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

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

 

https://vimeo.com/170345485

 

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

 

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

Seminar Spain 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

IBIZA Seminar 12 hours

15th and 16th , OF JULY 2016

120 Euros if paid before May 30th

150 Euros after May 30th

 

 

MADRID Workshop 8 hours

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

70 Euros if paid before May 30th, 2016

85 Euros after May 30th

 

Special prices for groups.

 

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

Tim Fredianelli: fredianellibruno@gmail.com

 

More Seminar Information at: http://backyardeskrima.com/?p=1813 and http://mandirigma.org/?p=2957
12108760_10205735612420849_5182629535043579871_n

 

Spain Seminar Colr

 

12472472_10205792769009728_8015890320364610738_n

 

 

 

German

Italian

 

French

 

KM Online Meme 5 flattt

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

Ilustrisimo Book

Kali Ilustrisimo: The Sword Fighting Art of Antonio Ilustrisimo

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

 

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

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

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

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

The art and legacy of Antonio Ilustrisimo lives on.

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

Media: El Guro Dino Flores impartirá seminario de Lameco Eskrima

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

 

El Guro Dino Flores impartirá seminario de Lameco Eskrima

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


El Guro Dino Flores impartirá seminario de Lameco Eskrima

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

 

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

 

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

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

GM Tony Diego

12033029_10153684968318447_28149091748843350_n

 

 

 

12009686_10153684969573447_4150365982300027088_n 12020035_10153684968443447_7953418535675147064_n 12027769_10153684968498447_1788665408628512094_n 12032023_10153684969258447_6614435272858853001_n 12036945_10153684969148447_4724005518936483978_n 12038052_10153684969013447_565804608788492649_n 12038095_10153684969823447_7501350384259812907_n 12042888_10153684971173447_8804314859211882879_n 12046980_10153684970023447_6331740979928129452_n 12049158_10153684969698447_5353903193222644643_n 12049231_10153684969483447_4516827899635980519_n 12049388_10153684969373447_9083422858432016754_n 12049505_10153684968853447_5588171139608537808_n

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

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

 

Brandon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

1 Flyer

Event Flyer

2 Gym Banner

Aranda – Ricketts / Glendale FMA Gym Banner

 

 

 

3 Lameco SOG

 

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

4 Hosts

 

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

5 Participants in action

 

Guro Brandon giving pointers.

6 Sparring 1

 

Sparring!

7 Sparring 2

Sparring!

 

8 Sparring 3

 

Sparring!

9 Some of the participants

Group photo with some of the participants.

10 Sparring 4

 

Sparring!

11 Participants in action 2

 

Guro Brandon giving pointers

12 Participants in action 3

 

Participants in action.

13 Participants in action 4

 

Participants in action.

14 Guro Brandon giving pointers

 

Guro Brandon giving pointers.

15 Participants in action 5

 

Guro Johnathan giving pointers.

16 Contact drilling 1

 

Contact drilling.

17 Contact drilling 2

Contact drilling.

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

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

Glendale FMA, California.

 

Brandon Seminar 5 flat

 

 

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

10Am to 2PM

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

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

Contact: mandirigma.org@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

—————-

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

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

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

Master Diego 1

 

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

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

Love & Respect,
Dino Flores

 

Master Diego 2

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

Master Tony Diego Ilustrisimo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ariel Dino Lameco Ilustrisimo Arnis Kali Eskrima FMA

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

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

Los Angeles Lameco SOG & Los Angeles Ilustrisimo in association with Kapisanang Mandirigma is proud to present an invitation only Seminar not advertised to the General Public. This is an extremely rare opportunity to train with Kalis Ilustrisimo Senior Instructors Arnold Narzo and Peachie Baron-Saguin. They are direct students of the Living Legend in the Philippines, Grandmaster Tony Diego of Kalis Ilustrisimo. Grandmaster Tony Diego is the top disciple of Grandmaster Antonio ‘Tatang’ Ilustrisimo and is continuing Tatang’s legacy through his Kalis Ilustrisimo Repeticion Orehenal.This is a rare opportunity and their first seminar in Los Angeles.
Proceeds go to the Medical Fund of Master Diego and his wife. This is also a fundraiser for the serious medical conditions of Master Tony and his wife. Thank you all in advance for your continued support!
Los Angeles
Two Day Seminar – July 7th, Monday & July 8th, Tuesday.
Location – Seminar will be in Los Angeles/Eagle Rock.
Address given after enrollment.
Time – 7pm-11pm
936051_10202130067084469_4379921822237977493_n
10258488_10202130182727360_8058412006091472484_n
10362362_10202130069324525_8165819183012645938_n
10386741_10202131110430552_6373557125507245535_n
10450149_10202130138446253_448732837191078451_n
10462737_10202130143446378_917667017069830346_n
10470923_10202130066604457_5655231275007290427_n
10475587_10202135800427799_738771145571334213_n
10487556_10202130069844538_773392774482367147_n
10492568_10202131109750535_486051883157501332_n
10494536_10202130069484529_8818502226140390112_n
10500514_10202135800707806_1108012882603440217_n
10501725_10202135813868135_1310099764233503352_n
10505510_10202130143926390_7926427238493849429_n
10525981_10202135801947837_2806338470082412020_n
10527836_10202130437013717_7221590437820382654_n
10534448_10202130068804512_2549181197226887217_n
10534620_10202135532621104_6781426225989918802_n
10538479_10202130101525330_1333087428235236488_n

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

Tatang01

Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo

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

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

Dates to be announced for May, 2014.

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

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

 

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

 

 

 

602201_10151323806476363_1142210385_n

 

kalis-ilustrisimo

 

64218_10151323806181363_558699845_n

 

bakbakan-philippines-logo-final-reverse-1

 

 

 

398793_10151323833506363_1538286348_n

Training with Master Christopher Ricketts in Makati, Philippines.

 

 

 

526900_10151323805771363_784682572_n

Training with Master Tony Diego in Luneta Park, Philippines.

 

 

 

481380_10151323804481363_1705426349_n

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

 

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

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

 

 

Master Christopher Ricketts on TV

Fundraiser for Master Tony Diego of Kalis Ilustrisimo, July 2013

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

 

 

Greetings friends,

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

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

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

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 Master Tony Diego & Kalis Ilustrisimo Special Issue, March 2013

master diego fma digest kalis ilustrisimo

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

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

Informative Issue No #67
Kalis Ilustrisimo

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

Master Antonio “Tony” Diego

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

————————

Kalis Ilustrisimo in its Pure Form

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

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

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

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

Visit www.fmainformative.info and download a copy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guro Viko Aquino-Perrine of Kalis Ilustrisimo and Bakbakan International

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

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

Guro Brandon Ricketts will be conducting a training seminar on the style of Tatang Illustrisimo (as taught by the late GM Topher Ricketts) on Saturday, September, 2012. Guro Brandon will be assisted by Guro Dino Flores.  The seminar is by invitation only and not open to the general public . It will be held at the Glendale FMA Academy.

Guro Brandon can be contacted at: http://ilustrisimo-usa.com/

 

brandon ricketts ilustrisimo 1 kali arnis eskrima escrima fma filipino martial arts brandon ricketts ilustrisimo 1 kali arnis eskrima escrima fma filipino martial arts

Photo by Felici Photography.

 

brandon ricketts ilustrisimo guro  brandon ricketts ilustrisimo  kali arnis eskrima escrima fma filipino martial arts philippines brandon ricketts ilustrisimo guro  brandon ricketts ilustrisimo  kali arnis eskrima escrima fma filipino martial arts philippines

Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts Guro Bruce Guro Brandon Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo kali arnis eskrima Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts Guro Bruce Guro Brandon Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo kali arnis eskrima

TATANG+TOPHER Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts Guro Bruce Guro Brandon Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo kali arnis eskrima TATANG+TOPHER Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts Guro Bruce Guro Brandon Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo kali arnis eskrima

 

 

Guro Brandon Videos:

 

 

ILUSTRISIMO – Guro Brandon explaining the Estrella Series.

 

ILUSTRISIMO – Guro’s Bruce and Brandon free flowing.

 

ILUSTRISIMO – Double Stick Amara (freestyle) with Bruce and Brandon Ricketts

 

ILUSTRISIMO – Espada y Daga with Bruce and Brandon Ricketts

 

brandon ricketts ilustrisimo eskrima arnis kali master christopher ricketts brandon ricketts ilustrisimo eskrima arnis kali master christopher ricketts

Some of the Seminar Participants at the Glendale FMA Academy.

 

Kapisanang Mandirigma Founding Member Guro Hans Tan

Kapisanang Mandirigma Founding Member Guro Hans Tan

Master Diego chooses only to have a handful of full time students and even fewer certified to represent him. Hans Anton Tan is one of those fortunate to be certified by Master Diego in 1999. Hans Anton Tan also trained under the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite in Lameco Eskrima from 1990 to 1997 and served as one of his assistants after being referred by his teacher in the Philippines, one of Lameco Eskrima International’s first instructors, Honesto “Jun” Nunez. Hans Anton Tan was not only a private student of Punong Guro and a senior member of the Sulite Orihinal Group. It is the Kali Ilustrisimo system that has most influenced Lameco Eskrima’s advanced sword and knife techniques. Punong Guro himself trained under “Tatang” for nine years prior to coming to the United States.

 

guro hans tan ilustrisimo lameco eskrima kali arnis kapisanang mandirigma

Punong Guro Sulite with Hans in the Lameco Backyard, Los Angeles.

Hans Seminar 1

Guro Hans Tan first ever seminar at Gotta Play in Pasadena, California. Hosted by Lameco SOG. 12/13/1998.

Hans Seminar 2

 

Guro Hans Tan first ever Ilustrisimo seminar at SIPA Community Center, Los Angeles Historic Filipinotown, California. Hosted by Lameco SOG. 12/13/1998.

Short Interview with Grandmaster “Yuli” Romo, Bahad Zubu, May 25th, 2008

Short Interview with Grandmaster “Yuli” Romo, Bahad Zubu

bahad zubu kali kalis arnis eskrima escrima fma, master yuli romo, ilustrisimo

 

INTERVIEW WITH GRANDMASTER “YULI” ROMO

Interview conducted at: DAHIKAN WHITE BEACH RESORT, PILAR, CAMOTES, CEBU, PHILIPPINE ARCHIPELAGO, MAY 25TH, 2008

Q:   How is Bahad Zubu different from other Martial Arts?

YR:

I have researched and restored the ancient Filipino Fighting arts of the Philippine Archipelago. “Fighting Arts” is different from “Martial Arts”. The Filipino warriors of ancient times didn’t know what was 1,2,3 or a,b,c but they knew how to fight like a cat knows how to be a cat.

“Martial” to me means something rigid and prescriptive. Bahad Zubu is intuitive and natural. It is not a “Mixed” martial art that employs different “techniques” at different ranges. Nor does it have any un-natural stances just “Situational Footwork”. Step in, Step Out. Kompass 1 (right foot), compass 2 (left foot). That’s it.

Q:    How is it possible to teach the art of Bahad Zubu in just 20 sessions?

YR:

Generic basics and proper learning and understanding.

All we need is forehand and backhand, Compass 1 and Compass 2, touch and un-touch. These simple basics. Of course, we need correct balance, posture and co-ordination. For example the 3 different levels upper (neck / chest), middle (hips) and bottom (legs, heels / toes) need to move as one.

Before there were no gyms, clubs or instructors. “Proper Learning” is done by observation. “Proper Understanding” is having a friend to check you and practice with. Without “Proper Learning” you can not have “Proper Understanding” and vice versa.

Bahad Zubu is a very natural fighting art. It is not taught like the common group era or by mass practice. It is taught 1 on 1 by intuitive interactive drills.

Q:   How can you learn to “Control the fight”?

YR:

With simple basics you can fight. Of course, you need tactics to be able to handle the fight. Bahad Zubu is a “Situational and multiple distractive tactics”. You must bait your opponent. Things like dis-arms are all just options. Everything that happens in the fight is unexpected and intuitive so you must practice the basics.

Simple basics – most advanced!

Q   Why do you think many people practice “Un-Natural” Martial Arts?

YR:
I hink their minds are poisoned like the serpent in the garden of Eden. We are not tigers, snakes, cranes, etc, etc. We are the top animal. The most evolved. So their mind is confused. For me these arts are good for entertainment but not for the challenge of combat. Unfortunately these “un-natural” arts are the most common.

Q   :     A student from another group invites one of your students to spar. How should  your student re-act?

YR:    That is the time to test our individual skill.

In Bahad Zubu we do not have padded sticks and helmets for sparring. We spar with live sticks. At the end of the 80’s and in the 90’s my Kali Parmatukan group competed in WEKAF tournaments and won a stack of medals. Now we just use padded sticks for practice. Obviously if we practice with live sticks we will not be able to train due to the injuries caused.

Once you have all that padding on it stops being a “Fighting Art” and becomes a sport. Also, there are certain strikes you can not perform with a padded stick due to it not being rigid. So, if anybody wants to spar with “live” stick that is good for our group.

From: www.bahadzubughq.com

GM YULI ROMO, GM YULI ROMO, GM YULI ROMO, www.mandirigma.org, www.backyardeskrima.com, GM YULI ROMO, GM YULI ROMO, GM YULI ROMO, www.mandirigma.org, www.backyardeskrima.com, GM YULI ROMO, GM YULI ROMO, GM YULI ROMO, www.mandirigma.org, www.backyardeskrima.com

Aid for Grandmaster Tony Diego of Kalis Ilustrisimo.

Aid for Grandmaster Tony Diego

Greeting Fellow Eskrimadors,
Kapisanang Mandirigma is  gathering donations to assist Master Tony Diego with his house that burned down. Fortunately with great support much of the work has been done. However there are still things like the electrical system that needs installing. When we send the donations it will also include a list of who donated so he knows who it is from. Email this site if you are interested. Donations will be send 01/06/12. Maraming Salamat .

Guro Dino Flores
mandirigma.org@gmail.com

********************

On the morning of February 24, 2012 a fire raged through a small community in Manila. Many houses were razed to the ground leaving families homeless. We received sad news that the home of Master Tony Diego was among those houses that didn’t survive the fire. Absolutely none of their possessions were saved except the clothes on their backs. Master Tony and family are alive and safe but in dire need of assistance. Since the fire, they have been given temporary shelter at the local community center. We would like to solicit the immediate help of our brothers and sisters in Kalis Ilustrisimo and other kind souls to send aid for Master Tony and his family. Since Master Tony has no home at the moment, donations in kind may pose a problem. Instead, cash donations would be preferred and much appreciated.

 

********************

 

Thanks to the following for their kind donations to Master Tony Diego:

Joe Tan, Arnold Noche, Jamie Morris, Ronnie Buenafe, Christof Froelich (Germany)
Louis Eguaras, Michael Rayas, Flavio Ruiz Van Hoof (Belgium), Lester Salvador, Stephan F.J. (France),
Brett Granstaff and Michael Orland.

Thanks to Peachie Baron for  all her assistance in theprocess.
Mabuhay!

Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo’s last interview conducted by Steven Drape, July 29, 1997

Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo’s last interview before his death.

Conducted by Steven Drape, a teacher of San Miguel Eskrima under Urbano “Banoy” Borja who was a student of Momoy Canette.

This interview was conducted with Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo, along with his senior students Antonio Diego and Christopher Ricketts, on 29 July1997 in Manila, Philippines. At the time of the interview, GM Ilustrisimo had been ill for several weeks, so he was weak and had some difficulty talking.   (As it turned out, his illness became worse and he eventually passed away in the fall of 1997.)  We were accompanied by a live-in companion, who helped serve as a translator for some of the Grandmaster’s answers.
GM Ilustrisimo lives in one of the toughest sections of Manila, near the docks. He was a merchant seaman for 35 years, and has spent most of his life in this same area. As an example of the respect people here give to this living legend, the story is told of a gang fight between a local Manila gang and a group of men who had come to Manila from the Visayan islands for work. At the height of the melee, with many men involved in the fight, “Tatang” walked right through the middle of the spot and everyone stopped fighting to let him pass. He is one of those rare men where legend may actually match reality.
This interview was conducted for Australasian Fighting Arts Magazine (AFAM).

AFAM: Erle Montaigue met you and wrote an article in AFAM in 1981. He told me that he was very impressed with you and your art. Have any of your training methods changed since 1981?
GM Ilustrisimo:  The principles of the art have not changed, so of course it is the same.
AFAM: When you began teaching your students, like Tony Diego, you had certain ideas as to what they would learn by now. Have they reached your expectations?
GM Ilustrisimo:   Yeah! Tony has been with me for a long time, since 1975. If you want to train with me, you must learn the old way. When we train, I will hit your hands, many times, so you learn. You must take the pain to learn.
AFAM:   Tony Diego, you’ve been with GM Ilustrisimo for more than 20 years. Have you been satisfied with your training in the Art, and with “Tatang”?

Tony Diego: At first, he wouldn’t teach me. He said that the Art was only for fighting. I kept asking and finally he accepted me. I’ve been very satisfied. I have never felt that I wanted to change, or stop training. At one time, I was a little frustrated, though, and I asked “Tatang” why I couldn’t be more like him (in his ability). He simply answered, “You are you, you are not me.” Everyone learns in a
different way, so you must be satisfied with the result that you get. You can never be exactly the same as your teacher.
AFAM: Do you feel like you have mastered everything the grandmaster has to teach? Tony Diego:  Once I asked “Tatang” if he had taught me everything, if I had the complete system. He replied, “When a guest comes to your house and you give him food, you always give him the rice from the top of the pan. It’s the best rice that everyone likes to eat, but you save for yourself the rice from the bottom of the pan. There it has become hard and crusty.” I think that means that he taught me everything he could teach, but that there are things that he still has that are not teachable. Things that come from a person’s experiences in life.
AFAM:   Tony, you will retire from your job in a few years. Do you think that you will take on more students, expand your teaching?
Tony Diego: No, I don’t think so. I have several students who have been with me for many years. Probably they will take over the job of carrying on, of passing on Kali Ilustrisimo.
AFAM: GM Ilustrisimo, your style of arnis impresses as one of the most natural for self-defense. Are your views still the same in that this Art should only be used for self-defense using straight-forward methods instead of more flowery techniques?

GM Ilustrisimo: The fancy stuff in arnis, all the flowery movements, is only for stage shows and demonstrations, not for real fighting.
AFAM: What is your advice to students who would wish to take up arnis nowadays in the Western world? It seems that today, the old ways of learning are fading, and more and more students want to learn tournament styles.
GM Ilustrisimo: Arnis is simple- 1-2-3 (demonstrating a 3-strike combination in the air). The tournament styles are different, not really arnis.
AFAM: How long do you feel a student needs to train to learn arnis, how many years?
GM Ilustrisimo: Only two weeks, you can master the techniques! Arnis is simple-   1-2-3 !
AFAM:   Two weeks!?
GM Ilustrisimo: Study with me one hour every day and you can learn how to fight for tournaments. My students usually win in the tournaments. Remember, though, that training for tournaments is not training for real fighting. Wearing armor is bad for the Art, students don’t learn well.
AFAM: Have your methods changed much as you have grown older?
GM Ilustrisimo: When fighting, you only adjust to your opponent, to what he does. As you get older, you must still adjust. Maybe you do something differently than when you were younger, but it is just an adjustment to the situation. Age is just one part of the situation.

AFAM:   Does that mean that the inevitable physical decline that comes with age can be compensated for? Does someone’s increasing skill and experience make up for declining physical ability?
GM Ilustrisimo: Yes!

(To illustrate this point, when Tony Diego first introduced me to “Tatang”, he
playfully attacked him. The grandmaster was holding two canes at the time, one to
help him walk and a shorter rattan. Even though he does not see well any more, and
he is 90 years of age, his reaction to even the playful attack was immediate, very
fast and obviously exactly right to defend himself if the attack had been real. A
very impressive introduction to the grandmaster!)

AFAM:   Let’s change directions now. In your lifetime, who were the best arnis players you can remember, the very best ones?

GM Ilustrisimo: Here in the Philippines, no one would fight me. I had fights in Singapore and in Jakarta with good players. The toughest one was in Singapore. I cut him across the right wrist and won the fight and $5000. I also fought in Calcutta and broke that man’s right arm.
AFAM: Besides yourself, then, who here in the Philippines were the best fighters?

GM Ilustrisimo: My father, my grandfather and the brother of my father were all great fighters.

AFAM: So you learned from your father and uncles?

GM Ilustrisimo:   Yes.
AFAM: Who was Pedro Cortes? Did you learn anything from him?
GM Ilustrisimo:   Yes, he was the sparring partner of my father, from Mindanao. His style was much like the Ilustrisimo style, same as my father’s.
AFAM: What about some of the famous names everyone has heard about? People like Dizon, Villabrille, Cabales? Did you know them when you were all younger?
GM Ilustrisimo: Yes, we were all here in Manila. Villabrille was my cousin.
AFAM: Did you ever teach Cabales anything?
GM Ilustrisimo: Yes, but I didn’t like his techniques.
AFAM:   Did you ever fight with Cabales or the others?
GM Ilustrisimo: Yes, we played often, but none of them would fight me for real.
AFAM:   So you had a reputation even then, when you were a young man. What other fights have you had?
GM Ilustrisimo:   Yes. No one wanted to fight me. In the early 50′s, I had a real fight, not an arranged match, with a man called “Doming” here on Dock 8. He had a knife and I picked up a short piece of pipe from the ground. He died from a blow to the head with that pipe.

AFAM: I’ve heard that you have another nickname. “Dagohoy”, is that correct?
GM Ilustrisimo: Yes, it is only a nickname.
Tony Diego: “Dagohoy” was a famous fighter from the island of Bohol who led the people in an uprising. He was a famous figure in our history, so people call “Tatang” this name as, well, a name of respect.
AFAM: Dan Inosanto is very well-known in martial arts circles. One of his teachers of arnis was John LaCoste. Did you know John LaCoste here before he went to the US?
GM Ilustrisimo: No, I didn’t know him.
AFAM:   What about the fighters from Cebu? The Canetes, the Saavedras, etc.? Did you know them, or ever fight anyone from Cebu?
GM Ilustrisimo: No, I never fought them, but I don’t like their techniques. The Cebu fighters like to use the abanico techniques to the head. No good!
AFAM:  In your style, you train to use a blade. Does that change how you use a
stick?
GM Ilustrisimo: It’s the same, no different.
AFAM: There was a famous match arranged once, between Joe Mena and “Cacoy” Canete. Can you tell me what happened?
GM Ilustrisimo:   They began to fight but someone interfered and the fight was not resolved, no winner.
AFAM: I’ve heard that you began training when you were 9 years old. That would have been in about 1916. How was training different then, from the way it has become today?
GM Ilustrisimo:   It was very different. It was only practical training then, learning how to survive.
AFAM:   During World War II, you were a resistance fighter. There are several stories about you from that time. Can you tell me about some of them?
GM Ilustrisimo: Yes, I was fighting the Japanese. I killed 7 Japanese with my blade.
Tony Diego: There is a good story about that time. One night, “Tatang” and a friend had been drinking and were walking home when they came upon a single Japanese sentry. “Tatang” walked right up to the man and pulled his samurai sword right out of the scabbard, looked at it and put it back. The Japanese soldier was so surprised that he just stood there and did nothing, even though he had a gun.

AFAM:   GM Ilustrisimo, you’ve had a long and eventful life. Is there anything you regret, or anything you would like to change?
GM Ilustrisimo: Nothing. I’ve been happy.
AFAM:   Thank you for this interview and for the knowledge that you have passed along.

 

Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo (1904 – 1997)

Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo (1904 – 1997)

Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo, Courtesy of Bakbakan International  and  Grandmaster Tony Diego

Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo (1902 – 1997) originally came from Santa Fe in Bantayan Island.   He came from a family that has a very long history of martials and mystical tradition.   His cousin, Floro Villabrialle, was the most famous Arnis master of Hawaii.  His youngest uncle, Regino Ellustrisimo, was an Arnis master in Stockton, USA.  Both men were mentioned in Dan Inosanto’s book on Filipino martial arts.  However, the most famous of his 4 direct paternal uncles, and the most powerful fighter of the 5 brothers (some say he has more than 7 uncles) was Melecio Ilustrisimo, one of the most famous Kali masters of the Philippines of the early 20th Century, being influential in northern Cebu – Bantayan and Bohol islands.  All his forbears were expert warriors and were known to posses strange mystical powers.

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo’s students, fondly call him “Tatang” which  means “grandfather”.  Tatang learnt Arnis under the tutelage of his father (Isidro Illustrisimo) and uncles (especially the famous Melecio Ilustrisimo) in the old way.  There were 3 famous Eskrima families in Cebu at that time:-  the Ilustrisimos,  the Saavedras,  and the Romos.

Footwork was one of the first things he had to master.  As a tiny boy, he was put on a small table and his teachers would use sticks to beat his legs.  He had to learn how to avoid the blows.  He was also put on 3 half coconut shells in a triangular pattern and given the same harsh treatment.  This footwork is known as Tatlong Bao in the Ilustrisimo family.

As a result he has mastered evasion and dodging at an early age.  This is a training that Melecio Ilustrisimo himself thoroughly mastered as he was said to have nailed one foot to the ground and challenge all and sundry to defeat him.  No one could,  and that footwork is called “Walong Apak” (Nail Footwork) in Kalis Ilustrisimo.  These skills of evasive footwork have all been mastered by Grandmaster Antonio Illustrisimo.

He learnt the solo and double baston, espada daga, daga, bolo (sword), dos manos (a long stick/sword – roughly equivalent to the Samurai’s sword) and various “weapons of convenience”.   In particular, as a speciality, Grandmaster Ilustrisimo is noted for is his expertise in bladed weapons – something which many modern Grandmasters of Arnis can not lay proper claim to since their real practical experience concentrated on the rattan sticks. (Claims by most systems that they can use swords are disputable and only partially true).  This expertise as a swordman is not merely from personal experience and practice, but is the legacy of his family art of Ilustrisimo Kali which is a bladed art that stretches so far back in the family line that nobody could remember when it started.

As a boy, the young Ilustrisimo had a very tough, stubborn, determined and indominatable spirit. When he heard of a far country called ‘America’, he decided to go there – at the age of 9 years old!   When his parents would not  listen to his panderings, he ‘took’ some family money and a machete, and again, ‘took’ a small rowing boat and paddled out to the sea to what he thought would be America, not realising how far America really is.  He fortunately chance across a ship.  The sailors aboard were  surprised to see a young boy rowing out in the sea.  Out of curiousity, perhaps concern as well, there approached him and asked him where he was going.  “I am going to America in this boat!” was the confident answer.  The sailors rocked in laughter.  They somehow persuaded him to come with them.   Of course, he did not get to America.  But he did sail to a few ports, still not quite realising that America is still very, very far away……….

At a port, he chance on a family friend who recognised him, but not wishing to betray the high ideals of this young boy, he took him to the south as that friend was a Muslim.  There the young boy grew up – strong, determined, proud and skillful in combat as ever.  He was adopted into a the royal court as an adopted son of the Sultan of Sulu.  (This was Hadji Butu who ascended to become HH Hadji Mohammad Jamalul Kiram II, the Sultan of Sulu)

While in the South, he was priviledged to train in the the best of teachers that the royal court could have.  He also trained with Pedro Cortes, another very famous master in the Mindanao region, who was used by the government to control the ‘Rebelious South’.   Pedro Cortes was a close friend a sparring partner of his father Isidro Ilustrisimo.

Then one day, he was drinking at a beer house, he got into dispute with another man.  The man drew his sword to kill Tatang, but the defty young boy beat him to the draw and, with one stroke of his own barong (Tatang’s favourite type of sword), he cut  off the enemy’s head.  The victim was left a headless man running wildly before collapsing.  Since this was in self defence, this would have normally been ‘okay’ under the rules of that Islamic society, but the matter was complicated by his being under the influence of the drink (much frown upon), and plus the fact that the victim was from another royal clan that was a rival to the Sultan’s clan.   To avoid inter clan warfare,  the Sultan was forced to ‘exiled’ the young offender.   The Sultan gave him a gift of money and sent under escort to a British ship to head home.   He was only 17 years old then.

He returned to his parent’s place.  They had not seen him since he left as a young boy (this indicates his spirit of determination and independence – and his courage to live away from home without his parent’s guidance) and thought he was dead.  They were over-joyed to receive a telegram saying he was returning.   But they couldn’t recognise him.  A proud young man in Muslim dress walked towards them from the ship and it was only when he greeted them that they realised it was him.

He soon left to become a sailor, but when he had the oppotunity, he would continue to train in the fighting tradition of his family line.

Tatang used to hang around “rough places”.  He is well known amongst the wharfies and bars.  That was where he fought many times and honed his fighting skills.  I have met many Arnis masters who are very good in what  they do, but some of them privately admitted to me that even they are extremely careful when going to such areas that Tatang frequents because fighting and killing in bar/street fights is very different, and much more dangerous, than fighting an Arnis dual.

His life as a sailor gave him the oppotunity to travel from place to place.  This provided oppotunities to contest fighters from other far-off regions – America, India,  Europe, Australia……………..  He fought on many occassions, and was never defeated.

For example, he responded to a grandmaster match in Singapore to compete against a great Indonesian Penchak Silat grandmaster.  The Indonesian climbed into the ring, warmed up, all ready to fight, but when he faced Tatang, he simply refused to fight and surrendered.   Grandmaster Ilustrisimo said that is the highest art – to defeat an opponent without fighting him.  Tatang was said to have used his ‘orascion’ or spiritual power to overcome the opponent.  Grandmaster Illustrisimo thus won the prize money of $5,000. (Note:- Indonesian masters are experts in the use of spiritual power to overpower their opponents, but in this instance, Tatang’s power must have overwhelmed his expert opponent).

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo used to participate in Arnis matches in the fiestas in the local barrios occasionally when not at sea.  However, due to his fondness for the blade, and his reputation as a fighter-killer, not many masters would dare to fight him.  He only knows how to fight naturally – without restrictions – something that is not very comfortable for other masters.  The only rule is the terms of defeat – when to stop the fight.  He laments that he had to accept fights during his travels to practise a little of his art.  eg.  He fought a master in Calcutta.  He also had some fights in the Middle East.

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo, however, had lots of practice during World War II where, as a guerilla, his boss often sent him on missions to kill both Japanese soldiers and local conspirators.  He is said to have killed groups of people at a time.  So reliable were his services that his code name in the guerilla movement was ‘The Executioner’.

In Manila, Grandmaster Ilustrisimo lived in Tondo, near the wharf area which was a very rough neighbourhood.  Intimidation, robberies, muggings, fights and killings were common.  Together with his friends (some of whom are well known to Western students of Arnis – Floro Villabraille, Jose Mena and Felicissimo Dizon), he fought these muggers, bullies and intimidators whenever they caused trouble.  This ‘Gang of Four’ joked that since they were cleaning the docks of these troublemakers for the Police, they are in fact the ‘De Facto Dock Police’.  (Note:- None of them, or their students, were actually employed as Police or security guards there, as some Westerners were lead to believe).

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo hung around his friends whenever he was not at sea.   Occassionally, he would spar with them.  Accounts independently related by various old sources who hung around them confirmed that Grandmaster Illustrisimo had sparred with Felicissimo Dizon quite a few times and was more than a match for him.  It is also said that mutual Arnis friends wanted to arrange a formal match (ie. prize fighting) between Grandmaster Ilustrisimo and Felicissimo Dizon.  Grandmaster Ilustrisimo, being a seasoned prize fighter, readily accepted.  But the great Dizon turned down the offer citing that Grandmaster Illustrisimo is a larger man, a taller man with a longer reach, and thus they are in different categories and should not be matched.  (Dizon was a formidable fighter with few defeats, most notably of which was from the great Illaus Romo.  Also, a scheduled match between Dizon, Delphin Lopez and Cacoy Canette did not eventuate also because Dizon failed to turn up – according to Cacoy Canette).

While sojorned in Manila in the late 1930s, a young lad around 15 or 16 years old called Angel Cabales, became a staunch student of Felicissimo Dizon.   A few years later, he left for USA (1939) and became internationally famous as the founder of Cabales Serada Eskrima which is very widespread in USA.  (Angel was said to have learnt from Tatang too, but both Tatang and his students told me he is not Tatang’s student.  He only learnt from Tatang because he knew how good Tatang was.  He was regarded as Dizon’s student – Tatang does not pinch the students of his friends.  In fact, Tatang only accepted students from the public in the mid 1970s when he was already in his mid seventies.  It is admitted that Tatang did show and teach his personal friends,  but they were never regarded as ‘students’.   They were his friends.   Such close friends included Felicissimo Dizon and the famous Floro Villabrialle,  who was his cousin.  I believe Timoteo Maranga was one such friend during the war time.  Besides that,  Tatang did not teach anybody who came to enquire)

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo used to frequent bars in the rough areas of Manila.  He often got into fights in such hotspots.  He had been arrested at least 17 times for killing, but he was always lucky to prove his innocence as self defence and was released every time.  The last time he killed was when he was over 90 years old.  He nearly went to jail for that.

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo retired from sea-faring in his advanced years, but not from active practice.  Even in his old age, he  received challenges from young fighters eager to build a name for themselves by unfairly bumping off an old man, but  he survived and gave them a hiding instead.

In his advanced years, Grandmaster Ilustrisimo was partially blind, but he can still spar with his students using real bolos (swords) and exert control not to harm them.  How does he “see” the student’s incoming bolos when he cannot properly see ordinary objects is still a mystery to most, but Dan Inosanto mentioned in his book that (Ilustrisimo’s cousin) Floro Villabrille’s favourite master was a blind princess.  (Some sources indicate that this ‘princess’ was actually not blind, but partially blind, just like Tatang.  And not a princess of Samar, nor Princess Josephina, but daughter of a chief.  She was known to possess some mystical powers.  Also, this story later as changed by later generations to ‘main’ or ‘best’ teacher -  instead of ‘favourite’ teacher – in the sentimental sense, not favourite as ‘best’ teacher).   Tatang insisted that while in Manila,  he actually tutored Floro Villabrialle, who, earlier, was a student of his uncle Melecio Ilustrisimo.  Tatang and was ‘unimpressed’  that the Americans were given the impression that Villabrialle’s main or best teacher was Princess Josephina.

——————————————————————————————

Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo (1904 – 1997) was the Grand Master of Kali Ilustrisimo, a Filipino martial art bearing his family name.

Early life
Born in Bagong, Bantayan, Cebu in 1904. As a boy he studied eskrima from his father. At the age of nine he decided to travel to the United States, and stowed away on a boat he thought was headed for America. In actuality, he arrived in Mindanao, in the southern Philippine islands.

The Martial Arts
Antonio Alulud Ilustrisimo was one of the most well respected eskrimadors of the Philippines; He is famed for winning countless duels and street encounters, as well as serving as a guerrilla against the invading Japanese forces during World War II. GM Ilustrisimo was never defeated in combat, and earnt great respect as a result of his brave exploits against the Japanese.

In 1976 Antonio ‘Tatang’ Ilustrisimo accepted his first students Antonio Diego and Epifanio ‘Yuli’ Romo. After Tatang’s passing in 1997, Tony Diego was elected head of Kali Ilustrisimo. Other notable students include – Rey Galang, Christopher Ricketts and Edgar Sulite.

Publications
Antonio Ilustrisimo has been featured in many periodicals and Martial Arts publications. His First apperance was in The book titled  Masters of Arnis, Kali, and Eskrima by Edgar Sulite. His life and art were also featured in the book titled Filipino Martial Culture by Mark Wiley. The art of Kalis Ilustrisimo had a section in the book Filipino Fighting Arts: Theory and Practice by Mark Wiley. The book titled The Secrets of Kalis Ilustrisimo was released in the United States. It was authored by two of his most prominent students, Antonio Diego and Christopher Ricketts.

The Original “Five Pillars” of Ilustrisimo

The Original “Five Pillars” of Ilustrisimo:

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Grandmaster Antonio

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Bakbakan Philippines and Master Christopher Ricketts

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

Master Bruce Ricketts with his “Ninja” mask sitting with Grandmaster Ilustrisimo.

Located at Master Ricketts house in Alabang in the 1990′s.

 

Bakbakan Philippines and Master Christopher Ricketts

Bakbakan International is a martial arts association headquartered in Manila, Philippines and founded by Christopher Ricketts in 1964. It has chapters in Australia, Canada, and the United States. It also promoted the Masters of Arnis tour in Australia that featured Christopher Ricketts, Antonio Diego, Edgar Sulite, and Rey Galang.
The school teaches the following methods:
•    Kali Ilustrisimo, which was developed by Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo.
•    The Tulisan Knife-Fighting System, which works as an offshoot of Kali Ilustrisimo and is based on technique rather than drill.
•    The Sinawali Fighting System, which emphasizes ambidexterity and weapon mastery.
•    Lameco Eskrima, developed by Edgar Sulite.
•    The Sagasa Kickboxing System, which develops coordination, power, and reflexes.
•    The Hagibis Combat System of close-quarter combat, which primarily emphasizes grappling, throwing, and tripping as means of disabling individual opponents where multiple opponents exist.
•    Ngo Cho Kun Kung Fu, which emphasizes power, stamina, and concentration.
Its notable members are Tony Diego, Edgar Sulite, Alexander Co, Christopher Ricketts, Rey Galang, Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Miguel Zubiri, Doran Sordo, Ding Binay, Ronnie Ricketts, Rolly Maximo, Ramon Tulfo, Rey Dizer, Edgar Aristorenas, and Leonard A. Anderson.

The organization or its senior members have been featured in or written the following published works:

•    September 1997 issue of Exotic Martial Arts of Southeast Asia
•    Filipino Martial Culture by Mark V. Wiley
•    Five Ancestor Fist Kung Fu by Alexander Co                                                                                                                                                                             •    Premiere Issue of Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine
•    Masters of the Blade by Reynaldo S. Galang
•    Warrior Arts of the Philippines by Reynaldo S. Galang
•    Classic ARNIS – The Legacy of Placido Yambao by Reynaldo S. Galang
•    Complete Sinawali Filipino Double Weapon Fighting by Reynaldo S. Galang
•    The Secrets of Kalis Ilustrisimo: The Filipino Fighting Art Explained by Antonio Diego & Christopher Ricketts
•    Masters of Arnis Kali & Eskrima by Edgar G. Sulite
•    The Secerts of Arnis by Edgar G. Sulite
•    Advanced Balisong by Edgar G. Sulite
•    Inside Kung-Fu Magazine with Edgar G. Sulite
•    Cinturon Negro Magazine with Edgar G. Sulite

Quote from a Master Ricketts interview:

Q: Firstly what is the history and aim of Bakbakan?

A: “Bakbakan means something along the lines of a free for all brawl. Bakbakan was founded in 1967 by a group of instructors from various styles of martial arts in the Philippines. Prior to the organization becoming a bastion of martial arts in the Philippines, the main objective of the original members was to elevate their fighting skills through constant full contact sparring.

Originally there were only six of us: Ding Binay, Rolly Maximo, Christian Gloria, Eddie Ben Alicante, Rey Vizer and myself. We would meet at my house in San Miguel Village in Makati, where my bedroom was our original gym.”

 

http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/EEUoLnc2MR0/0.jpg

Punong Guro Sulite and Master Ricketts experimenting with sparring.

Located at Master Ricketts house in Alabang in the 1980′s.

http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/qDK1RJAb3ec/0.jpg

Master Ricketts  and Punong Guro Sulite  experimenting with sparring.

Located at Griffith Park, Los Angeles Early 1980′s.

 

master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan

 

master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan

 

master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakanmaster topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakanmaster topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakanmaster topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakanmaster topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan

 

Master-topher Ricketts-and-Ronnie ricketts bakbakan ilustrisimo

 

master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan

 

master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan master topher ricketts ilustrisimo bakbakan

 

 

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_G7pqQssUEOY/S5W6WomczTI/AAAAAAAAABY/PjP6MENHE8A/s400/Tatang01.jpg

Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo.

Located at Master Ricketts house in Alabang in the 1980′s.

 

master christopher ricketts ilustrisimo

 

 

Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo (1904 – 1997)

Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo (1904 – 1997)

 

 

Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo,  Courtesy of Bakbakan International  and  GM Tony Diego

Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo (1902 – 1997) originally came from Santa Fe in Bantayan Island.   He came from a family that has a very long history of martials and mystical tradition.   His cousin, Floro Villabrialle, was the most famous Arnis master of Hawaii.  His youngest uncle, Regino Ellustrisimo, was an Arnis master in Stockton, USA.  Both men were mentioned in Dan Inosanto’s book on Filipino martial arts.  However, the most famous of his 4 direct paternal uncles, and the most powerful fighter of the 5 brothers (some say he has more than 7 uncles) was Melecio Ilustrisimo, one of the most famous Kali masters of the Philippines of the early 20th Century, being influential in northern Cebu – Bantayan and Bohol islands.  All his forbears were expert warriors and were known to posses strange mystical powers.

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo’s students, fondly call him “Tatang” which  means “grandfather”.  Tatang learnt Arnis under the tutelage of his father (Isidro Illustrisimo) and uncles (especially the famous Melecio Ilustrisimo) in the old way.  There were 3 famous Eskrima families in Cebu at that time:-  the Ilustrisimos,  the Saavedras,  and the Romos.

Footwork was one of the first things he had to master.  As a tiny boy, he was put on a small table and his teachers would use sticks to beat his legs.  He had to learn how to avoid the blows.  He was also put on 3 half coconut shells in a triangular pattern and given the same harsh treatment.  This footwork is known as Tatlong Bao in the Ilustrisimo family.

As a result he has mastered evasion and dodging at an early age.  This is a training that Melecio Ilustrisimo himself thoroughly mastered as he was said to have nailed one foot to the ground and challenge all and sundry to defeat him.  No one could,  and that footwork is called “Walong Apak” (Nail Footwork) in Kalis Ilustrisimo.  These skills of evasive footwork have all been mastered by Grandmaster Antonio Illustrisimo.

He learnt the solo and double baston, espada daga, daga, bolo (sword), dos manos (a long stick/sword – roughly equivalent to the Samurai’s sword) and various “weapons of convenience”.   In particular, as a speciality, Grandmaster Ilustrisimo is noted for is his expertise in bladed weapons – something which many modern Grandmasters of Arnis can not lay proper claim to since their real practical experience concentrated on the rattan sticks. (Claims by most systems that they can use swords are disputable and only partially true).  This expertise as a swordman is not merely from personal experience and practice, but is the legacy of his family art of Ilustrisimo Kali which is a bladed art that stretches so far back in the family line that nobody could remember when it started.

As a boy, the young Ilustrisimo had a very tough, stubborn, determined and indominatable spirit. When he heard of a far country called ‘America’, he decided to go there – at the age of 9 years old!   When his parents would not  listen to his panderings, he ‘took’ some family money and a machete, and again, ‘took’ a small rowing boat and paddled out to the sea to what he thought would be America, not realising how far America really is.  He fortunately chance across a ship.  The sailors aboard were  surprised to see a young boy rowing out in the sea.  Out of curiousity, perhaps concern as well, there approached him and asked him where he was going.  “I am going to America in this boat!” was the confident answer.  The sailors rocked in laughter.  They somehow persuaded him to come with them.   Of course, he did not get to America.  But he did sail to a few ports, still not quite realising that America is still very, very far away……….

At a port, he chance on a family friend who recognised him, but not wishing to betray the high ideals of this young boy, he took him to the south as that friend was a Muslim.  There the young boy grew up – strong, determined, proud and skillful in combat as ever.  He was adopted into a the royal court as an adopted son of the Sultan of Sulu.  (This was Hadji Butu who ascended to become HH Hadji Mohammad Jamalul Kiram II, the Sultan of Sulu)

While in the South, he was priviledged to train in the the best of teachers that the royal court could have.  He also trained with Pedro Cortes, another very famous master in the Mindanao region, who was used by the government to control the ‘Rebelious South’.   Pedro Cortes was a close friend a sparring partner of his father Isidro Ilustrisimo.

Then one day, he was drinking at a beer house, he got into dispute with another man.  The man drew his sword to kill Tatang, but the defty young boy beat him to the draw and, with one stroke of his own barong (Tatang’s favourite type of sword), he cut  off the enemy’s head.  The victim was left a headless man running wildly before collapsing.  Since this was in self defence, this would have normally been ‘okay’ under the rules of that Islamic society, but the matter was complicated by his being under the influence of the drink (much frown upon), and plus the fact that the victim was from another royal clan that was a rival to the Sultan’s clan.   To avoid inter clan warfare,  the Sultan was forced to ‘exiled’ the young offender.   The Sultan gave him a gift of money and sent under escort to a British ship to head home.   He was only 17 years old then.

He returned to his parent’s place.  They had not seen him since he left as a young boy (this indicates his spirit of determination and independence – and his courage to live away from home without his parent’s guidance) and thought he was dead.  They were over-joyed to receive a telegram saying he was returning.   But they couldn’t recognise him.  A proud young man in Muslim dress walked towards them from the ship and it was only when he greeted them that they realised it was him.

He soon left to become a sailor, but when he had the oppotunity, he would continue to train in the fighting tradition of his family line.

Tatang used to hang around “rough places”.  He is well known amongst the wharfies and bars.  That was where he fought many times and honed his fighting skills.  I have met many Arnis masters who are very good in what  they do, but some of them privately admitted to me that even they are extremely careful when going to such areas that Tatang frequents because fighting and killing in bar/street fights is very different, and much more dangerous, than fighting an Arnis dual.

His life as a sailor gave him the oppotunity to travel from place to place.  This provided oppotunities to contest fighters from other far-off regions – America, India,  Europe, Australia……………..  He fought on many occassions, and was never defeated.

For example, he responded to a grandmaster match in Singapore to compete against a great Indonesian Penchak Silat grandmaster.  The Indonesian climbed into the ring, warmed up, all ready to fight, but when he faced Tatang, he simply refused to fight and surrendered.   Grandmaster Ilustrisimo said that is the highest art – to defeat an opponent without fighting him.  Tatang was said to have used his ‘orascion’ or spiritual power to overcome the opponent.  Grandmaster Illustrisimo thus won the prize money of $5,000. (Note:- Indonesian masters are experts in the use of spiritual power to overpower their opponents, but in this instance, Tatang’s power must have overwhelmed his expert opponent).

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo used to participate in Arnis matches in the fiestas in the local barrios occasionally when not at sea.  However, due to his fondness for the blade, and his reputation as a fighter-killer, not many masters would dare to fight him.  He only knows how to fight naturally – without restrictions – something that is not very comfortable for other masters.  The only rule is the terms of defeat – when to stop the fight.  He laments that he had to accept fights during his travels to practise a little of his art.  eg.  He fought a master in Calcutta.  He also had some fights in the Middle East.

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo, however, had lots of practice during World War II where, as a guerilla, his boss often sent him on missions to kill both Japanese soldiers and local conspirators.  He is said to have killed groups of people at a time.  So reliable were his services that his code name in the guerilla movement was ‘The Executioner’.

In Manila, Grandmaster Ilustrisimo lived in Tondo, near the wharf area which was a very rough neighbourhood.  Intimidation, robberies, muggings, fights and killings were common.  Together with his friends (some of whom are well known to Western students of Arnis – Floro Villabraille, Jose Mena and Felicissimo Dizon), he fought these muggers, bullies and intimidators whenever they caused trouble.  This ‘Gang of Four’ joked that since they were cleaning the docks of these troublemakers for the Police, they are in fact the ‘De Facto Dock Police’.  (Note:- None of them, or their students, were actually employed as Police or security guards there, as some Westerners were lead to believe).

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo hung around his friends whenever he was not at sea.   Occassionally, he would spar with them.  Accounts independently related by various old sources who hung around them confirmed that Grandmaster Illustrisimo had sparred with Felicissimo Dizon quite a few times and was more than a match for him.  It is also said that mutual Arnis friends wanted to arrange a formal match (ie. prize fighting) between Grandmaster Ilustrisimo and Felicissimo Dizon.  Grandmaster Ilustrisimo, being a seasoned prize fighter, readily accepted.  But the great Dizon turned down the offer citing that Grandmaster Illustrisimo is a larger man, a taller man with a longer reach, and thus they are in different categories and should not be matched.  (Dizon was a formidable fighter with few defeats, most notably of which was from the great Illaus Romo.  Also, a scheduled match between Dizon, Delphin Lopez and Cacoy Canette did not eventuate also because Dizon failed to turn up – according to Cacoy Canette).

While sojorned in Manila in the late 1930s, a young lad around 15 or 16 years old called Angel Cabales, became a staunch student of Felicissimo Dizon.   A few years later, he left for USA (1939) and became internationally famous as the founder of Cabales Serada Eskrima which is very widespread in USA.  (Angel was said to have learnt from Tatang too, but both Tatang and his students told me he is not Tatang’s student.  He only learnt from Tatang because he knew how good Tatang was.  He was regarded as Dizon’s student – Tatang does not pinch the students of his friends.  In fact, Tatang only accepted students from the public in the mid 1970s when he was already in his mid seventies.  It is admitted that Tatang did show and teach his personal friends,  but they were never regarded as ‘students’.   They were his friends.   Such close friends included Felicissimo Dizon and the famous Floro Villabrialle,  who was his cousin.  I believe Timoteo Maranga was one such friend during the war time.  Besides that,  Tatang did not teach anybody who came to enquire)

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo used to frequent bars in the rough areas of Manila.  He often got into fights in such hotspots.  He had been arrested at least 17 times for killing, but he was always lucky to prove his innocence as self defence and was released every time.  The last time he killed was when he was over 90 years old.  He nearly went to jail for that.

Grandmaster Ilustrisimo retired from sea-faring in his advanced years, but not from active practice.  Even in his old age, he  received challenges from young fighters eager to build a name for themselves by unfairly bumping off an old man, but  he survived and gave them a hiding instead.

In his advanced years, Grandmaster Ilustrisimo was partially blind, but he can still spar with his students using real bolos (swords) and exert control not to harm them.  How does he “see” the student’s incoming bolos when he cannot properly see ordinary objects is still a mystery to most, but Dan Inosanto mentioned in his book that (Ilustrisimo’s cousin) Floro Villabrille’s favourite master was a blind princess.  (Some sources indicate that this ‘princess’ was actually not blind, but partially blind, just like Tatang.  And not a princess of Samar, nor Princess Josephina, but daughter of a chief.  She was known to possess some mystical powers.  Also, this story later as changed by later generations to ‘main’ or ‘best’ teacher -  instead of ‘favourite’ teacher – in the sentimental sense, not favourite as ‘best’ teacher).   Tatang insisted that while in Manila,  he actually tutored Floro Villabrialle, who, earlier, was a student of his uncle Melecio Ilustrisimo.  Tatang and was ‘unimpressed’  that the Americans were given the impression that Villabrialle’s main or best teacher was Princess Josephina.

——————————————————————————————

Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo (1904 – 1997) was the Grand Master of Kali Ilustrisimo, a Filipino martial art bearing his family name.

Early life
Born in Bagong, Bantayan, Cebu in 1904. As a boy he studied eskrima from his father. At the age of nine he decided to travel to the United States, and stowed away on a boat he thought was headed for America. In actuality, he arrived in Mindanao, in the southern Philippine islands.

The Martial Arts
Antonio Alulud Ilustrisimo was one of the most well respected eskrimadors of the Philippines; He is famed for winning countless duels and street encounters, as well as serving as a guerrilla against the invading Japanese forces during World War II. GM Ilustrisimo was never defeated in combat, and earnt great respect as a result of his brave exploits against the Japanese.

In 1976 Antonio ‘Tatang’ Ilustrisimo accepted his first students Antonio Diego and Epifanio ‘Yuli’ Romo. After Tatang’s passing in 1997, Tony Diego was elected head of Kali Ilustrisimo. Other notable students include – Rey Galang, Christopher Ricketts and Edgar Sulite.

Publications
Antonio Ilustrisimo has been featured in many periodicals and Martial Arts publications. His First apperance was in The book titled  Masters of Arnis, Kali, and Eskrima by Edgar Sulite. His life and art were also featured in the book titled Filipino Martial Culture by Mark Wiley. The art of Kalis Ilustrisimo had a section in the book Filipino Fighting Arts: Theory and Practice by Mark Wiley. The book titled The Secrets of Kalis Ilustrisimo was released in the United States. It was authored by two of his most prominent students, Antonio Diego and Christopher Ricketts.

 

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/4314/tatanga.jpg

Grandmaster Christopher ‘Topher’ Ricketts Interview by Guro David Foggie and Guro Dino Flores for Blitz Magazine, Australia, 2006

Grandmaster Christopher ‘Topher’ Ricketts Interview by Guro David Foggie and Guro Dino Flores for Blitz Magazine, Australia, 2006

 

 

Questions by David Foggie Interviewed by Dino Flores. Answers by Master Ricketts given in Tagalog, Translation by Dino Flores.  Interview commenced 12 th February 2006 and conducted over a span of three months in the form of casual conversation by Dino Flores in Los Angeles to San Diego, California U.S.A as well as Las Vegas. When Dino was asked by Master Ricketts to assist him with the interview, the questions to the answers were very limited in information. However with Master Ricketts now able to answer the questions in the Filipino “Tagalog” language, the project began to flow and paint a clearer picture of  Master Ricketts incredible achievements and contributions to the world of martial arts.

Grandmaster Christopher ’Topher’ Ricketts Interview

Grandmaster Christopher N. Ricketts or ‘Master Topher ‘is Chief Instructor of Bakbakan International whose motto is “Matira Matibay” (The Best of the Best). Concerned with training and passing on his knowledge to students rather than collecting accolades and titles, Master Topher’s skills and credentials are impeccable and second to none; he is one of the best of the best.

A senior disciple of the revered Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo and one of the 5 Pillars of Kali Ilustrisimo, he is the highest ranking living instructor in Lameco Eskrima, having trained personally with Grandmaster Edgar Sulite. With teaching credentials in several martial arts systems including Ngo Cho Kuen (5 Ancestor Fist), Sagasa Filipino Kickboxing as well as being a professional boxing trainer, he has dedicated his life to the martial arts and other fighting systems.

With his brother Ronnie Ricketts being a well known and respected action star in Philippine movies, Master Topher has provided his vast experience in the fighting arts to choreograph fight scenes.

Through an introduction from my teacher Grandmaster Roland Dantes in 1998, I have been fortunate to benefit from Master Topher’s extensive knowledge and experience.

Knowing the high regard my instructor, Roland Dantes and many other respected elders of FMA hold Master Topher and having witnessed his immense skills, it was an opportunity not to be missed.

When I first observed Master Topher demonstrate Kali Ilustrisimo at his home, I knew that I was in the presence of a genuine master of Kali Ilustrisimo. During our training sessions, the true scope of Master Topher’s knowledge became apparent as did his effective use of body mechanics. Under Master Topher’s instruction, I was introduced to the principles and techniques which form the foundation and in fact, the nucleus or core of Kali Ilustrisimo. With a sharp eye for perfect form and understanding, Master Topher meticulously dissected each technique and corrected even the minutest nuances until he was satisfied.

My time spent training under Master Topher has afforded me the opportunity to see the various aspects of this remarkable martial artist. A remarkable man, he is a fighter, teacher and friend to his students. Martial arts are meant to be about honor, respect, integrity, loyalty and dedication. Master Topher embodies these traits and as such, it is easy to see why Grandmaster Roland Dantes and many other highly respected masters are his friends and respect him.

It was with the approval of my teacher, Grandmaster Roland Dantes, I began studying Kali lIustrisimo under Master Topher and as such, I consider him also to be my teacher. More importantly, I consider him to be a respected, loyal and much valued friend. It is my pleasure and honor to present, Grandmaster Christopher ‘Topher’ Ricketts.

(Q) Firstly what is the history and aim of Bakbakan?

Bakbakan means something along the lines of a free for all brawl. Bakbakan was founded in 1967 by a group of instructors from various styles of martial arts in the Philippines. Prior to the organization becoming a bastion of martial arts in the Philippines, the main objective of the original members was to elevate their fighting skills through constant full contact sparring.

Originally there were only six of us: Ding Binay, Rolly Maximo, Christian Gloria, Eddie Ben Alicante, Rey Vizer and myself. We would meet at my house in San Miguel Village in Makati, where my bedroom was our original gym.
(Q) Prior to studying under Grandmaster Antonio Tatang’ Ilustrisimo did you have much exposure to FMA?

Prior to Kali Ilustrisimo my training included the Rapillon style of Mang Sciano Cleope in 1967. He was a well-known eskrimador from Quezon province of the Philippines and I was a training partner of his son, Edgar Cleope. For a little while I trained with Jimmy Gales in his arnis style which he called Sphinx. He used the centro baston (central grip) and susi (inverted grip) styles of wielding a stick. I also trained with Doc Lengson in the Arnis Federation of the Philippines style from 1973-1978.

(Q) Grandmaster Ilustrsimo is celebrated as one of the greatest masters of FMA. How did you come to know of Tatang and how did you come to be accepted as his student?

I was introduced to Tatang by my good friend Alex Co, a driving force in the Philippine martial arts world. It was the same time that I met Edgar Sulite, Yuli Romo and Tony Diego. When we met for some reason the old man took a liking to me and thus I was accepted as one of his students.

(Q) You were exposed to and had seen other systems of arnis. Why did you decide to follow Tatang? What attracted you? What made his system so different?

Various strategies attracted me to Tatang’s method, such as being direct, simple and to the point. It has very few flowery movements and there is a natural flow with continuous movement, like a real fight.

Once you truly understand the fundamentals, you respond instinctively without thought and respond appropriately to a situation. Tatang has proven this on countless occasions just as it has assisted me on occasion. It appears simple on the surface, yet in reality there is a deeper true meaning.

(Q) Being one of the senior disciples of Tatang, what can you tell us about his method of instruction? Were his teaching methods structured or unstructured? What was the teaching progression?

A true practitioner of Kali Ilustrisimo will have totally instinctive reaction with no set pattern. Tatang never responded the same way to the same angle of attack. He movements were so natural and a wonder to behold.

Tatang did not teach you in the traditional sense. If you simulated an attack angle, he would instinctively (and painfully) respond. It was up to you to understand and absorb the techniques used. There was no progression, forms or structure. The main structures and progressions being taught to the public these days are individual interpretations of the original 5 pillars of Kali Ilustrisimo. The 5 pillars of Ilustrisimo being Tony Diego, Yuli Romo, Rey Galang, Edgar Sulite and myself.

After Tatang’s death, all kinds of people came out of the woodwork making all manner of claims on how the old man moved. Fortunately I am in possession of hundreds of hours of video footage taken of Tatang in action over a period of 15 years. It can confirm and dispute many of the claims out there based on this evidence. Anybody who doubts this is welcome to view the archives. Let your own eyes be the judge.

(Q) Having received your training before the system was systematized and being one of the people responsible for structuring the material, what are the good and bad points of each method of instruction?

Before systemization, Ilustrisimo’s art was still raw and pure. Almost virgin like, as prior to our pursuit it was only revealed in a real situation. It was free of showmanship, direct and purely functional for combat; however it was difficult to learn and always painful, as you usually had to get hit for the technique to be revealed. Only those with time, dedication and a high threshold for pain and tolerance were able to eventually understand Ilustrisimo’s methods.

The good points about systemization is that it is easier to teach and a lot less painful! Keep in mind though that systemization by someone other than the founder is their own interpretation. This can be seen in the different way each of the five pillars of Ilustrisimo teaches the art. There are many similarities but there are also differences, reflecting the experience of each individual. Tatang was one of a kind; that will likely never be replicated.

(Q) Could you please share with us the primary fighting strategies of Kali Ilustrisimo?

Some of the primary fighting strategies of Kali Ilustrisimo include: de cadena, sak sak, bagsak, and V-strike. These are mainly finishing moves, as in a real blade confrontation it is over quickly.

(Q) The techniques of Kali Ilustrisimo are noticeably sword based, whereas many styles are either stick based or evolved to being stick arts. What is your view?

Kali Ilustrisimo is definitely a sword-based art; even the stick is treated as a sword. Kali means sword in one of the dialects of the Philippines, thus Kali Ilustrisimo means the sword of Ilustrisimo. The rattan stick is a training device that represents the sword.

(Q) What about the claim sticks can be replaced by swords and it is the same?

There is no doubt that they are both deadly weapons. However, there are differences. In non-bladed arts, practitioners tend to grab to grab the stick in a way that if it were a blade, they would surely be cut. In non-bladed tournaments the participants hit each other just as much as they get hit. There is no respect for the weapon or defense. In a bladed match, they would both be dead. Maybe it is good for a sport, but not for the bladed arts, as long as the distinction is made.

(Q) Tatang knew Felicisimo Dizon and his student, Angel Cabales who went on to become the founder of Serrada Escrima. Did he talk of them and if so, what can you tell us?

Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite asked this question of Tatang before he died. A student of ours, Steve Tarani, was present while I filmed the interview. With respects to the departed, I will leave it at that.

(Q) Did Floro Villabrille study with Tatang? Is it true that he was Tatang’s nephew?

Floro Villabrille married a niece of Ilustrisimo. He was a student. I will leave it at that.

(Q) Do you think Tatang was trying to develop and instill specific qualities in his students?

Tatang was a pure fighter. He had little interest in teaching. It was not until he was in his 80s and retired that he started teaching in Luneta Park. He only taught to get a little spending money for extra curricular fun.

As for developing and instilling specific qualities in his students, Tatang couldn’t care less. His main concern was it saved his life on his many adventures as a merchant marine and guerilla fighter in World War II.

(Q) It is said you were instrumental in introducing sparring into Kali Ilustrisimo and provided much advice from your experience to help develop your fellow students’ skills. Is that correct?
Prior to me joining the Ilustrisimo’s core group, sparring was done only occasionally. I insisted it be done regularly, which we usually did at my house. My experiences in full contact martial arts sparring and ring boxing assisted greatly in developing this aspect.
(Q) During your time training under Tatang, what was the emphasis during your training with him?

The emphasis was on spontaneity and pain. One of us would simulate an attack, he would instinctively and painfully react, and then during our free time we would try and decipher what we had seen. Because there was no curriculum, we had to learn techniques by experiencing them.

(Q) Tatang’s timing was remarkable to watch.

Even in his old age, Tatang’s timing was remarkable. In all my eskrima experience, none have come close.

( Q) There have been discussions about which is the correct name of Tatang’s system: Kali Ilustrisimo or Kalis Ilustrisimo. Through the years I have heard it referred to as Olistrisimo (an acronym of the words olisi meaning stick and the Ilustrisimo name).Would you like to comment on this?

During the whole time I was training, I never heard Tatang use any of these terms. The five pillars referred it as Kali Ilustrisimo only so we could have something to call it. Tatang had no name for the art in my observation. It was only after his death that all these other versions began to surface.

(Q) Do you think Tatang would be happy with the way Kali Ilustrisimo has spread? How do you see the future of the system?

I think Tatang would be saddened that politics has infected our group. When it was still the core group, practice was fun for many years. None of us were doing it for self-promotion or ego inflation. It was like a family. It was not until people who were not in the original group made their way in. This is where the problems began. Unfortunately, there will always be people that exist who will say or do anything to become “famous”.

(Q) What can you tell us about Tatang? History, stories, etc?

This could be a rather lengthy answer worthy of volumes. Perhaps I will write a second book on Kali Ilustrisimo to answer these questions.

(Q) Melacio and Regino Ilustrisimo were the uncles of Tatang. What do you know of their styles and were they the same as Tatang?

I did not meet the uncles of Antonio Ilustrisimo personally. However, during his research for his landmark book, ‘Masters of Arnis, Kali and Eskrima’, Edgar Sulite met them both on Bantayan Island. According to Edgar, their styles, although founded upon the same root system, were now different. In other words, Tatang’s style had evolved through a lifetime of actual combat experience throughout the Philippines and the world.

(Q) Tatang was greatly respected for his combat skills. During your time with him, did you ever witness him being challenged or having to use his skills?

Tatang was respected by all. I never witnessed anyone dare challenge him.

(Q) You were very close to Tatang. What are some of your fond memories of him and your time together?

There are so many. Very few had the privilege to spar Tatang regularly as I did, but there is one occasion I will not soon forget.

In general, Tatang was a respectful gentleman. However, on this particular day I kept telling Tatang that he was not able to hit me. I was doing this in order to see how the old man would press his attack and possibly reveal some new strategies and techniques; a

sacrifice so to speak. Immediately Tatang stood up and began striking me in the head. He quickly feinted left, and then suddenly struck me in the right eye with an inside De Cadena attack. Tatang struck me so hard I actually believed he had knocked my eye ball out and so I dropped to the ground in search of my eyeball! When I realized my eye was still intact, I stood up and Tatang asked if I was okay. When I said I was fine, without hesitation he continued his barrage of attacks upon me. Tatang was always willing to fight to the end, even in training sessions. Now that he has gone, even the painful memories have become fond memories.

(Q) The lutang (floating) footwork of Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo is very unique. What can you tell us about it?

Lutang means to float and it is a unique footwork of Tatang’s. It involves temporarily being on one foot while the other leg “floats”. Although it looks unusually elegant, it can generate tremendous power and reach. It also allows you to move in and out and then back in from various ranges of combat in an instant. Classic Tatang; simple yet sophisticated, beautiful but deadly.

(Q) In a nutshell, what are the differences in how you learnt from Tatang and how you teach today?

Throughout the years up until his death, I was constantly learning, dissecting, experimenting, analyzing and observing his movements. After Tatang’s death, I continued to do the same with what I had retained. Now I have come a full circle back to his original techniques: minimal, uncomplicated, and effective. When I went back and reviewed the hundreds of hours of film archives on Tatang, it confirmed that I am on the right path. And still in wonder of my teacher’s abilities.

(Q) Would you say the teaching progression you developed has fine-tuned the manner in which the art is taught to the students?

My teaching progressions teach a student to instinctively react with the techniques of Ilustrisimo. However, it is not something you learn overnight.

(Q) How do you ensure the students receive and grasp the essence of the art?

Research, review, dissect, spar and dedicated practice, practice, practice.

(Q) You are renowned for placing emphasis on physical conditioning. What led you to this?

My experience as a professional boxing trainer when I had a stable of fighters and the intense workouts of Doc Lengson’s KAFEPHIL style were what led me to appreciate the importance of physical conditioning.

(Q) Dr. Guillermo Lengson was a remarkable man. How did you come to study under him?

During the KAFEPHIL days, I was introduced to Doc by an instructor under him, Chito Santos. Doc took a liking to me and adopted me in a way. I not only look to him as a teacher, but also a father figure.

(Q) From your experience, what are the facts and myths of edged weapons and defending against them?
If you have the option to run, run. 99% of the time you’ll get cut, especially with the style of blades today. If you have no other option but to engage, be direct and finish quickly. Plus, always remember that even if your opponent dead or dying, they will still likely be thrusting and slashing their weapon.
(Q) What is your approach to defending against edged weapon attacks? Can there be too many drills taught?

Drills are always good to condition your movements and mind. As long as your honest with yourself and realize that actual combat is a lot simpler, direct, and bloodier than drills.

(Q) What is the emphasis in your teaching?

My emphasis is on constant repetition of basic techniques and sparring.

(Q) You adhere to a very practical approach in your training as well as your teaching. How do you view and approach teaching stick and knife disarms?

Simplicity. Never wrestle for a disarm. Never look for a disarm. Only do it if an opportunity arises. Always treat the weapon as a blade.

(Q) It is better to possess an understanding of the general principles of disarming?

Yes, knowledge is power. Better to have something, than nothing. Just be realistic about what would actually work.

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

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

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

(Q) What was it like training with PG Sulite? Was Lameco Eskrima founded at the time?

Lameco Eskrima was already founded at the time. However it was still evolving and Kali Ilustrisimo was the finishing touch. Training with Edgar was fun and enlightening for the both of us and we became training partners. There were lots of live and instinctive drills. Constant research, experimentation and sparring, sparring, sparring. We had lots of painful bumps and bruises because back then we had no safety gear. It was very educational for the both of us.

Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite was a true scholar, gentleman and warrior.

(Q) With the unfortunate passing of PG Sulite, you became the highest ranked black belt in Lameco Eskrima. Are you presently teaching the system?

No. I will leave the future to his son, Edgar Sulite Jr. He is my official appointed heir to the Lameco Eskrima International system. Edgar Sulite Jr trained under me for many years in the Philippines while his father was in the USA preparing for the eventual arrival of the family. I trust Edgar Sulite Jr. to make many wise decisions. He is like family to me.

(Q) You are close friends with my teacher, Master Roland Dantes and I know the respect he has for yourself and Bakbakan. How did you meet and I believe you have some memories of your competition days.

I met Master Roland Dantes in my KAFEPHIL days when I was young. His brother Johnny Pintoy, was a champion in the tournament circuit. The first time I met Master Roland Dantes, he was a judge on the first ever televised karate versus boxing match in which I was representing karate. There was some controversy concerning illegal biting and elbows. Regardless of the outcome, Master Roland Dantes gained my respect and made an impression on me as someone who was humble and fair, regardless of his fame and status. We have been close friends ever since.

(Q) During your decades of martial arts training, you have studied and become proficient in several systems including boxing. Why?

I am a true lover of the warrior arts from forms to practical applications. I do it because I truly enjoy it. Boxing has some of the best full contact, conditioning and training methods that exist.

(Q) Did you encounter difficulty learning and then applying the different techniques and concepts?

No not at all. I enjoy every aspect of learning.

(Q) In your years of teaching, do you feel that students want the fast service approach, i.e., quickly moving through the material?
I have never experienced it personally. Usually when students want to learn from me they know I mean business and they in turn must be committed and dedicated. Otherwise, I will just refer them to someone else.
(Q) Are you concerned that with the proliferation of unqualified teachers attempting to cash in on the popularity of FMA, the true intention of the art will be lost?

Naturally I am concerned with the preservation of all the arts in their purest form. Personally, my main concern is with Kali Ilustrisimo. After the death of Tatang, many people suddenly appeared claiming to represent Kali Ilustrisimo. These people are mainly good at talking and making theories. However, this is not enough. You must also practice Tatang’s real techniques and be able to apply them.

Many people are good at talking, but when it comes to sparring they either decline or perform very badly. Unfortunately, there are people exploiting the Ilustrisimo name but are actually teaching their own personal vision. When teaching you must make the distinction between your version and the original. If people are not honest and this keeps up, the art will continue to be watered down and may eventually be lost.

Also since the passing of Tatang, there have been many people publicly proclaiming to be “certified” by Tatang. There are all manners of scenarios: some spent a week, a month or just took a photo with Tatang to become “certified”. There are very few credible martial arts that will even consider certifying anyone with even two years of dedicated training, let alone two weeks. There is even a story of people helping Tatang with his medical bills in his twilight years and thus being awarded certification for their help.

There will always be unscrupulous people that will say anything to become “known” in the martial arts, even at the expense of the art. Because of these facts, my main focus is now is concentration on Tatang’s original core techniques, the roots of his system which I always differentiate from drills developed by the five pillars. Who is to say what is original and what is not? On top of the fact I was one of his most physically dedicated students, the hundreds of hours of Tatang’s film archives that I have of him in action speak for themselves. The majority of what is being pushed as Kali Ilustrisimo was never done by Tatang. Let your eyes be the judge. Once again, personal interpretations.

Being one of the five pillars of Kali Ilustrisimo and spending countless hours with Tatang, I take great offense at the actions of pretenders. I have dedicated a good portion of my life to this art. It is a part of me. Regardless of these facts, I will always attempt to settle misunderstandings as a gentleman, first and foremost. However, if this course of action fails, I will not hesitate to settle it as an Eskrimador. It is after all, the “Warrior Arts” and not the “Verbal Debating Arts”. I have full confidence in what Tatang has passed on to me; most do not.

(Q) Would you agree the primary objective is to prepare the student to be able to defend themselves should the need arise?

In the Philippines, it is always for self-defense.

(Q) Your son Bruce is only 15, yet the accolades he is receiving from people such as GM Vicente R. Sanchez, GM Roland Dantes and GM Yuli Romo are testament to his skills. When did he start training and which combat arts is he proficient in?
Bruce began his formal training at 4 years old. He was always surrounded by the arts, as there was a gym at our house in the Philippines. Although he has trained in various arts, his specialty is Kali Ilustrisimo, which he learned under myself and Tony Diego, Sagasa Kickboxing, Thai Boxing, Western Boxing under Dodong Santa Iglesia and Ngo Cho under Alex Co.
(Q) Dr Lengson combined linear and circular movements. What can you tell us of his arnis system?

Doc Lengson started Arnis with Sinawali and Cinko Teros systems as he is from Pangasinan province in the Philippines. When he first met Remy Presas, Remy was still Balintawak and Doc was impressed with the movements and added some concepts to his system. Doc and Remy met before Modern Arnis. Most of the circular motions, he learned from Johnny Chiuten who was a kung fu and Balintawak master.

(Q) I have been told in the Philippines Dr Lengson shared his vast knowledge of sinawali and double sticks with Professor Remy Presas. Do you know if they exchanged knowledge?

Doc Lengson and Remy Presas met before the formation of Modern Arnis. They were training partners. Remy learned sinawali and Cingko Teros from Doc Lengson, which he put in Modern Arnis. Remy also learned karate from Doc Lengson, as he was considered the best in the Philippines at that time. In return, Remy taught him some of his Balintawak techniques. It was also Doc Lengson who came up with the name Modern Arnis.

(Q) Sagasa is one of Dr Lengson’s legacies. Could you explain how he came to develop Sagasa?

Doc Lengson developed Sagasa through constant full-contact tournaments with other martial arts associations. At the time, he was considered the best in karate in the Philippines. Because of this, all the other organizations would gang up on his group and go as far as the judges cheating in their decisions during tournaments. Consequently, Doc Lengson had to come up with techniques that would make it clear that they were the undisputed winner of a competition. These techniques were developed primarily through Master Johnny Chiuten and his kung fu style, in which Doc Lengson developed the training method for teaching. Initially these techniques had been secret, as Doc Lengson used it for his position in KAFEPHIL’s election through sparring. In other words, whoever won all the sparring matches among the candidates became the head of KAFEPHIL.

(Q) John Pintoy told me Dr Lengson was very knowledgeable in the area of body mechanics and emphasized the use of the hips. Did he stress this in your training and how important do you think it is for the student to comprehend the significance of body mechanics?

The emphasis was always on the hips and always exaggerated, so to the untrained eye it would look unusual. All real power comes from the hips and not just for attacking, but also evading and defending.

(Q) The intensive drills, which are called series, develop and refine coordination, power and reflexes. Were these developed by Dr Lengson?

Doc Lengson developed the Sagasa series in collaboration with Johnny Chiuten.

(Q) How did Dr Lengson influence the drills and curriculum of Bakbakan?

Sagasa Kickboxing is one of the core systems of Bakbakan. Among other things, it led Bakbakan to emphasize practical and functional techniques with full contact sparring. It also underlined the importance of the hip and body placement in sparring.

(Q) Though you yourself have competed in various forms of competitions, do you believe FMA competition can develop bad habits?

Yes. Most tournaments forget about defense and just press the attack. They get hit as many times as they hit with little respect for the weapon. They rarely do the art justice. A tournament with protective gear can be good as long as the rules, judges and participants respect the true capabilities of a live weapon at all times. Another way to rectify this is to remove the helmet and other protective gear and use a full live stick. But how many people are willing to do that?

(Q) You are known and respected as someone who has used his skills in dangerous street situations. How did these experiences alter your approach to martial arts?

I am now more practical than realistic. When I was young, I practiced controlled sparring and pulled my punches. I used to think that was it until I found out the hard way in a street fight.

(Q) What changes did you make as a result of these street fights?

Constant repetition of basics, regular full-contact sparring and honesty with yourself.

(Q) As someone respected for their fighting ability, how do you prepare students to take their skills from the class and apply them effectively in the street?

Constant repetition of basics, regular full-contact sparring and honesty with yourself.

(Q) I know and agree with your emphasis concentrating on drilling the basics. What is the emphasis and aim of your teachings?

For a student to be able to eventually naturally execute a technique correctly without thought. Become an instinctive fighter.

(Q) You have trained elite military units. Do you believe arnis serves as a practical combat method in these modern times?

Yes. Technology may change and sometimes even fail, but the physical human body is the same.

(Q) Both Bruce and you have been involved in the film industry through your brother Ronnie Ricketts. What can you tell us about this?

My brother Ronnie is an actor, director and has a production company. Whenever he has the opportunity he promotes the Filipino warrior arts in his movies.

(Q) The future of Bakbakan will definitely be in good hands.
All I can do is my best.
(Q) Bakbakan is respected worldwide for its integrity in the promotion of the combative arts of the Philippines. You should be very proud.

Yes. I am very proud and humbled at how well we are received around the world.

(Q) You recently relocated to the USA. Are you presently teaching and how has Kali Ilustrisimo been received?

I am currently teaching in the United States and have recently done seminars in California and Nevada. I am assisted by my son, Bruce and Dino Flores of Lameco Eskrima SOG. Dino has been training under me since 1997, after the passing of his teacher and my friend Edgar Sulite. Presently I am offering small group and private lessons, as well as seminars.

Kali Ilustrisimo is being very well received as most of the participants have heard of it. Once they experience it in person, it usually is an eye-opener for practitioners of many styles. It is especially an eye-opener for those who have “supposedly” been learning Kali Ilustrisimo.

(Q) When I was training under you in the Philippines, you stressed you only teach Kali Ilustrisimo. Does this still hold true?
Yes.
(Q) Do you teach Lameco Eskrima and/or Bakbakan Kali (Ilustrisimo)?
No I don’t.
(Q) What is the difference between Kali Ilustrisimo as you teach it and Bakbakan Kali (Ilustrisimo)?

The difference is Kali Ilustrisimo is Topher Ricketts and Bakbakan Kali is Rey Galang’s.

(Q) You will be visiting Australia to conduct seminars. What can attendees expect?

I’ll be there soon. Expect Kali Ilustrisimo in its most combative, practical and purest form.

(Q) Master Topher, thank you very much.

Walang anuman. You are welcome and thank you for your support and interest in the warrior arts of the Philippines.

 

 

http://www.kampfstile.de/sites/default/files//images/thumbs/emvideo-youtube-msV6gacbMyI.jpg

Rest In Peace Grandmaster Christoper N. Ricketts (March 21, 1955 – October 5, 2010)

2010_master christopher ricketts

Rest In Peace Grandmaster Christoper N. Ricketts (March 21, 1955 – October 5, 2010)

It is with sadness and joy that we announce the passing and rebirth to eternal life of Grandmaster Christopher N. Ricketts on October 5, 2010 at 3:02AM. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle, he is survived by his wife Beth Ricketts and sons Jason Ricketts, Bruce Ricketts, Brandon Ricketts and Christopher Ricketts, Jr.; daughter-in-law Jeanne, wife of Jason and grandkids Jacob, Jennell, Josh and Justin; parents Edith and Max Ricketts; younger brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie Ricketts and Mariz and nieces Marella and Marie; and youngest brother and sister-in-law, Alex Ricketts and Marybeth and nephews Jamie and James.
Master Topher, known world wide as a consumate martial artist of Filipino decent, was loved by many but more importantly, respected by all. He was one of the founders and the Chief Instructor of Bakbakan International, a fraternal brotherhood of martial artists established in the Philippines in 1968 whose motto is “Matira Matibay” (The Best of the Best). Concerned with training and passing on his knowledge to students rather than collecting accolades and titles, Master Topher’s skills and credentials are impeccable and second to none.
A senior disciple of the revered Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo and one of the “Five Pillars of Kali Ilustrisimo”, he remained loyal to the memory and legacy of his teacher and was the highest ranked Ilustrisimo instructor in the United States. A close friend and training partner of the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite who founded Lameco Eskrima, he was also the highest ranked Lameco instructor in the United States. With teaching credentials in several martial arts systems including Ngo Cho Kun (5 Ancestor Fist), Sagasa (Filipino Kickboxing System), as well as being a professional boxing trainer and fight choreographer, his was a life befitting a true warrior.

A public viewing, requiem mass and farewell offering (Halad) will be held on Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at the California Cremation and Burial Chapel, 5880 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, California 92115. In lieu of flowers, donation to your favorite charity in the name of Grandmaster Christopher N. Ricketts will be greatly appreciated.

All members of the warrior class are encouraged to come in uniform to pay their last respects to one of the best of the best.

Sumasaiyo at Maraming Salamat
(With Sincere Thanks),
The Ricketts Family

ILUSTRISIMO USA • SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA • 92108
WWW.ILUSTRISIMO-USA.COM