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

 

dna3

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.

 

 

17362700_1458406224231936_5794026838663281750_n

Punong Guro Edgar Sulite

September 25, 1957 – April 10, 1997

————

 

MADRID, SPAIN

17758554_1394064030614402_2482679196153680699_o

 

 

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.

 

 

——–

 

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

 

pged

 

————-

 

ZACATEPEC DE HIDALGO, MEXICO

 

17800012_1427813500602193_6091838950334702039_n

 

——

 

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.
—–

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, USA

 

dna 3

 

 

—–

FOLSOM, NEW JERSEY, USA

 

17797722_10208886833431509_2086583543_o

South Jersey Group headed by Jamie Morris

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

Anniversary

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

pges2

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.

 

Iron1

 

 

Iron2

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.

PGES3

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.

 

lameco goals

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

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

Share this:

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)

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.

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

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

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

Lameco Eskrima Salutation

Lameco Eskrima Salutation Punong Guro Edgar Sulite

PAGGALANG SA PAG – UMPISA

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

KARANUNGAN:
I come seeking Knowledge.

PAGGALANG:
I offer you my Respect.

KATAPATAN
I offer you my Loyalty.

NAKAHANDA SA PAGSASANAY
I am ready to train.

———–

LAMECO ESKRIMA OATH

LAMECO OATH

Master Christopher Ricketts reflects on how he met Punong Guro Sulite through Master Alex Co

Master Christopher Ricketts reflects on how he met Punong Guro Sulite through Master Alex Co

(Q) You were a close friend of PG Edgar Sulite. How did you meet him and do you have any fond memories you would like to share?

Edgar G. Sulite was one of my closest friends. I met him through another close friend of mine, Alex Co, a pioneer publisher in the Philippines of martial arts books and magazines. Alex asked me to check whether Edgar was the real McCoy because Edgar wanted to discuss the publication of a book. After meeting Edgar, I reported that he was indeed the real thing and the rest is history. Alex ended up publishing all three of Edgar’s books: Secrets of Arnis, Advanced Balisong and Masters of Arnis, Kali and Eskrima.

The Masters of Anis, Kali and Eskrima was a landmark book because it was the first time a researcher traveled throughout the entire Philippines to research the art and publish it in a book. It revealed many relatively unknown systems to the world and opened many doors for future researchers and practitioners. I am happy to have been a participant in bringing these projects to light.

***

Extact from Grandmaster Christopher ’Topher’ Ricketts Interview
Research & questions by David Foggie Interviewed by Dino Flores. Answers by Master Ricketts given in Tagalog, Translation by Dino Flores.  Interview commenced 12 th February 2006 and conducted over a span of three months by Dino Flores in Los Angeles, California U.S.A.
 
To read full interview: http://backyardeskrima.com/?page_id=61
 
More on Master Alex Co: http://www.bengkiam.com/bengkiam/Archives.aspx
 
Master Alex Co and Master Christopher Ricketts, Five Ancestor Fist Kung-Fu: The Way of Ngo Cho Kun, Bakbakan Philippines, www.mandirigma.org
Master Alex Co and Master Christopher Ricketts in “Five Ancestor Fist Kung-Fu: The Way of Ngo Cho Kun” book by Master Alex.
 
Below are the three legendary books by Punong Guro Sulite published by Master Alex Co. Master Ricketts also played a major role in making the project come to life.
 
The books are: Masters of Kali, Arnis and Eskrima, The Secrets of Arnis and Advanced Balisong – Filipino Butterfly Knife.
These books influenced most writers on the Warrior Arts of the Philippines that came after it. Many of Punong Guro Sulites original photos of the old Masters can even be seen in some of the books by Master Rey Galang and Mark Wiley.
 
 
Punong Guro Edgar Sulite masters-of-arnis Lameco Eskrima Punong Guro Edgar Sulite masters-of-arnis Lameco EskrimaPunong Guro Edgar Sulite secrets-of-arnis  Lameco Eskrima Punong Guro Edgar Sulite secrets-of-arnis  Lameco EskrimaPunong Guro Edgar Sulite  advanced-balisong Lameco Eskrima Punong Guro Edgar Sulite  advanced-balisong Lameco Eskrima 

Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, Master Christopher Ricketts,Master Alex Co

Left ot right: PG Edgar G. Sulite, GM Tony Diego, GM Christopher Ricketts, GM Rey Galang, Tom Dy and GM Alex Co. Seated Left to right: Rodney Wilson, Steve Tarani and Dodong Sta. Iglesia. This is one of the last known photos of  PG Edgar G. Sulite before his passing due to a stroke in 1997.

Bakbakan Philippines Diego Sulite Ilustrisimo Ricketts Alex Co

From left to right: Master Tony Diego, PG Edgar G. Sulite, Master Roland Dantes, GM Antonio “Tatang” Illustrisimo, Master Christopher Ricketts and Master Alex Co.  Philippines circa 1989. Legendary Members of Bakbakan Philippines.

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 Videos

Lameco Videos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eskrima Drills

 

1. Eskrima Uno

 

2. Eskrima Dos

 

3. Eskrima Tres

 

4. Eskrima Cuatro

 

 

5. Eskrima Cinco

 

 

6. Eskrima Saez

 

 

 

7. Eskrima Siete

 

 

8. Eskrima Otso

 

 

9. Eskrima Nueve

 

 

10. Eskrima Diez

 

 

11. Eskrima Unce

 

 

12. Eskrima Doce

 

 

 

Hakbang Paiwas

 

 

Tatsulok

 

 

Retirada Ilustrisimo

 

 

Retirada Caballero

 

Ilag Liyad (bob and weave)

 

 

Double Stick

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

 

 

 

 

Master Ricketts and Punong Guro Sulite Videos

Master Ricketts and Punong Guro Sulite Videos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Original “Five Pillars” of Ilustrisimo

The Original “Five Pillars” of Ilustrisimo:

Tony Diego, Master Yuli Romo, , Master Rey Galang Master, Christopher Ricketts (R.I.P) and Punong Guro Edgar Sulite (R.I.P).

 

http://arniseskrima.org/IMAGENES/fotos%20historia/bakbakan.jpg

 

http://sabakumartialarts.com/IMAGES/PHOTOS-PHILIPPINES-ILUSTRISIMO/Big-Pics/philippines-ilustrisimo-0010.jpg

 

http://www.lamecoeskrima.com/photo/sulite13.jpg

 

Grandmaster Antonio

 

http://sabakumartialarts.com/IMAGES/PHOTOS-PHILIPPINES-ILUSTRISIMO/Big-Pics/philippines-ilustrisimo-0003.jpg

 

http://sabakumartialarts.com/IMAGES/PHOTOS-PHILIPPINES-ILUSTRISIMO/Big-Pics/philippines-ilustrisimo-0004.jpg

 

http://www.filipinofightingartsintl.com/Publications/martial_arts/images/practitioners/diego_ricketts.jpg

 

LAMECO BACKYARD GROUP LIST A.K.A. LAMECO SOG (Sulite Orihinal Group)

LAMECO BACKYARD GROUP LIST A.K.A. LAMECO SOG (Sulite Orihinal Group)

Due to the amount of challenges that were occuring during the period. Punong Guro Sulite had a need to train a group that could confidently address this issue on his behalf . Punong Guro Sulite already had a number of victorious “encounters” since his arrival in the United States. He felt it was time to pass some of that skill to a select few. He had training methods and techniques in his arsenal that were considered “secrets” that he did not want to share with the general public. Even going so far as to have the group swear an oath of secrecy. Thus the “Backyard Group” was born. The members of the “Backyard Group” became Punong Guro Sulites’ Eskrima experiments where regular sparring was the norm.

Guro Lowell Pueblos

Eric Koh

Ron Balicki: http://www.ronbalicki.com/2011/

Mar Elepano

Hospecio “Bud” Balani, jr.: http://backyardeskrima.com/?p=468

Rem V. Cruz

Pelix Valensia

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

Arnold Noche: http://backyardeskrima.com/?p=457

Hans Anton Tan: http://backyardeskrima.com/?cat=52

Darryl Goldberg

Dave Gould: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001877160364

Steve Grody: http://stevegrody.blogspot.com

Elmer “Bong” Hebia

Roger Agbulos

Jason Ancheta

Marc F. Denny: http://dogbrothers.com

Steve Tarani: http://stevetarani.com

Phil Rapagna: http://www.trs-usa.org/html/training_director.html

Choy Flores: http://backyardeskrima.com/?p=872

Gary Quan: http://backyardeskrima.com/?p=1380

Joel ‘”Jay” Adriatico

Bryant Emerson

Sung Han Kim

Rodney Wilson

Pantaleon ” Mang Leo” Revilles, jr. ( R.I.P. )

 

Taken in 1995 at Tom Belt's school in Altadena, Ca
Taken in 1995 at Tom Belt’s school in Altadena, Ca

 

 

 

Lameco Eskrima

Lameco Eskrima - SOG, Kapisanang Mandirigma

Lameco Eskrima is a Warrior Art of the Philippines founded by the late Punong Guro Edgar Sulite . It was based on his training and experience with various Master Eskrimadors. The most heavy influence was from Grandmaster Jose Caballero and Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo. In private Punong Guro Sulite that in a real fight, these these two systems were the only arts he drew upon. This fact was the foundation for his Lameco Backyard Group training method that included sparring at different intensity levels on a regular basis.

The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,100 different islands broken up into three main regions: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Within each of those regions lies numerous styles of the Philippine Fighting Arts. There are some systems which specialize in long range fighting (LARGO), while others specialize in medium range fighting (MEDIO), and still others which specialize in close range fighting (CORTO).

An acronym for the synthesis of the three ranges of combat (LARGO, MEDIO and CORTO) were combined to form LAMECO.

Acronym Range Measurement
LA Largo (Long Range) Dulo to Dulo (Tip to Tip)
ME Medio (Medium Range) Pulso to Pulso (Wrist to Wrist)
CO Corto (Close Range) Balikat to Balikat (Shoulder to Shoulder)

LAMECO is a composition of five major systems and six minor systems from the Philippines.

1) Kali Illustrisimo (Antonio “Tatang” Illustrisimo)
2) De Campo uno-dos-tres Orehinal (Jose D. Caballero)
3) Kali Pekiti-Tirsia (Leo T. Gaje Jr.)
4) Modernos Largo (Jesus Abella / Pablicito Cabahug)
5) Sulite Rapelon (Helacrio Sulite Sr.)

LAMECO is a balanced synthesis of the many effective teachings and styles which the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite has come to master in the span of his life.

LAMECO has emphasis on the totality of the human being – mind, body, spirit – not just the physical elements alone.

ATTENTION, INTENTION, VISUALIZATION and COMPLETE FOCUS are the integral components of the LAMECO Training System.

The LAMECO logo represents the following items.

Symbol Representation
Arrows The Flow of Nature.
Balisong Knife Luzon – Northern Philippines.
Eskrima Stick Visayas – Central Philippines.
Kris Sword Mindanao – Southern Philippines.
Triangle The Integration of Mind, Body and Spirit.

Lameco Eskrima Training

One of the characteristics of Filipino martial arts is the use of weapons from the very beginning of training. The common weapon is a rattan stick, also called a cane or baston. These sticks vary in length from about 26 inches to as much as 38 inches in length or more. The weapons can vary in weight and thickness depending on the preference of the practitioner. However the Single Sword is the soul of this Warrior Art. Even when using a Rattan stick, members of Punong Guro Sulites Backyard Group were always told to treat the stick as a sword.

Lameco uses Double and single Stick, Double and single Dagger, Sword and Dagger, Sword, Staff, Handkerchief, and Empty Hands. Lameco Eskrima is a synthesis of five major and six minor systems of Eskrima.

Lameco employs training drills called Laban Laro (Play Fighting). Laban Laro allows the escrimador to come as close to real combat as possible without injury. It is also designed to get an uncountable number of repetitions in a short period of time.

Through his constant efforts for developing new training innovations, Edgar devised unique armor for the hands and forearms that allowed practitioners to safely train more realistically.

History

At a young age Edgar Sulite’s father exposed him to the Filipino Martial Arts, himself being a boxer and Arnisador. Growing up in the Barrios of the Philippines, Edgar witnessed many skirmishes settled blade against blade.

 

Five Major Influences on the Lameco Eskrima System:

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

Six Minor Influences on the Lameco Eskrima System:

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

LAMECO: Legacy of Steel By Steve Tarani

LAMECO: Legacy of Steel By Steve Tarani

 

lameco eskrima arnis kali

dino flores eskrima

This article was reprinted with the author’s permission from the Souvenir Edition of Arnisador Magazine published by Goodwill Publications Limited. More information about the magazine can be obtained by calling Peter Morgan in London at +44 (0) 171-895 0800.

Saturday, June 1st, 1996
LAMECO: Legacy of Steel
By Steve Tarani

Swollen knuckles, bleeding forearms and battered shins – two warriors face off in a clearing. Sharp strikes of clashing rattan mix with the drawl of heavy breathing and shuffling feet. Intensely focused and alert, both combatants melt into the sweltering humidity. Glistening beads of sweat roll down to fingers wrought with open blisters. Ignoring the searing pain, each man continues fighting. Skillfully, cautiously – each life hinges upon immediate reaction to a deadly salvo of crushing blows.

Such is the way of life of an Arnisador – a path chosen by Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite. Since and before the days of Magellan, the Filipino martial arts have proven themselves highly effective standing in defiance of determined warring tribes, rabid Conquistadors and greedy foreign hordes.

The LAMECO system, systematically structured and easily assimilatable according to modern training methods, is the stainless steel link in an unbroken chain of training succession.

Great-grandfather to grandfather to father to son, a continual succession of knowledge and commitment breathes life into the ancient art from those very early days of foreign aggression to the current days of domestic violence. The heritage of combat-ready warriors runs deeply through the bloodline of the Sulite family tree.

Born on September 25, 1957 in a rural province on the Visayan Island of Leyte, Tacloban City, Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite was raised by a family of martial arts devotees in a rugged barrio neighborhood where deadly brawls and Bolo knife skirmishes were commonplace.

In other martial arts, the attainment of a certain level automatically designates the title Master or Grandmaster. In the Philippines, there are certain norms to be satisfied before one can be called and accepted as a Master or Grandmaster.

After expressing great interest in the Filipino fighting arts at a very early age, young Edgar was introduced to the rigorous training by his own father – Grandmaster Helacrio Sulite Sr.

Grandmaster Helacrio first studied with his father Grandmaster Timoteo Sulite in the 1930s. Grandmaster Helacrio went on to further enhance his skills under the tutelage of several other Arnis masters of varied styles (such as the late Grandmaster Melicio Ilustrisimo and Master Almario of Cebu among others.)

Grandmaster Timoteo Sulite’s instructors were active in the mid-19th century and their grandfathers recalled stories of their grandfathers which included the defeat of several infamous Spanish conquistadors using the very same styles of Arnis that have been meticulously passed down to Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite who, in turn, continues the solemn tradition to this very day.

While simultaneously training under his father and coming to master the family system known as Sulite Rapelon, Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite continually expanded his skills and combat technology by training intently with several other masters and Grandmasters all across the Philippine Islands.

Punong Guro devoted his entire life to the study of the ancient systems and masters who transformed him from young eager aspirant to the refined physical embodiment of technical perfection that he has become today.

Among the long list of such distinguished curators of the ancient ways is Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo of Bag-on Bantayan – founder of Kali Ilustrisimo, Grandmaster Jose D. Caballero of Ozamis City, Western Mindanao – founder of De Campo 1-2-3 Orihenal and Grandmaster Leo T. Gaje Jr. of Negros Occidental – founder of Pekiti Tirsia (a close quarters combat system that specializes in knife and Espada y Daga.)

Punong Guro sheds further light on the methods of his masters in a series of educational books and video tapes available to the general public. Especially in his third book, MASTERS OF ARNIS, KALI & ESKRIMA, Punong Guro provides a rare glimpse into the arcane and mystical world of the traditional Filipino warrior class. Punong Guro is also the author of ADVANCED BALISONG: FILIPINO BUTTERFLY KNIFE and THE SECRETS OF ARNIS and has produced a total of ten instructional video tapes.

Punong Guro Sulite believes that the ancient tradition of keeping the sacred art only in the family is a double-edged sword. On the one hand the art is kept pure and in accordance with tradition. On the other hand, as modern times erode the interests of today’s youth, (who would much rather play video games rather than listen to grandpa tell old war stories,) the passing of the torch becomes more and more limited to only a select few. Unfortunately, when such masters pass away, so goes with them, forever, the art which they possess.

Thus, with the bold risk of changing the course of tradition, Punong Guro accepted the responsibility of both preserving the ancient teachings in the exact way in which he was taught, as well as disseminating this teaching in a modern platform of instruction.

In this modern age of automated organizational skills, combined with his uncanny ability to analyze with the precision of a high-tech computer, Punong Guro Sulite has heavily exposed the western world to the LAMECO system. Punong Guro currently has a number [of] schools in such varied corners of the globe as the Philippines, Germany, Australia and the United States. As a result of his unique modern approach and personal dedication through the LAMECO system, the proliferation and integrity of the ancient teachings is sustained.

What is the LAMECO system? LAMECO is a perfectly balanced synthesis of the many effective teachings and styles which Punong Guro has come to master in the span of his life.

There are some systems which specialize in long range fighting (known as “Largo Mano” or “Long Hand”) and others specializing in medium range fighting (known as “Medio”) and still others which specialize in close quarters combat (known as “Corto”). Thus, an acronym for the synthesis of the three ranges of combat LARGO, MEDIO and CORTO, the first two characters of each combat range LA, ME and CO were combined to form LAMECO.

In an interview, Punong Guro said, “I wanted to preserve the ancient teachings… but bleeding forearms and knots on the top of the head is not a good way… [there is no] safety. So a good compromise is safety equipment… [and] gradually, we can remove [the protective armour].”

When asked how he had planned to preserve the old teachings without dissipating the potency of the original art, and simultaneously combine the best of each system without offending each of his teachers, Punong Guro Sulite replied, “Grandmaster Ilustrisimo entrusted me with his [lifetime of knowledge] and wanted me to carry his name… the same with Grandmaster Gaje, Grandmaster Caballero, Grandmaster Abella, and all the others. So I have systematised and presented [the arts in a modern context easy to assimilate through a synthesis of multiply effective systems].” Thus the LAMECO system was born.

What further separates LAMECO from all other contemporary systems is its emphasis on the totality of the human being – mind, body and spirit – not only the physical elements. Attention, intention, visualization and complete focus are the integral components of the LAMECO training system. Drills and processes which develop the vital constituents were developed as the result of intense study and detailed analysis of countless ancient systems.

As modern day martial artists, we should consider ourselves most fortunate to have the opportunity to train under a renaissance thinker such as Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite. He is one of the very few who has brought the ancient traditions out of the darkest jungles and into the light of modern day martial arts training, by sharing with the rest of the world – his legacy of steel.

Punong Guro is a Tagalog title which is comprised of two words. The first, Punong, literally translates to “trunk” or “base of”, for example, a tree. Combined with the second word, Guro, which translates as “one who leads another out of ignorance” (or “teacher” in Western terminology,) this title can be translated as “Primary master instructor” or more readily, “Grandmaster”.

mandirigma.org

What Makes A Grandmaster? By Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite

This article was reprinted from Masters of Arnis, Kali and Eskrima. More information about the book can be obtained by sending an email to Mrs. Felisa Sulite at info@lamecoeskrima.com.

What Makes A Grandmaster?
By Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite

To be recognized as a Grandmaster or Master of combat arts in the Philippines, you must have made your reputation and show mental maturity and physical age. Grandmasters question the rankings of other grandmasters.

Masters and grandmasters are criticized and questioned regarding their skills and abilities. Who bestowed their title? Do they have enough skills for the titles they carry? How many years have they been practicing the art? How old is he? How many followers and students does this man have?

In other martial arts, the attainment of a certain level automatically designates the title Master or Grandmaster. In the Philippines, there are certain norms to be satisfied before one can be called and accepted as a Master or Grandmaster.

A master of the art must be a master of himself. He must be in control. His daily life epitomizes a man in control of his life, his destiny. A master of the art must know his art, its origins, its history, its philosophy. He must know the techniques, the interplay of techniques, and the reversals of techniques.

A master must know the basics, the intermediate forms and techniques, and the advance levels of the art. Mastery of the art does not only mean so many years in the art, but the amount of experience using the art, one’s personal evolution within the art and personal dedication and contribution to the art.

A master of the art must know how to teach and impart knowledge from the art. He must be able to communicate, elaborate and present the art in such a way that each student learns on a personal basis. Each instruction is adapted to the learning process and ability of the student. A master must be a real maestro, a real teacher.

A master of the art must be of good character. He should epitomize the qualities of a leader, the majesty of a noble, and the courage and strength of a warrior.

A master of the art is called and acknowledged a Master by other masters, never by himself.

 

punog guro edgar sulite lameco eskrima punog guro edgar sulite lameco eskrima punog guro edgar sulite lameco eskrima

In Memory of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite. September 25, 1957 to April 10, 1997.

Lameco Eskrima PG sulite

In Memory of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite

From Ron Balicki

The Loss of a Warrior

On April 10th 1997, the Filipino Martial Arts world suffered a major loss. Punong Guro (Head Instructor) Edgar G. Sulite passed away due to complications from a stroke that he had suffered two weeks prior to his death. Edgar Sulite was the founder of the Lameco system of Eskrima.

Edgar was born on September 25, 1957 in the Visayan islands. When Edgar was a boy his father a Filipino boxer and an Arnis expert introduced Edgar to the Filipino martial arts. Growing up in the Barrios of the Philippines, Edgar witnessed many skirmishes settled blade against blade. Completing college, Edgar earned his Bachelors in Arts and Majored in Economics. During his time in college, he sought out different Eskrima Masters to study under. In addition, Edgar was honored for his many achievements in the Filipino martial arts. He became a member of Bakbakan International (An Organization governing the legitimacy of the Filipino martial arts). He also became the representative for Leo Gaje’s national Arnis Association of the United States. Being a man of great vision, Edgar came to the United States in August of 1989. His plan was to bring his family over from the Philippines, own his own home, and spread Lameco throughout the world. He desired to live the American dream.

Upon his arrival in the U.S., Edgar would meet and befriend world renowned martial artist Dan Inosanto. Recognizing the talent and knowledge that Edgar possessed , Dan Inosanto would become a lifetime student and an advocate of the Lameco system. Edgar appointed Dan Inosanto as Vice President of Lameco International.

Edgar believed in his potential for personal achievement. If one walked into his house, they would see affirmations written out on paper in each of his rooms (including the bathroom). Being an avid reader of motivational guro Anthony Robbins, Edgar attacked all of his personal and professional goals tirelessly.

Determined to bring his wife and three children to America, Edgar Sulite started teaching his method of Lameco on the seminar circuit around the world. As he envisioned, he became one of the most sought after instructors. Edgar managed to bring his wife, Felisa Sulite from the Philippines in 1992. However, Edgar would still have to battle with the bureaucracies of immigration to bring his three children to America. His children would have to reside with relatives in the Philippines for several more years. During this painstaking time, Edgar and Felicia had two more children (Edgar Andrew, and Leslie) bringing the total of children to five. Soon after the birth of his youngest child, Leslie, he finally managed to bring his three eldest children from the Philippines. In addition, he bought a house in Palmdale, California, and had a full calendar of seminar engagements. He was living the American dream.

The Lameco System

In 1981Edgar created the Lameco System of Eskrima. The name Lameco is actually three words joined together.

La = Largo (long)

me = Medio (Middle)

co = Corto (close)

All the ranges you will fall into in combat. Lameco uses primarily Double and single Stick, Double and single Dagger, Stick and Dagger, Sword, Staff, Handkerchief, and Empty Hands. Lameco Eskrima is a synthesis of five major and 6 minor systems of Eskrima.

Edgar created training drills that he called Labon Laro (Play Fighting). Labon Laro would allow the practitioner to come as close to real combat as possible with out injury, it was also designed to make you get an uncountable number of repetitions in, in a short period of time. Following the theory “repetition is the key to success”. Edgar was always looking for unique training methods to improve Lameco. He devised training armor for the hand and forearms that let the practitioners train more realistically.

The Future of Lameco?

When asked to comment Guro Dan Inosanto spoke of Edgar’s wish to make Lameco grow and prosper in the U.S. and around the world. Inosanto also expressed his hope that The Surviving Lameco Instructors under Edgar would continue in the tradition Edgar established.

The students of Lameco can be thankful to Edgar for a well documented system of Eskrima. Edgar left us with three books that he had written: “The Secrets of Arnis”, “Advanced Balisong”, and “Grand Masters of the Philippines”. Also The foundation of the Lameco system on video: “Lameco Eskrima at the Vortex”, “Labon Laro”, and a series of instructional video tapes by Unique Publications. With all this material Lameco will live on forever.

Punong Guro Sulite will be missed by his wife Felisa, His five children, and the countless students around the world. To you Edgar we say, Maraming Salamat Po (Thank You) Punong Guro!


From Louis D. Lindo

My name is Louie D. Lindo, originally from the Philippines and Los Angeles and now residing in Vancouver, b.c. Canada. I am a student of the Filipino martial arts and have only attended 3 workshops by the late Punong Guro Edgar Sulite. Those 3 workshops I now hold dear to my heart. I have heard about Punong Edgar back in the mid 1980′s while he was still living in the Philippines but never had the chance to meet him. I knew old friends back in Manila who have trained with him and I too was looking forward to the day I would have the opportunity to meet him. After over 10 years I finally met him at a seminar in Oregon, Washington and finally here in Vancouver. The one concept or method of training which I hold valuable is training with intention as well as the Laban-Laro drills and drills using the hand guard. they are simple but very practical. I now operate 2 small clubs in Vancouver and Burnaby and every time we train I always dedicate the training sessions to the late Punong Guro. Me and my family will always treasure the few days the Sulite family spent at our humble home. The few Lameco eskrima drills that were shared, will be here in Vancouver for the years to come. At the very least, the Vancouver based eskrima enthusiasts had the opportunity of meeting him and got a taste of Lameco Eskrima.

Louie d. Lindo Eskrima-Silat Canada

 


From Phil Rapagna:

I first met Edgar Sulite at a workshop, at Dan Inosanto’s Marina Del Rey School in 1990. I was impressed with the material, but did not at that time seek to study with Edgar privately.

In early 1992, I was seeking something different from Kali. I had trained with Dan Inosanto for about 10 years and had also trained extensively with Steve Aron, Pete Jacobs, Daniel Lee, and Paul Vunak.

I asked Dan Inosanto what I should do, and he told me to seek out Edgar Sulite. At that time, I also ran into an old friend and kali brother, Marc “Crafty Dog” Denny. After I told him that I was seeking something different in Kali, he stressed to me that I needed to seek out Punong Guro Edgar.

I always respected Marc as being a very practical and realistic practitioner of the arts. I knew that if he said something was good, I could believe him. So when he insisted that Edgar was the teacher I needed, my mind was made up. (Marc had mentioned Edgar on earlier ocassions, but I was not in the market until now).

I started training, with Edgar, privately (on a weekly basis) in March 1992 (and ended up spending five solid years with him). Immediately, my eyes were opened. His program was the most organized I had ever encountered. Everything he did was combat oriented. I was a hard person to impress, as I had been in kali for fourteen years by this time. But Edgar impressed me far beyond anyone ever had before.

Edgar started by converting my knowledge of kali into a usable combative style. Everything he did could be used in sparring. There were no wasted movements. He coached me (yes he was an excellent coach, which is rare these days in martial arts) to be a better eskrimadore.

Edgar made me “focus” my strikes and movements. He would say, “Hit with intention, focus. Don’t just swing the stick.” Edgar believed in training as he had done in the Philipines. He would make me do one single movement for a whole hour. On many ocassions, I would be in so much pain, I thought my arm was going to fall off. After a while, though, I began to see myself change as an eskrimadore. My movements were no longer what they used to be.

Training with Punong Guro Edgar Sulite was the most important thing I ever did in my kali training. We delved into much more than just stick work.

Whenever someone thinks of Edgar, they think about the stick, and maybe the knife. Edgar was more than that. He just was not around long enough to show it all. He would have gotten around to it. Luckily, by training privately with him, I got a taste of many different things.

Edgar was a well rounded martial artist. Few people know that He was very well versed in Tai Chi Chuan. His understanding of energy flow was out of this world. Edgar had a whole system of locking and counter-locking, of unbalancing, and pressure point manipulation. He had the best and most practical “knife attack defense” techniques (I am always loathe to use the word “technique.” It is so limiting) that I have ever seen.

Edgar always made sure that he gave his teachers credit for any material he learned. he hated people who would not respect their teachers enough to credit them with what the taught. One time, after returning from a trip, Edgar was angered by someone he had met. He had liked what someone was doing and asked him where he had learned it. The person told him that he had never studied kali, but just learned everything by himself.

Edgar was disgusted that the guy did not respect his teachers enough to give them credit for teaching him anything. The guy obviously thought that Edgar would be impressed that he was cunning enough to learn Kali on his own. He did not realize that Edgar would have been more impressed by a beginner who had enough dignity to give credit to his teachers.

Besides being a great martial artist, Edgar was the warmest, most giving person I have ever known in the martial arts. He was a true giver. He would tell me, “Oh, so and so can’t afford it. Just let him come.”

Edgar would always have parties at his house, and he would invite even the newest member of the group.

I am just beginnig to feel the emptiness, with him being gone. I spent five years studying under him, and had expected to study for many years to come. Every so often, questions pop up in my mind, and I need to ask Edgar the answer. But since he is not here, I try to answer it myself. That’s the way he would want it anyway.

I can understand the emptiness felt by the Bruce Lee’s students after his death. There were so many unanswered questions. So many things you took for granted or did not bother to write down, because you could just ask next week. What the hell, he’ll be around.

Ironically, I was supposed to go to the Philipines, with Edgar, when he died. Things happenning at work would not allow me to go. Of course, I live with that now.

Steve Reid, an old Kali buddy of mine, once said, “one must leave the table while still a little hungry to appreciate it. One must not wait until he is too full.” Well I am still hungry, that is what makes me appreciate Edgar so much. I will always miss him.

Marc “Crafty Dog” Denny, thank you for turning me on to Edgar. I have never forgotten that.

 


Marc “Crafty Dog” Denny:

I first met PG Edgar in 1989 in Tennessee at a Pekiti Tirsia summer camp hosted by Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje. My teacher, Guro Dan Inosanto was there and spoke to me very highly of his interaction with PG Edgar and told me that he was going to train with him and suggested I do the same—which I of course did.

Training with PG was always a very focused matter. There was no fooling around. On the first day PG and I sparred hand shots. Even through his hand gear, his sharp, crisp shots left my hand swollen. He was totally non-telegraphic and effortlessly tore me up. Duly impressed, I was ready to listen.

We began with great emphasis on stroking drills and cleaning up my movement. With PG, footwork was combined with the stroking patterns from day one. Although I found this irritatingly frustrating at first (because I couldn’t believe how bad I was) this soon became one of my favorite parts of training. Many, many practitioners of FMA are lazy when it comes to this part of training, but if you want to be able to use your skills, this type of training really pays off. From there we went into the Laban Laro (playfight) drills.

Soon thereafter, a day of Dog Brother stickfighting approached and I showed PG a video of a fighter with whom I had always had trouble. In an instant, he had dialed in a simple practical solution and on fight day it worked very well. He had an outstanding analytical eye and his teaching with me adapted to my limitations and strengths as a fighter. Although I am a senior apprentice in Lameco, I must confess that there is a lot of the system that I do not know—our training together was focused on improving me as a stickfighter. Nevertheless, as Head Instructor of Dog Brothers Inc. Martial Arts I wish to proudly point out that Lameco is one of the three primary Filipino systems upon which we draw for our stickfighting.

PG was a very private person, and I find it hard to talk about his personal side. Sometimes he would speak about how much he missed his wife and children, and how happy he was when he arranged for her to come, and then for his children to come. He was a very good man, and a very good teacher to me and I miss him.

Grandmaster Jose Diaz Caballero, De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orihinal (1907-1987)

Grandmaster Jose Diaz Caballero,

De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orihinal (1907-1987)

 

Guro Dino Flores

Grandmaster Jose Diaz Caballero was born on August 7, 1907 in Barrio Ibo, Toledo City, Cebu Province in the Philippine archipelago. As a youth he would travel from barangay (neighborhood) to barangay in order to watch eskrima matches during fiesta celebrations. These demonstrations mostly pre-arranged sparring called De Cadena were more of a cultural presentation than a display of real fighting which he was doggedly searching for.

From his observations of these Eskrima exhibitions, he modified the moves with an emphasis on three striking levels: the eyes, lower arms (specifically elbows and hands), and knees. He was a fan of Western movies and often compared his style to the gunslinger “quick draw”. He later founded the devastating style known as De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orihinal.

In his prime, Jose Caballero was the Juego Todo champion. Juego Todo was all-out, no-holds-barred and did not allow the combatants to wear any protective gear like masks and armour. Death and permanent injury resulting from these duels was not uncommon.

He beat many highly skilled Eskrimadors such as: Simeon Saavedra of Talisay, Balbino Mancao, Vicente Labor, Juan Carolla of Ilocos, Alfredo Macalolan of Negros, Tanciong Lopez from Cebu City, Salomon Canonio, Heneroso Carbajosa, Horje Navajo, Pastor Hingoyon and many lesser known challengers.

One of his more notable fights took place in 1936 against an Eskrimador named Anoy, from the nearby town of Tangub. Jose Caballero utilized his system of 1-2-3 strikes in order to disarm and wound the stunned Anoy, who promptly surrendered. The combination of strikes was delivered so quickly, that the crowd had not fully understood what had just taken place. This resulted in the perception that the match was fixed, and they began shouting “TAYOPE!” (fixed).

Unlike many so-called death match “duelists” and “unbeaten champions” who can’t even recall the names of the opponents they conquered, the foregoing list of eskrimadors vanquished by GM Caballero is a testament of the authenticity of his title as the Juego Todo champion of his era. No less than GM Filemon “Momoy” Canete of San Miguel Eskrima a good friend of GM Caballero once vouched: “Dili ko makig duwa ana imong eskrima Joe, pangpatay man nag sawa.” (I won’t fool around with your eskrima Joe, it’s for killing pythons.)

Grandmaster Caballero served in the Philippine Constabulary and was once assigned to the hostile Moro country of Lanao province. After his retirement from the Constabulary, he continued to teach his brand of Eskrima, and at the same time, the challenges that were part and parcel of the art continued to hound him.

The remaining living witness to GM Caballero’s Juego Todo duels is Egmidio Tubal a retired PC soldier of Davao City.

The old warrior died on August 24 1987