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

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

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

5 Major Influences on the Lameco Eskrima System:

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

6 Minor Influences on the Lameco Eskrima System:

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

Lameco

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.

 

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 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

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

Master Tony Diego Ilustrisimo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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