Dr. Guillermo B. Lengson [1929 - 2000]
Founder of KAFEPHIL and Sagasa Kickboxing
Doctor Guillermo Lengson
was born on March 12, 1929, in
Pangasinan City in the Philippines.
Because he had a bad condition of
asthma, he started training arnis at
an early age to improve his health.
Over time, he became proficient in
boxing, kickboxing, some form of
combat Judo, Kung Fu, and Shoto-
kan. He eventually developed his
own training methods based on his
martial arts background, as well as
his sparring and training experienc-
es with close friends Remy Presas
and Johnny Chuten. Dr. Lengson
had his own martial arts club, and
his team, the Black Banders, was
the longtime reigning champion in
karate and arnis. Dr. Lengson along
with Remy Presas was invited to
demonstrate and teach arnis, or
kali, to the Tokoyo Police Depart-
ment. He also trained the Philip-
pine Air Force Anti Riot Squad in
his martial arts system.
Dr. Lengson was re-known
for inventing dodging drills, Sa-
gasa drills and drills which empha-
size the strengthening of the hips.
Adding to his fame, he was the first
Filipino martial arts instructor to
have a television program in the
Philippines (Karate Arnis Pilipino)
which featured Karate and Arnis
ring tournaments.
Master Doc Lengson with Master Christopher Ricketts. Manila, Philippines.
Lameco SOG with Master Doc Lenson and Che. Historic Filipinotown, Los Angeles.