Remembering Guro Bud Balani – Rest In Peace – Fundraiser

DONATE:

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

 

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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.

 

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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

 

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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 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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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/

 

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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.

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 GALLERY

 

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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  :(

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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.

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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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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)

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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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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: 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

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.

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

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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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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

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)

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

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.

 

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.

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

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.

 

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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.

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

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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)

 

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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.

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

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

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
 
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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

 

kapisanang mandirigma espana kali arnis eskrima lameco ilustrisimo

Like this:

 

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

 

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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/

 

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guro dino flores www.mandirigma.org

 

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 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

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.

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.

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.

 

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

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.

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.

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

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.