented was less than 30 miles away in my maternal grandmothers province of Batangas. Laguna was known for practitioners of the balisong knife and there was an abundance of these knives available at the traditioal outdoor market (Palenke). One day, I way fooling around with the knife in front of my uncles who were having a “Tagay” or loosely translated, a serious drinking session. They yelled at me that the balisong wasn’t a toy and that relatives have been seriously injured in knife encounters. One of their friends showed me his scar from a knife fight. This began my “informal lessons” in the knife arts. One of the first lessons was to “never brandish that thing unless you plan to use it”.

When I moved to Los Angeles in the late 80′s, my cousins, Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores and I would train with each other. Our first “formal studies” in Eskrima were with Grandmaster Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis and Grandmaster Conrad Manaois in his family system of Ninoy Cinco Teros.

Can you tell us some things about your training with Punong Guro Edgar Sulite & Master Christopher Ricketts.

Guro Dino:
They were both in love with the Philippine Warrior Arts. Both were very attentive and respectful of the proper form and function of the fundamental and original movements taught to them. From my first day to my last day of training with them, we always began with the basic foundations. They were both at the conclusion that real fighting must be kept simple.

One of the primary things Punong Guro focused on with the Backyard Group was sparring at various levels of intensity. Frequently with live stick with full punching, kicking, elbows, knees, takedowns and grappling permitted. Even though he acknowledged that the sword was the soul of the art, he found sword techniques did not always work with a stick in these conditions, especially with headgear. It was an amazing learning opportunity for me.

Master Ricketts’ primary focus became the perfection and preservation of the original ways Grandmaster Ilustrisimo actually moved with his sword. He constantly sought to master these techniques even further, and this is what he wanted me to perfect. When I first met Master Ricketts in the Philippines, within minutes I was sparring some of his senior students. He was a big believer in the importance of physical conditioning and sparring.

It was an honor and privilege to train with these Grandmasters and I miss my friends dearly. I miss being their student. I will always do my best to conduct myself in a way that they would make them proud and do my part to keep their legacy alive.

For the people that have not had an introduction to Kali Ilustrisimo: What is so unique about it?

Guro Dino:
Ilustrisimo is a sword fighting method of Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo. Its among the finest blade systems to come out of the Philippines. To illustrate the point, Master Ricketts told me of a NARAPHIL tournament held in Manila in 1979. The tournament had numerous well known Grandmasters in attendance. Grandmaster Ilustrisimo suggested that there should be a Grandmaster’s division using real blades. Grandmaster Ilustrisimo was the only one to enter the Division and won by default.

Punong Guro Sulite travelled throughout Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to research his beloved art. He interviewed and trained with many incredibly masters of Eskrima. He even went to Grandmaster Ilustrisimo’s home of Bantayan Island to seek the roots of that art. When Punong Guro got back to Manila, Master Ricketts asked him who the best was. Punong Guro responded that even the original Ilustrisimo family system on Bantayan Island “was not the same as Tatang’s”. He said that when it came to the blade, no one could compare to Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo.

The art of Ilustrisimo is a truly refined sword art system. This is where it’s true beauty and effectiveness dwells. It is efficient, direct and functional. It is full of subtle movements, strategic positioning and superior timing. It can appear simple, but when attempted, seems complex.

What is Kapisanang Mandirigma all about?

Guro Dino:
Kapisanang Mandirigma was founded by members of the Backyard Lameco Group who continued training together after the passing of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite. Kapisanang Mandirigma also recognized Master Ricketts as the heir of Lameco Eskrima after Punong Guro’s passing and began training under him in Ilustrisimo. At the same time, other Backyard members trained with the other “Five Pillars” of Ilustrisimo while continuing training with each other in the “Lameco Backyard Tradition”.

Why the seperation between Lameco SOG, Backyard Eskrima & Kali Ilustrisimo?

Guro Dino:
Both, Punong Guro Sulite and Master Ricketts, were firm believers in giving credit where credit was due. My interest is preserving and continually seeking deeper understanding of the original techniques.

Punong Guro Sulite had a method of training us in the Backyard. It was functional and practical and this method will be preserved. We will continue to do this, just as we have for the last 15 years, since Punong Guro’s passing.

Master Ricketts’ objective was to preserve the “pure” Ilustrisimo sword movements. We will do our part to help continue his wishes. Before Master Ricketts passed away, he put together a strict curriculum with the objective of preserving his beloved teachers art. We are assisting the Ricketts family who are in the process of implementing Master Ricketts Ilustrisimo Legacy so it will continue to be preserved and continued in an honorable manner.

Backyard Eskrima is how Kapisanang Mandirigma continues the backyard tradition. At our teachers request, we were instructed not to teach certain techniques and concepts to the “general public”. Backyard Eskrima allows us to honor this request and continue training with carefully selected members.

What are your plans for the future?

Guro Dino:
I will continue to honor my teachers and the lineage.

Kapisanang Mandirigma in Australia May, 2010 hosted by the Southside Arnis Escrima Club

Guro Dino Flores Ilustrisimo, Lameco Seminars May 14th and 15th, 2010 Brisbane Australia

Southside Arnis Escrima Club is honored to be hosting Guro Dino Flores Seminars in Brisbane, Australia.

The seminar will be on the highly respected Filipino Martial Systems of Kalis Ilustrisimo and Lameco.

Details as follows:

1st available session Friday the 14th of May at 6pm in the Martial Arts Hall of the Sports Centre at University of Queensland St.Lucia Brisbane.

The building closes up at 9pm so plan to arrive at around 5:30pm so we get a full 3 hour session in.

Saturday 15th May in the same building but a different room (Multi Purpose Room) starting at 10:30am going for 3 hours.

The prebooked price will be $65 per person per day.
At the door price it will be $70 per person per day.

Please contact me via email on alan.mcfarlane.beae@hotmail.com or Mobile (In Australia) 0466 442 913 if you wish to attend or if you have any enquiries.

Some information about Guro Flores:
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii. He has lived in various places including Suva – Fiji, Port Moresby – Papua New Guinea, Manila and Laguna – Philippines and Los Angeles – California.

Guro Dino is a Senior Member of Lameco SOG (Sulite Orihinal Group) also known as the “Backyard Group” under
the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite of Lameco Eskrima International. He was first introduced
to the concept of “Arnis” and Philippine history by his father Dr. A.S. Flores in the mid Nineteen Seventies. His
first exposure to training was in the early Nineteen Eighties in Laguna Province, Philippines. Older relatives and
family friends introduced him to basic street applications and strategy of the balisong blade during stays in the Philippines. He is a long-time student of Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois (Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis) and also trained for several years under Master Henry Bio (Sikaran Arnis) in the Nineteen Eighties. Since the passing of Punong Guro he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts. He also had the opportunity to train in Kali Ilustrisimo with Master Rey Galang, Master Yuli Romo and Master Tony Diego. Guro Dino also trained privately for several years under Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO.

Guro Dino had taught numerous seminars and classes over the years. He has appeared on Television, Instructional Videos and Radio Shows promoting the arts. He has contributed to magazine article for publications such as “Masters”, “Blitz” and “FMA Digest. Guro Dino has also contributed to book publications including “Masters of the Blade” and “Warrior Arts of the Philippines”. He is currently working on several book and video projects for various masters.

Guro Dino has conducted numerous seminars, lectures and demonstrations. Including conferences at UCLA, Cal State Fullerton, University of California Irvine, Loyola Marymount University, Glendale College, Cherry Blossom Festival, Lotus Festival, Philippie Tourism Expo, Manila Sports Expo, Balintawak Cuentada Gathering Las Vegas and The Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture to name a few. Guro Dino was one of the first instructors invited to the World Filipino Martial Arts Association EXPO in Seattle, Washinton in 1993. One of his proudest moments was to be one of two cultural groups (the othe one being traditional dance) to perform in the world famous Los Angeles City Hall during the televised dedication of the the very first official “Filipinotown” in the USA. Other activities include Guro Dino being fight coordinator for the original performance of the first Filipino Opera “Karim at Jasmin” and the Filipino stage Musical “Abadeha”.

Guro Dino is a founding member of Kapisanang Mandirigma, Mandirigma.org and Kali Klub sa Historic Filipinotown Los Angeles. The Kali Klub is a volunteer collaboration with various non-profit agencies in Los Angeles. The project included setting up an award-winning program to positively divert at-risk youth from drugs and gangs using the Filipino Warrior Arts as a metaphor for adaptation and learning. The success of this program over ten years led to awards and recognition by organizations such as S.I.P.A Youth Services, Filam Arts, Pilipino Workers Center, California State Assembly, California State Board of Equalization and The Los Angeles Mayors Office. The Kali Klub has also arranged fundraisers in order to assist causes such as indigenous tribal groups and organizations dedicated to cultural preservation in the Philippines.

After taking some years off to focus on being a pure “student”, Guro Dino has recently started teaching again in late 2009 with renewed passion and vigor. One of his objectives is to honorably pass on Punong Guro Guro Edgar Sulites backyard sparring training method to those who would appreciate and respect it.

Again please contact me via email on alan.mcfarlane.beae@hotmail.com or Mobile (In Australia) 0466 442 913 if you wish to attend or if you have any enquiries.

Last edited by Alan McFarlane; 04-22-2010 at 12:07 AM.

http://southside-arnis-eskrima.webs.com/
www.black-eagle.org

http://www.fmatalk.com/showthread.php?7752-Guro-Dino-Flores-Ilustrisimo-Lameco-Seminars-May-14th-and-15th-Brisbane-Australia

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I am excited to hear that my peer and friend Dino will have this opportunity to share his passion for the FMA on a global level. Those of you fortunate to attend will surely be impressed with Dino’s ability to capture the audience with both confidence and a no-nonsense approach to the fighting arts. Fortunate to have trained with so many esteemed instructors, he too is among a smaller contingent of eskrimadors determined to set a higher bar of standards for the preservation and promotion of the indigenous fighting arts from the Philippines.

I wish him great success!

John G. Jacobo
www.swacom.com

The quote above sums it up well. For those that attended it was really an excellent experience that we hope to repeat soon. A real eye opener into highly respected arts of Lameco and Kalis Ilustrisimo. Guro Flores obviously has a passion for the arts and a deep respect for each of the Five Pillars of Kalis Ilustrisimo.

We thank him for the opportunity and look forward to future events.

Some photos from the day can be seen here. Unfortunately not all who participated were able stay for the photos.

Guro Dino Flores Seminar Mexico, October 20th & 21th, 2012.

10.20.2012/10.21.2012 -  Guro Dino Flores Seminar: Mexico. Workshop con armas blancas con Guro Dino Flores – conocido como uno de los peleadores más técnicos y avanzados del grupo SOG de LAMECO y ILUSTRISIMO. October 20th & 21th, 2012.

Contact: Alex Garduño

Giving the Right Credits 
By Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite

This article was first published in VORTEX (Volume 4, Number 1) in 1995. A quarterly 
newsletter of Lameco Eskrima International, the publisher was the late Punong Guro 
Edgar G. Sulite who passed away on April 10, 1997. The editor was Arnold A. Noche.


 

Giving the Right Credits

By Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite

 

In today’s society, martial arts practitioners are constantly bombarded by the 
knowledge and techniques of various martial arts arriving from all four corners of the 
world. These are the same exact techniques that were once forbidden to be taught outside 
the family circle by the very same people who created it and used it. Those people 
dedicated their lives in the laboratory of the battlefield just to experiment whether their 
techniques would work or not. Many lives had been wasted before the techniques were 
ever refined. The masters from the different martial arts devoted their time, energy and, 
above all, their life in the development of their fierce combat techniques. 
The Filipino martial arts (Eskrima, Kali, Arnis), Kung-Fu, Thai Boxing, Karate, 
Indonesian Silat, Jiu-Jitsu, Western Boxing, Tai-Chi, Judo, Savate and other martial arts 
are just a mere phone call away. In our generation today, we are extremely fortunate to 
have these different types of martial arts available within our grasp.
I remember Grandmaster Jose D. Caballero who was my teacher in the De Campo 
Uno-Dos-Tres Orihinal System. It took me more than one year to court him, bringing him 
food each day on every visit as a means of a gift, just for him to accept me as a student. It 
was primarily because I was an outsider, one who didn’t belong to their family, that I was 
not accepted right away. It was also because of my perseverance, that I never stopped 
coming to his house to ask him to teach me, that I was finally accepted to become one of 
his disciples.
Nowadays, you can study any and all kinds of martial arts as you wish, because 
they are available within your reach, for as long as you have the determination to learn. 
Due to the abundance of these martial arts that we study, we somehow consciously or 
subconsciously mix it together as one. This bring us now to the big problem that evolves 
due to the fact that some martial arts teachers, as well as some students, are not honest 
enough in giving the right credits to where they have gotten the knowledge from or where 
they have attained the techniques from.
One afternoon in Manila, Philippines, during our Sunday sessions with 
Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo in Luneta Park, we noticed two bystanders carefully 
observing our training with extremely watchful eyes. I, being one of the spokesmen of the 
Kali Ilustrisimo System, approached the two men and asked them if they knew Eskrima, 
Kali or Arnis. I also asked them if they would show us some of their moves. The 
demonstration that they performed for us was quite impressive. Grandmaster Ilustrisimo, 
who does not impress easily at all especially if you are from another style of Kali, was 
astounded. After their demonstration we asked immediately who their teacher was. One 
of the young men replied that they did not have a teacher that they just went to the 
mountains and meditated to formulate the techniques, which they had just performed. We
did not believe him nor them. Master Tony Diego said to me that it was such a pity to 
their teacher, whoever it was, that these two men would turn out to be so disrespectful. 
Less than a year later, during our meeting with the different grandmasters of Arnis 
Philippines, I met an old master that demonstrated the same techniques that I saw earlier 
from the two men. When I asked the master if he knew of the two, he replied that they 
were his students.
The truth will always come out. Giving the right credits to where we have learned 
the techniques from pays a lot of respect to the people who invented it and devoted their 
life in battle just to prove that it works. It is their pride that their names are being 
remembered and honored by us who are now practicing or who have practiced their once 
called forbidden art.

Master Christopher Ricketts Videos

Master Christopher Ricketts Videos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kapisanang Mandirigma Videos

Kapisanang Mandirigma Videos

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lameco Videos

Lameco Videos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eskrima Drills

 

1. Eskrima Uno

 

2. Eskrima Dos

 

3. Eskrima Tres

 

4. Eskrima Cuatro

 

 

5. Eskrima Cinco

 

 

6. Eskrima Saez

 

 

 

7. Eskrima Siete

 

 

8. Eskrima Otso

 

 

9. Eskrima Nueve

 

 

10. Eskrima Diez

 

 

11. Eskrima Unce

 

 

12. Eskrima Doce

 

 

 

Hakbang Paiwas

 

 

Tatsulok

 

 

Retirada Ilustrisimo

 

 

Retirada Caballero

 

Ilag Liyad (bob and weave)

 

 

Double Stick

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

 

 

 

 

Master Ricketts and Punong Guro Sulite Videos

Master Ricketts and Punong Guro Sulite Videos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ilustrisimo Videos

Ilustrisimo Videos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kapisanang Mandirigma Member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses to teach at Jeff Speakman’s 5.0 Fighter Event, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. June 27, 28, 29 – 2012

Kapisanang Mandirigma Member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses

to teach at Jeff Speakman’s 5.0 Fighter Event,

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. June 27, 28, 29 – 2012

 

http://mandirigma.org/?p=1537

 

kali arnis eskrima

Kalis Ilustrisimo Headquarters aid for Grandmaster Tony Diego

Kalis Ilustrisimo Headquarters aid for Grandmaster Tony Diego

To all our Kalis Ilustrisimo brothers and sisters, On the morning of February 24, 2012 a fire raged through a small community in Manila. Many houses were razed to the ground leaving families homeless. We received sad news that the home of Master Tony Diego was among those houses that didn’t survive the fire. Absolutely none of their possessions were saved except the clothes on their backs. Master Tony and family are alive and safe but in dire need of assistance. Since the fire, they have been given temporary shelter at the local community center. We would like to solicit the immediate help of our brothers and sisters in Kalis Ilustrisimo and other kind souls to send aid for Master Tony and his family. Since Master Tony has no home at the moment, donations in kind may pose a problem. Instead, cash donations would be preferred and much appreciated. All parties who would like to make a donation are requested to send us a private message on our facebook page or email us at kalis.ilustrisimo.hq@gmail.com so that we can make arrangements to receive your donation. Thank you! Kalis Ilustrisimo Headquarters

El día 2 de July 2011 se celebrará un curso con Guro Dino Flores, uno de los Instructores más avanzados en Lameco Eskrima bajo Punong Guro Edgar Sulite y uno de los pocos Instructores avanzados en Kalis Ilustrisimo bajo Punong Guro Christopher Ricketts.

El día 2 de July 2011 se celebrará un curso con Guro Dino Flores, uno de los Instructores más avanzados en Lameco Eskrima bajo Punong Guro Edgar Sulite y uno de los pocos Instructores avanzados en Kalis Ilustrisimo bajo Punong Guro Christopher Ricketts. Ambos, dos de los cinco grandes pilares del Kalis Ilustrisimo del Gran Maestro Ilustrisimo. El curso durará 5 horas y se centrará en el uso de armas blancas, espada y daga y combate con palo. Solo hay 15 plazas para mantener kalidad. El precio son 70 euros si se paga antes del curso por transferencia bancaria y 80 el día del curso. Se celebrará en Villaviciosa de Odon. Más información en http://www.kali-jeetkunedo.com/

Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo (1904 – 1997)

Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo (1904 – 1997)

Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo, Courtesy of Bakbakan International  and  Grandmaster Tony Diego

Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo (1902 – 1997) originally came from Santa Fe in Bantayan Island.   He came from a family that has a very long history of martials and mystical tradition.   His cousin, Floro Villabrialle, was the most famous Arnis master of Hawaii.  His youngest uncle, Regino Ellustrisimo, was an Arnis master in Stockton, USA.  Both men were mentioned in Dan Inosanto’s book on Filipino martial arts.  However, the most famous of his 4 direct paternal uncles, and the most powerful fighter of the 5 brothers (some say he has more than 7 uncles) was Melecio Ilustrisimo, one of the most famous Kali masters of the Philippines of the early 20th Century, being influential in northern Cebu – Bantayan and Bohol islands.  All his forbears were expert warriors and were known to posses strange mystical powers.

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo’s students, fondly call him “Tatang” which  means “grandfather”.  Tatang learnt Arnis under the tutelage of his father (Isidro Illustrisimo) and uncles (especially the famous Melecio Ilustrisimo) in the old way.  There were 3 famous Eskrima families in Cebu at that time:-  the Ilustrisimos,  the Saavedras,  and the Romos.

Footwork was one of the first things he had to master.  As a tiny boy, he was put on a small table and his teachers would use sticks to beat his legs.  He had to learn how to avoid the blows.  He was also put on 3 half coconut shells in a triangular pattern and given the same harsh treatment.  This footwork is known as Tatlong Bao in the Ilustrisimo family.

As a result he has mastered evasion and dodging at an early age.  This is a training that Melecio Ilustrisimo himself thoroughly mastered as he was said to have nailed one foot to the ground and challenge all and sundry to defeat him.  No one could,  and that footwork is called “Walong Apak” (Nail Footwork) in Kalis Ilustrisimo.  These skills of evasive footwork have all been mastered by Grandmaster Antonio Illustrisimo.

He learnt the solo and double baston, espada daga, daga, bolo (sword), dos manos (a long stick/sword – roughly equivalent to the Samurai’s sword) and various “weapons of convenience”.   In particular, as a speciality, Grandmaster Ilustrisimo is noted for is his expertise in bladed weapons – something which many modern Grandmasters of Arnis can not lay proper claim to since their real practical experience concentrated on the rattan sticks. (Claims by most systems that they can use swords are disputable and only partially true).  This expertise as a swordman is not merely from personal experience and practice, but is the legacy of his family art of Ilustrisimo Kali which is a bladed art that stretches so far back in the family line that nobody could remember when it started.

As a boy, the young Ilustrisimo had a very tough, stubborn, determined and indominatable spirit. When he heard of a far country called ‘America’, he decided to go there – at the age of 9 years old!   When his parents would not  listen to his panderings, he ‘took’ some family money and a machete, and again, ‘took’ a small rowing boat and paddled out to the sea to what he thought would be America, not realising how far America really is.  He fortunately chance across a ship.  The sailors aboard were  surprised to see a young boy rowing out in the sea.  Out of curiousity, perhaps concern as well, there approached him and asked him where he was going.  “I am going to America in this boat!” was the confident answer.  The sailors rocked in laughter.  They somehow persuaded him to come with them.   Of course, he did not get to America.  But he did sail to a few ports, still not quite realising that America is still very, very far away……….

At a port, he chance on a family friend who recognised him, but not wishing to betray the high ideals of this young boy, he took him to the south as that friend was a Muslim.  There the young boy grew up – strong, determined, proud and skillful in combat as ever.  He was adopted into a the royal court as an adopted son of the Sultan of Sulu.  (This was Hadji Butu who ascended to become HH Hadji Mohammad Jamalul Kiram II, the Sultan of Sulu)

While in the South, he was priviledged to train in the the best of teachers that the royal court could have.  He also trained with Pedro Cortes, another very famous master in the Mindanao region, who was used by the government to control the ‘Rebelious South’.   Pedro Cortes was a close friend a sparring partner of his father Isidro Ilustrisimo.

Then one day, he was drinking at a beer house, he got into dispute with another man.  The man drew his sword to kill Tatang, but the defty young boy beat him to the draw and, with one stroke of his own barong (Tatang’s favourite type of sword), he cut  off the enemy’s head.  The victim was left a headless man running wildly before collapsing.  Since this was in self defence, this would have normally been ‘okay’ under the rules of that Islamic society, but the matter was complicated by his being under the influence of the drink (much frown upon), and plus the fact that the victim was from another royal clan that was a rival to the Sultan’s clan.   To avoid inter clan warfare,  the Sultan was forced to ‘exiled’ the young offender.   The Sultan gave him a gift of money and sent under escort to a British ship to head home.   He was only 17 years old then.

He returned to his parent’s place.  They had not seen him since he left as a young boy (this indicates his spirit of determination and independence – and his courage to live away from home without his parent’s guidance) and thought he was dead.  They were over-joyed to receive a telegram saying he was returning.   But they couldn’t recognise him.  A proud young man in Muslim dress walked towards them from the ship and it was only when he greeted them that they realised it was him.

He soon left to become a sailor, but when he had the oppotunity, he would continue to train in the fighting tradition of his family line.

Tatang used to hang around “rough places”.  He is well known amongst the wharfies and bars.  That was where he fought many times and honed his fighting skills.  I have met many Arnis masters who are very good in what  they do, but some of them privately admitted to me that even they are extremely careful when going to such areas that Tatang frequents because fighting and killing in bar/street fights is very different, and much more dangerous, than fighting an Arnis dual.

His life as a sailor gave him the oppotunity to travel from place to place.  This provided oppotunities to contest fighters from other far-off regions – America, India,  Europe, Australia……………..  He fought on many occassions, and was never defeated.

For example, he responded to a grandmaster match in Singapore to compete against a great Indonesian Penchak Silat grandmaster.  The Indonesian climbed into the ring, warmed up, all ready to fight, but when he faced Tatang, he simply refused to fight and surrendered.   Grandmaster Ilustrisimo said that is the highest art – to defeat an opponent without fighting him.  Tatang was said to have used his ‘orascion’ or spiritual power to overcome the opponent.  Grandmaster Illustrisimo thus won the prize money of $5,000. (Note:- Indonesian masters are experts in the use of spiritual power to overpower their opponents, but in this instance, Tatang’s power must have overwhelmed his expert opponent).

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo used to participate in Arnis matches in the fiestas in the local barrios occasionally when not at sea.  However, due to his fondness for the blade, and his reputation as a fighter-killer, not many masters would dare to fight him.  He only knows how to fight naturally – without restrictions – something that is not very comfortable for other masters.  The only rule is the terms of defeat – when to stop the fight.  He laments that he had to accept fights during his travels to practise a little of his art.  eg.  He fought a master in Calcutta.  He also had some fights in the Middle East.

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo, however, had lots of practice during World War II where, as a guerilla, his boss often sent him on missions to kill both Japanese soldiers and local conspirators.  He is said to have killed groups of people at a time.  So reliable were his services that his code name in the guerilla movement was ‘The Executioner’.

In Manila, Grandmaster Ilustrisimo lived in Tondo, near the wharf area which was a very rough neighbourhood.  Intimidation, robberies, muggings, fights and killings were common.  Together with his friends (some of whom are well known to Western students of Arnis – Floro Villabraille, Jose Mena and Felicissimo Dizon), he fought these muggers, bullies and intimidators whenever they caused trouble.  This ‘Gang of Four’ joked that since they were cleaning the docks of these troublemakers for the Police, they are in fact the ‘De Facto Dock Police’.  (Note:- None of them, or their students, were actually employed as Police or security guards there, as some Westerners were lead to believe).

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo hung around his friends whenever he was not at sea.   Occassionally, he would spar with them.  Accounts independently related by various old sources who hung around them confirmed that Grandmaster Illustrisimo had sparred with Felicissimo Dizon quite a few times and was more than a match for him.  It is also said that mutual Arnis friends wanted to arrange a formal match (ie. prize fighting) between Grandmaster Ilustrisimo and Felicissimo Dizon.  Grandmaster Ilustrisimo, being a seasoned prize fighter, readily accepted.  But the great Dizon turned down the offer citing that Grandmaster Illustrisimo is a larger man, a taller man with a longer reach, and thus they are in different categories and should not be matched.  (Dizon was a formidable fighter with few defeats, most notably of which was from the great Illaus Romo.  Also, a scheduled match between Dizon, Delphin Lopez and Cacoy Canette did not eventuate also because Dizon failed to turn up – according to Cacoy Canette).

While sojorned in Manila in the late 1930s, a young lad around 15 or 16 years old called Angel Cabales, became a staunch student of Felicissimo Dizon.   A few years later, he left for USA (1939) and became internationally famous as the founder of Cabales Serada Eskrima which is very widespread in USA.  (Angel was said to have learnt from Tatang too, but both Tatang and his students told me he is not Tatang’s student.  He only learnt from Tatang because he knew how good Tatang was.  He was regarded as Dizon’s student – Tatang does not pinch the students of his friends.  In fact, Tatang only accepted students from the public in the mid 1970s when he was already in his mid seventies.  It is admitted that Tatang did show and teach his personal friends,  but they were never regarded as ‘students’.   They were his friends.   Such close friends included Felicissimo Dizon and the famous Floro Villabrialle,  who was his cousin.  I believe Timoteo Maranga was one such friend during the war time.  Besides that,  Tatang did not teach anybody who came to enquire)

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo used to frequent bars in the rough areas of Manila.  He often got into fights in such hotspots.  He had been arrested at least 17 times for killing, but he was always lucky to prove his innocence as self defence and was released every time.  The last time he killed was when he was over 90 years old.  He nearly went to jail for that.

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo retired from sea-faring in his advanced years, but not from active practice.  Even in his old age, he  received challenges from young fighters eager to build a name for themselves by unfairly bumping off an old man, but  he survived and gave them a hiding instead.

In his advanced years, Grandmaster Ilustrisimo was partially blind, but he can still spar with his students using real bolos (swords) and exert control not to harm them.  How does he “see” the student’s incoming bolos when he cannot properly see ordinary objects is still a mystery to most, but Dan Inosanto mentioned in his book that (Ilustrisimo’s cousin) Floro Villabrille’s favourite master was a blind princess.  (Some sources indicate that this ‘princess’ was actually not blind, but partially blind, just like Tatang.  And not a princess of Samar, nor Princess Josephina, but daughter of a chief.  She was known to possess some mystical powers.  Also, this story later as changed by later generations to ‘main’ or ‘best’ teacher -  instead of ‘favourite’ teacher – in the sentimental sense, not favourite as ‘best’ teacher).   Tatang insisted that while in Manila,  he actually tutored Floro Villabrialle, who, earlier, was a student of his uncle Melecio Ilustrisimo.  Tatang and was ‘unimpressed’  that the Americans were given the impression that Villabrialle’s main or best teacher was Princess Josephina.

——————————————————————————————

Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo (1904 – 1997) was the Grand Master of Kali Ilustrisimo, a Filipino martial art bearing his family name.

Early life
Born in Bagong, Bantayan, Cebu in 1904. As a boy he studied eskrima from his father. At the age of nine he decided to travel to the United States, and stowed away on a boat he thought was headed for America. In actuality, he arrived in Mindanao, in the southern Philippine islands.

The Martial Arts
Antonio Alulud Ilustrisimo was one of the most well respected eskrimadors of the Philippines; He is famed for winning countless duels and street encounters, as well as serving as a guerrilla against the invading Japanese forces during World War II. GM Ilustrisimo was never defeated in combat, and earnt great respect as a result of his brave exploits against the Japanese.

In 1976 Antonio ‘Tatang’ Ilustrisimo accepted his first students Antonio Diego and Epifanio ‘Yuli’ Romo. After Tatang’s passing in 1997, Tony Diego was elected head of Kali Ilustrisimo. Other notable students include – Rey Galang, Christopher Ricketts and Edgar Sulite.

Publications
Antonio Ilustrisimo has been featured in many periodicals and Martial Arts publications. His First apperance was in The book titled  Masters of Arnis, Kali, and Eskrima by Edgar Sulite. His life and art were also featured in the book titled Filipino Martial Culture by Mark Wiley. The art of Kalis Ilustrisimo had a section in the book Filipino Fighting Arts: Theory and Practice by Mark Wiley. The book titled The Secrets of Kalis Ilustrisimo was released in the United States. It was authored by two of his most prominent students, Antonio Diego and Christopher Ricketts.

Kapisanang Mandirigma Founding Member Hospecio Balbuena Balani, Jr. segment from the book “Masters of the Blade” by Master Rey Galang, 2006

Hospecio Balbuena Balani, Jr. segment from the book “Masters of the Blade”

by Master Rey Galang, 2006

guro bud balani 1 lameco ilustrisimo mandirigma.org guro bud balani 1 lameco ilustrisimo mandirigma.org

 

guro bud balani 2

 

guro bud balani 3

 

guro bud balani 4

 

guro bud balani 5

 

guro bud balani 6

 

guro bud balani 13

 

guro bud balani 18

 

guro bud balani 28 master rey galang

Arnis Boosts Fil-Am’s Sense of Pride – by Volt Contreras for The Philippine Daily Inquirer Newspaper Interviews Kapisanang Mandirigma Founding Member Guro Arnold Noche, October 4, 2006

Arnis Boosts Fil-Am’s Sense of Pride – by Volt Contreras for The Philippine Daily Inquirer Newspaper Interviews Guro Arnold Noche, October 4, 2006

 

Arnold A. Noche is one of the remaining
survivors of Lameco SOG under the late Punong Guro
Edgar G. Sulite of Lameco Eskrima International and is
also a co-founder and instructor of Kapisanang
Mandirigma. He made a recent visit to the Philippines
to attend the 3rd World FMA Festival and Bakbakan
International Invitational Tournament.
Kali Klub, a project of Kapisanang Mandirigma,
has received numerous awards and commendations
from the City of Los Angeles, City of Walnut and State
of California since the inception of the program in
1999.
 
The Philippine Daily Inquirer is undeniably the
country’s most widely read and circulated newspaper.
With over 2.7 million nationwide readers daily, it enjoys a market share of over 50% and
tops the readership surveys. Not only is it the most read among  all sectors and ages, it is
also the country’s most trusted source of hard-hitting news and countless expos’s.
Distinguished by award-giving bodies like the Catholic Mass Media Awards, Jaime
Ongpin Awards for Investigative Journalism and Anvil Awards, it is the Philippines’ most
awarded broadsheet with over 200 awards and citations.

 

Arnis Boosts Fil-Am’s Sense of Pride
By Volt Contreras

Philippine Daily Inquirer
Published on Page A1 of the October 4, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

CROSSING land bridges that once linked the Philippine archipelago to the Asian
mainland, ancient fighters introduced to Filipinos a form of martial arts believed to have
come from India and now called kali, eskrima and arnis de mano.
Yes, those rattan canes – and the graceful moves that make them lethal – are that
old, according to generally held notions as to the origins of the Pinoy warrior art.
With a deep sense of history, a Filipino-American based in California since the
late ’60s considers his mastery of kali (considered the pre-Spanish name for arnis or
eskrima) as a bridge to the country of his birth – and hopes that more Fil-Am’s would join
him in paying ambidextrous homage to their shared cultural roots.

Arnold Noche has been
taking time from his business each
week, driving up to 48 kilometers
from his home in the Gardena
suburb, to conduct two-hour training
sessions for kali enthusiasts of all
ages at Filipino community centers
in Los Angeles.

“There’s something about a
stick in the hand that is very
Filipino”, noted Noche
Noche and other “backyard”
eskrimadors started the Kali Klub
project in 1999 and have since taught an average of 250 students a year, around 90
percent of them Fil-Am’s aged 5 to over 40.

Kali Klub sa FilAm ARTS
Since 2004, Kali Klub has been conducting classes in partnership with FilAm
Arts (Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts & Culture), a
nonprofit, multidisciplinary arts organization located on N. Vermont Avenue in LA.

Dealing with Confusion
“I could have taught my (Fil-Am) students something else to help them deal with
whatever confusion they may have about their cultural identity. But I am an eskrimador,
and this is my way of helping them understand the complexities of being a Fil-Am,”
Noche said.

His family moved to the States when he was only 2 years old. At age 8 he began
studying karate and, at age 12, picked up his first kali sticks – henceforth earning bruises
and scars in a discipline that would “control my life.”

At 40, Noche runs his own management consultancy and multimedia firm
ATF1898 – a proud reference to the year Filipinos declared their independence from
Spain. But in a recent Inquirer interview in Manila, he said he would rather be counted as
a member of the “Filipino warrior class.”

He was referring to the disciples of an ancient art that had been in progression
long before foreign powers reached Philippine soil. Employing real swords or knives in
its original form, kali survived by being “secretly practiced” during colonial times when
Filipinos were prohibited from carrying weapons.

“It has been handed down from one generation to another, and has eventually
made its way around the world. Now it is not only practiced by thousands of martial
artists but also favored by elite military and law enforcement groups,” Noche said.

Action Flicks
Further proof of its global appeal, he noted, is the growing number of Hollywood
action flicks that feature kali movements in their fight sequences.
Matt Damon, for example, in an interview on the hand-to-hand combat style of
his “Jason Bourne” character, pronounced it as “kay-lee,” he  said. Vin Diesel had also
acknowledged training in kali for his sci-fi flick, “The Chronicles of Riddick.”

“Mission Impossible 3″ and “Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life”
featured brief fight scenes with the lead stars Tom Cruise and Angelina Jolie,
respectively, “using Filipino fighting sticks,” Noche said.
And Noche has this to say about Star Wars” Yoda: “My impression was that his
moves (with the dazzling light saber) were more Filipino than samurai.”
Through the centuries, the kali system — believed to have started in the Visayas  -
diversified through many individual masters around the country who continually added to
its repertoire of attacks and defenses.

Basic Principle
But the basic principle remains: “For weaponry to serve as extensions of the hand
for maximum impact and reach,” Noche explained.
And the weapons refer not only to the more familiar canes, but also to daggers,
whips, chains, “a mere pen or a rolled newspaper.” The movements would remain the
same, with the fighter merely adjusting his range.
“Filipino martial arts (FMA) is the only one I know where you train on day one
already with a weapon in your hand. Other martial arts begin training empty-handed and
you get to use more intricate weapons as you progress,” he said.
While maintaining that no particular combat method can be theoretically
considered superior to another since it all depends on a fighter’s skills, Noche pointed out:
“In (FMA) I do have weapons in my hands, but losing them doesn’t mean I could no
longer do damage.”
Take note, he said, that a hand that holds a rattan stick also forms a closed fist -
which means that this hand can be used either to strike an enemy with the stick or, at
closer range, to punch him.
And even with the hands full, the kali system is fluid enough to incorporate
maneuvers for tripping or throw-downs (just as in judo or aikido) or for choking an
opponent. This is an example of how the method, from being fundamentally based on
frontal blows, has “evolved” with every master  who improved on it.

The Noche Style
Noche’s own style – the Lameco
Eskrima – is just one of the many branches in
this evolution. Before he became a “guro”
(teacher) to his students, Noche found his
own, much revered “punong guro” (master) in
another California-based Fil-Am, the late
Edgar Sulite.
Founded by Sulite, Lameco stands for
largo (long-range fighting), medio (medium-
range) and corto (close-range) – or what
Noche called the “synthesis” of these three
orientations.
“We were part of Edgar’s backyard group,” he recalled, referring to his two fellow guros now running the Kali Klub, Dino Flores and Hospecio ‘Bud’ Balani. “When Punong Guro died (of natural causes) in 1997, it would have been easy for us to bury the art with him.”*
“Keeping it alive is one thing, how to keep it alive is another,” he said. “We can either go the commercial route (become full-time instructors, charge for private trainings,
or hit the seminar circuit), or go the community route.” Noche had obviously taken the latter path, charging no personal fees for Kali
Klub. “Everything we charge (as tuition) goes back to the program,” he said. The students are asked to provide their own black training attire, rattan sticks and safety goggles – “in addition to dedication, discipline and an open mind.”

No Mainstream Draw
But for all that he’s willing to share about his passion, Noche easily sensed during his recent visit to Manila that kali – even as a sport or fitness regimen – had never enjoyed a mainstream draw in the very nation that supposedly developed it. “As a balikbayan, I can see that it has a following here but you still have to find it. It is not
commercially available; it’s taught in some schools but it can still go far,” he said.

Last year’s Southeast Asian
Games in Manila finally included
arnis – but this “new” event hardly got
any media coverage. While Filipinos won three gold medals in arnis, the home crowd still
reserved its loudest cheers for the other more popular fighting disciplines, especially tae
kwon do.

Also, no local movie star has been able to popularize arnis the way a Bruce Lee or
a Jackie Chan brought Chinese martial arts to the world. And yet here now is Noche
reporting that “kay-lee” has entered Hollywood lore.

But Noche has made sure no student of his mispronounces anything; even with
non-Fil-Ams in the class, Kali Klub preserves the original Filipino terms for specific
drills and maneuvers (“armas” for weapons, “salok” for uppercut, “sagasa” for run over,
etc.) And with every “palo” (hit) or “ilag” (evasion) that he teaches his fellow Fil-
Am’s, this guro helps them rediscover their now distant ancestral heritage lest this
kinship, like the primeval land bridges, erode in time.

Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved.
* Note: Dino’ Flores supported by Hospecio ‘Bud’ Balani initially founded the
Kali Klub in early 1999. Arnold Noche joined soon after to help bring the project to a new level of expansion. Also note that the interview is the journalist’s personal perspective of the information presented to him.
This article was published in Vol. 21, No. 298 of the
Philippine Daily Inquirer on Wednesday, October 4, 2006.
Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved.
 
————-
 

An Ancestor from Guro Arnold Noche’s Mothers side of the family.

General Pantaleon Garcia, one of the trusted Cavitenyos appointed by General Emilio Aguinaldo as commanding general of all Filipino forces in Central Luzon during the time of the Katipunan and the Revolution.

July 27, 1856 – August 16, 1936

 

Noche Ancestor

Mandirigma Research Organization AKA Mandirigma.org – A Project of Kapisanang Mandirigma

mandirigma.org

Mandirigma Research Organization also known as mandirigma.org is a project of Kapisanang Mandirigma. Their focus includes preserving and promoting the Warrior Arts commonly known as Kali, Eskrima and Arnis. The Warrior Arts is one of the most important aspects of any society because its very nature is to defend and preserve the culture. Thus, mandirigma.org is also involved in researching issues from ancient to current.

The primary objective of mandirigma.org is to do its part in keeping alive ancient knowledge and give honor to the sacrifices made by previous generations. Using both traditional and modern methods in its work, mandirigma.org has organized, collaborated with and participated in classes, conferences, demonstrations, festivals, lectures, seminars and workshops with prominent college and community organizations. Aside from their hands-on approach, mandirigma.org utilizes multimedia technologies such as audio, desktop, video and web to reach people across the globe.

Researching since the 1970′s and online since 1998, mandirigma.org believes in being actively involved in giving back to the community. They have collaborated with and volunteered in various non-profit agencies. They have also arranged fundraisers in order to assist causes for indigenous tribal groups and organizations dedicated to cultural preservation in the Philippines.

mandirigma.org believes that this expansive pursuit is at its best a collaborative effort. This has allowed mandirigma.org to meet and work with many fine individuals and organizations throughout the Philippines, the United States and the world. mandirigma.org welcomes all with an open and positive mind to participate and join them on this never-ending cultural adventure.

This humble site is dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of Warriors throughout the many generations that have come before us.

Maraming Salamat!

mandirigma.org

Kapisanang Mandirigma Seminar Schedule

kapisanang mandirigma lameco sog escrima fma eskrima arnis kali filipino martial arts

 

Kapisanang Mandirigma Seminar Schedule

2.9.2012 – Guro Dino Flores and Guro Bud Balani guest speakers at The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Asian American Studies Department

3.31.2012 – Kapisanang Mandirigma presents Guro Dino Flores and Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Seminar in Las Vegas, Nevada .

4.02.2012 – Kapisanang Mandirigma Espana presents Guro Dino Flores Seminar: Madrid, Spain. A finales de April 2012 Workshop con armas blancas con Guro Dino Flores – conocido como uno de los peleadores más técnicos y avanzados del grupo SOG de LAMECO y KALIS ILUSTRISIMO

5.05.2012 - 5.05.2012 – Lameco Eskrima & Ilustrisimo – Seminar mit Guro Dino Flores/USA
presented by Kapisanang Mandirigma Germany. Saturday, 5 May 2012 at 13:00 until Sunday, 6 May 2012 at 16:00

07.29.2012 – Kapisanang Mandirigma presents Guro Dino Flores and Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Backyard Lameco Seminar in Las Vegas, Nevada .

09.22.012 – Kapisanang Mandirigma presents Guro Dino Flores and Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Backyard Lameco Seminar in Las Vegas, Nevada .

10.6.2012/10.7.2012 -  Guro Dino Flores Seminar: Mexico. Workshop con armas blancas con Guro Dino Flores – conocido como uno de los peleadores más técnicos y avanzados del grupo SOG de LAMECO y ILUSTRISIMO. October 6th & 7th, 2012.

 

+++++++++++

 

07.01.11 – 07.02.11 – Guro Dino Flores in Frankfurt, Germany. Kali Ilustrisimo & Lameco – Seminar mit Guro Dino Flores/USA
Friday, July 1, 2011 at 7:00pm – July 2 at 6:00pm
Lameco Arnis Club
 
7.03.2011 – Kapisanang Mandirigma Espana presents Guro Dino Flores Seminar: Madrid, Spain. A finales de April 2012 Workshop con armas blancas con Guro Dino Flores – conocido como uno de los peleadores más técnicos y avanzados del grupo SOG de LAMECO y KALIS ILUSTRISIMO
 
05.14.10 – 05.15.10 – Guro Dino Flores Ilustrisimo, Lameco Seminars May 14th and 15th Brisbane Australia
Southside Arnis Escrima Club is honored to be hosting Guro Dino Flores Seminars in Brisbane, Australia.

 

Kali Klub Sa Historic Filipinotown Los Angeles – A Project of Kapisanang Mandirigma

Kali Klub Sa Historic Filipinotown Los Angeles

 

Kali Klub
Kali Klub, an award-winning project of Kapisanang Mandirigma, initially started
as a positive diversion against drugs and gangs for youths in the Temple-Beverly
corridor, now known as Historic Filipinotown. It is; a collaboration with several non-
profit agencies in the area such as FilAm Arts, SIPA and PWC. Now entering their 9th
year, they have expanded to teaching Children (ages 5-12), Youths (ages 13-17), Adults
(ages 18 & over) and Elders (ages 40 & Over) the Warrior Arts of the Philippines in a
non-commercial, non-political environment where art, culture and heritage are integrated
into their curriculum.
Presentations include the dedication of Historic Filipinotown at the Los Angeles
City Hall and a lecture/demo at the Filipino Historical Society Conference at Loyola
University, UCLA, Cal State L.A., UC irvine, Glendale College, Cal State Long Beach and Cal State Riverside.

Kali Klub sa FilAm ARTS – www.filamarts.org

The Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts & Culture
(“FilAm ARTS”) was founded in 1999 but has consistently delivered the annual
presentation of the Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture (FPAC) since their early
beginnings in 1992 and has now added two other programs: the California-statewide
Pilipino Artists Network (PAN) and the Eskuwela Kultura Neighborhood Cultural
School.
Kali Klub sa FilAm ARTS, established in 2004, is a joint project between
Kapisanang Mandirigma and the Association for the Advancement of Filipino American
Arts & Culture (FilAm ARTS) under their community-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) status.

Kali Klub sa SIPA – www.esipa.org
Founded in 1972, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (“SIPA”) has long
established itself as a key service provider among the low-income and underserved multi-
ethnic youth and families in the Temple Beverly corridor and the Pilipino American
community of Los Angeles County. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life of the
Pilipino American community by: Supporting youth development and leadership;
Providing family programs, health and human services and affordable housing;
Facilitation of collaborative actions within multi-ethnic communities.
Kali Klub sa SIPA, established in 1999, is a joint project between Kapisanang
Mandirigma and Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) under their community-
based nonprofit 501(c)(3) status.

Kali Klub sa PWC – www.pwcsc.org

The Pilipino Workers’ Center (“PWC”) was founded in 1997 on the idea that all
workers have a right to safe working conditions, living wages, a decent standard of living
and quality of life. Their mission is to organize Filipino Workers to collectively address
our needs and issues both in the work place and in the community.
Kali Klub sa PWC, established in 2003, is a joint project between Kapisanang
Mandirigma and Pilipino Workers’ Center (PWC) under their community-based nonprofit
501(c)(3) status.

FMA FILIPINO MARTIAL ART MANDIRIGMA.ORG BACKYARDESKRIMA.COM

Guro Dino Flores DVD Release and Magazine article for Budo International, November 2011

Guro Dino Flores DVD Release and Magazine  article for Budo International, November 2011

 

dvd-lameco-eskrima-backyard-sulite-original-group-dino-flores

 

Excerpt from the DVD backcover:

Punong Guro Edgar Sulite was one of the great revolutionaries in Philippine Martial Arts history. There were two types of students that learnt under him, those who took classes under him periodically and those whom he selected and prepared personally for becoming fighters in private training sessions in the backyard of his home, these students belonged to the Sulite Orihinal Group. Dino Flores belongs to this second elite group of specially trained fighters in Lameco and shines with his own light as one of the top selected fighters of the Lameco Eskrima backyard group. In this work he introduces and shows us a series of exercises which Punong Guro Sulite emphasized greatly upon and that develop correct distancing in a real combat situation. This dvd will help you refine the combative motions, enable you to increase the intensity within a drill, as well as show you how to use equipment correctly and help you overcome a well protected opponent. You will learn how to avoid being hit and grabbed. These exercises practiced under real contact and tension will allow you to react against the most common attacks in real time and in an effective way. The most important thing is to hit well, to have good footwork and mainly to have a great foundation.

http://www.budointernational.net/arnis-kali-escrima/1564-dvd-lameco-eskrima-backyard-sulite-original-group.html

 

ilustrisimo lameco kali arnis eskrima guro dino flores mandirigma.org

 

About Budo International Magazine

Budo International is the only martial arts magazine published in seven different languages (English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, German, and Croatian) and sold worldwide. Budo Magazine is undisputedly the largest specialized magazine in over 60 countries. They are the foremost martial arts publication in Europe, South America, Central America and Australia, as well as having editions in Greece and Czechoslovakia.Their monthly publication brings exciting and exotic masters and material that is truly universal. Budo also covers all types of events, from tournaments to movies and the magazine brings a gust of fresh air mixed with European quality to the American culture. Click on the magazine image below to read English issues of Budo.

http://www.budointernational.net/

 

Backyard Lameco DVD clip produced by Budo International

 

Kapisanang Mandirigma and LV Tactical Training presents Guro Dino Flores and Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Seminar in Las Vegas, Nevada , March 31st, 2012

Backyard Lameco Eskrima Seminar

 

lameco ariel dino lameco eskrima

Lameco S.O.G. Backyard seminar series.
Instructors: Guro Dino Flores & Guro Ariel Flores Mosses
Date: March 31, 2012
Location: LV Tactical Training Facility
               6366 W. Sahara
                Las Vegas, NV 89146
Time:  10:00am-4:00pm
Cost:  $99.00 per person
Contact:  Ariel Flores Mosses – email arielfmosses@yahoo.com

 

Punong Guro Edgar Sulite

Back L to R: Guro Ariel Flores Mosses, Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, Guro Choy Flores, Guro Dino Flores
Front: Andrew Sulite
 
 
 
Seminar Attendees:
Lance Parvin
Tony Bausacan
Vel Abeyta
Rich Shinn
David Drew
David Giomi
Rick Alexander
Jojo Cabana
Edwin Magno
Jose Lopez
Brett Granstaff

 

 

 

Kapisanang Mandirigma Espana presents Guro Dino Flores Seminar: Madrid, Spain. A finales de April 2012 Workshop con armas blancas con Guro Dino Flores – conocido como uno de los peleadores más técnicos y avanzados del grupo SOG de LAMECO y KALIS ILUSTRISIMO

A finales de April 2012 Workshop con armas blancas con Guro Dino Flores – conocido como uno de los peleadores más técnicos y avanzados del grupo SOG de LAMECO y KALIS ILUSTRISIMO (Sulite Original Backyard Group)

http://www.kali-jeetkunedo.com/6noticias.html

Interested contact with Sifu Tim Fredianelli 615308348
Space must be reserved in advance for these courses, places are limited to ensure quality.
Special rates and privileges for members only at our school

Guro Dino Flores and Guro Bud Balani guest speakers at The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Asian American Studies Department, Feb 2012

Guro Dino Flores and Guro Bud Balani guest speaking at the UCLA Asian American Studies, Feb 2012
“Exploring Ethnic Cultural Arts through Oral History” class taught by Professor Valerie Matsumoto.
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Asian American Studies Department.

 

PURPOSE AND GOALS OF THE CLASS:

This course offers an introduction to the research method of oral history, with a focus on Asian Pacific American cultural arts.  One objective of the class is to provide basic instruction in preparing for, conducting, indexing and transcribing an oral history interview.  Students will also write a research paper placing their interview subject within a larger context and analyzing the significance of the interviewee’s experiences as a practitioner of a particular cultural art form.  The goals are to learn interview skills that can be utilized beyond the classroom, as well as to gain a sense of the vitality and importance of cultural arts—including dance, music, martial arts, and foodways—in ethnic communities.

About Professor Valerie Matsumoto:

A graduate of Arizona State University (B.A.) and Stanford University (Ph.D. History). Professor Matsumoto has had a distinguished career that has already spanned over 20 years at UCLA and hundreds of undergraduate and graduate mentees. Her book, Farming the Home Place, is widely regarded as a classic in Japanese and Asian American community studies. She also co-edited (with Blake Allmendinger) Over the Edge: Remapping The American West. Her newest book manuscript, which focuses on (second-generation Japanese American) Nisei women’s social networks before, during, and after World War II, is a timely, innovative study which promises to be as influential as its predecessor. Dr. Matsumoto also continues her on-going research projects on Asian American History; U.S. 20th Century, Women’s History, and Oral History..

Professor Matsumoto is also one of UCLA’s stellar instructors. She was the inaugural recipient of the C. Doris and Toshio Hoshide Distinguished Teaching Prize in 2006, as well as the recipient of the university-wide Distinguished Teaching Award in 2007. She has chaired or been a member of hundreds of senior theses, MA theses and doctoral dissertations, and the students she has mentored are faculty members across the nation, award-winning writers, and leaders in the community and society.
During her UCLA career, Professor Matsumoto has also contributed to the Asian American Studies Center by serving as guest editor of several special issues of Amerasia Journal, Associate Director of the Center, organizing conferences and events, and chairing selection committees. She also has been an active leader in the Asian American Studies Department, and was Vice Chair of the department and a member of a number of committees. She is also an active volunteer with many local and national museums, historical societies, and other organizations and institutions.

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Asian American Studies

The Asian American Studies Department promotes the study of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. from several disciplines. An undergraduate major leading to a B.A. degree is available for those students who wish to pursue their studies about Asian Pacific Americans in more depth, while the graduate program leads to the M.A. degree. Students enrolled in an organized undergraduate major other than Asian American Studies may pursue a minor in the field.

A major goal of the department is to communicate the experiences of Asian Pacific Americans as an ethnic group. Courses examine the important issues and concerns of Asian Pacific Americans, including their history, community, and culture.

Asian American studies is a specialized field of intellectual inquiry in higher education that examines the diverse experiences of Asian-ancestry and Pacific Islander Americans, including their histories, communities, cultures, socioeconomic mobility, and political participations, and their relationships with ancestral homelands and other Asian diasporas.

Interdisciplinary scholarship has from the outset been the cornerstone of the field, but Asian American studies also seeks to interrogate disciplinary boundaries by adopting comparative and cross-disciplinary or multidisciplinary perspectives to study racial and ethnic relations in America, diasporic and transnational communities, U.S.-Asian relations, and globalization.

The department recognizes its vital historical and continuing linkage with the struggle for the civil rights and social justice of people of color and other disadvantaged social groups. Faculty members are committed to offering a curriculum that embraces the historical and contemporary realities of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, supporting research that promotes equality, encouraging community services, and making higher education more inclusive and responsive to American diversity.

The department equips students with theoretical, methodological, and practical knowledge, as well as analytical and communication skills needed to be successful in American society while creating a nurturing environment for faculty, students, and staff in their interdepartmental and extramural collaborations and activities. It aims to build on UCLA’s preeminence and to strengthen its position as the national leader in Asian American studies.

The department also is enhanced by its connection to and interaction with the Asian American Studies Center. Established in 1969, the center has been widely recognized as one of the world’s top Asian American studies institutions.

The undergraduate and graduate programs aim to enhance and infuse the UCLA curriculum with an interdisciplinary understanding of the Asian American experience to promote innovative research and cutting-edge scholarship in Asian American studies, provide leadership training to individuals interested in working in Asian American communities, and prepare students for advanced study in the humanities, social sciences, and professional disciplines.

http://www.registrar.ucla.edu/catalog/catalog11-12-116.htm

http://www.asianam.ucla.edu/maincourse.htm

 

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

UCLA is one of the world’s great research universities, number 11 in London’s Times Higher Education rankings (2010-2011). Our faculty includes Nobel Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, multiple MacArthur fellows and scores of national academy members. Interdisciplinary teaching and research is a particular strength, with initiatives in the arts, stem cells and other biosciences, nanoscience, international studies and the environment.

http://www.ucla.edu/about.html

 

ilustrisimo lameco

 

ucla kapisanang mandirigma ilustrisimo lameco kali arnis eskrima guro bud guro dino ucla kapisanang mandirigma ilustrisimo lameco kali arnis eskrima guro bud guro dino

 

 

 

 

 

Bakbakan Philippines Publications – Kapisanang Mandirigma Lineage in Books, Articles, DVD, Media

Punong Guro Edgar Sulite masters-of-arnis Lameco Eskrima Punong Guro Edgar Sulite masters-of-arnis Lameco Eskrima

 

Punong Guro Edgar Sulite secrets-of-arnis  Lameco Eskrima Punong Guro Edgar Sulite secrets-of-arnis  Lameco Eskrima

 

Punong Guro Edgar Sulite  advanced-balisong Lameco Eskrima Punong Guro Edgar Sulite  advanced-balisong Lameco Eskrima

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/7-95-Inside-Kung-Fu-Magazine-Lameco-Edgar-Sulite-Cover-/23/!CEpNZ+!!mk~$(KGrHqMOKjsE0W89QdotBNSfmFBSWg~~_3.JPG

 

http://ma-mags.com/Mags/IKP/IK3%201993-03%20Cov.jpg

 

http://www.ma-mags.com/Mags/IMA/IMA%201993-15%20Cov.jpg

 

http://www.filipinofightingartsintl.com/Publications/martial_arts/images/images_videos/video_Kali-Ilustrisimo-Foundation.jpg

http://cache.budovideos.com/images/covers/3116.jpg

Kali Ilustrisimo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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http://martialartstrainingvideos.net/store/images/Complete%20Sinawali.jpg

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41t599UW7rL.jpg

http://www.fmapulse.com/sites/default/files/articles/FMAI/FMAI_issue9.jpg

ilustrisimo master diego ilustrisimo master diego

http://www.lamecoeskrima.com/images/booksvideos/practical-defense1.jpg

http://www.lamecoeskrima.com/images/booksvideos/practical-defense2.jpg

http://www.lamecoeskrima.com/images/booksvideos/single-stick-skills1.jpg

http://www.lamecoeskrima.com/images/booksvideos/single-stick-skills2.jpg

http://www.lamecoeskrima.com/images/booksvideos/double-stick-fighting1.jpg

http://www.lamecoeskrima.com/images/booksvideos/double-stick-fighting2.jpg

http://www.lamecoeskrima.com/images/booksvideos/espada-y-daga.jpg

http://www.lamecoeskrima.com/images/booksvideos/laban-laro1.jpg

http://www.lamecoeskrima.com/images/booksvideos/laban-laro2.jpg

http://www.lamecoeskrima.com/images/booksvideos/vortex.jpg

 

The Original “Five Pillars” of Ilustrisimo

The Original “Five Pillars” of Ilustrisimo:

Tony Diego, Master Yuli Romo, , Master Rey Galang Master, Christopher Ricketts (R.I.P) and Punong Guro Edgar Sulite (R.I.P).

 

http://arniseskrima.org/IMAGENES/fotos%20historia/bakbakan.jpg

 

http://sabakumartialarts.com/IMAGES/PHOTOS-PHILIPPINES-ILUSTRISIMO/Big-Pics/philippines-ilustrisimo-0010.jpg

 

http://www.lamecoeskrima.com/photo/sulite13.jpg

 

Grandmaster Antonio

 

http://sabakumartialarts.com/IMAGES/PHOTOS-PHILIPPINES-ILUSTRISIMO/Big-Pics/philippines-ilustrisimo-0003.jpg

 

http://sabakumartialarts.com/IMAGES/PHOTOS-PHILIPPINES-ILUSTRISIMO/Big-Pics/philippines-ilustrisimo-0004.jpg

 

http://www.filipinofightingartsintl.com/Publications/martial_arts/images/practitioners/diego_ricketts.jpg

 

Bakbakan Philippines and Master Christopher Ricketts

http://arniseskrima.org/IMAGENES/fotos%20historia/bakbakan.jpg

Master Bruce Ricketts with his “Ninja” mask sitting with Grandmaster Ilustrisimo.

Located at Master Ricketts house in Alabang in the 1990′s.

 

Bakbakan Philippines and Master Christopher Ricketts

Bakbakan International is a martial arts association headquartered in Manila, Philippines and founded by Christopher Ricketts in 1964. It has chapters in Australia, Canada, and the United States. It also promoted the Masters of Arnis tour in Australia that featured Christopher Ricketts, Antonio Diego, Edgar Sulite, and Rey Galang.
The school teaches the following methods:
•    Kali Ilustrisimo, which was developed by Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo.
•    The Tulisan Knife-Fighting System, which works as an offshoot of Kali Ilustrisimo and is based on technique rather than drill.
•    The Sinawali Fighting System, which emphasizes ambidexterity and weapon mastery.
•    Lameco Eskrima, developed by Edgar Sulite.
•    The Sagasa Kickboxing System, which develops coordination, power, and reflexes.
•    The Hagibis Combat System of close-quarter combat, which primarily emphasizes grappling, throwing, and tripping as means of disabling individual opponents where multiple opponents exist.
•    Ngo Cho Kun Kung Fu, which emphasizes power, stamina, and concentration.
Its notable members are Tony Diego, Edgar Sulite, Alexander Co, Christopher Ricketts, Rey Galang, Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Miguel Zubiri, Doran Sordo, Ding Binay, Ronnie Ricketts, Rolly Maximo, Ramon Tulfo, Rey Dizer, Edgar Aristorenas, and Leonard A. Anderson.

The organization or its senior members have been featured in or written the following published works:

•    September 1997 issue of Exotic Martial Arts of Southeast Asia
•    Filipino Martial Culture by Mark V. Wiley
•    Five Ancestor Fist Kung Fu by Alexander Co                                                                                                                                                                             •    Premiere Issue of Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine
•    Masters of the Blade by Reynaldo S. Galang
•    Warrior Arts of the Philippines by Reynaldo S. Galang
•    Classic ARNIS – The Legacy of Placido Yambao by Reynaldo S. Galang
•    Complete Sinawali Filipino Double Weapon Fighting by Reynaldo S. Galang
•    The Secrets of Kalis Ilustrisimo: The Filipino Fighting Art Explained by Antonio Diego & Christopher Ricketts
•    Masters of Arnis Kali & Eskrima by Edgar G. Sulite
•    The Secerts of Arnis by Edgar G. Sulite
•    Advanced Balisong by Edgar G. Sulite
•    Inside Kung-Fu Magazine with Edgar G. Sulite
•    Cinturon Negro Magazine with Edgar G. Sulite

Quote from a Master Ricketts interview:

Q: Firstly what is the history and aim of Bakbakan?

A: “Bakbakan means something along the lines of a free for all brawl. Bakbakan was founded in 1967 by a group of instructors from various styles of martial arts in the Philippines. Prior to the organization becoming a bastion of martial arts in the Philippines, the main objective of the original members was to elevate their fighting skills through constant full contact sparring.

Originally there were only six of us: Ding Binay, Rolly Maximo, Christian Gloria, Eddie Ben Alicante, Rey Vizer and myself. We would meet at my house in San Miguel Village in Makati, where my bedroom was our original gym.”

 

http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/EEUoLnc2MR0/0.jpg

Punong Guro Sulite and Master Ricketts experimenting with sparring.

Located at Master Ricketts house in Alabang in the 1980′s.

http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/qDK1RJAb3ec/0.jpg

Master Ricketts  and Punong Guro Sulite  experimenting with sparring.

Located at Griffith Park, Los Angeles Early 1980′s.

 

master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan

 

master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan

 

master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakanmaster topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakanmaster topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakanmaster topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakanmaster topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan

 

Master-topher Ricketts-and-Ronnie ricketts bakbakan ilustrisimo

 

master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan

 

master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan

 

 

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G7pqQssUEOY/S5W6WomczTI/AAAAAAAAABY/PjP6MENHE8A/s400/Tatang01.jpg

Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo.

Located at Master Ricketts house in Alabang in the 1980′s.

 

master christopher ricketts ilustrisimo

 

 

Archives: A look back at the part of the Kapisanang Mandirigma event Calendar from 1998 to 2000

.UPCOMING EVENTS.

Sunday, December 10, 2000 from 10:00am to 3:00pm
In Association With Kapisanang Mandirigma and LEI-SOG
KALI ILUSTRISIMO SEMINAR

Hans Anton Tan

When it comes to a life or death situation, no other system is more combat proven than Kali Ilustrisimo. The Ilustrisimo family name is dreaded and respected in the toughest barrios of the Philippines due to the legacy of masters such as the late Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo, his father Isidro Ilustrisimo and his uncle Melicio Ilustrisimo. This family is know for having successfully engaged in live blade confrontations and emerging victorious.

The current heir to the system is the humble, yet formidable, Master Antonio Diego who dedicated over 26 years of intensive training under “Tatang.” In the early days, in order to obtain advanced techniques, Master Diego had to get “Tatang” drunk, resulting in Master Diego being ordered to go to the kitchen to get a sharp knife and attack “Tatang” from various angles. No one other than Master Diego can justly represent Kali Ilustrisimo in its purest form.

Master Diego chooses only to have a handful of full time students and even fewer certified to represent him. Hans Anton Tan is one of those fortunate to be certified by Master Diego. Hans Anton Tan also trained under the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite in Lameco Eskrima from 1990 to 1997 after being referred by his teacher in the Philippines, one of Lameco Eskrima International’s first instructors, Honesto “Jun” Nunez. Hans Anton Tan was not only a private student of Punong Guro and a senior member of the Sulite Orehenal Group, he was also a close friend. It is the Kali Ilustrisimo system that has most influenced Lameco Eskrima’s advanced sword techniques. Punong Guro himself trained under “Tatang” for nine years prior to coming to the United States. This seminar is highly recommended for any martial arts practioner, especially if you have any kind of bladed weapons interest. This seminar will be an eye opener for all kali practioners, see for yourself why several established eskrima systems acknowledge lineage or influence from the Kali Ilustrisimo system. Experience first hand techniques such as Estrella, Media Fraile, Boca Y Lobo and Warwok. This IS no frills Combat Ilustrisimo – expand your arsenal and don’t miss this rare opportunity.

Bring eskrima sticks, training knives, workout clothes and an open mind. Sparring helmets and traditional Filipino blades will be available so don’t forget to bring extra cash. Hans Anton Tan is only in the United States once a year so don’t miss out.

SIPA (Search to Involve Pilipino Americans)
3200 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, California 90026-4522
213.382.1819
$40.00 prepaid / $50.00 door
Dino Flores @ 323.258.4777 / Hans Tan @ 626.441.7726

 


Sunday, February 27, 2000 from 8:00am to 6:00pm
In Association With Cold Steel, Point Man Productions, Lameco Eskrima International, South Bay Jeet Kune Do, Kris Cutlery and The Way of the Orient Martial Arts School
LABAN LARO WEAPONS TOURNAMENT 2000
Knife, Eskrima and Open Weapon Forms Competition

“Welcome to all Martial Arts”
This Tournament is Dedicated
In Memory of the Late
Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite of Lameco Eskrima International
“Schedule of Events”
Opening Ceremonies

Open Weapon Forms
9:00am to 10:30am
Competitors may perform up to one minute maximum. Open to all ages.

Knife Competition
10:30am to 12:00pm
Competitors must be 18 years or older.
Single Knife. Double Elimination. Point System.

Demonstrations
12:00pm to 1:00pm
The Way of the Orient Martial Arts School
Shooto Fighting (Ron Balicki)
Cold Steel (Lynn Thompson)
Lameco Eskrima International

Eskrima Competition
1:00pm to 6:00pm
Competitors must be 18 years or older.
Single Stick. Double Elimination

Closing Ceremonies
Awards will be Given after each Division.

For tournament information, please contact  (805) 658-7217.

Tickets : $5.00 presale / $7.00 door

Facilty Provided By :
The Way of the Orient Martial Arts School
2750 East Main Street
Ventura, CA 93003

 

A Portion of the Proceeds will be Donated to the Autistic Society. Please Help Us Help Them.

 


Saturday, December 11, 1999 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
In Association with Pacific Asia Museum
Lameco Eskrima International – Sulite Orihinal Group will be performing random demonstrations of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines at Pasko 99. Come witness Lameco Eskrima in its purest form by some of the most talented individuals in the Filipino Martial Arts. Showtimes to be announced.

Come and enjoy a day full of fun and activities for the whole family.

Pacific Asia Museum
Pasadena, CA
http://www.pacificasiamuseum.org/
 


Saturday, October 16, 1999 from 6:00pm to 11:00pm
In Association with UCLA Samahang Pilipino
Lameco Eskrima International – Sulite Orihinal Group will be performing random demonstrations of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines at the UCLA PCN. Come witness Lameco Eskrima in its purest form by some of the most talented individuals in the Filipino Martial Arts. Showtimes to be announced.

University of California, Los Angeles
Westwood Pavilion
Los Angeles, CA
http://www.ucla.edu/
 


Sunday, September 19, 1999 from 10:00am to 6:00pm
In Association with FPAC and SIPA
Lameco Eskrima International – Sulite Orehenal Group will be performing random demonstrations of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines at the Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture. Come witness Lameco Eskrima in its purest form by some of the most talented individuals in the Filipino Martial Arts. Showtimes to be announced.

Come and enjoy a day full of fun and activities for the whole family.

Festival Philippine Arts and Culture
Cabrillo Beach
San Pedro, CA
http://filamarts.org/
 


Saturday, August 28, 1999 from 10:00am to 3:00pm
In Association with Asian Pacific Health Care Venture, Inc., and Alyansa Ng Komunidad
Lameco Eskrima International – Sulite Orehenal Group will be performing random demonstrations of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines at the Third Community Forum. Come witness Lameco Eskrima in its purest form by some of the most talented individuals in the Filipino Martial Arts. Showtimes to be announced.

Come and enjoy a day full of fun and activities for the whole family. A cultural affair filled with lots of free food, entertainment and prizes.

The Health Forum is a continuing education program of APHVC, Inc., providing low income families and those who do not have insurance. The Forum is free and everyone is invited. Free foods and entertainment will be provided.

Filipino Christian Church
301 North Union Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 644-3880 x 28 or 44 Damaso Uy / Tita Pambid Domingo
(213) 625-7705 Art Garcia / Jose Buktaw

http://www.aphcv.org/

 


Saturday, August 14, 1999 from 7:00pm to 2:00am
In Association with Mike Gonzaga Racing and ATF
Lameco Eskrima International – Sulite Orehenal Group will be performing random demonstrations of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines at Hot Import Nights. Come witness Lameco Eskrima in its purest form by some of the most talented individuals in the Filipino Martial Arts. Showtimes to be announced. Make sure you visit the booth.

Hot Import Nights – one of Northern California’s Hottest Import Show of 1999. Various Acts to be announced, Import Industry Vendors, Lifestyle Vendors, Show Cars and More.

Santa Clara County Fairgrounds
Santa Clara, CA 95052
http://www.hotimportnights.com
(949) 376-6942

 


Saturday, July 17, 1999 from 10:00am to 7:00pm
In Association with Expo Sa Nayon
Lameco Eskrima International – Sulite Orehenal Group will be performing random demonstrations of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines at the 2nd Annual Grand Expo Sa Nayon. Come witness Lameco Eskrima in its purest form by some of the most talented individuals in the Filipino Martial Arts. Showtimes to be announced.

Alay Sa Kababayan… the Biggest Philippine Fiesta in Southern California. Headlining this event are Gary V., Leo Martinez and Giselle Sanchez with special appearances by surprise guests throughout the day. Featuring Miss and Mrs. Expo, Cultural Shows, Karaoke Contest, Ballroom Dancing, Kids Fun Center, Food and Trade Booths, Kids and Teen Pageants, Hip Hop Dance Contest, Recognition Awards amd Business Networking. Great fun for the whole family.

Ticket prices are $10 Adult (11-up), $5 Child (5-10) and Children under 5 are FREE. Portion of the proceeds will go to the Philippine National Red Cross.

Anaheim Convention Center
800 W Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92802
http://www.Philippine-Ecommerce.com
(714) 429-0695

 


Sunday, December 13, 1998 from 10:00am to 3:00pm
In Association With Kapisanang Mandirigma and LEI-SOG
KALI ILUSTRISIMO SEMINAR

Hans Anton Tan

When it comes to a life or death situation, no other system is more combat proven than Kali Ilustrisimo. The Ilustrisimo family name is dreaded and respected in the toughest barrios of the Philippines due to the legacy of masters such as the late Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo, his father Isidro Ilustrisimo and his uncle Melicio Ilustrisimo. This family is know for having successfully engaged in live blade confrontations and emerging victorious.

The current heir to the system is the humble, yet formidable, Master Antonio Diego who dedicated over 26 years of intensive training under “Tatang.” In the early days, in order to obtain advanced techniques, Master Diego had to get “Tatang” drunk, resulting in Master Diego being ordered to go to the kitchen to get a sharp knife and attack “Tatang” from various angles. No one other than Master Diego can justly represent Kali Ilustrisimo in its purest form.

Master Diego chooses only to have a handful of full time students and even fewer certified to represent him. Hans Anton Tan is one of those fortunate to be certified by Master Diego. Hans Anton Tan also trained under the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite in Lameco Eskrima from 1990 to 1997 after being referred by his teacher in the Philippines, one of Lameco Eskrima International’s first instructors, Honesto “Jun” Nunez. Hans Anton Tan was not only a private student of Punong Guro and a senior member of the Sulite Orehenal Group, he was also a close friend. It is the Kali Ilustrisimo system that has most influenced Lameco Eskrima’s advanced sword techniques. Punong Guro himself trained under “Tatang” for nine years prior to coming to the United States. This seminar is highly recommended for any martial arts practioner, especially if you have any kind of bladed weapons interest. This seminar will be an eye opener for all kali practioners, see for yourself why several established eskrima systems acknowledge lineage or influence from the Kali Ilustrisimo system. Experience first hand techniques such as Estrella, Media Fraile, Boca Y Lobo and Warwok. This IS no frills Combat Ilustrisimo – expand your arsenal and don’t miss this rare opportunity.

Bring eskrima sticks, training knives, workout clothes and an open mind. Sparring helmets and traditional Filipino blades will be available so don’t forget to bring extra cash. Hans Anton Tan is only in the United States once a year so don’t miss out.

Jim Gott’s “Gotta Play”
72 West Bellevue Drive
Pasadena, California 91105
626.793.1700
$40.00 prepaid / $50.00 door
 


Sunday, September 27, 1998 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
In Association With Bakbakan International
AN EXTREMELY RARE OPPORTUNITY

Master Christopher Ricketts (Philippines)
Master Reynaldo Galang (New Jersey)
Master Eugene Pelegrin (Vancouver)
Sifu Alex Co (Philippines)

A special weekend seminar will be open to the general public and will be conducted by Sifu Alex Co on the arts of Ngo Cho Kun and Praying Mantis Ku and by Masters Christopher Ricketts, Rey Galang and Eugene Pelegrin on Bakbakan Kali Ilustrisimo and Sagasa Kickboxing.

The workshop fee is $25. Certificate of attendance will be given to each participant.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to train and learn from these world renowned instructors and close affiliates of Lameco Eskrima International – Sulite Orehenal Group.

Hilton Woodland Hills
6360 Canoga Avenue
Woodland Hills, California 91367
818.595.1000
Bring eskrima sticks, training swords and knives.

 


A GATHERING OF WARRIORS

Discover the monthly seminar and competition that brings together participants from different fighting arts and styles in A Gathering of Warriors. Experience the bond of brotherhood that transcends the boundaries of style, culture, and race. Be a part of … The Gathering.

Held at the North American Headquarters of BAKBAKAN INTERNATIONAL, this monthly workshop/seminar features the art of BAKBAKAN KALI Ilustrisimo – one of the Philippines’ most respected and renowned style of fighting arts. Learn the techniques of the art of BAKBAKAN KALI from Master Rey Galang – one of the few Certified Senior Instructors of the late Grandmaster Antonio Tatang Ilustrisimo. Encounter the art of BAKBAKAN KALI. Discover the combative principles, strategy and techniques of this highly regarded and respected combat art.

Enjoy the experience and fellowship of A Gathering of Warriors. Participate in The Gathering’s unique and fast-paced tournament that brings together the best of the Philippine fighting styles, competing against each other in the spirit and bond of a brotherhood of warriors. Enter in any or all of the different fighting divisions: Solo Baston (Single Stick), Doble Baston (Double Stick), Espada y Daga (Sword and Dagger) and Tagis-Talim (Knife Fighting).

Bring eskrima sticks, training swords and knives.
Also bring protective equipment if participating in “A Gathering of Warriors” competition.
BAKBAKAN Martial Arts Center
95B Dell Glen Avenue
Lodi, New Jersey 07655
Tel: (973) 253-1946
BAKBAKAN is now accepting applications for probationary students for those without a sponsoring member. On or before the end of the probationary period, the student may be nominated by active members for candidate member status. For more information, call the North American Headquarters listed above. Classes are evenings, Monday to Friday and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Seminars/Workshops are held on the last Saturday of each month from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Be a part of… The Gathering.

1998 Seminar / Workshop SCHEDULE:

JAN 31, FEB 28, MAR 28, APR 25, MAY 30, JUN 27, JUL 25, AUG 29, SEP 26, OCT 31
NOV 21 and DEC 19.

 


Sunday, September 7, 1997 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Bakbakan Kali Ilustrisimo featuring Guro Reynaldo S. Galang

This is a Bayanihan-Sulite fundraising project of Bakbakan International and The Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts.
FIRST TIME EVER IN THE WEST COAST

Guro Reynaldo S. Galang

Senior Instructor, Kali Ilustrisimo
Senior Instructor, Lameco Eskrima
International Director, Bakbakan International
Chief Instructor, Tulisan (The Knife Fighting Art of Kali Ilustrisimo)

Learn the techniques of the art of Kali Ilustrisimo from one of the few Certified Senior Instructors of Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo’s devastating fighting art. Discover the art of Kali Ilustrisimo, its combative principles and concepts and learn why it is highly regarded and respected by the Grandmasters of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines. This seminar will cover the drills, techniques and priciples of double stick, single stick and knife-fighting concepts and strategies.

Inosanto Academy of Martial Arts
7298 West Manchester Ave., Suite B
Los Angeles, CA 90045
310.348.9944
310.417.8985
Cost: $35.00 (No Checks/Credit Cards)

Bring eskrima sticks, training swords and knives, hand, arm and face protectors.

 

LAMECO BACKYARD GROUP LIST A.K.A. LAMECO SOG (Sulite Orihinal Group)

LAMECO BACKYARD GROUP LIST A.K.A. LAMECO SOG (Sulite Orihinal Group)

Due to the amount of challenges that were occuring during the period. Punong Guro Sulite had a need to train a group that could confidently address this issue on his behalf . Punong Guro Sulite already had a number of victorious “encounters” since his arrival in the United States. He felt it was time to pass some of that skill to a select few. He had training methods and techniques in his arsenal that were considered “secrets” that he did not want to share with the general public. Even going so far as to have the group swear an oath of secrecy. Thus the “Backyard Group” was born. The members of the “Backyard Group” became Punong Guro Sulites’ Eskrima experiments where regular sparring was the norm.

Guro Lowell Pueblos

Eric Koh

Ron Balicki: http://www.ronbalicki.com/2011/

Mar Elepano

Hospecio “Bud” Balani, jr.: http://backyardeskrima.com/?p=468

Rem V. Cruz

Pelix Valensia

Dino Flores: http://backyardeskrima.com/?page_id=52

Arnold Noche: http://backyardeskrima.com/?p=457

Hans Anton Tan: http://backyardeskrima.com/?cat=52

Darryl Goldberg

Dave Gould: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001877160364

Steve Grody: http://stevegrody.blogspot.com

Elmer “Bong” Hebia

Roger Agbulos

Jason Ancheta

Marc F. Denny: http://dogbrothers.com

Steve Tarani: http://stevetarani.com

Phil Rapagna: http://www.trs-usa.org/html/training_director.html

Choy Flores: http://backyardeskrima.com/?p=872

Gary Quan: http://backyardeskrima.com/?p=1380

Joel ‘”Jay” Adriatico

Bryant Emerson

Sung Han Kim

Rodney Wilson

Pantaleon ” Mang Leo” Revilles, jr. ( R.I.P. )

 

Taken in 1995 at Tom Belt's school in Altadena, Ca
Taken in 1995 at Tom Belt’s school in Altadena, Ca

 

 

 

Lameco Eskrima

Lameco Eskrima - SOG, Kapisanang Mandirigma

Lameco Eskrima is a Warrior Art of the Philippines founded by the late Punong Guro Edgar Sulite . It was based on his training and experience with various Master Eskrimadors. The most heavy influence was from Grandmaster Jose Caballero and Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo. In private Punong Guro Sulite that in a real fight, these these two systems were the only arts he drew upon. This fact was the foundation for his Lameco Backyard Group training method that included sparring at different intensity levels on a regular basis.

The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,100 different islands broken up into three main regions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Within each of those regions lies numerous styles of the Philippine Fighting Arts. There are some systems which specialize in long range fighting (LARGO), while others specialize in medium range fighting (MEDIO), and still others which specialize in close range fighting (CORTO).

An acronym for the synthesis of the three ranges of combat (LARGO, MEDIO and CORTO) were combined to form LAMECO.

Acronym Range Measurement
LA Largo (Long Range) Dulo to Dulo (Tip to Tip)
ME Medio (Medium Range) Pulso to Pulso (Wrist to Wrist)
CO Corto (Close Range) Balikat to Balikat (Shoulder to Shoulder)

LAMECO is a composition of five major systems and six minor systems from the Philippines.

1) Kali Illustrisimo (Antonio “Tatang” Illustrisimo)
2) De Campo uno-dos-tres Orehinal (Jose D. Caballero)
3) Kali Pekiti-Tirsia (Leo T. Gaje Jr.)
4) Modernos Largo (Jesus Abella / Pablicito Cabahug)
5) Sulite Rapelon (Helacrio Sulite Sr.)

LAMECO is a balanced synthesis of the many effective teachings and styles which the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite has come to master in the span of his life.

LAMECO has emphasis on the totality of the human being – mind, body, spirit – not just the physical elements alone.

ATTENTION, INTENTION, VISUALIZATION and COMPLETE FOCUS are the integral components of the LAMECO Training System.

The LAMECO logo represents the following items.

Symbol Representation
Arrows The Flow of Nature.
Balisong Knife Luzon – Northern Philippines.
Eskrima Stick Visayas – Central Philippines.
Kris Sword Mindanao – Southern Philippines.
Triangle The Integration of Mind, Body and Spirit.

Lameco Eskrima Training

One of the characteristics of Filipino martial arts is the use of weapons from the very beginning of training. The common weapon is a rattan stick, also called a cane or baston. These sticks vary in length from about 26 inches to as much as 38 inches in length or more. The weapons can vary in weight and thickness depending on the preference of the practitioner. However the Single Sword is the soul of this Warrior Art. Even when using a Rattan stick, members of Punong Guro Sulites Backyard Group were always told to treat the stick as a sword.

Lameco uses Double and single Stick, Double and single Dagger, Sword and Dagger, Sword, Staff, Handkerchief, and Empty Hands. Lameco Eskrima is a synthesis of five major and six minor systems of Eskrima.

Lameco employs training drills called Laban Laro (Play Fighting). Laban Laro allows the escrimador to come as close to real combat as possible without injury. It is also designed to get an uncountable number of repetitions in a short period of time.

Through his constant efforts for developing new training innovations, Edgar devised unique armor for the hands and forearms that allowed practitioners to safely train more realistically.

History

At a young age Edgar Sulite’s father exposed him to the Filipino Martial Arts, himself being a boxer and Arnisador. Growing up in the Barrios of the Philippines, Edgar witnessed many skirmishes settled blade against blade.

 

Five Major Influences on the Lameco Eskrima System:

1. De Campo 1-2-3 Orehenal (GM Jose D. Caballero)
2. Kalis Ilustrisimo (GM Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo)
3. Pekiti-Tirsia Kali (Tuhon Leo Tortal Gaje Jr.)
4. Modernos Largos (GM Jesus Abella & GM Pablicito “Pabling” Cabahug)
5. Sulite-Rapelon (GM Helacrio L. Sulite Sr.).

Six Minor Influences on the Lameco Eskrima System:

1. Doce Pares (GM Diony Cañete)
2. Balintawak (GM Johnny Chiuten)
3. Lapunti Arnis De Abanico (GM Felimon E. Caburnay)
4. Siete Teros Serado – Serado no Puede Entrar (GM Marcilino Ancheta)
5. Abanico De Sungkiti (GM Billy Baaclo)
6. Tres Personas Eskrima De Combate (GM Maj. Timoteo E. Maranga).

LAMECO: Legacy of Steel By Steve Tarani

LAMECO: Legacy of Steel By Steve Tarani

 

lameco eskrima arnis kali

dino flores eskrima

This article was reprinted with the author’s permission from the Souvenir Edition of Arnisador Magazine published by Goodwill Publications Limited. More information about the magazine can be obtained by calling Peter Morgan in London at +44 (0) 171-895 0800.

Saturday, June 1st, 1996
LAMECO: Legacy of Steel
By Steve Tarani

Swollen knuckles, bleeding forearms and battered shins – two warriors face off in a clearing. Sharp strikes of clashing rattan mix with the drawl of heavy breathing and shuffling feet. Intensely focused and alert, both combatants melt into the sweltering humidity. Glistening beads of sweat roll down to fingers wrought with open blisters. Ignoring the searing pain, each man continues fighting. Skillfully, cautiously – each life hinges upon immediate reaction to a deadly salvo of crushing blows.

Such is the way of life of an Arnisador – a path chosen by Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite. Since and before the days of Magellan, the Filipino martial arts have proven themselves highly effective standing in defiance of determined warring tribes, rabid Conquistadors and greedy foreign hordes.

The LAMECO system, systematically structured and easily assimilatable according to modern training methods, is the stainless steel link in an unbroken chain of training succession.

Great-grandfather to grandfather to father to son, a continual succession of knowledge and commitment breathes life into the ancient art from those very early days of foreign aggression to the current days of domestic violence. The heritage of combat-ready warriors runs deeply through the bloodline of the Sulite family tree.

Born on September 25, 1957 in a rural province on the Visayan Island of Leyte, Tacloban City, Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite was raised by a family of martial arts devotees in a rugged barrio neighborhood where deadly brawls and Bolo knife skirmishes were commonplace.

In other martial arts, the attainment of a certain level automatically designates the title Master or Grandmaster. In the Philippines, there are certain norms to be satisfied before one can be called and accepted as a Master or Grandmaster.

After expressing great interest in the Filipino fighting arts at a very early age, young Edgar was introduced to the rigorous training by his own father – Grandmaster Helacrio Sulite Sr.

Grandmaster Helacrio first studied with his father Grandmaster Timoteo Sulite in the 1930s. Grandmaster Helacrio went on to further enhance his skills under the tutelage of several other Arnis masters of varied styles (such as the late Grandmaster Melicio Ilustrisimo and Master Almario of Cebu among others.)

Grandmaster Timoteo Sulite’s instructors were active in the mid-19th century and their grandfathers recalled stories of their grandfathers which included the defeat of several infamous Spanish conquistadors using the very same styles of Arnis that have been meticulously passed down to Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite who, in turn, continues the solemn tradition to this very day.

While simultaneously training under his father and coming to master the family system known as Sulite Rapelon, Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite continually expanded his skills and combat technology by training intently with several other masters and Grandmasters all across the Philippine Islands.

Punong Guro devoted his entire life to the study of the ancient systems and masters who transformed him from young eager aspirant to the refined physical embodiment of technical perfection that he has become today.

Among the long list of such distinguished curators of the ancient ways is Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo of Bag-on Bantayan – founder of Kali Ilustrisimo, Grandmaster Jose D. Caballero of Ozamis City, Western Mindanao – founder of De Campo 1-2-3 Orihenal and Grandmaster Leo T. Gaje Jr. of Negros Occidental – founder of Pekiti Tirsia (a close quarters combat system that specializes in knife and Espada y Daga.)

Punong Guro sheds further light on the methods of his masters in a series of educational books and video tapes available to the general public. Especially in his third book, MASTERS OF ARNIS, KALI & ESKRIMA, Punong Guro provides a rare glimpse into the arcane and mystical world of the traditional Filipino warrior class. Punong Guro is also the author of ADVANCED BALISONG: FILIPINO BUTTERFLY KNIFE and THE SECRETS OF ARNIS and has produced a total of ten instructional video tapes.

Punong Guro Sulite believes that the ancient tradition of keeping the sacred art only in the family is a double-edged sword. On the one hand the art is kept pure and in accordance with tradition. On the other hand, as modern times erode the interests of today’s youth, (who would much rather play video games rather than listen to grandpa tell old war stories,) the passing of the torch becomes more and more limited to only a select few. Unfortunately, when such masters pass away, so goes with them, forever, the art which they possess.

Thus, with the bold risk of changing the course of tradition, Punong Guro accepted the responsibility of both preserving the ancient teachings in the exact way in which he was taught, as well as disseminating this teaching in a modern platform of instruction.

In this modern age of automated organizational skills, combined with his uncanny ability to analyze with the precision of a high-tech computer, Punong Guro Sulite has heavily exposed the western world to the LAMECO system. Punong Guro currently has a number [of] schools in such varied corners of the globe as the Philippines, Germany, Australia and the United States. As a result of his unique modern approach and personal dedication through the LAMECO system, the proliferation and integrity of the ancient teachings is sustained.

What is the LAMECO system? LAMECO is a perfectly balanced synthesis of the many effective teachings and styles which Punong Guro has come to master in the span of his life.

There are some systems which specialize in long range fighting (known as “Largo Mano” or “Long Hand”) and others specializing in medium range fighting (known as “Medio”) and still others which specialize in close quarters combat (known as “Corto”). Thus, an acronym for the synthesis of the three ranges of combat LARGO, MEDIO and CORTO, the first two characters of each combat range LA, ME and CO were combined to form LAMECO.

In an interview, Punong Guro said, “I wanted to preserve the ancient teachings… but bleeding forearms and knots on the top of the head is not a good way… [there is no] safety. So a good compromise is safety equipment… [and] gradually, we can remove [the protective armour].”

When asked how he had planned to preserve the old teachings without dissipating the potency of the original art, and simultaneously combine the best of each system without offending each of his teachers, Punong Guro Sulite replied, “Grandmaster Ilustrisimo entrusted me with his [lifetime of knowledge] and wanted me to carry his name… the same with Grandmaster Gaje, Grandmaster Caballero, Grandmaster Abella, and all the others. So I have systematised and presented [the arts in a modern context easy to assimilate through a synthesis of multiply effective systems].” Thus the LAMECO system was born.

What further separates LAMECO from all other contemporary systems is its emphasis on the totality of the human being – mind, body and spirit – not only the physical elements. Attention, intention, visualization and complete focus are the integral components of the LAMECO training system. Drills and processes which develop the vital constituents were developed as the result of intense study and detailed analysis of countless ancient systems.

As modern day martial artists, we should consider ourselves most fortunate to have the opportunity to train under a renaissance thinker such as Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite. He is one of the very few who has brought the ancient traditions out of the darkest jungles and into the light of modern day martial arts training, by sharing with the rest of the world – his legacy of steel.

Punong Guro is a Tagalog title which is comprised of two words. The first, Punong, literally translates to “trunk” or “base of”, for example, a tree. Combined with the second word, Guro, which translates as “one who leads another out of ignorance” (or “teacher” in Western terminology,) this title can be translated as “Primary master instructor” or more readily, “Grandmaster”.

mandirigma.org

Guro Dino Flores reflects upon his experience training under his teacher Punong Guro Edgar Sulite Excerpts taken from Master Reynaldo S. Galangs book “Warrior arts of the Philippines”, published on April 1, 2005

Guro Dino Flores reflects upon his experience training

under his teacher Punong Guro Edgar Sulite

Guro Dino Flores reflects upon his experience training under his teacher Punong Guro Edgar Sulite. Excerpts taken from Master Reynaldo S. Galangs book “Warrior arts of the Philippines”, published on April 1, 2005

After much scrutiny by Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, Guro Lowell Pueblos and senior members of the Los Angeles Chapter of Lameco Eskrima International, I was finally accepted into the forming backyard group.  On the first day of class, my first intimidating task was to fight a senior member – full blast.  In my case it was Guro Mar Elepaño.  Although it was a scary at first, it was definitely a refreshing rush to release unhindered.  I gave a good pounding, but got an even better one back.  Regardless of the outcome, I was hooked.  What a welcome that was and what a lesson indeed.

Lesson # 1: Abundant knowledge of theory and history does not necessarily equate to knowledge of actual application.

Punong Guro had a habit of giving you relatively short lessons that would completely change your perception.  Just when I would think I knew what was going on, he would initiate upon me an unexpected lesson that would thrust me to another level of understanding.  He would never ram knowledge down your throat, or impose his opinions.  He preferred to put you through an experience that would support a theory and allow you to come up with a more personalized understanding.>Punong Guro had a love for reading books and learning new things.  We were both always reading something we found mutually interesting.  It was usually on topics such as martial arts, spiritual, health or Filipino history and culture.  So we started doing a book reading exchange.  “Little Brown Brother” for “A Spaniard in Aguinaldo’s army: The military journal of Telesforo Carrasco y Pérez”, “Filipinos at War” for “Iron Shirt Qi-Gong”, “Jail House Knife Techniques” for “The Fall of Sriwijaya in Malay History” and so on.  Punong Guro was an intelligent person and I appreciated the fact that he considered the cerebral and spiritual side of training just as important as the physical part.

My favorite memories are of his personal stories, which, to my mind, are real adventures.  His love affair with the Warrior Arts of the Philippines.  How he traveled throughout the Philippine islands to research the arts. He was the first person to go throughout Luzon, Visays and Mindanao and publish his research in a book, the Masters of Arnis, Kali and Eskrima. This research has influenced much of the literature on the arts that has been released since his own books came out. Many systems became known because of this landmark book and it served as an early guide for people seeking the art in the Philippines.

Punong Guro was also an innovator. He introduced the concept of “hand sparring” for accuracy. Assisted by Master Yuli Romo they invented the hand and forearm guard for hand sparring. Sadly I have been seeing copies of thier invention surfacing. Recently a person from another style bragged to me that in their style they do hand sparring for accuracy. He had no clue of it’s origins.

Through his lessons and the example of how he lived his life, Punong Guro has had a tremendous influence on my own journey.  Looking back, I see him now as one who put great energy into the path of balancing the mind, the body and the spirit.  He appreciated the highest capabilities of the physical self – while accepting it’s limitation.  While he expanded his mind with worldly and universal knowledge, he consciously worked on decreasing his ego with humility.  By being a person of well-balanced body and mind, it allowed his true self – his spirit and not his ego – to shine a bit more than average person.

It was Punong Guro and all my teachers examples that inspired me to use the ancestral knowlege for positive purposes. To give back to the community and make an effort to improve myself along the way.

Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo (1904 – 1997)

Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo (1904 – 1997)

 

 

Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo,  Courtesy of Bakbakan International  and  GM Tony Diego

Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo (1902 – 1997) originally came from Santa Fe in Bantayan Island.   He came from a family that has a very long history of martials and mystical tradition.   His cousin, Floro Villabrialle, was the most famous Arnis master of Hawaii.  His youngest uncle, Regino Ellustrisimo, was an Arnis master in Stockton, USA.  Both men were mentioned in Dan Inosanto’s book on Filipino martial arts.  However, the most famous of his 4 direct paternal uncles, and the most powerful fighter of the 5 brothers (some say he has more than 7 uncles) was Melecio Ilustrisimo, one of the most famous Kali masters of the Philippines of the early 20th Century, being influential in northern Cebu – Bantayan and Bohol islands.  All his forbears were expert warriors and were known to posses strange mystical powers.

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo’s students, fondly call him “Tatang” which  means “grandfather”.  Tatang learnt Arnis under the tutelage of his father (Isidro Illustrisimo) and uncles (especially the famous Melecio Ilustrisimo) in the old way.  There were 3 famous Eskrima families in Cebu at that time:-  the Ilustrisimos,  the Saavedras,  and the Romos.

Footwork was one of the first things he had to master.  As a tiny boy, he was put on a small table and his teachers would use sticks to beat his legs.  He had to learn how to avoid the blows.  He was also put on 3 half coconut shells in a triangular pattern and given the same harsh treatment.  This footwork is known as Tatlong Bao in the Ilustrisimo family.

As a result he has mastered evasion and dodging at an early age.  This is a training that Melecio Ilustrisimo himself thoroughly mastered as he was said to have nailed one foot to the ground and challenge all and sundry to defeat him.  No one could,  and that footwork is called “Walong Apak” (Nail Footwork) in Kalis Ilustrisimo.  These skills of evasive footwork have all been mastered by Grandmaster Antonio Illustrisimo.

He learnt the solo and double baston, espada daga, daga, bolo (sword), dos manos (a long stick/sword – roughly equivalent to the Samurai’s sword) and various “weapons of convenience”.   In particular, as a speciality, Grandmaster Ilustrisimo is noted for is his expertise in bladed weapons – something which many modern Grandmasters of Arnis can not lay proper claim to since their real practical experience concentrated on the rattan sticks. (Claims by most systems that they can use swords are disputable and only partially true).  This expertise as a swordman is not merely from personal experience and practice, but is the legacy of his family art of Ilustrisimo Kali which is a bladed art that stretches so far back in the family line that nobody could remember when it started.

As a boy, the young Ilustrisimo had a very tough, stubborn, determined and indominatable spirit. When he heard of a far country called ‘America’, he decided to go there – at the age of 9 years old!   When his parents would not  listen to his panderings, he ‘took’ some family money and a machete, and again, ‘took’ a small rowing boat and paddled out to the sea to what he thought would be America, not realising how far America really is.  He fortunately chance across a ship.  The sailors aboard were  surprised to see a young boy rowing out in the sea.  Out of curiousity, perhaps concern as well, there approached him and asked him where he was going.  “I am going to America in this boat!” was the confident answer.  The sailors rocked in laughter.  They somehow persuaded him to come with them.   Of course, he did not get to America.  But he did sail to a few ports, still not quite realising that America is still very, very far away……….

At a port, he chance on a family friend who recognised him, but not wishing to betray the high ideals of this young boy, he took him to the south as that friend was a Muslim.  There the young boy grew up – strong, determined, proud and skillful in combat as ever.  He was adopted into a the royal court as an adopted son of the Sultan of Sulu.  (This was Hadji Butu who ascended to become HH Hadji Mohammad Jamalul Kiram II, the Sultan of Sulu)

While in the South, he was priviledged to train in the the best of teachers that the royal court could have.  He also trained with Pedro Cortes, another very famous master in the Mindanao region, who was used by the government to control the ‘Rebelious South’.   Pedro Cortes was a close friend a sparring partner of his father Isidro Ilustrisimo.

Then one day, he was drinking at a beer house, he got into dispute with another man.  The man drew his sword to kill Tatang, but the defty young boy beat him to the draw and, with one stroke of his own barong (Tatang’s favourite type of sword), he cut  off the enemy’s head.  The victim was left a headless man running wildly before collapsing.  Since this was in self defence, this would have normally been ‘okay’ under the rules of that Islamic society, but the matter was complicated by his being under the influence of the drink (much frown upon), and plus the fact that the victim was from another royal clan that was a rival to the Sultan’s clan.   To avoid inter clan warfare,  the Sultan was forced to ‘exiled’ the young offender.   The Sultan gave him a gift of money and sent under escort to a British ship to head home.   He was only 17 years old then.

He returned to his parent’s place.  They had not seen him since he left as a young boy (this indicates his spirit of determination and independence – and his courage to live away from home without his parent’s guidance) and thought he was dead.  They were over-joyed to receive a telegram saying he was returning.   But they couldn’t recognise him.  A proud young man in Muslim dress walked towards them from the ship and it was only when he greeted them that they realised it was him.

He soon left to become a sailor, but when he had the oppotunity, he would continue to train in the fighting tradition of his family line.

Tatang used to hang around “rough places”.  He is well known amongst the wharfies and bars.  That was where he fought many times and honed his fighting skills.  I have met many Arnis masters who are very good in what  they do, but some of them privately admitted to me that even they are extremely careful when going to such areas that Tatang frequents because fighting and killing in bar/street fights is very different, and much more dangerous, than fighting an Arnis dual.

His life as a sailor gave him the oppotunity to travel from place to place.  This provided oppotunities to contest fighters from other far-off regions – America, India,  Europe, Australia……………..  He fought on many occassions, and was never defeated.

For example, he responded to a grandmaster match in Singapore to compete against a great Indonesian Penchak Silat grandmaster.  The Indonesian climbed into the ring, warmed up, all ready to fight, but when he faced Tatang, he simply refused to fight and surrendered.   Grandmaster Ilustrisimo said that is the highest art – to defeat an opponent without fighting him.  Tatang was said to have used his ‘orascion’ or spiritual power to overcome the opponent.  Grandmaster Illustrisimo thus won the prize money of $5,000. (Note:- Indonesian masters are experts in the use of spiritual power to overpower their opponents, but in this instance, Tatang’s power must have overwhelmed his expert opponent).

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo used to participate in Arnis matches in the fiestas in the local barrios occasionally when not at sea.  However, due to his fondness for the blade, and his reputation as a fighter-killer, not many masters would dare to fight him.  He only knows how to fight naturally – without restrictions – something that is not very comfortable for other masters.  The only rule is the terms of defeat – when to stop the fight.  He laments that he had to accept fights during his travels to practise a little of his art.  eg.  He fought a master in Calcutta.  He also had some fights in the Middle East.

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo, however, had lots of practice during World War II where, as a guerilla, his boss often sent him on missions to kill both Japanese soldiers and local conspirators.  He is said to have killed groups of people at a time.  So reliable were his services that his code name in the guerilla movement was ‘The Executioner’.

In Manila, Grandmaster Ilustrisimo lived in Tondo, near the wharf area which was a very rough neighbourhood.  Intimidation, robberies, muggings, fights and killings were common.  Together with his friends (some of whom are well known to Western students of Arnis – Floro Villabraille, Jose Mena and Felicissimo Dizon), he fought these muggers, bullies and intimidators whenever they caused trouble.  This ‘Gang of Four’ joked that since they were cleaning the docks of these troublemakers for the Police, they are in fact the ‘De Facto Dock Police’.  (Note:- None of them, or their students, were actually employed as Police or security guards there, as some Westerners were lead to believe).

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo hung around his friends whenever he was not at sea.   Occassionally, he would spar with them.  Accounts independently related by various old sources who hung around them confirmed that Grandmaster Illustrisimo had sparred with Felicissimo Dizon quite a few times and was more than a match for him.  It is also said that mutual Arnis friends wanted to arrange a formal match (ie. prize fighting) between Grandmaster Ilustrisimo and Felicissimo Dizon.  Grandmaster Ilustrisimo, being a seasoned prize fighter, readily accepted.  But the great Dizon turned down the offer citing that Grandmaster Illustrisimo is a larger man, a taller man with a longer reach, and thus they are in different categories and should not be matched.  (Dizon was a formidable fighter with few defeats, most notably of which was from the great Illaus Romo.  Also, a scheduled match between Dizon, Delphin Lopez and Cacoy Canette did not eventuate also because Dizon failed to turn up – according to Cacoy Canette).

While sojorned in Manila in the late 1930s, a young lad around 15 or 16 years old called Angel Cabales, became a staunch student of Felicissimo Dizon.   A few years later, he left for USA (1939) and became internationally famous as the founder of Cabales Serada Eskrima which is very widespread in USA.  (Angel was said to have learnt from Tatang too, but both Tatang and his students told me he is not Tatang’s student.  He only learnt from Tatang because he knew how good Tatang was.  He was regarded as Dizon’s student – Tatang does not pinch the students of his friends.  In fact, Tatang only accepted students from the public in the mid 1970s when he was already in his mid seventies.  It is admitted that Tatang did show and teach his personal friends,  but they were never regarded as ‘students’.   They were his friends.   Such close friends included Felicissimo Dizon and the famous Floro Villabrialle,  who was his cousin.  I believe Timoteo Maranga was one such friend during the war time.  Besides that,  Tatang did not teach anybody who came to enquire)

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo used to frequent bars in the rough areas of Manila.  He often got into fights in such hotspots.  He had been arrested at least 17 times for killing, but he was always lucky to prove his innocence as self defence and was released every time.  The last time he killed was when he was over 90 years old.  He nearly went to jail for that.

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo retired from sea-faring in his advanced years, but not from active practice.  Even in his old age, he  received challenges from young fighters eager to build a name for themselves by unfairly bumping off an old man, but  he survived and gave them a hiding instead.

In his advanced years, Grandmaster Ilustrisimo was partially blind, but he can still spar with his students using real bolos (swords) and exert control not to harm them.  How does he “see” the student’s incoming bolos when he cannot properly see ordinary objects is still a mystery to most, but Dan Inosanto mentioned in his book that (Ilustrisimo’s cousin) Floro Villabrille’s favourite master was a blind princess.  (Some sources indicate that this ‘princess’ was actually not blind, but partially blind, just like Tatang.  And not a princess of Samar, nor Princess Josephina, but daughter of a chief.  She was known to possess some mystical powers.  Also, this story later as changed by later generations to ‘main’ or ‘best’ teacher -  instead of ‘favourite’ teacher – in the sentimental sense, not favourite as ‘best’ teacher).   Tatang insisted that while in Manila,  he actually tutored Floro Villabrialle, who, earlier, was a student of his uncle Melecio Ilustrisimo.  Tatang and was ‘unimpressed’  that the Americans were given the impression that Villabrialle’s main or best teacher was Princess Josephina.

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Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo (1904 – 1997) was the Grand Master of Kali Ilustrisimo, a Filipino martial art bearing his family name.

Early life
Born in Bagong, Bantayan, Cebu in 1904. As a boy he studied eskrima from his father. At the age of nine he decided to travel to the United States, and stowed away on a boat he thought was headed for America. In actuality, he arrived in Mindanao, in the southern Philippine islands.

The Martial Arts
Antonio Alulud Ilustrisimo was one of the most well respected eskrimadors of the Philippines; He is famed for winning countless duels and street encounters, as well as serving as a guerrilla against the invading Japanese forces during World War II. GM Ilustrisimo was never defeated in combat, and earnt great respect as a result of his brave exploits against the Japanese.

In 1976 Antonio ‘Tatang’ Ilustrisimo accepted his first students Antonio Diego and Epifanio ‘Yuli’ Romo. After Tatang’s passing in 1997, Tony Diego was elected head of Kali Ilustrisimo. Other notable students include – Rey Galang, Christopher Ricketts and Edgar Sulite.

Publications
Antonio Ilustrisimo has been featured in many periodicals and Martial Arts publications. His First apperance was in The book titled  Masters of Arnis, Kali, and Eskrima by Edgar Sulite. His life and art were also featured in the book titled Filipino Martial Culture by Mark Wiley. The art of Kalis Ilustrisimo had a section in the book Filipino Fighting Arts: Theory and Practice by Mark Wiley. The book titled The Secrets of Kalis Ilustrisimo was released in the United States. It was authored by two of his most prominent students, Antonio Diego and Christopher Ricketts.

 

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Grandmaster Christopher ‘Topher’ Ricketts Interview by Guro David Foggie and Guro Dino Flores for Blitz Magazine, Australia, 2006

Grandmaster Christopher ‘Topher’ Ricketts Interview by Guro David Foggie and Guro Dino Flores for Blitz Magazine, Australia, 2006

 

 

Questions by David Foggie Interviewed by Dino Flores. Answers by Master Ricketts given in Tagalog, Translation by Dino Flores.  Interview commenced 12 th February 2006 and conducted over a span of three months in the form of casual conversation by Dino Flores in Los Angeles to San Diego, California U.S.A as well as Las Vegas. When Dino was asked by Master Ricketts to assist him with the interview, the questions to the answers were very limited in information. However with Master Ricketts now able to answer the questions in the Filipino “Tagalog” language, the project began to flow and paint a clearer picture of  Master Ricketts incredible achievements and contributions to the world of martial arts.

Grandmaster Christopher ’Topher’ Ricketts Interview

Grandmaster Christopher N. Ricketts or ‘Master Topher ‘is Chief Instructor of Bakbakan International whose motto is “Matira Matibay” (The Best of the Best). Concerned with training and passing on his knowledge to students rather than collecting accolades and titles, Master Topher’s skills and credentials are impeccable and second to none; he is one of the best of the best.

A senior disciple of the revered Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo and one of the 5 Pillars of Kali Ilustrisimo, he is the highest ranking living instructor in Lameco Eskrima, having trained personally with Grandmaster Edgar Sulite. With teaching credentials in several martial arts systems including Ngo Cho Kuen (5 Ancestor Fist), Sagasa Filipino Kickboxing as well as being a professional boxing trainer, he has dedicated his life to the martial arts and other fighting systems.

With his brother Ronnie Ricketts being a well known and respected action star in Philippine movies, Master Topher has provided his vast experience in the fighting arts to choreograph fight scenes.

Through an introduction from my teacher Grandmaster Roland Dantes in 1998, I have been fortunate to benefit from Master Topher’s extensive knowledge and experience.

Knowing the high regard my instructor, Roland Dantes and many other respected elders of FMA hold Master Topher and having witnessed his immense skills, it was an opportunity not to be missed.

When I first observed Master Topher demonstrate Kali Ilustrisimo at his home, I knew that I was in the presence of a genuine master of Kali Ilustrisimo. During our training sessions, the true scope of Master Topher’s knowledge became apparent as did his effective use of body mechanics. Under Master Topher’s instruction, I was introduced to the principles and techniques which form the foundation and in fact, the nucleus or core of Kali Ilustrisimo. With a sharp eye for perfect form and understanding, Master Topher meticulously dissected each technique and corrected even the minutest nuances until he was satisfied.

My time spent training under Master Topher has afforded me the opportunity to see the various aspects of this remarkable martial artist. A remarkable man, he is a fighter, teacher and friend to his students. Martial arts are meant to be about honor, respect, integrity, loyalty and dedication. Master Topher embodies these traits and as such, it is easy to see why Grandmaster Roland Dantes and many other highly respected masters are his friends and respect him.

It was with the approval of my teacher, Grandmaster Roland Dantes, I began studying Kali lIustrisimo under Master Topher and as such, I consider him also to be my teacher. More importantly, I consider him to be a respected, loyal and much valued friend. It is my pleasure and honor to present, Grandmaster Christopher ‘Topher’ Ricketts.

(Q) Firstly what is the history and aim of Bakbakan?

Bakbakan means something along the lines of a free for all brawl. Bakbakan was founded in 1967 by a group of instructors from various styles of martial arts in the Philippines. Prior to the organization becoming a bastion of martial arts in the Philippines, the main objective of the original members was to elevate their fighting skills through constant full contact sparring.

Originally there were only six of us: Ding Binay, Rolly Maximo, Christian Gloria, Eddie Ben Alicante, Rey Vizer and myself. We would meet at my house in San Miguel Village in Makati, where my bedroom was our original gym.
(Q) Prior to studying under Grandmaster Antonio Tatang’ Ilustrisimo did you have much exposure to FMA?

Prior to Kali Ilustrisimo my training included the Rapillon style of Mang Sciano Cleope in 1967. He was a well-known eskrimador from Quezon province of the Philippines and I was a training partner of his son, Edgar Cleope. For a little while I trained with Jimmy Gales in his arnis style which he called Sphinx. He used the centro baston (central grip) and susi (inverted grip) styles of wielding a stick. I also trained with Doc Lengson in the Arnis Federation of the Philippines style from 1973-1978.

(Q) Grandmaster Ilustrsimo is celebrated as one of the greatest masters of FMA. How did you come to know of Tatang and how did you come to be accepted as his student?

I was introduced to Tatang by my good friend Alex Co, a driving force in the Philippine martial arts world. It was the same time that I met Edgar Sulite, Yuli Romo and Tony Diego. When we met for some reason the old man took a liking to me and thus I was accepted as one of his students.

(Q) You were exposed to and had seen other systems of arnis. Why did you decide to follow Tatang? What attracted you? What made his system so different?

Various strategies attracted me to Tatang’s method, such as being direct, simple and to the point. It has very few flowery movements and there is a natural flow with continuous movement, like a real fight.

Once you truly understand the fundamentals, you respond instinctively without thought and respond appropriately to a situation. Tatang has proven this on countless occasions just as it has assisted me on occasion. It appears simple on the surface, yet in reality there is a deeper true meaning.

(Q) Being one of the senior disciples of Tatang, what can you tell us about his method of instruction? Were his teaching methods structured or unstructured? What was the teaching progression?

A true practitioner of Kali Ilustrisimo will have totally instinctive reaction with no set pattern. Tatang never responded the same way to the same angle of attack. He movements were so natural and a wonder to behold.

Tatang did not teach you in the traditional sense. If you simulated an attack angle, he would instinctively (and painfully) respond. It was up to you to understand and absorb the techniques used. There was no progression, forms or structure. The main structures and progressions being taught to the public these days are individual interpretations of the original 5 pillars of Kali Ilustrisimo. The 5 pillars of Ilustrisimo being Tony Diego, Yuli Romo, Rey Galang, Edgar Sulite and myself.

After Tatang’s death, all kinds of people came out of the woodwork making all manner of claims on how the old man moved. Fortunately I am in possession of hundreds of hours of video footage taken of Tatang in action over a period of 15 years. It can confirm and dispute many of the claims out there based on this evidence. Anybody who doubts this is welcome to view the archives. Let your own eyes be the judge.

(Q) Having received your training before the system was systematized and being one of the people responsible for structuring the material, what are the good and bad points of each method of instruction?

Before systemization, Ilustrisimo’s art was still raw and pure. Almost virgin like, as prior to our pursuit it was only revealed in a real situation. It was free of showmanship, direct and purely functional for combat; however it was difficult to learn and always painful, as you usually had to get hit for the technique to be revealed. Only those with time, dedication and a high threshold for pain and tolerance were able to eventually understand Ilustrisimo’s methods.

The good points about systemization is that it is easier to teach and a lot less painful! Keep in mind though that systemization by someone other than the founder is their own interpretation. This can be seen in the different way each of the five pillars of Ilustrisimo teaches the art. There are many similarities but there are also differences, reflecting the experience of each individual. Tatang was one of a kind; that will likely never be replicated.

(Q) Could you please share with us the primary fighting strategies of Kali Ilustrisimo?

Some of the primary fighting strategies of Kali Ilustrisimo include: de cadena, sak sak, bagsak, and V-strike. These are mainly finishing moves, as in a real blade confrontation it is over quickly.

(Q) The techniques of Kali Ilustrisimo are noticeably sword based, whereas many styles are either stick based or evolved to being stick arts. What is your view?

Kali Ilustrisimo is definitely a sword-based art; even the stick is treated as a sword. Kali means sword in one of the dialects of the Philippines, thus Kali Ilustrisimo means the sword of Ilustrisimo. The rattan stick is a training device that represents the sword.

(Q) What about the claim sticks can be replaced by swords and it is the same?

There is no doubt that they are both deadly weapons. However, there are differences. In non-bladed arts, practitioners tend to grab to grab the stick in a way that if it were a blade, they would surely be cut. In non-bladed tournaments the participants hit each other just as much as they get hit. There is no respect for the weapon or defense. In a bladed match, they would both be dead. Maybe it is good for a sport, but not for the bladed arts, as long as the distinction is made.

(Q) Tatang knew Felicisimo Dizon and his student, Angel Cabales who went on to become the founder of Serrada Escrima. Did he talk of them and if so, what can you tell us?

Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite asked this question of Tatang before he died. A student of ours, Steve Tarani, was present while I filmed the interview. With respects to the departed, I will leave it at that.

(Q) Did Floro Villabrille study with Tatang? Is it true that he was Tatang’s nephew?

Floro Villabrille married a niece of Ilustrisimo. He was a student. I will leave it at that.

(Q) Do you think Tatang was trying to develop and instill specific qualities in his students?

Tatang was a pure fighter. He had little interest in teaching. It was not until he was in his 80s and retired that he started teaching in Luneta Park. He only taught to get a little spending money for extra curricular fun.

As for developing and instilling specific qualities in his students, Tatang couldn’t care less. His main concern was it saved his life on his many adventures as a merchant marine and guerilla fighter in World War II.

(Q) It is said you were instrumental in introducing sparring into Kali Ilustrisimo and provided much advice from your experience to help develop your fellow students’ skills. Is that correct?
Prior to me joining the Ilustrisimo’s core group, sparring was done only occasionally. I insisted it be done regularly, which we usually did at my house. My experiences in full contact martial arts sparring and ring boxing assisted greatly in developing this aspect.
(Q) During your time training under Tatang, what was the emphasis during your training with him?

The emphasis was on spontaneity and pain. One of us would simulate an attack, he would instinctively and painfully react, and then during our free time we would try and decipher what we had seen. Because there was no curriculum, we had to learn techniques by experiencing them.

(Q) Tatang’s timing was remarkable to watch.

Even in his old age, Tatang’s timing was remarkable. In all my eskrima experience, none have come close.

( Q) There have been discussions about which is the correct name of Tatang’s system: Kali Ilustrisimo or Kalis Ilustrisimo. Through the years I have heard it referred to as Olistrisimo (an acronym of the words olisi meaning stick and the Ilustrisimo name).Would you like to comment on this?

During the whole time I was training, I never heard Tatang use any of these terms. The five pillars referred it as Kali Ilustrisimo only so we could have something to call it. Tatang had no name for the art in my observation. It was only after his death that all these other versions began to surface.

(Q) Do you think Tatang would be happy with the way Kali Ilustrisimo has spread? How do you see the future of the system?

I think Tatang would be saddened that politics has infected our group. When it was still the core group, practice was fun for many years. None of us were doing it for self-promotion or ego inflation. It was like a family. It was not until people who were not in the original group made their way in. This is where the problems began. Unfortunately, there will always be people that exist who will say or do anything to become “famous”.

(Q) What can you tell us about Tatang? History, stories, etc?

This could be a rather lengthy answer worthy of volumes. Perhaps I will write a second book on Kali Ilustrisimo to answer these questions.

(Q) Melacio and Regino Ilustrisimo were the uncles of Tatang. What do you know of their styles and were they the same as Tatang?

I did not meet the uncles of Antonio Ilustrisimo personally. However, during his research for his landmark book, ‘Masters of Arnis, Kali and Eskrima’, Edgar Sulite met them both on Bantayan Island. According to Edgar, their styles, although founded upon the same root system, were now different. In other words, Tatang’s style had evolved through a lifetime of actual combat experience throughout the Philippines and the world.

(Q) Tatang was greatly respected for his combat skills. During your time with him, did you ever witness him being challenged or having to use his skills?

Tatang was respected by all. I never witnessed anyone dare challenge him.

(Q) You were very close to Tatang. What are some of your fond memories of him and your time together?

There are so many. Very few had the privilege to spar Tatang regularly as I did, but there is one occasion I will not soon forget.

In general, Tatang was a respectful gentleman. However, on this particular day I kept telling Tatang that he was not able to hit me. I was doing this in order to see how the old man would press his attack and possibly reveal some new strategies and techniques; a

sacrifice so to speak. Immediately Tatang stood up and began striking me in the head. He quickly feinted left, and then suddenly struck me in the right eye with an inside De Cadena attack. Tatang struck me so hard I actually believed he had knocked my eye ball out and so I dropped to the ground in search of my eyeball! When I realized my eye was still intact, I stood up and Tatang asked if I was okay. When I said I was fine, without hesitation he continued his barrage of attacks upon me. Tatang was always willing to fight to the end, even in training sessions. Now that he has gone, even the painful memories have become fond memories.

(Q) The lutang (floating) footwork of Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo is very unique. What can you tell us about it?

Lutang means to float and it is a unique footwork of Tatang’s. It involves temporarily being on one foot while the other leg “floats”. Although it looks unusually elegant, it can generate tremendous power and reach. It also allows you to move in and out and then back in from various ranges of combat in an instant. Classic Tatang; simple yet sophisticated, beautiful but deadly.

(Q) In a nutshell, what are the differences in how you learnt from Tatang and how you teach today?

Throughout the years up until his death, I was constantly learning, dissecting, experimenting, analyzing and observing his movements. After Tatang’s death, I continued to do the same with what I had retained. Now I have come a full circle back to his original techniques: minimal, uncomplicated, and effective. When I went back and reviewed the hundreds of hours of film archives on Tatang, it confirmed that I am on the right path. And still in wonder of my teacher’s abilities.

(Q) Would you say the teaching progression you developed has fine-tuned the manner in which the art is taught to the students?

My teaching progressions teach a student to instinctively react with the techniques of Ilustrisimo. However, it is not something you learn overnight.

(Q) How do you ensure the students receive and grasp the essence of the art?

Research, review, dissect, spar and dedicated practice, practice, practice.

(Q) You are renowned for placing emphasis on physical conditioning. What led you to this?

My experience as a professional boxing trainer when I had a stable of fighters and the intense workouts of Doc Lengson’s KAFEPHIL style were what led me to appreciate the importance of physical conditioning.

(Q) Dr. Guillermo Lengson was a remarkable man. How did you come to study under him?

During the KAFEPHIL days, I was introduced to Doc by an instructor under him, Chito Santos. Doc took a liking to me and adopted me in a way. I not only look to him as a teacher, but also a father figure.

(Q) From your experience, what are the facts and myths of edged weapons and defending against them?
If you have the option to run, run. 99% of the time you’ll get cut, especially with the style of blades today. If you have no other option but to engage, be direct and finish quickly. Plus, always remember that even if your opponent dead or dying, they will still likely be thrusting and slashing their weapon.
(Q) What is your approach to defending against edged weapon attacks? Can there be too many drills taught?

Drills are always good to condition your movements and mind. As long as your honest with yourself and realize that actual combat is a lot simpler, direct, and bloodier than drills.

(Q) What is the emphasis in your teaching?

My emphasis is on constant repetition of basic techniques and sparring.

(Q) You adhere to a very practical approach in your training as well as your teaching. How do you view and approach teaching stick and knife disarms?

Simplicity. Never wrestle for a disarm. Never look for a disarm. Only do it if an opportunity arises. Always treat the weapon as a blade.

(Q) It is better to possess an understanding of the general principles of disarming?

Yes, knowledge is power. Better to have something, than nothing. Just be realistic about what would actually work.

(Q) You were a close friend of PG Edgar Sulite. How did you meet him and do you have any fond memories you would like to share?

Edgar G. Sulite was one of my closest friends. I met him through another close friend of mine, Alex Co, a pioneer publisher in the Philippines of martial arts books and magazines. Alex asked me to check whether Edgar was the real McCoy because Edgar wanted to discuss the publication of a book. After meeting Edgar, I reported that he was indeed the real thing and the rest is history. Alex ended up publishing all three of Edgar’s books: Secrets of Arnis, Advanced Balisong and Masters of Arnis, Kali and Eskrima.

The Masters of Anis, Kali and Eskrima was a landmark book because it was the first time a researcher traveled throughout the entire Philippines to research the art and publish it in a book. It revealed many relatively unknown systems to the world and opened many doors for future researchers and practitioners. I am happy to have been a participant in bringing these projects to light.

(Q) What was it like training with PG Sulite? Was Lameco Eskrima founded at the time?

Lameco Eskrima was already founded at the time. However it was still evolving and Kali Ilustrisimo was the finishing touch. Training with Edgar was fun and enlightening for the both of us and we became training partners. There were lots of live and instinctive drills. Constant research, experimentation and sparring, sparring, sparring. We had lots of painful bumps and bruises because back then we had no safety gear. It was very educational for the both of us.

Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite was a true scholar, gentleman and warrior.

(Q) With the unfortunate passing of PG Sulite, you became the highest ranked black belt in Lameco Eskrima. Are you presently teaching the system?

No. I will leave the future to his son, Edgar Sulite Jr. He is my official appointed heir to the Lameco Eskrima International system. Edgar Sulite Jr trained under me for many years in the Philippines while his father was in the USA preparing for the eventual arrival of the family. I trust Edgar Sulite Jr. to make many wise decisions. He is like family to me.

(Q) You are close friends with my teacher, Master Roland Dantes and I know the respect he has for yourself and Bakbakan. How did you meet and I believe you have some memories of your competition days.

I met Master Roland Dantes in my KAFEPHIL days when I was young. His brother Johnny Pintoy, was a champion in the tournament circuit. The first time I met Master Roland Dantes, he was a judge on the first ever televised karate versus boxing match in which I was representing karate. There was some controversy concerning illegal biting and elbows. Regardless of the outcome, Master Roland Dantes gained my respect and made an impression on me as someone who was humble and fair, regardless of his fame and status. We have been close friends ever since.

(Q) During your decades of martial arts training, you have studied and become proficient in several systems including boxing. Why?

I am a true lover of the warrior arts from forms to practical applications. I do it because I truly enjoy it. Boxing has some of the best full contact, conditioning and training methods that exist.

(Q) Did you encounter difficulty learning and then applying the different techniques and concepts?

No not at all. I enjoy every aspect of learning.

(Q) In your years of teaching, do you feel that students want the fast service approach, i.e., quickly moving through the material?
I have never experienced it personally. Usually when students want to learn from me they know I mean business and they in turn must be committed and dedicated. Otherwise, I will just refer them to someone else.
(Q) Are you concerned that with the proliferation of unqualified teachers attempting to cash in on the popularity of FMA, the true intention of the art will be lost?

Naturally I am concerned with the preservation of all the arts in their purest form. Personally, my main concern is with Kali Ilustrisimo. After the death of Tatang, many people suddenly appeared claiming to represent Kali Ilustrisimo. These people are mainly good at talking and making theories. However, this is not enough. You must also practice Tatang’s real techniques and be able to apply them.

Many people are good at talking, but when it comes to sparring they either decline or perform very badly. Unfortunately, there are people exploiting the Ilustrisimo name but are actually teaching their own personal vision. When teaching you must make the distinction between your version and the original. If people are not honest and this keeps up, the art will continue to be watered down and may eventually be lost.

Also since the passing of Tatang, there have been many people publicly proclaiming to be “certified” by Tatang. There are all manners of scenarios: some spent a week, a month or just took a photo with Tatang to become “certified”. There are very few credible martial arts that will even consider certifying anyone with even two years of dedicated training, let alone two weeks. There is even a story of people helping Tatang with his medical bills in his twilight years and thus being awarded certification for their help.

There will always be unscrupulous people that will say anything to become “known” in the martial arts, even at the expense of the art. Because of these facts, my main focus is now is concentration on Tatang’s original core techniques, the roots of his system which I always differentiate from drills developed by the five pillars. Who is to say what is original and what is not? On top of the fact I was one of his most physically dedicated students, the hundreds of hours of Tatang’s film archives that I have of him in action speak for themselves. The majority of what is being pushed as Kali Ilustrisimo was never done by Tatang. Let your eyes be the judge. Once again, personal interpretations.

Being one of the five pillars of Kali Ilustrisimo and spending countless hours with Tatang, I take great offense at the actions of pretenders. I have dedicated a good portion of my life to this art. It is a part of me. Regardless of these facts, I will always attempt to settle misunderstandings as a gentleman, first and foremost. However, if this course of action fails, I will not hesitate to settle it as an Eskrimador. It is after all, the “Warrior Arts” and not the “Verbal Debating Arts”. I have full confidence in what Tatang has passed on to me; most do not.

(Q) Would you agree the primary objective is to prepare the student to be able to defend themselves should the need arise?

In the Philippines, it is always for self-defense.

(Q) Your son Bruce is only 15, yet the accolades he is receiving from people such as GM Vicente R. Sanchez, GM Roland Dantes and GM Yuli Romo are testament to his skills. When did he start training and which combat arts is he proficient in?
Bruce began his formal training at 4 years old. He was always surrounded by the arts, as there was a gym at our house in the Philippines. Although he has trained in various arts, his specialty is Kali Ilustrisimo, which he learned under myself and Tony Diego, Sagasa Kickboxing, Thai Boxing, Western Boxing under Dodong Santa Iglesia and Ngo Cho under Alex Co.
(Q) Dr Lengson combined linear and circular movements. What can you tell us of his arnis system?

Doc Lengson started Arnis with Sinawali and Cinko Teros systems as he is from Pangasinan province in the Philippines. When he first met Remy Presas, Remy was still Balintawak and Doc was impressed with the movements and added some concepts to his system. Doc and Remy met before Modern Arnis. Most of the circular motions, he learned from Johnny Chiuten who was a kung fu and Balintawak master.

(Q) I have been told in the Philippines Dr Lengson shared his vast knowledge of sinawali and double sticks with Professor Remy Presas. Do you know if they exchanged knowledge?

Doc Lengson and Remy Presas met before the formation of Modern Arnis. They were training partners. Remy learned sinawali and Cingko Teros from Doc Lengson, which he put in Modern Arnis. Remy also learned karate from Doc Lengson, as he was considered the best in the Philippines at that time. In return, Remy taught him some of his Balintawak techniques. It was also Doc Lengson who came up with the name Modern Arnis.

(Q) Sagasa is one of Dr Lengson’s legacies. Could you explain how he came to develop Sagasa?

Doc Lengson developed Sagasa through constant full-contact tournaments with other martial arts associations. At the time, he was considered the best in karate in the Philippines. Because of this, all the other organizations would gang up on his group and go as far as the judges cheating in their decisions during tournaments. Consequently, Doc Lengson had to come up with techniques that would make it clear that they were the undisputed winner of a competition. These techniques were developed primarily through Master Johnny Chiuten and his kung fu style, in which Doc Lengson developed the training method for teaching. Initially these techniques had been secret, as Doc Lengson used it for his position in KAFEPHIL’s election through sparring. In other words, whoever won all the sparring matches among the candidates became the head of KAFEPHIL.

(Q) John Pintoy told me Dr Lengson was very knowledgeable in the area of body mechanics and emphasized the use of the hips. Did he stress this in your training and how important do you think it is for the student to comprehend the significance of body mechanics?

The emphasis was always on the hips and always exaggerated, so to the untrained eye it would look unusual. All real power comes from the hips and not just for attacking, but also evading and defending.

(Q) The intensive drills, which are called series, develop and refine coordination, power and reflexes. Were these developed by Dr Lengson?

Doc Lengson developed the Sagasa series in collaboration with Johnny Chiuten.

(Q) How did Dr Lengson influence the drills and curriculum of Bakbakan?

Sagasa Kickboxing is one of the core systems of Bakbakan. Among other things, it led Bakbakan to emphasize practical and functional techniques with full contact sparring. It also underlined the importance of the hip and body placement in sparring.

(Q) Though you yourself have competed in various forms of competitions, do you believe FMA competition can develop bad habits?

Yes. Most tournaments forget about defense and just press the attack. They get hit as many times as they hit with little respect for the weapon. They rarely do the art justice. A tournament with protective gear can be good as long as the rules, judges and participants respect the true capabilities of a live weapon at all times. Another way to rectify this is to remove the helmet and other protective gear and use a full live stick. But how many people are willing to do that?

(Q) You are known and respected as someone who has used his skills in dangerous street situations. How did these experiences alter your approach to martial arts?

I am now more practical than realistic. When I was young, I practiced controlled sparring and pulled my punches. I used to think that was it until I found out the hard way in a street fight.

(Q) What changes did you make as a result of these street fights?

Constant repetition of basics, regular full-contact sparring and honesty with yourself.

(Q) As someone respected for their fighting ability, how do you prepare students to take their skills from the class and apply them effectively in the street?

Constant repetition of basics, regular full-contact sparring and honesty with yourself.

(Q) I know and agree with your emphasis concentrating on drilling the basics. What is the emphasis and aim of your teachings?

For a student to be able to eventually naturally execute a technique correctly without thought. Become an instinctive fighter.

(Q) You have trained elite military units. Do you believe arnis serves as a practical combat method in these modern times?

Yes. Technology may change and sometimes even fail, but the physical human body is the same.

(Q) Both Bruce and you have been involved in the film industry through your brother Ronnie Ricketts. What can you tell us about this?

My brother Ronnie is an actor, director and has a production company. Whenever he has the opportunity he promotes the Filipino warrior arts in his movies.

(Q) The future of Bakbakan will definitely be in good hands.
All I can do is my best.
(Q) Bakbakan is respected worldwide for its integrity in the promotion of the combative arts of the Philippines. You should be very proud.

Yes. I am very proud and humbled at how well we are received around the world.

(Q) You recently relocated to the USA. Are you presently teaching and how has Kali Ilustrisimo been received?

I am currently teaching in the United States and have recently done seminars in California and Nevada. I am assisted by my son, Bruce and Dino Flores of Lameco Eskrima SOG. Dino has been training under me since 1997, after the passing of his teacher and my friend Edgar Sulite. Presently I am offering small group and private lessons, as well as seminars.

Kali Ilustrisimo is being very well received as most of the participants have heard of it. Once they experience it in person, it usually is an eye-opener for practitioners of many styles. It is especially an eye-opener for those who have “supposedly” been learning Kali Ilustrisimo.

(Q) When I was training under you in the Philippines, you stressed you only teach Kali Ilustrisimo. Does this still hold true?
Yes.
(Q) Do you teach Lameco Eskrima and/or Bakbakan Kali (Ilustrisimo)?
No I don’t.
(Q) What is the difference between Kali Ilustrisimo as you teach it and Bakbakan Kali (Ilustrisimo)?

The difference is Kali Ilustrisimo is Topher Ricketts and Bakbakan Kali is Rey Galang’s.

(Q) You will be visiting Australia to conduct seminars. What can attendees expect?

I’ll be there soon. Expect Kali Ilustrisimo in its most combative, practical and purest form.

(Q) Master Topher, thank you very much.

Walang anuman. You are welcome and thank you for your support and interest in the warrior arts of the Philippines.

 

 

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What Makes A Grandmaster? By Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite

This article was reprinted from Masters of Arnis, Kali and Eskrima. More information about the book can be obtained by sending an email to Mrs. Felisa Sulite at info@lamecoeskrima.com.

What Makes A Grandmaster?
By Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite

To be recognized as a Grandmaster or Master of combat arts in the Philippines, you must have made your reputation and show mental maturity and physical age. Grandmasters question the rankings of other grandmasters.

Masters and grandmasters are criticized and questioned regarding their skills and abilities. Who bestowed their title? Do they have enough skills for the titles they carry? How many years have they been practicing the art? How old is he? How many followers and students does this man have?

In other martial arts, the attainment of a certain level automatically designates the title Master or Grandmaster. In the Philippines, there are certain norms to be satisfied before one can be called and accepted as a Master or Grandmaster.

A master of the art must be a master of himself. He must be in control. His daily life epitomizes a man in control of his life, his destiny. A master of the art must know his art, its origins, its history, its philosophy. He must know the techniques, the interplay of techniques, and the reversals of techniques.

A master must know the basics, the intermediate forms and techniques, and the advance levels of the art. Mastery of the art does not only mean so many years in the art, but the amount of experience using the art, one’s personal evolution within the art and personal dedication and contribution to the art.

A master of the art must know how to teach and impart knowledge from the art. He must be able to communicate, elaborate and present the art in such a way that each student learns on a personal basis. Each instruction is adapted to the learning process and ability of the student. A master must be a real maestro, a real teacher.

A master of the art must be of good character. He should epitomize the qualities of a leader, the majesty of a noble, and the courage and strength of a warrior.

A master of the art is called and acknowledged a Master by other masters, never by himself.

 

punog guro edgar sulite lameco eskrima punog guro edgar sulite lameco eskrima punog guro edgar sulite lameco eskrima

Lameco Eskrima & Kali Ilustrisimo – Seminar mit Guro Dino Flores/USA presented by Kapisanang Mandirigma Germany, 2012

km germany kapisanang mandirigma backyard lameco kali arnis eskrima escrima fma km germany kapisanang mandirigma backyard lameco kali arnis eskrima escrima fma
Lameco Eskrima & Kali Ilustrisimo – Seminar
mit Guro Dino Flores/USA

presented by Kapisanang Mandirigma Germany
sponsored by JuWe-Sticks

Nach der überwältigenden Resonanz nach dem letzten Kurzbesuch von Guro Dino freuen wir uns Ihn in 2012 für einen längeren Aufenthalt gewinnen zu können.

Das Seminar bildet die Grundlage für ein tieferes Verständnis des Kali Ilustrisimo (CNR) und des Lameco Eskrima (SOG) sowie den Start von Kapisanang Mandirigma Germany.

Thema wird sein:

Kali Ilustrisimo (Single & Double Blade) – Lameco Eskrima (Single & Double Stick)

Laßt euch die Gelegenheit Kali Ilustrisimo von einem der wenigen zertifizierten Instruktoren unter Master Christopher Ricketts sowie Punong Guro Edgar. G. Sulite zu lernen nicht entgehen.

KOSTEN: 1 Tag 55€ – 2 Tage 100€ bei Zahlung vor 13.04.2012, danach plus 10€ Nachmeldegebühr

Seminarort wird noch bekanntgegeben, voraussichtlich Frankfurt/Main.

Bei Nichterscheinen verfällt die bereits gezahlte Seminargebühr.
Der Veranstalter übernimmt für Personen- und Sachschäden keinerlei Haftung.
Die Teilnahme erfolgt auf eigenes Risiko!
germany kapisanang mandirigma lameco ilustrisimo kali arnis eskrima

Kapisanang Mandirigma – Founding Member List

KAPISANANG MANDIRIGMA FOUNDING MEMBERS

Guro Joel Adriatico
Guro Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr.
Guro Mar Elepaño
Guro Choy Flores
Guro Dino Flores
Guro Ariel Flores Mosses
Guro Arnold Noche
Guro Gary Quan
Guro Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (R.I.P).
Guro Hans Anton Tan

************

KAPISANANG MANDIRIGMA FOUNDING MEMBERS GENERAL INFORMATION

 

Guro Joel Adriatico:

Currently only teaching family members.

 

Guro Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr.

Currently teaching select individuals in  the Los Angeles Area.

There is an equal emphasis of Silat as well as Eskrima taught.

Classes are traditional and in the Backyard Tradition.

For more information:

http://mandirigma.org/?p=1435

Email mandirigma.org@gmail.com for more information.

 

Guro Mar Elepaño:

Guro Mar is currently teaching by invitation only.

About Guro Mar:

Born in the Philippines, Mar Elepaño received his MFA in Animation at the University of Southern California in 1978 and has been teaching at the MFA Animation program of the Division of Animation & Digital Arts of the School of Cinema-Television of USC since 1993 and also serves as the Production Supervisor of the division.  In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he has been involved with Pacific Asian artists for more than 15 years, involved in a partnership project with the Los Angeles Unified School District to bring animation and video workshops to public schools and was a California Arts Council artist-in-residence in several other Los Angeles schools creating media pieces with young people.  The 2003 recipient of the Tatsukawa Memorial Fund Award for his commitment to community service and the advancement of the Asian Pacific American media arts, Mar has been involved with Visual Communications Inc., a Los Angeles based Asian American community media arts group, since 1986 doing media workshops and also spent part of 2001 and 2002 in Malaysia on a Fulbright Grant to teach animation arts prior to taking on his role as the “ring leader” of the notorious VC Digital Posse, aka Digital Pusit, which also involves his colleagues from Lameco SOG, Arturo “Dino” Flores and Arnold A. Noche.

 

Guro Choy Flores

Guro Choy is currently teaching by invitation only.

 

Guro Dino Flores:

Guro Dino is available only for private lessons, semi-private, workshops and seminars. There are only a few slots left for private instruction so please email for availability.

For more information contact: Guro Dino Flores – mandirigma.org@gmail.com or go to  http://mandirigma.org/?page_id=67.

 

Guro Ariel Flores Mosses:

About Guro Ariel:

Guro Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under Filipino Hall of Fame Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois, the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, and Grand Master Christopher Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo. Guro Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. He holds a 7th degree in Kali Jukune Do. He has experience as a professional bodyguard and is a former police officer.

To contact Guro Ariel go to:

 

Arnold Noche:

Guro Arnold is currently teaching by invitation only.

For more information:

http://mandirigma.org/?p=1432

 

Gary Quan:

Guro Quan is currently teaching by invitation only.

 

Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (R.I.P).

Mang Leo was oldest member of the group and also the youngest at heart. Pantaleon Revilles, Jr. has earned the nickname “Mang Leo” by his fellow peers. Mang Leo also trained under Momoy Canete in Cebu, Philippines and was training partners with Guro Arnulfo “Dong” Cuesta of Doce Pares in the early days. He is missed by his brothers in Eskrima.

 

Hans Anton Tan:

Guro Hans is currently teaching by invitation only in the Philippines.

 

 

The Mandirigma Institute – The Warrior Arts Training Department of Kapisanang Mandirigma.

kali, arnis, escrima, eskrima, ilustrisimo, lameco, guro dino kali, arnis, escrima, eskrima, ilustrisimo, lameco, guro dino

KAPISANANG MANDIRIGMA INSTITUTE

The Mandirigma Institute is the Warrior Arts Training Department of Kapisanang Mandirigma.

The Mandirigma Institute is dedicated to honoring and preserving the knowledge passed on to them though their honorable lineage. The Mandirigma Instiute is also known as Backyard Eskrima.

 

What is the Backyard Eskrima Tradition?

These are some of the things that were learned from all of my past teachers. In this regard, particularly Punong Guro Edgar Sulite and Master Christopher Ricketts.

The Backyard is wherever we choose to train. It is not a place. It is an agreement between all parties involved.

The Backyard Tradition requires the screening of all potential members before entry. We observe the candidate. Does the candidate possess traits such as loyalty, respect, honor, a sense of morality and a balanced ego and personality? What is the applicants intention with the art? Are they trustworthy? Are they only seeking fame or fortune? Are they truly passionate about the art? Are they a person of their word? What does integrity mean to them? Are they telling you just what you want to hear while putting their best foot forward? Are they sane? These are some of the factors given scrutiny before consideration. These factors are not just fanciful words to be thrown around. They are taken very seriously and very literally.

Traditional Backyard Eskrima is very rarely open to the general public without invitation. Frequently before even being considered for screening, an aspiring member must be referred by a respected associate.

In traditional Backyard Eskrima certain things are without question: Honor and respect for the art, the lineage, your classmates, your seniors , your teachers and most of all – respect for yourself. If a person needs to be reminded or told of these factors, they really shouldn’t be there. This should be innate and already come naturally at this level of the Warrior Tradition.

Why so secret? The backyard is frequently where the most effective techniques and theories are shared and practiced. Gems of knowledge not meant for public consumption and reserved for a select few. Additionally this is where the sparring and real time exercises occur. Where examination of theory and practice can be put through laboratory like testing. Much was sacrificed through the generations in order for this knowledge to reach us and thus it must be treated with more respect than just a mere commodity. Punong Guro Edgar Sulite once told me of a belief in some Eskrima traditions. The belief was that if you gave the hard earned techniques away to just anybody who asked without bias, then one day you would face your own techniques in actual combat.

Even after being allowed entry, there is usually a probation period until acceptance as a full member of the family with access into the inner sanctum. Inevitably the occasional scoundrel slips through the defenses. Such is life and such are the odds. It is an occupational hazard and it is the chance that we take. Other than that, the Backyard Eskrima Tradition allows for an excellent advanced environment for those who are primarily focused on their growth and journey in their chosen art. We can only hope that this tradition provides us with a reliable circle of associates that can be counted on till this journey comes to a natural end.

Guro Dino Flores in Frankfurt, Germany. Kali Ilustrisimo & Lameco – Seminar mit Guro Dino Flores/USA, July 10 and 11, 2011

Guro Dino Flores in Frankfurt, Germany. Kali Ilustrisimo & Lameco – Seminar mit Guro Dino Flores/USA
May 18, 2011 By admin
Friday, July 1, 2011 at 7:00pm – July 2 at 6:00pm
Lameco Arnis Club

Königsberger Strasse 6, 1ter Stock
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Mit Lameco Guro Dino Flores wird uns ein weiterer Lameco Sulite Orehenal Group Member in Frankfurt besuchen!!Zum ersten Mal in Deutschland wird Kali Ilustrisimo von einem langjährigen Schüler von Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite und Master Christopher Ricketts vorgestellt.Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite und Master Christopher Ricketts sind 2 der 5 Pfeiler des Kali Ilustrisimo(5 Pillars : Grandmaster Tony Diego, Master Yuli Romo, Master Christopher Ricketts, Master Rey Galang and the late Punong Guro Edgar Sulite)

Eine Gelegenheit dieses einmalige klingenbasierte System in Deutschland zu lernen, die man sich nicht entgehen lassen sollte!!!

Lameco – WORKSHOP

DATUM: Freitag 01.07.2011

ZEIT: 19:00 bis 22:00

ORT: Lameco Arnis Club Frankfurt, Königsberger Strasse 6, 1ter Stock, 60487 Frankfurt/Main

PREIS: 35€

Kali-Ilustrisimo -SEMINAR

DATUM: 02.07.2011

ORT: Lameco Arnis Club Frankfurt, Königsberger Strasse 6, 1ter Stock, 60487 Frankfurt/Main

ZEIT: 10:00 bis 13:00 & 14:00 bis 18:00

PREIS 65€

http://www.lameco-arnis.de/

 

germany kapisanang mandirigma lameco ilustrisimo kali arnis eskrima

Rest In Peace Grandmaster Christoper N. Ricketts (March 21, 1955 – October 5, 2010)

2010_master christopher ricketts

Rest In Peace Grandmaster Christoper N. Ricketts (March 21, 1955 – October 5, 2010)

It is with sadness and joy that we announce the passing and rebirth to eternal life of Grandmaster Christopher N. Ricketts on October 5, 2010 at 3:02AM. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle, he is survived by his wife Beth Ricketts and sons Jason Ricketts, Bruce Ricketts, Brandon Ricketts and Christopher Ricketts, Jr.; daughter-in-law Jeanne, wife of Jason and grandkids Jacob, Jennell, Josh and Justin; parents Edith and Max Ricketts; younger brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie Ricketts and Mariz and nieces Marella and Marie; and youngest brother and sister-in-law, Alex Ricketts and Marybeth and nephews Jamie and James.
Master Topher, known world wide as a consumate martial artist of Filipino decent, was loved by many but more importantly, respected by all. He was one of the founders and the Chief Instructor of Bakbakan International, a fraternal brotherhood of martial artists established in the Philippines in 1968 whose motto is “Matira Matibay” (The Best of the Best). Concerned with training and passing on his knowledge to students rather than collecting accolades and titles, Master Topher’s skills and credentials are impeccable and second to none.
A senior disciple of the revered Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo and one of the “Five Pillars of Kali Ilustrisimo”, he remained loyal to the memory and legacy of his teacher and was the highest ranked Ilustrisimo instructor in the United States. A close friend and training partner of the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite who founded Lameco Eskrima, he was also the highest ranked Lameco instructor in the United States. With teaching credentials in several martial arts systems including Ngo Cho Kun (5 Ancestor Fist), Sagasa (Filipino Kickboxing System), as well as being a professional boxing trainer and fight choreographer, his was a life befitting a true warrior.

A public viewing, requiem mass and farewell offering (Halad) will be held on Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at the California Cremation and Burial Chapel, 5880 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, California 92115. In lieu of flowers, donation to your favorite charity in the name of Grandmaster Christopher N. Ricketts will be greatly appreciated.

All members of the warrior class are encouraged to come in uniform to pay their last respects to one of the best of the best.

Sumasaiyo at Maraming Salamat
(With Sincere Thanks),
The Ricketts Family

ILUSTRISIMO USA • SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 92108
WWW.ILUSTRISIMO-USA.COM

In Memory of Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo (1904 – 1997)

Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo (1904 – 1997)

Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo, Courtesy of Bakbakan International  and  GM Tony Diego

Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo (1902 – 1997) originally came from Santa Fe in Bantayan Island.   He came from a family that has a very long history of martials and mystical tradition.   His cousin, Floro Villabrialle, was the most famous Arnis master of Hawaii.  His youngest uncle, Regino Ellustrisimo, was an Arnis master in Stockton, USA.  Both men were mentioned in Dan Inosanto’s book on Filipino martial arts.  However, the most famous of his 4 direct paternal uncles, and the most powerful fighter of the 5 brothers (some say he has more than 7 uncles) was Melecio Ilustrisimo, one of the most famous Kali masters of the Philippines of the early 20th Century, being influential in northern Cebu – Bantayan and Bohol islands.  All his forbears were expert warriors and were known to posses strange mystical powers.

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo’s students, fondly call him “Tatang” which  means “grandfather”.  Tatang learnt Arnis under the tutelage of his father (Isidro Illustrisimo) and uncles (especially the famous Melecio Ilustrisimo) in the old way.  There were 3 famous Eskrima families in Cebu at that time:-  the Ilustrisimos,  the Saavedras,  and the Romos.

Footwork was one of the first things he had to master.  As a tiny boy, he was put on a small table and his teachers would use sticks to beat his legs.  He had to learn how to avoid the blows.  He was also put on 3 half coconut shells in a triangular pattern and given the same harsh treatment.  This footwork is known as Tatlong Bao in the Ilustrisimo family.

As a result he has mastered evasion and dodging at an early age.  This is a training that Melecio Ilustrisimo himself thoroughly mastered as he was said to have nailed one foot to the ground and challenge all and sundry to defeat him.  No one could,  and that footwork is called “Walong Apak” (Nail Footwork) in Kalis Ilustrisimo.  These skills of evasive footwork have all been mastered by Grandmaster Antonio Illustrisimo.

He learnt the solo and double baston, espada daga, daga, bolo (sword), dos manos (a long stick/sword – roughly equivalent to the Samurai’s sword) and various “weapons of convenience”.   In particular, as a speciality, Grandmaster Ilustrisimo is noted for is his expertise in bladed weapons – something which many modern Grandmasters of Arnis can not lay proper claim to since their real practical experience concentrated on the rattan sticks. (Claims by most systems that they can use swords are disputable and only partially true).  This expertise as a swordman is not merely from personal experience and practice, but is the legacy of his family art of Ilustrisimo Kali which is a bladed art that stretches so far back in the family line that nobody could remember when it started.

As a boy, the young Ilustrisimo had a very tough, stubborn, determined and indominatable spirit. When he heard of a far country called ‘America’, he decided to go there – at the age of 9 years old!   When his parents would not  listen to his panderings, he ‘took’ some family money and a machete, and again, ‘took’ a small rowing boat and paddled out to the sea to what he thought would be America, not realising how far America really is.  He fortunately chance across a ship.  The sailors aboard were  surprised to see a young boy rowing out in the sea.  Out of curiousity, perhaps concern as well, there approached him and asked him where he was going.  “I am going to America in this boat!” was the confident answer.  The sailors rocked in laughter.  They somehow persuaded him to come with them.   Of course, he did not get to America.  But he did sail to a few ports, still not quite realising that America is still very, very far away……….

At a port, he chance on a family friend who recognised him, but not wishing to betray the high ideals of this young boy, he took him to the south as that friend was a Muslim.  There the young boy grew up – strong, determined, proud and skillful in combat as ever.  He was adopted into a the royal court as an adopted son of the Sultan of Sulu.  (This was Hadji Butu who ascended to become HH Hadji Mohammad Jamalul Kiram II, the Sultan of Sulu)

While in the South, he was priviledged to train in the the best of teachers that the royal court could have.  He also trained with Pedro Cortes, another very famous master in the Mindanao region, who was used by the government to control the ‘Rebelious South’.   Pedro Cortes was a close friend a sparring partner of his father Isidro Ilustrisimo.

Then one day, he was drinking at a beer house, he got into dispute with another man.  The man drew his sword to kill Tatang, but the defty young boy beat him to the draw and, with one stroke of his own barong (Tatang’s favourite type of sword), he cut  off the enemy’s head.  The victim was left a headless man running wildly before collapsing.  Since this was in self defence, this would have normally been ‘okay’ under the rules of that Islamic society, but the matter was complicated by his being under the influence of the drink (much frown upon), and plus the fact that the victim was from another royal clan that was a rival to the Sultan’s clan.   To avoid inter clan warfare,  the Sultan was forced to ‘exiled’ the young offender.   The Sultan gave him a gift of money and sent under escort to a British ship to head home.   He was only 17 years old then.

He returned to his parent’s place.  They had not seen him since he left as a young boy (this indicates his spirit of determination and independence – and his courage to live away from home without his parent’s guidance) and thought he was dead.  They were over-joyed to receive a telegram saying he was returning.   But they couldn’t recognise him.  A proud young man in Muslim dress walked towards them from the ship and it was only when he greeted them that they realised it was him.

He soon left to become a sailor, but when he had the oppotunity, he would continue to train in the fighting tradition of his family line.

Tatang used to hang around “rough places”.  He is well known amongst the wharfies and bars.  That was where he fought many times and honed his fighting skills.  I have met many Arnis masters who are very good in what  they do, but some of them privately admitted to me that even they are extremely careful when going to such areas that Tatang frequents because fighting and killing in bar/street fights is very different, and much more dangerous, than fighting an Arnis dual.

His life as a sailor gave him the oppotunity to travel from place to place.  This provided oppotunities to contest fighters from other far-off regions – America, India,  Europe, Australia……………..  He fought on many occassions, and was never defeated.

For example, he responded to a grandmaster match in Singapore to compete against a great Indonesian Penchak Silat grandmaster.  The Indonesian climbed into the ring, warmed up, all ready to fight, but when he faced Tatang, he simply refused to fight and surrendered.   Grandmaster Ilustrisimo said that is the highest art – to defeat an opponent without fighting him.  Tatang was said to have used his ‘orascion’ or spiritual power to overcome the opponent.  Grandmaster Illustrisimo thus won the prize money of $5,000. (Note:- Indonesian masters are experts in the use of spiritual power to overpower their opponents, but in this instance, Tatang’s power must have overwhelmed his expert opponent).

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo used to participate in Arnis matches in the fiestas in the local barrios occasionally when not at sea.  However, due to his fondness for the blade, and his reputation as a fighter-killer, not many masters would dare to fight him.  He only knows how to fight naturally – without restrictions – something that is not very comfortable for other masters.  The only rule is the terms of defeat – when to stop the fight.  He laments that he had to accept fights during his travels to practise a little of his art.  eg.  He fought a master in Calcutta.  He also had some fights in the Middle East.

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo, however, had lots of practice during World War II where, as a guerilla, his boss often sent him on missions to kill both Japanese soldiers and local conspirators.  He is said to have killed groups of people at a time.  So reliable were his services that his code name in the guerilla movement was ‘The Executioner’.

In Manila, Grandmaster Ilustrisimo lived in Tondo, near the wharf area which was a very rough neighbourhood.  Intimidation, robberies, muggings, fights and killings were common.  Together with his friends (some of whom are well known to Western students of Arnis – Floro Villabraille, Jose Mena and Felicissimo Dizon), he fought these muggers, bullies and intimidators whenever they caused trouble.  This ‘Gang of Four’ joked that since they were cleaning the docks of these troublemakers for the Police, they are in fact the ‘De Facto Dock Police’.  (Note:- None of them, or their students, were actually employed as Police or security guards there, as some Westerners were lead to believe).

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo hung around his friends whenever he was not at sea.   Occassionally, he would spar with them.  Accounts independently related by various old sources who hung around them confirmed that Grandmaster Illustrisimo had sparred with Felicissimo Dizon quite a few times and was more than a match for him.  It is also said that mutual Arnis friends wanted to arrange a formal match (ie. prize fighting) between Grandmaster Ilustrisimo and Felicissimo Dizon.  Grandmaster Ilustrisimo, being a seasoned prize fighter, readily accepted.  But the great Dizon turned down the offer citing that Grandmaster Illustrisimo is a larger man, a taller man with a longer reach, and thus they are in different categories and should not be matched.  (Dizon was a formidable fighter with few defeats, most notably of which was from the great Illaus Romo.  Also, a scheduled match between Dizon, Delphin Lopez and Cacoy Canette did not eventuate also because Dizon failed to turn up – according to Cacoy Canette).

While sojorned in Manila in the late 1930s, a young lad around 15 or 16 years old called Angel Cabales, became a staunch student of Felicissimo Dizon.   A few years later, he left for USA (1939) and became internationally famous as the founder of Cabales Serada Eskrima which is very widespread in USA.  (Angel was said to have learnt from Tatang too, but both Tatang and his students told me he is not Tatang’s student.  He only learnt from Tatang because he knew how good Tatang was.  He was regarded as Dizon’s student – Tatang does not pinch the students of his friends.  In fact, Tatang only accepted students from the public in the mid 1970s when he was already in his mid seventies.  It is admitted that Tatang did show and teach his personal friends,  but they were never regarded as ‘students’.   They were his friends.   Such close friends included Felicissimo Dizon and the famous Floro Villabrialle,  who was his cousin.  I believe Timoteo Maranga was one such friend during the war time.  Besides that,  Tatang did not teach anybody who came to enquire)

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo used to frequent bars in the rough areas of Manila.  He often got into fights in such hotspots.  He had been arrested at least 17 times for killing, but he was always lucky to prove his innocence as self defence and was released every time.  The last time he killed was when he was over 90 years old.  He nearly went to jail for that.

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo retired from sea-faring in his advanced years, but not from active practice.  Even in his old age, he  received challenges from young fighters eager to build a name for themselves by unfairly bumping off an old man, but  he survived and gave them a hiding instead.

In his advanced years, Grandmaster Ilustrisimo was partially blind, but he can still spar with his students using real bolos (swords) and exert control not to harm them.  How does he “see” the student’s incoming bolos when he cannot properly see ordinary objects is still a mystery to most, but Dan Inosanto mentioned in his book that (Ilustrisimo’s cousin) Floro Villabrille’s favourite master was a blind princess.  (Some sources indicate that this ‘princess’ was actually not blind, but partially blind, just like Tatang.  And not a princess of Samar, nor Princess Josephina, but daughter of a chief.  She was known to possess some mystical powers.  Also, this story later as changed by later generations to ‘main’ or ‘best’ teacher -  instead of ‘favourite’ teacher – in the sentimental sense, not favourite as ‘best’ teacher).   Tatang insisted that while in Manila,  he actually tutored Floro Villabrialle, who, earlier, was a student of his uncle Melecio Ilustrisimo.  Tatang and was ‘unimpressed’  that the Americans were given the impression that Villabrialle’s main or best teacher was Princess Josephina.

——————————————————————————————

Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo (1904 – 1997) was the Grand Master of Kali Ilustrisimo, a Filipino martial art bearing his family name.

Early life
Born in Bagong, Bantayan, Cebu in 1904. As a boy he studied eskrima from his father. At the age of nine he decided to travel to the United States, and stowed away on a boat he thought was headed for America. In actuality, he arrived in Mindanao, in the southern Philippine islands.

The Martial Arts
Antonio Alulud Ilustrisimo was one of the most well respected eskrimadors of the Philippines; He is famed for winning countless duels and street encounters, as well as serving as a guerrilla against the invading Japanese forces during World War II. GM Ilustrisimo was never defeated in combat, and earnt great respect as a result of his brave exploits against the Japanese.

In 1976 Antonio ‘Tatang’ Ilustrisimo accepted his first students Antonio Diego and Epifanio ‘Yuli’ Romo. After Tatang’s passing in 1997, Tony Diego was elected head of Kali Ilustrisimo. Other notable students include – Rey Galang, Christopher Ricketts and Edgar Sulite.

Publications
Antonio Ilustrisimo has been featured in many periodicals and Martial Arts publications. His First apperance was in The book titled  Masters of Arnis, Kali, and Eskrima by Edgar Sulite. His life and art were also featured in the book titled Filipino Martial Culture by Mark Wiley. The art of Kalis Ilustrisimo had a section in the book Filipino Fighting Arts: Theory and Practice by Mark Wiley. The book titled The Secrets of Kalis Ilustrisimo was released in the United States. It was authored by two of his most prominent students, Antonio Diego and Christopher Ricketts.

In Memory of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite. September 25, 1957 to April 10, 1997.

Lameco Eskrima PG sulite

In Memory of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite

From Ron Balicki

The Loss of a Warrior

On April 10th 1997, the Filipino Martial Arts world suffered a major loss. Punong Guro (Head Instructor) Edgar G. Sulite passed away due to complications from a stroke that he had suffered two weeks prior to his death. Edgar Sulite was the founder of the Lameco system of Eskrima.

Edgar was born on September 25, 1957 in the Visayan islands. When Edgar was a boy his father a Filipino boxer and an Arnis expert introduced Edgar to the Filipino martial arts. Growing up in the Barrios of the Philippines, Edgar witnessed many skirmishes settled blade against blade. Completing college, Edgar earned his Bachelors in Arts and Majored in Economics. During his time in college, he sought out different Eskrima Masters to study under. In addition, Edgar was honored for his many achievements in the Filipino martial arts. He became a member of Bakbakan International (An Organization governing the legitimacy of the Filipino martial arts). He also became the representative for Leo Gaje’s national Arnis Association of the United States. Being a man of great vision, Edgar came to the United States in August of 1989. His plan was to bring his family over from the Philippines, own his own home, and spread Lameco throughout the world. He desired to live the American dream.

Upon his arrival in the U.S., Edgar would meet and befriend world renowned martial artist Dan Inosanto. Recognizing the talent and knowledge that Edgar possessed , Dan Inosanto would become a lifetime student and an advocate of the Lameco system. Edgar appointed Dan Inosanto as Vice President of Lameco International.

Edgar believed in his potential for personal achievement. If one walked into his house, they would see affirmations written out on paper in each of his rooms (including the bathroom). Being an avid reader of motivational guro Anthony Robbins, Edgar attacked all of his personal and professional goals tirelessly.

Determined to bring his wife and three children to America, Edgar Sulite started teaching his method of Lameco on the seminar circuit around the world. As he envisioned, he became one of the most sought after instructors. Edgar managed to bring his wife, Felisa Sulite from the Philippines in 1992. However, Edgar would still have to battle with the bureaucracies of immigration to bring his three children to America. His children would have to reside with relatives in the Philippines for several more years. During this painstaking time, Edgar and Felicia had two more children (Edgar Andrew, and Leslie) bringing the total of children to five. Soon after the birth of his youngest child, Leslie, he finally managed to bring his three eldest children from the Philippines. In addition, he bought a house in Palmdale, California, and had a full calendar of seminar engagements. He was living the American dream.

The Lameco System

In 1981Edgar created the Lameco System of Eskrima. The name Lameco is actually three words joined together.

La = Largo (long)

me = Medio (Middle)

co = Corto (close)

All the ranges you will fall into in combat. Lameco uses primarily Double and single Stick, Double and single Dagger, Stick and Dagger, Sword, Staff, Handkerchief, and Empty Hands. Lameco Eskrima is a synthesis of five major and 6 minor systems of Eskrima.

Edgar created training drills that he called Labon Laro (Play Fighting). Labon Laro would allow the practitioner to come as close to real combat as possible with out injury, it was also designed to make you get an uncountable number of repetitions in, in a short period of time. Following the theory “repetition is the key to success”. Edgar was always looking for unique training methods to improve Lameco. He devised training armor for the hand and forearms that let the practitioners train more realistically.

The Future of Lameco?

When asked to comment Guro Dan Inosanto spoke of Edgar’s wish to make Lameco grow and prosper in the U.S. and around the world. Inosanto also expressed his hope that The Surviving Lameco Instructors under Edgar would continue in the tradition Edgar established.

The students of Lameco can be thankful to Edgar for a well documented system of Eskrima. Edgar left us with three books that he had written: “The Secrets of Arnis”, “Advanced Balisong”, and “Grand Masters of the Philippines”. Also The foundation of the Lameco system on video: “Lameco Eskrima at the Vortex”, “Labon Laro”, and a series of instructional video tapes by Unique Publications. With all this material Lameco will live on forever.

Punong Guro Sulite will be missed by his wife Felisa, His five children, and the countless students around the world. To you Edgar we say, Maraming Salamat Po (Thank You) Punong Guro!


From Louis D. Lindo

My name is Louie D. Lindo, originally from the Philippines and Los Angeles and now residing in Vancouver, b.c. Canada. I am a student of the Filipino martial arts and have only attended 3 workshops by the late Punong Guro Edgar Sulite. Those 3 workshops I now hold dear to my heart. I have heard about Punong Edgar back in the mid 1980′s while he was still living in the Philippines but never had the chance to meet him. I knew old friends back in Manila who have trained with him and I too was looking forward to the day I would have the opportunity to meet him. After over 10 years I finally met him at a seminar in Oregon, Washington and finally here in Vancouver. The one concept or method of training which I hold valuable is training with intention as well as the Laban-Laro drills and drills using the hand guard. they are simple but very practical. I now operate 2 small clubs in Vancouver and Burnaby and every time we train I always dedicate the training sessions to the late Punong Guro. Me and my family will always treasure the few days the Sulite family spent at our humble home. The few Lameco eskrima drills that were shared, will be here in Vancouver for the years to come. At the very least, the Vancouver based eskrima enthusiasts had the opportunity of meeting him and got a taste of Lameco Eskrima.

Louie d. Lindo Eskrima-Silat Canada

 


From Phil Rapagna:

I first met Edgar Sulite at a workshop, at Dan Inosanto’s Marina Del Rey School in 1990. I was impressed with the material, but did not at that time seek to study with Edgar privately.

In early 1992, I was seeking something different from Kali. I had trained with Dan Inosanto for about 10 years and had also trained extensively with Steve Aron, Pete Jacobs, Daniel Lee, and Paul Vunak.

I asked Dan Inosanto what I should do, and he told me to seek out Edgar Sulite. At that time, I also ran into an old friend and kali brother, Marc “Crafty Dog” Denny. After I told him that I was seeking something different in Kali, he stressed to me that I needed to seek out Punong Guro Edgar.

I always respected Marc as being a very practical and realistic practitioner of the arts. I knew that if he said something was good, I could believe him. So when he insisted that Edgar was the teacher I needed, my mind was made up. (Marc had mentioned Edgar on earlier ocassions, but I was not in the market until now).

I started training, with Edgar, privately (on a weekly basis) in March 1992 (and ended up spending five solid years with him). Immediately, my eyes were opened. His program was the most organized I had ever encountered. Everything he did was combat oriented. I was a hard person to impress, as I had been in kali for fourteen years by this time. But Edgar impressed me far beyond anyone ever had before.

Edgar started by converting my knowledge of kali into a usable combative style. Everything he did could be used in sparring. There were no wasted movements. He coached me (yes he was an excellent coach, which is rare these days in martial arts) to be a better eskrimadore.

Edgar made me “focus” my strikes and movements. He would say, “Hit with intention, focus. Don’t just swing the stick.” Edgar believed in training as he had done in the Philipines. He would make me do one single movement for a whole hour. On many ocassions, I would be in so much pain, I thought my arm was going to fall off. After a while, though, I began to see myself change as an eskrimadore. My movements were no longer what they used to be.

Training with Punong Guro Edgar Sulite was the most important thing I ever did in my kali training. We delved into much more than just stick work.

Whenever someone thinks of Edgar, they think about the stick, and maybe the knife. Edgar was more than that. He just was not around long enough to show it all. He would have gotten around to it. Luckily, by training privately with him, I got a taste of many different things.

Edgar was a well rounded martial artist. Few people know that He was very well versed in Tai Chi Chuan. His understanding of energy flow was out of this world. Edgar had a whole system of locking and counter-locking, of unbalancing, and pressure point manipulation. He had the best and most practical “knife attack defense” techniques (I am always loathe to use the word “technique.” It is so limiting) that I have ever seen.

Edgar always made sure that he gave his teachers credit for any material he learned. he hated people who would not respect their teachers enough to credit them with what the taught. One time, after returning from a trip, Edgar was angered by someone he had met. He had liked what someone was doing and asked him where he had learned it. The person told him that he had never studied kali, but just learned everything by himself.

Edgar was disgusted that the guy did not respect his teachers enough to give them credit for teaching him anything. The guy obviously thought that Edgar would be impressed that he was cunning enough to learn Kali on his own. He did not realize that Edgar would have been more impressed by a beginner who had enough dignity to give credit to his teachers.

Besides being a great martial artist, Edgar was the warmest, most giving person I have ever known in the martial arts. He was a true giver. He would tell me, “Oh, so and so can’t afford it. Just let him come.”

Edgar would always have parties at his house, and he would invite even the newest member of the group.

I am just beginnig to feel the emptiness, with him being gone. I spent five years studying under him, and had expected to study for many years to come. Every so often, questions pop up in my mind, and I need to ask Edgar the answer. But since he is not here, I try to answer it myself. That’s the way he would want it anyway.

I can understand the emptiness felt by the Bruce Lee’s students after his death. There were so many unanswered questions. So many things you took for granted or did not bother to write down, because you could just ask next week. What the hell, he’ll be around.

Ironically, I was supposed to go to the Philipines, with Edgar, when he died. Things happenning at work would not allow me to go. Of course, I live with that now.

Steve Reid, an old Kali buddy of mine, once said, “one must leave the table while still a little hungry to appreciate it. One must not wait until he is too full.” Well I am still hungry, that is what makes me appreciate Edgar so much. I will always miss him.

Marc “Crafty Dog” Denny, thank you for turning me on to Edgar. I have never forgotten that.

 


Marc “Crafty Dog” Denny:

I first met PG Edgar in 1989 in Tennessee at a Pekiti Tirsia summer camp hosted by Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje. My teacher, Guro Dan Inosanto was there and spoke to me very highly of his interaction with PG Edgar and told me that he was going to train with him and suggested I do the same—which I of course did.

Training with PG was always a very focused matter. There was no fooling around. On the first day PG and I sparred hand shots. Even through his hand gear, his sharp, crisp shots left my hand swollen. He was totally non-telegraphic and effortlessly tore me up. Duly impressed, I was ready to listen.

We began with great emphasis on stroking drills and cleaning up my movement. With PG, footwork was combined with the stroking patterns from day one. Although I found this irritatingly frustrating at first (because I couldn’t believe how bad I was) this soon became one of my favorite parts of training. Many, many practitioners of FMA are lazy when it comes to this part of training, but if you want to be able to use your skills, this type of training really pays off. From there we went into the Laban Laro (playfight) drills.

Soon thereafter, a day of Dog Brother stickfighting approached and I showed PG a video of a fighter with whom I had always had trouble. In an instant, he had dialed in a simple practical solution and on fight day it worked very well. He had an outstanding analytical eye and his teaching with me adapted to my limitations and strengths as a fighter. Although I am a senior apprentice in Lameco, I must confess that there is a lot of the system that I do not know—our training together was focused on improving me as a stickfighter. Nevertheless, as Head Instructor of Dog Brothers Inc. Martial Arts I wish to proudly point out that Lameco is one of the three primary Filipino systems upon which we draw for our stickfighting.

PG was a very private person, and I find it hard to talk about his personal side. Sometimes he would speak about how much he missed his wife and children, and how happy he was when he arranged for her to come, and then for his children to come. He was a very good man, and a very good teacher to me and I miss him.

Grandmaster Jose Diaz Caballero, De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orihinal (1907-1987)

Grandmaster Jose Diaz Caballero,

De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orihinal (1907-1987)

 

Guro Dino Flores

Grandmaster Jose Diaz Caballero was born on August 7, 1907 in Barrio Ibo, Toledo City, Cebu Province in the Philippine archipelago. As a youth he would travel from barangay (neighborhood) to barangay in order to watch eskrima matches during fiesta celebrations. These demonstrations mostly pre-arranged sparring called De Cadena were more of a cultural presentation than a display of real fighting which he was doggedly searching for.

From his observations of these Eskrima exhibitions, he modified the moves with an emphasis on three striking levels: the eyes, lower arms (specifically elbows and hands), and knees. He was a fan of Western movies and often compared his style to the gunslinger “quick draw”. He later founded the devastating style known as De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orihinal.

In his prime, Jose Caballero was the Juego Todo champion. Juego Todo was all-out, no-holds-barred and did not allow the combatants to wear any protective gear like masks and armour. Death and permanent injury resulting from these duels was not uncommon.

He beat many highly skilled Eskrimadors such as: Simeon Saavedra of Talisay, Balbino Mancao, Vicente Labor, Juan Carolla of Ilocos, Alfredo Macalolan of Negros, Tanciong Lopez from Cebu City, Salomon Canonio, Heneroso Carbajosa, Horje Navajo, Pastor Hingoyon and many lesser known challengers.

One of his more notable fights took place in 1936 against an Eskrimador named Anoy, from the nearby town of Tangub. Jose Caballero utilized his system of 1-2-3 strikes in order to disarm and wound the stunned Anoy, who promptly surrendered. The combination of strikes was delivered so quickly, that the crowd had not fully understood what had just taken place. This resulted in the perception that the match was fixed, and they began shouting “TAYOPE!” (fixed).

Unlike many so-called death match “duelists” and “unbeaten champions” who can’t even recall the names of the opponents they conquered, the foregoing list of eskrimadors vanquished by GM Caballero is a testament of the authenticity of his title as the Juego Todo champion of his era. No less than GM Filemon “Momoy” Canete of San Miguel Eskrima a good friend of GM Caballero once vouched: “Dili ko makig duwa ana imong eskrima Joe, pangpatay man nag sawa.” (I won’t fool around with your eskrima Joe, it’s for killing pythons.)

Grandmaster Caballero served in the Philippine Constabulary and was once assigned to the hostile Moro country of Lanao province. After his retirement from the Constabulary, he continued to teach his brand of Eskrima, and at the same time, the challenges that were part and parcel of the art continued to hound him.

The remaining living witness to GM Caballero’s Juego Todo duels is Egmidio Tubal a retired PC soldier of Davao City.

The old warrior died on August 24 1987