Dedicated to the Filipino Martial Arts and the Culture of the Philippines

Vol 7 No 1
2010

FMAdigest
Publisher
Steven K. Dowd
FMAdigest Representatives
Marc Lawrence
Columns
Building Blocks of FMA
MyFMA.net
FMA Pulse
Contributors
David Foggie
James Hogue
Joel Huncar
Phillip Weathers
Frank Aycocho
Michael Butz
Barry McConnell

Contents
Publishers Desk
Grandmaster Christopher Topher Ricketts
Offensive Use for Defanging the Snake
5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Self Defense Knife
The Main Role of Senior Students
Reflection of December 11, 2009
Building Blocks of FMA
Past FMA Events
MyFMA net
FMA Future Events
FMA Pulse
Weapons Review: The Hataw Stick
Book Review:
Filipino Martial Arts: The Core Basics, Structure & Essentials

4
21
25
27
29
32
34
35
36
38
40
42

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The FMAdigest is the
property of Steven K. Dowd and is
for the promulgation and promotion of the Filipino martial arts and
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NO issue can be printed
and Sold for Monies, without the
express permission of the Owner
and Publisher Steven K. Dowd.

The FMAdigest is published quarterly. Each issue features practitioners

of martial arts and other internal arts of the Philippines. Other features include
historical, theoretical and technical articles; reflections, Filipino martial arts,
healing arts and other related subjects.

The ideas and opinions expressed in this digest are those of the authors
or instructors being interviewed and are not necessarily the views of the publisher or editor.

We solicit comments and/or suggestions. Articles are also welcome.

The authors and publisher of this online magazine are not responsible
for any injury, which may result from following the instructions contained in the
magazine. Before embarking on any of the physical activates described in the
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their individual suitability for performing such activity.
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Publishers Desk
Kumusta

Well better late than never. The FMAdigest almost closed down due to no material, however thanks to
following writers (David Foggie, James Hogue, Joel Huncar, Phillip Weathers, Frank Aycocho, Michael Butz,
and Barry McConnell) who responded immediately with some very interesting articles and to some others that
have contacted me saying that they will contribute articles. The FMAdigest can stay alive and continue in its
promotion and promulgation of the Filipino martial arts and the culture of the Philippines.

The first article is a very informative interview with Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts. Then Guru
James Hogue explains Defanging the Snake as a defensive counter against punches. Joel Huncar who has
had several articles about knives in the FMAdigest again gives some handy tips in purchasing a self-defense
knife. Learn the main role of a senior student of Amara Arkanis as explained by Phillip Weathers.

December 11, 2009, The Arnis Bill of Law, Republic Act No. 9850, an act declaring Arnis as the National martial arts and sport of the Philippines was signed. Now lets see how this will affect the art and the
practitioners of the Philippines.

What makes up the basics of Filipino martial arts known as Eskrima, Arnis or Kali? A new column by
Marc Lawrence called Building Blocks of FMA is making its debut and it is and through this column information will be brought forth on the basics so non-practitioners and practitioners will understand what the Filipino fighting arts are built upon which make the Filipino martial arts a dynamic and most interesting martial
art.

The FMAdigest, FMA Pulse, and MyFMA.net are working together to educate and serve as a resource
for the current and new generations of Filipino martial arts enthusiasts. And in so doing the FMA Pulse and
MyFMA.net will have a column to tell you the reader what is going on at their websites so you can visit and
gain knowledge and continuously be informed of the most up to date information.

The FMAdigest Representative is a position that has been created to help bring you the reader more
information on the Filipino martial arts. Marc Lawrence is the first to attain the position, and it is hoped that
others will be added. What is an FMAdigest Representative; it is someone that represents the FMAdigest at
events, collecting articles etc working with the FMAdigest. Some have said they represented the FMAdigest
for whatever reason and they did not. Now if they are listed they truly have the full backing of the FMAdigest
and are honest, reliable, have integrity, and are professionals.
Maraming Salamat Po

Grandmaster Christopher Topher Ricketts

The Best of the Best
By David Foggie

Photos provided by David Foggie, except where indicated [**] which are Courtesy of Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts

Grandmaster Christopher
N. Ricketts or Master Topher
now resides in the USA where he
now teaches under the banner of
Ilustrisimo USA. Recognized as
one of the founders and the Chief
Instructor of Bakbakan International, whose motto is Matira
Matibay (the best of the best),
Grandmaster Ricketts credentials
in the Filipino martial arts and
martial arts in general are second
to none.

A senior disciple of the revered founder of Kali Ilustrisimo,
Grandmaster Antonio Tatang
Ilustrisimo, Master Topher was
one of his closest and most senior
students known as the Five Pillars
of Kali Ilustrisimo and remains
loyal to the memory and legacy of
his teacher. During these years, he
was also a close friend and training partner of Punong Guro Edgar
G. Sulite, who founded Lameco
Eskrima. At the time of the passing of Punong Guro Sulite, Master
Topher was the highest ranked
black belt in Lameco Eskrima and
designated successor. With such
well rounded skills in Filipino
martial arts, Master Topher is recognized as one of the worlds most
respected masters. Additionally he
is qualified to teach several other
martial arts including Ngo Cho
Kuen (5 Ancestor Fist), Sagasa, as
well as being a professional boxing trainer. Master Tophers skills
and credentials are impeccable and
second to none; he is one of the
best of the best.
2

Through an introduction
from my teacher, Grandmaster Roland Dantes in 1998, I have been
fortunate to benefit from Master
Tophers extensive knowledge and
experience.
Knowing the high regard in which
my instructor and many other
respected elders of FMA (Filipino
martial arts) hold Master Topher,
it was an opportunity not to be
missed.

When I first observed
Master Topher demonstrate Kali
Ilustrisimo in his home, I knew
I was in the presence of a genuine master of the art. During our
training sessions, the true scope of
Master Tophers knowledge became apparent, as did his effective
use of body mechanics. Master
Topher introduced me to the principles and techniques that form the
foundation and the core of Kali
Ilustrisimo, and with a sharp eye
for perfect form and understanding, he meticulously dissected and
corrected each technique until he
was satisfied.

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

It was with the approval of my

teacher, Grandmaster Roland
Dantes that I began studying Kali
Ilustrisimo under Master Topher,
and as such, I consider him also to
be my teacher. More importantly,
he is a respected, loyal and values
friend. It is my pleasure and honor
to present this interview.

This interview is the
synthesis of an interview I put
together with the much valued and
appreciated assistance of Guro
Dino Flores and part of Grandmaster Ricketts interview which is to
be featured in a Filipino martial
arts book Grandmaster Dantes
and I were working on at the
time of his passing last year. Rest
assured the book will be printed
as Grandmaster Roland Dantes
dreamed it would be. However,
we are submitting this interview
to be featured in the FMAdigest,
since Grandmaster Roland valued
and respected the work Punong
Guro Steven Dowd was doing in
promoting the Filipino martial
arts. Also, myself and others feel
Grandmaster Ricketts deserves the

exposure and recognition he truly

deserves.
Question: Grandmaster Topher,
firstly you are based in San Diego,
USA and now teach under the
name Ilustrisimo USA? Why is
this?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Actually
I just teach under the name Ilustrisimo. USA is just where I happen to be at this point in time. The
www.ilustrisimousa.com site is
just one of my information portals
available. I still have my Philippine
base, as well as various representatives worldwide. All these things
The legendary and revered
that I have mentioned will be clariGrandmaster
Antonio Tatang Ilustrisimo
fied when we open up the official
Founder
of Kali Ilustrisimo [**]
Ilustrisimo website in the near
future. Everything will be made
Grandmaster Ricketts: When I first
clear, simple and centralized.
saw him he did not strike me as

I am distinguishing myself
for various reasons, one of which is anything special, just an old man.
However, when he started moving
the sincere effort to preserve some
it was poetry in motion. To be diof the original methods of tatang
rect, if it wasnt for Tatang I would
and separate it from some of the
have little interest in the Philippine
later variations.
warrior arts.
Question: Grandmaster IlustriQuestion: During your first trainsimo is celebrated as one of the
ing session under Tatang what
greatest Grandasters of the Filipimaterial did he cover?
no martial arts. How did you come
to hear of Grandmaster Ilustrisimo Grandmaster Ricketts: There
was no set method. You just had to
and become accepted by him as a
attack him and see what happened.
student?
It was usually painful and it was
Grandmaster Ricketts: I heard
up to you to absorb his flow.
of Tatang and met him through inQuestion: Prior to studying under
troduction by my good friend Alex
Co, an influential martial arts prac- Grandmaster Antonio Tatang Ilustitioner, publisher and driving force trisimo did you have much expoin the Philippine martial arts world. sure to the Filipino martial arts?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Prior to
It was the same time that I met
Kali Ilustrisimo my training inEdgar Sulite, Yuli Romo and Tony
cluded the Rapillon style of Mang
Diego. When we met for some
Sciano Cleope in 1967. He was a
reason the old man took a liking to
well-known eskrimador from Queme and thus I was accepted as one
zon province of the Philippines
of his students.
and I was a training partner of
Question: What do you remember
his son, Edgar Cleope. For a little
of your initial meeting?

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.
Question: Jimmy Gales, now there
is a name from the past. Anything
you would like to share about your
training with him and the Sphinx
style?
Grandmaster Ricketts: I was
never a student of his. I just used
to visit their gym to see my friend
Lito Ong (AKA Jules King), an
actor in the Philippines. Lito was
the one who became a student of
Gales.
Question: Having been exposed
to other systems of arnis, why did
you decide to follow Tatang? What
attracted you and what made his
system so different?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Various
strategies attracted me to Tatangs
method. I found Tatang to be
direct, efficient, effective and to
the point. It has minimal 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.
Question: You say there is a deeper true meaning. Please elaborate.
Grandmaster Ricketts: This is
one of those things that cannot
be explained in words. It must be
experienced.
Question: Were there many dif-

Great Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo with his student Master Ricketts

and members of Bakbakan in Manila
[**]

not explained.
Question: How do you approach
teaching and guiding the student
in developing the ability and skill
to apply this concept in combat?
Grandmaster Ricketts: I use
various levels of sparring and
the realistic drills only after deep
understanding of the original core
techniques.
Question: What about combate
heneral and trankada heneral?
Grandmaster Ricketts: They
are part of the original core techniques.

ferences in the way Grandmaster

Ilustrisimo moved and his fighting
techniques compared to the other
Filipino martial arts systems you
had learnt?
Grandmaster Ricketts: There
were a lot of differences. For one
thing when sparring Tatang you
never saw the technique, you just
felt it.
Question: Totally instinctive reactions to a threat and/or attack are
necessary. How did Grandmaster
Ilustrisimo approach developing
this in his students and do you follow his approach?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Sparring
and painful feeding drill; AKA
praksyon.
Question: Praksyon (also spelt
prakcion) is a corruption of the
word fraction. What is your interpretation of this principle?
Grandmaster Ricketts: It is
something along the lines of
intercepting an intent (attack) in a
fraction of a second.
Again, this must be experienced
4

Question: How does the student

develop the ability and skill to
apply these concepts against an
attacker?
Grandmaster Ricketts: They
develop the ability once again,
through various levels of sparring
and the realistic drills only after
deep understanding of the original
core techniques.
Question: Broken rhythm was
used by Tatang skillfully. What can
you tell us about this and how can
a person develop and refine this
skill?
Grandmaster Ricketts: The
broken rhythm is difficult to teach.
I first heard it from Punong Guro
Edgar Sulite. His father Helacrio
Sulite trained with Melicio Ilustrisimo, the uncle of Tatang.
Question: Since Tatang was a
fighter and did not teach in the
usual structured manner, what
were the difficulties in learning
from him?
Grandmaster Ricketts: He had
no set patterns, just instinctive
reactions which were rarely the
same as the last reaction.
Question: Did this make learning
difficult?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Before

systemization, Ilustrisimos 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
Ilustrisimos 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.
Question: A very valid point. Do
you feel the systemization of Kali
Ilustrisimo has seen the system
lose anything? Are there any bad
points?
Grandmaster Ricketts: There is
always the influence of the systemizers interpretation. This is
why I am reorganizing the way I
teach and classify. Separate the
original and proven techniques
from the later variations. I am not
saying one is better; I just want the
root to be clear and always distinguishable.
Question: Could learning in an
unstructured manner have been
a blessing since it made you ask
more questions and your search
for understanding forced you to
look at his approach differently?

Grandmaster Ricketts: Because

it was not spoon fed to us, I was
forced to dissect and analyze the
art in ways I had not had to do
before.
Question: Since Tatang taught in
an unstructured fashion, what was
the teaching progression?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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 Tatangs 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.
Question: What material was
originally taught?
Grandmaster Ricketts: The core
or pure techniques such as de cadena, bagsak, etc were contained.

These will be reflected in the pure

core of the system reorganization.
Question: During your time training under Tatang, what was the
emphasis during your training
with him?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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.
Question: What do you feel you
picked up due to the amount of
sparring you did with Grandmaster Ilustrisimo?
Grandmaster Ricketts: As I have
said, I never saw the techniques,
I only felt them. I only got to see
and dissect what had occurred
after I reviewed the video footage.
At the time I was the only martial
artist I knew of in Manila that
had a video camera. This is to my
advantage.
Question: When the system was
being systematized and a progressive syllabus being developed, who
was involved?
Grandmaster Ricketts: The five
pillars: Antonio Tony Diego,
Epifanio Yuli Romo, Edgar Sulite, myself and Rey Galang.
Question: 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?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Prior to
me joining the Ilustrisimos 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.
Question: Do you think Tatang
was trying to develop and instill
specific qualities in yourself and
his other students?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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 extracurricular fun

As for developing and
instilling specific qualities in his
students, Tatang couldnt care less.
His main concern was it saved
his life on his many adventures
as merchant marine and guerrilla
fighter in World War II.
Question: What variations of
weapons did Tatang teach?
Grandmaster Ricketts: He taught
single and double sword, espada y
daga (sword and dagger), dos manos (double handed grip for a long
stick or sword), solo baston, knife
and empty hands.
Question: From your view, what
areas did he specialize in?
Grandmaster Ricketts: He specialized in any bladed weapon.
Question: Did you learn his methods of learning the handkerchief,
rope and chain?
Grandmaster Ricketts: I focused
mostly on blade.
Question: Like Tatang, I believe in
teaching a student double sword/
baston before solo sword/baston. Is
this how you were taught?
Grandmaster Ricketts: No, we
sparred and did realistic drills were
he would actually strike me.
Question: Did Grandmaster Ilustrisimo elaborate on why he commenced students learning double
5

swords/baston before the usual

approach of teaching single first?
Grandmaster Ricketts: I was
taught the single sword first.
[**]

Question: Could you please share

with us the primary fighting strategies of Kali Ilustrisimo?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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.
Question: The lutang (floating)
footwork of Grandmaster Antonio
Ilustrisimo is very unique. What
can you tell us about it?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Lutang
means to float and it is a unique
footwork of Tatangs. 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. It is classic Tatang.
Simple yet sophisticated. Beautiful
but deadly.
Question: The techniques of Kali
Ilustrisimo are noticeably sword
based, whereas many styles are
either stick based or evolved to be6

ing stick arts. What is your view?

Grandmaster Ricketts: 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.
Question: What about the claim
sticks can be replaced by swords
and it is the same?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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.
Question: Did Grandmaster Ilustrisimo ever discuss when and why
many of the styles changed to stick
focused systems?
Grandmaster Ricketts: No.
Question: Since Kali Ilustrisimo
was and remains a genuine sword
system, how does it differ from
stick systems?
Grandmaster Ricketts: There is
very little room for error with a
blade.
Question: As a true sword and
bladed system, Kali Ilustrisimos
disarms always assume you are
disarming an edged weapon. What
do you feel are the benefits of this?
Grandmaster Ricketts: You
never develop bad habits.
Question: From the viewpoint of

Kali Ilustrisimo, please explain its

approach to disarming techniques?
Grandmaster Ricketts: It is always treated as a blade.
Question: This sees the system
staying true to its origins and not
changing into a stick oriented
system?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Correct.
Question: Tatang was very practical. What can you tell us about his
approach to defending against a
knife attack unarmed?
Grandmaster Ricketts: His
movements are always based on
the original pure core techniques.
Question: What is your approach
to defending against edged weapon
attacks? Can there be too many
drills taught?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Drills
are always good to condition your
movements and mind. As long as
youre honest with yourself and
realize that actual combat is a lot
simpler, direct, and bloodier than
drills.

If you can run, do so. If
not, find an equalizer.
Question: Do some practitioners
become caught up in the fancy and
elaborate defenses and forget the
practicality which is necessary to
survive?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes.
Question: Do you feel it is necessary to learn and become proficient at disarming techniques?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes.
Question: 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?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Simplicity. Never wrestle for a disarm and
never look for a disarm. Only do
it if an opportunity arises. Always

Grandmaster Ricketts: This term

was coined by one of the senior
students of Tatang.

[**]

treat the weapon as a blade.

Question: It is better to possess an
understanding of the general principles of disarming?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes,
knowledge is power. Better to have
something, than nothing. Just be
realistic about what would actually
work.
Question: From your experience,
what are the facts and myths of
edged weapons and defending
against them?
Grandmaster Ricketts: If you
have the option to run, run. 99% of
the time youll 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.
Question: Was knife to knife an
area Tatang regularly taught?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Tatang
taught what Tatang felt like. I was
just happy to be there.
Question: Tatangs knife techniques were simple, direct and
most important of all, effective.
What was his approach?
Grandmaster Ricketts: The most
advanced technique you can have
is the one you can feel before you
see.

Question: What areas were

stressed when he taught knife?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Disruptive
interception and intent.
Question: Were drills an aspect of
his knife methodology?
Grandmaster Ricketts: No drills,
just feeding and sparring.
Question: Did he use and teach
you both saber and ice pick grips
in using the knife?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Both.
Question: Grandmaster Ilustrisimo was a firm believer and was
known for his spirituality. What
can you share with us about this
area? Did he ever discuss these
with you?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Not too
much. He had anting anting and
practiced oracsion.
Question: Was he knowledgeable
in healing skills such as hilot?
Grandmaster Ricketts: I am not
certain.
Question: Tatang possessed the
mindset of a true warrior. Is this
what has become known as, dakip
diwa? Did Tatang discuss this?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Never
heard of it.
Question: Reloj de areana (hourglass shape). How was this explained by Tatang to you and how
does it relate to combat?

Question: There have been discussions about which is the correct

name of Tatangs 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?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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.
Question: What can you tell us
about Tatang? History, stories, etc?
Grandmaster Ricketts: This could
be a rather lengthy answer worthy
of volumes. Perhaps I will write a
second book on Kali Ilustrisimo to
answer these questions.
Question: Tatang was taught by
his father, Isidro Ilustrisimo and
his uncle Melicio Ilustrisimo. What
did he tell you of these Eskrimadors and their teaching of him?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Not much.
Question: What about Pedro Cortez? Did he also receive instruction
from him and was he taught by
relatives of Tatang?
Grandmaster Ricketts: He just
told me he was one of his teachers
in Mindanao.
Question: Melicio and Regino
Ilustrisimo were the uncles of
Tatang. What do you know of their
styles and were they the same as
Tatang?
Grandmaster Ricketts: I did not
7

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, Tatangs style had evolved
through a lifetime of actual combat experience throughout the
Philippines and the world.
Question: I believe Grandmaster
Dan Inosanto met and received
some training from Regino Ilustrisimo. Have you spoken with
Grandmaster Inosanto about this
as you know him and have conducted seminars at his school?
Grandmaster Ricketts: No I
havent asked him.
Question: It has been said Timoteo Maranga as a youth carried
Tatangs weapon for him prior to
challenges. What is known of their
relationship?
Grandmaster Ricketts: They
were drinking buddies.
Question: The Ilustrisimos,
Saavedras and Romos were the
three most prominent families
involved in eskrima at one time in
Cebu. Did he know them?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Siguro
(probably).
Question: Is it known if he knew
Islao Romo who it is said is related to his student, Yuli Romo?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Siguro
(probably).
Question: Having met Grandmaster Floro Villabrille in Hawaii
decades ago, I am aware he was
related to Tatang. Was he taught
by Tatang?
Grandmaster Ricketts: He was
married to the cousin of Tatang
8

which allowed him to be a student. Otherwise there is no way he

would have received instruction
during that period in time.
Question: Tatang knew Felicisimo
Dizon and his student, Grandmaster 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?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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. They
were friends. However from my
observation of the style, there is no
relationship at all.
Question: Mark Wiley met and
trained with the Kali Ilustrisimo
group in the Philippines. Do you
see any Kali Ilustrisimo influence
in Serrada Escrima and if yes, in
what areas?
Grandmaster Ricketts: I see no
relationship.
Question: WWII saw Tatang
defending his country against the
Japanese. Did he discuss his experiences from this period?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes.
Question: What do you know of
Tatang being a berdugo (executioner) of the makapili (traitors)
towards the end of the war?
Grandmaster Ricketts: He told
me the story. It was one of his
many jobs in his lifetime.
Question: Since he was a true
warrior, how did you feel and what
was it like training with a man in
possession of a true combative
mentality?
Grandmaster Ricketts: It never
crossed my mind at the time. All I
wanted to do was absorb as much

possible and practice intensely.

Question: Did Grandmaster Ilustrisimo ever open up and elaborate
on his challenges and/or real life
fights?
Grandmaster Ricketts: He told
me many stories, however my focus as I said was to absorb and apply his methods. I am a fighter not
a historian. I wasnt too interested
in the past, just the present.
Question: 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?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Tatang
was respected by all. I never witnessed anyone dare challenge him.
He was feared or respected by all
that knew him.
Question: Having survived many
fights, what was Tatangs primary
strategy in dealing with multiple
attackers?
Grandmaster Ricketts: The original core techniques never change.
Tatangs high level allowed him to
handle one or more opponents in a
collective manner.
Question: You are renowned for
placing emphasis on physical conditioning. What led you to this?
Grandmaster Ricketts: My experience as a professional boxing
trainer when I had a stable of fighters and the intense workouts of
Doc Lengsons KAFEPHIL style
were what led me to appreciate the
importance of physical conditioning.
Question: Dr. Guillermo Lengson
was a remarkable man. How did
you come to study under him?
Grandmaster Ricketts: During
the KAFEPHIL days, I was introduced to Doc by an instructor
under him, Chito Santos. Doc took

Grandmaster Guillermo Lengson [**]

a liking to me and adopted me in

a way. I not only look to him as a
teacher, but also a father figure.
Question: Dr Lengson combined
linear and circular movements.
What can you tell us of his arnis
system?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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.

I used to watch Remy and
Doc train together in Docs dental
clinic in the University of the East
in Manila. I was 14 at the time.
Question: It has 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?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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.

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 KAFEPHILs
election through sparring. In other
words, whoever won all the sparring matches among the candidates
became the head of KAFEPHIL.

Question: Sagasa is one of Dr

Lengsons legacies. Could you
explain how he came to develop
Sagasa?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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

Question: 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?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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.
Question: The intensive drills,
which are called series, develop
and refine coordination, power and
reflexes. Were these developed by
Dr Lengson?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Doc
Lengson developed the Sagasa
series in collaboration with Johnny
Chiuten.

L-R: unnamed person, Grandmaster

Lengson, Grandmaster Ricketts [**]

Question: How did Dr Lengson

influence the drills and curriculum
of Bakbakan?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Sagasa
Kickboxing is one of the core
systems of Bakbakan. Among other
things, it led Bakbakan to empha9

size practical and functional techniques with full contact sparring.

It also underlined the importance
of the hip and body placement in
sparring.
Question: Who are the surviving
senior students of Grandmaster
Lengson?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Rey Dizer,
Johnny Pintoy (the brother of
Grandmaster Roland Dantes) and
Badong Alina are the surviving
senior students.
Question: You were a close friend
of Punong Guor Edgar Sulite.
How did you meet him and do
you have any fond memories you
would like to share?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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 Edgars
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.
Question: What was it like training with Punong Guro Sulite? Was
Lameco Eskrima founded at the
time?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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.
Question: With the unfortunate
passing of Punong Guro Sulite,
you became the highest ranked

black belt in Lameco Eskrima. Are

you presently teaching the system?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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.
Question: Has Edgar Jr. continued
his training and taken his rightful
place in Lameco Eskrima?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes.
Question: You were very close to
Tatang. What are some of your
fond memories of him and your
time together?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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

Great friends: Grandmaster Ricketts with the late

Founder of Lameco Eskrima, Grandmaster Edgar G.
Sulite [**]
10

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.
Question: Tell us what was legendary and special about Grandmaster Ilustrisimo for newcomers that
may not know?
Grandmaster Ricketts: During
the infamous organized crime wars
of the 1950s, the crime lords of
the two rival factions sought the
protection skills of Tatang. Some
of the toughest Tondo mobsters in
the Philippines history recognized
and respected Tatang.
Question: In your years of teaching, do you feel that students want
the fast service approach, i.e.,
quickly moving through the material?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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.
Question: Are you concerned that
with the proliferation of unqualified teachers attempting to cash in
on the popularity of the Filipino
martial arts, the true intention of
the art will be lost?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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
Tatangs 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 Tatangs 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 Tatangs
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, it is 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.
Question: Master Topher, you are
carrying on the legacy of your
teacher, Grandmaster Antonio
Tatang Ilustrisimo. How does that
make you feel?
Grandmaster Ricketts: When I
started training in Kali Ilustrisimo I
never expected that it would come
to this point. I was drawn to this
particular art because it was the
most practical and effective form
of Philippine martial arts that I
have encountered. I just wanted
to learn with no other motive. My
beliefs in his skills were further
reinforced judging by the way all
other masters we encountered together treated him. He was simply
the best of his generation and they
all treated him accordingly.

Now I am seeing all kinds
of glory hungry individuals out
there trying to exploit Tatangs
name for fame and money. A few
legitimate ones out there, but most
are a joke. So now I must make an
effort to preserve his teaching in
the purest way I can. Naturally I
11

will have drills and interpretations

that are my own or that of the five
pillars. However I was trained in,
observed and archived the pure
techniques. By pure, I mean the
techniques that Tatang constantly
repeated over the many years of
my training. These techniques are
always direct and simple, devoid
of flowery movements. I have separated these movements into their
own category as to not confuse it
with the interpretation of the five
pillars.
Question: What are your thoughts
on the legacy of Grandmaster
Ilustrisimo?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Lets just
put it this way. If it wasnt for Tatang I would not be practicing the
Philippine warrior arts.
Question: What do you feel made
him so good? Was it his natural
abilities, his fighting system and
training methods?
Grandmaster Ricketts: A combination of all of the above.
Question: How proud do you think
Tatang would be, knowing his art
has continued to be taught and is
respected worldwide?
Grandmaster Ricketts: I think he
would find it amusing. He would
be proud in some instances, but
bewildered in some cases, on the
verge of anger. Some of the stuff
out there claiming to be Ilustrisimo
just should not be associated with
Tatangs name.

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
12

began. Unfortunately, there will

always be people that exist who
will say or do anything to become
famous.
Question: Looking back, did either of you think his system would
be embraced by martial artists like
it has been?
Grandmaster Ricketts: We knew
it was a unique treasure among
Philippine martial arts. It was just
a matter of time before the world
would also start to realize it.
Question: Without a doubt you are
largely to be applauded for this
and for carrying his legacy.
Grandmaster Ricketts: The five
pillars have all done their part.
With this said, I am disgusted with
some of the followers under some
of the five pillars. They are constantly trying to divide us in order
to gain favor. They also show no
respect for the other seniors of
Kali Ilustrisimo. To me this is a
sign of motives without honor and
disrespect to the system.
Question: In a nutshell, what are
the differences in how you learnt
from Tatang and how you teach
today?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Throughout the years up until his death, I
was constantly learning, dissecting, experimenting, analyzing and
observing his movements. After
Tatangs 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 teachers abilities.
Question: Would you say the
teaching progression you devel-

oped has fine-tuned the manner

in which the art is taught to the
students?
Grandmaster Ricketts: My teaching progressions teach a student to
instinctively react with the techniques of Ilustrisimo. However, it
is not something you learn overnight.
Question: How do you ensure the
students receive and grasp the essence of the art?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Research,
review, dissect, spar and dedicated
practice, practice, practice. My
emphasis is on constant repetition
of basic techniques and sparring.
Question: How long do you
believe it takes for the average
person to develop adequate skills
to protect themselves and deal with
street attacks?
Grandmaster Ricketts: There is no
scientific method of determining
that factor.
Question: From your experience,
can anyone learn Kali Ilustrisimo
and master the principles and
techniques or does it require/suit
individuals with certain abilities or
genetics?
Grandmaster Ricketts: If you
dont have an open mind, then
forget about trying.
Question: Do you accept there are
students who will eventually tailor
and develop Kali Ilustrisimo to
their won requirements and genetic
makeup?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes.
Question: A major misconception
with Kali/Eskrima/Arnis is it is
only a weapons method of combat.
Why is it some people do not see
the well rounded composition of it?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Many
people are fascinated by weapons
and seem to not go beyond that.

gain from observing other systems.

Question: What is the difference
between Kali Ilustrisimo as you
teach it and Bakbakan Kali (Ilustrisimo)?
Grandmaster Ricketts: The
difference is Kali Ilustrisimo is
Topher Ricketts and Bakbakan Kali
is Rey Galangs.
Question: What if any advice
could you offer someone to look
for when seeking a genuine Kali
Ilustrisimo instructor?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Stick to
the five pillars while you can.
Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo and the Bakbakan group [**]

In the process they are missing the

core concepts.
Question: You were one of the
Founders of Bakbakan and its
Chief Instructor. What is the history and aim of Bakbakan?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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.
Question: Bakbakan is respected
worldwide for its integrity in the
promotion of the combative arts of
the Philippines. You should be very
proud since you yourself have set
the standard.

Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes. I am

very proud and humbled at how
well we are received around the
world.
Question: When I was training
under you in the Philippines, you
stressed you only teach Kali Ilustrisimo. Does this still hold true?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes.
Question: Why do you not teach
Lameco Eskrima or Bakbakan
Kali?
Grandmaster Ricketts: It is what
I have focused on. It is my core
style. This does not mean I do not

Question: You are presently working on an exciting DVD series.

Could you tell us about them?
Grandmaster Ricketts: You will
find a new perspective on this truly
unique art.
Question: Additionally you are
working on an extensive Kali Ilustrisimo book. What will the book
encompass?
Grandmaster Ricketts: It will
actually be a series of books. Some
books will cover the original core
techniques and some with methods
to develop these techniques.
Question: During your decades
of martial arts training, you have

A Gathering of some of the Senior Members of Bakbakan International.

Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Ding Binay, Ronnie Ricketts, Rolly Maximo, Rey Galang,
Rey Dizer, Topher Ricketts, Edgar Aristorenas and Tony Diego [**]
13

L-R: Grandmaster Antonio Tony

Diego, Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite,
Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts,
Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster
Alex Co [**]

studied and become proficient in

several systems including boxing.
Why?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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.
Question: Did you encounter difficulty learning and then applying the different techniques and
concepts?
Grandmaster Ricketts: No not at
all. I enjoy every aspect of learning.
Question: Would you agree the
primary objective is to prepare the
student to be able to defend themselves should the need arise?
Grandmaster Ricketts: In the
Philippines, it is always for selfdefense.
Question: You have trained elite
military units in various countries.
Do you believe arnis serves as a
practical combat method in these
modern times?
14

Grandmaster Ricketts: Yes.

Technology may change and
sometimes even fail, but the physical human body is the same.
Question: Though you yourself
have competed in various forms
of competitions, do you believe
Filipino martial arts competition
can develop bad habits?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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?
Question: 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?

Grandmaster Ricketts: 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.
Question: What changes did you
make as a result of these street
fights?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Constant
repetition of basics, regular fullcontact sparring and honesty with
yourself.
Question: 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?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Constant
repetition of basics, regular fullcontact sparring and honesty with
yourself.
Question: I know and agree with
your emphasis concentrating on
drilling the basics. What is the emphasis and aim of your teachings?
Grandmaster Ricketts: For a
student to be able to eventually
naturally execute a technique cor-

rectly without thought. Become an

instinctive fighter.
Question: You recently relocated
to the USA. Are you presently
teaching and how has Kali Ilustrisimo been received?
Grandmaster Ricketts: I am presently teaching and I have a loyal
core group focused on the integrity of the art. I have conducted
seminars in Las Vegas, New Jersey,
Maryland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Oakland, Seattle, and Virginia
Beach. I am assisted by my son,
Guro Bruce and Guro 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.
Question: Your son Bruce has been
training since I can remember. Tell
us about his training in the Philippines and now in the USA?
Grandmaster Ricketts: 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 Sta. Iglesia and Ngo Cho
under Alex Co.

Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts and his son, Guro Bruce Ricketts.

Follwing in the steps of his father.
1

Question: What is the aim with

Ilustrisimo USA?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Again, it
15

10

is just plain Ilustrisimo with the

USA as one of the regions. I also
have people in the Philippines,
Australia and around the world.
The details of this will be in the
upcoming centralized website.

will be addressed when we launch

the official website. We will be
doing everything right and by the
book. My son Guro Bruce Ricketts
will be instrumental in this phase
as well as the system officers.

Question: Presently where do you

have people representing you and
could you please name them?
Grandmaster Ricketts: At this
point all representation is under review. I am currently restructuring.
AI must get strict with who represents me if we are to keep Tatangs
pure methods alive. I am saddened
with the current development and
the only thing to do is to ensure
I do it right once and for all. All
representatives must be trained
and informed in these new policies
and methods. All of these matters

Question: You will be visiting Australia to conduct seminars. What

can attendees expect?
Grandmaster Ricketts: Ill be
there soon. Expect Kali Ilustrisimo
in its most combative, practical
and purest form.
Question: Could you please say a
few words to Grandmaster Roland Dantes about the book he is
interviewing you and other Grandmasters for?
Grandmaster Ricketts: This book
is very long overdue. Grandmaster
Roland Dantes is an icon of the

L-R: Guro Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Pepito Robas, Grandmaster Yuli
Romo, Grandmaster Vic Sanchez, GrandmasterRey Galang, Grandmaster
Christopher Ricketts, Grandmaster Roland Dantes, Grandmaster Rodel Dagooc, Grandmaster Jerry dela Cruz
16

11

Philippine martial arts and Philippine culture in general. He has

not been given the credit he truly
deserves. Just the fact he made the
first Philippine martial arts movie
of international proportions is a
grand feat in itself that needs to
be given its fair recognition and
honor. He is a true warrior, gentleman and most of all a friend.
Master Topher, thank you very
much.
Grandmaster Ricketts: Walang
anuman. You are welcome and
thank you for your support and
interest in the warrior arts of the
Philippines.

Master Topher is now
residing in the U.S.A. where he
is teaching Kali Ilustrisimo in the
way that only he can. This offers a remarkable opportunity for
those seeking the opportunity to
learn true Kali Ilustrisimo as it is
intended to be: effective, direct
and deadly. For further information visit Grandmaster Christopher
Ricketts web site www.ilustrisimousa.com which should be back
online shortly.

This interview is a compilation of interviews researched
and conducted by Grandmaster
Roland Dantes and David Foggie.
An earlier interview which was
researched and questions compiled
by David Foggie, was conducted
by Dino Flores on 12th February
2006, Los Angeles.

Residence of Grandmaster Ricketts in Manila, Philippines 2004

L-R Siting: Grandmaster Roland Dantes, Grandmaster Jerry dela Cruz, Grandmaster Vic Sanchez, Grandmaster Rodel
Dagooc, GM Pepido Robas, GM Yuli Romo
Standing: David Foggie, Grandmaster Ricketts, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Guro Dodong Sta. Iglesia

www.ilustrisimousa.com

At the premiere of Mano Mano 3 (starring Ronnie and Bruce Ricketts.

From the left: Grandmaster Roland Dantes, Grandmaster Ricketts, Grandmaster Rodel Dagooc, Guro Steve Drape, Janice Loke and Grandmaster Vic
Sanchez - 2004 Manila, Philippines.

Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts

Email: bakbakancr@aol.com
(619) 861-3206
17

About the author: Introduced to the

Filipino martial arts by Grandmaster
Roland Dantes was an awakening and
enlightening experience which reset the
course of Davids martial arts training.
As such, David made the transition
to the Filipino martial arts and was
fortunate to become a personal student
of his teacher.

Having trained in the Philippines several times, David continued
his training and research with his principal teacher Grandmaster Dantes and
met many masters of the art, as well
studying from and becoming a student
of Grandmaster Christopher Topher
Ricketts. Other Grandmasters who
were kind enough to spend some time
training David include Grandmaster
Johnny F. Chiuten, Grandmaster Vic
Sanchez and Master Nilo Limpin.

After years of dedicated private
study under Grandmaster Dantes, David tested for and was promoted to the
rank of Lakan Lima (5th degree black
belt) and the title of Ikalawang Guro.
This is an immense honor as Grandmaster Dantes never before graded a
student to this rank. Valuing and respecting the promotion, David though
is insistent he is simply a student of the
Filipino martial arts and stresses it is a
lifelong pursuit. As such, he uses the
title (Taga Turu) as he truly believes
he is only a student of the art and an
assistant to his teachers.

With the passing of Grandmaster Dantes, David as his most senior
student continues to teach Pinagsamang
Paraang Arnis. It is up to the himself
and a handful of students who trained
under the auspices of Grandmaster
Dantes at his official school to ensure
their teachers system is in the hands
of those they trust as they are now the
guardians and custodians of his legacy.

Grandmaster Roland Dantes
strived to promote and unite those
involved with the Filipino martial arts
and with this in mind, David aims to
continue the path set by his teacher.
Through the years, David has written articles and interviewed some of
the Filipino martial arts leading Mas18

L-R: Master Boy Garcia, Mrs Beth Ricketts. Grandmaster Topher,

David Foggie, Janice Loke and Grandmaster Vic Sanchez

L-R: Boy Garcia, Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Jim Papadopoulos,

Grandmaster Ricketts, David Foggie after training in Manila 2004
ters and these have been published
in Australias premier martial arts
magazine Blitz, as well as internationally in the Philippines, USA and
the UK. Additionally a number of his
interviews and photograph sequences
were featured in Master Reynaldo S.
Galangs publications, Warrior Arts
of the Philippines and Masters of
the Blade. Having recently hosted

seminars with Grandmaster Bobby Taboada Balintawak Eskrima Cuentada

System) and Guro Viko Perrine (Kali
Ilustrisimo), it is hoped 2010 will see
Grandmaster Ricketts visit Australia
to conduct seminars.
To Contact David Foggie:
Email: xsagasa@yahoo.com
Cell phone: (6142) 104-5108

Offensive Use for Defanging the Snake

By Guru James Hogue

Through the years, I
have heard about Defanging
the Snake as a defensive counter against punches. However, I
havent seen many uses for Defanging the Snake as an offensive
set of techniques. I dont really
know why the offensive use isnt
so popular, or even taught. However, in this article, we are going
to talk about the offensive use for
destructions known as Defanging the Snake. I hope this article
helps you, and adds some more
tools to your martial arts toolbox.

My one pet peeve is what
I call The Unmovable Wall.
When someone puts up his guard
people try to hit around it. We, as
Filipino martial arts practitioners,
will strike the arms when they
attack us, but not when they are in
the guard position. Why? Take a
Fig 1

look at Fig. 1, The Boxer.

Notice the boxer has his
hands right in front of his face
to protect his head from getting
hit. Most people will try to strike
around his guard to strike him. I
call this The Unmovable Wall,
not because his arms arent moveable, but because they are. However, martial artists wont move
them, and will see them as unmovable.

As I tell my students,

Why try to hit his head when he

is giving you some great targets?
Then to illustrate that point, I take
my knuckles and semi-lightly
strike their arms, legs, chest, and
back. I then ask the student if it
would hurt if I was to do this harder. The answer is always yes. Then
why arent they seeing my arms as
a target to defang the snake?
As my teacher taught me, sometimes you have to hit anything
until you get the target you want.
This held true two decades ago,
and still does today. Lets look at
the boxer and his guard in Fig. 2.

The Boxer is standing in
Fig. 2 with his hands in front of
his face as in Fig. 1. I then do a
jab to his hand as shown in Fig. 3.
This drives his hand back into his
face, making the attacker strike
himself with his own hand. I have
done this very technique many
times in my 20 plus years in security, corrections, and law-enforcement. This rattles your opponent,
and gives you an opening for your
next move.

I strike to the meaty area
of his forearm as in Fig. 5. This
not only hurts, but also drives his
arm downward, creating an opening for Traps, and/or strikes to his
head. Every time someone puts
their guard up, I see this as giving
me a target to hit. This technique
worked well against an amateur
boxer I was trying to throw out of
a bar I was bouncing in.

In that situation, I asked
the boxer to leave, but he just
turned around to walk away. I
tap him on the shoulder, and he
turned with his hands up. I struck
his hand with my jab and his other
arm with my cross. He yelled in

Fig 2

Fig 3

Fig 3 Up Close

Fig 4

Fig 5

19

Offensive Gunting # 1:
pain and dropped his guard. I then moved in with
Fig 2
Fig 1
a Dumog Lock and threw him out without a fight.
Most people are not use to getting their arms hit,
and it will be a total shock to their system.
Now let talk about Defanging the Snake that we
know, Guntings. We have seen Guntings over and
over until were blue in the face. We know if the
guy strikes at us, we can destroy it with a knuckle
strike as in Fig. 5.

You may wonder, What if he doesnt throw
a strike at me. Can I still do the Gunting? Yes, Gunt- Fig 3
Fig 4
ings are just as good of an attack as a defense. Just
because he isnt striking, doesnt make those nerves
any less tender.

Lets take Offense Gunting #1, where Guru
Baharu Wayne and I are facing off. This will give
you a better understanding of how we use the Offensive Destructions to Defang the Snake.
Guru Baharu Wayne and I are facing off in Fig. 1.
Fig 5
My lead hand checks his lead hand (Fig. 2) as I do a Gunting Strike to his Brachial Nerve on the inside of his right bicep as in Figs. 3 and 4. My left hand (lead
hand) monitors, and checks Guru Baharu Waynes hand downward as I do a back
fist strike as in Fig. 5. This will take the fight to
Defensive Gunting # 2:
your attacker, and Defang the Snake before it
Fig 1
can strike. The next Gunting is the known as the,
Back-Fist Gunting by some systems.

In the typical Back-Fist Gunting, the attacker strikes at you as in Fig. 1. Inside parry the
attacking hand as your right hand does a safety check. You apply a left-hand
back-fist strike to their Brachial Nerve on the inside of his right bicep as in
Fig 2

Fig 3

Fig. 2. Then strike your opponent, and use the follow up techniques of your system.
Offensive Gunting # 2:

In the offensive version, youre facing off
with your attacker as in Fig. 1. Angle off to your
left to create distance from their left hand. Your
right hand checks their right hand as you do a
back-fist to the inside of their bicep as in Figs. 2
Fig 2

20

Fig 1

Fig 3

Fig 4

Defensive Gunting # 3:

As the attacker gives a right punch do a safety check with your left hand as you outside parry their
attack as in Fig. 1. Use your right hand to finger jab the attackers eyes, and then grab his bicep as in Fig. 2.
Deliver an elbow strike to their bicep as in Fig. 3. Finally, deliver a Vertical Elbow to their jaw as in Fig. 4.
Fig 2

Fig 1

Fig 4

Fig 3

Offensive Gunting # 3:
Fig 1

Fig 5

Fig 3

Fig 2

Fig 4

As you and the attacker face of your left checks their right hand to your right
as you parry to your left as in Fig. 2. Your right hand slides under your left arm
into a finger jab to their eyes as in Fig. 3. Then your right hand grabs their bicep
while delivering an elbow strike with a Vertical Elbow as a follow-up as in Figs.
4 and 5.

Offensive Destruction Combination # 1

Fig 1

Fig 2

Fig 3

I open my attack
with a strike to Guru Baharu
Waynes left hand, which hits
him in the face as in Fig. 1.
Then, my left hand checks
Guru Baharu Waynes right
hand as I deliver a Gunting
Strike to the inside of his

bicep as in Fig. 2. Finally, I follow up by trapping his hand downward as I do a back fist as in Fig. 3.
Fig 1

Fig 2

Offensive Destruction Combination # 2

In combination No. 2, Guru Baharu Wayne
could be facing off with me, or attempting to strike me
with his right hand. This doesnt matter because at the
Malay Fighting Arts Academy we practice the defensive techniques, the offensive techniques, and combining both for a well-rounded system. Lets say Guru
Baharu Wayne did a right jab at me. I counter his strike with a Back-Fist Gunting as in Fig. 1. I then go right
21

Fig 3

into another Back-Fist Gunting to his other arm with a strike to his jaw as a follow
up as in Figs. 2 and 3.

With these basic techniques, and some practice I hope I have added to your
knowledge in Defanging the Snake for offensive use. The main purpose in write
the articles I write, and producing my DVDs is to share my knowledge of the arts
that I love with everyone that will listen. Thank you for taking the time to read my
article, and please feel free to e-mail me with any questions. I hope God watches
over you and your family.

Guru James Hogue: The author has been training in the Southeast
Asian Martial Arts for over 34 years, and has served in law-enforcement for over 21 years. He has dedicated this article to his new
granddaughter, Grace.
Editor: Jennifer McDaniel
Website: www.pukulan.net
E-Mail: gurujim@pukulan.net
Phone: (913) 626-4372
Location: Gardner, Kansas

AMAC Shop Arsinal

Grandmaster Frank Aycocho with Filipino Traditional Weapons Kampilan and Kris swords home made
weapons. Weapons made of cold steel sharp and non-sharp weapons made of aluminum and iron wood black
and tiger kamagong. Kampilan, Kris, Sundang, Kerambit
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Tonfa batton, Kamagong stick, Knives , Butterfly swords,
Balisong, padded sticks, Safety Arnis gears are all available
made to order.

Contact: Frank Aycocho for Pricing:

(0919) 883-1120 or Email: faycocho@yahoo.com
22

5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Self Defense Knife

By Joel Huncar

Knives and knife fighting have

seen a huge upsweep in popularity these days. Something that

was once taught in small secretive
groups is now being taught at your
local YMCA by karate, Jiu Jitsu
and other traditional martial arts
instructors. Many people are carrying defensive knives for self
protection, from all sorts of social
backgrounds. The art of the blade
is not just in the hands of street
punks and paramilitary types any
more. Now it is not uncommon to
meet homemakers, realtors, stock
brokers and bankers all carrying
knives as part of their personal
protection strategy. Many of these
people have excellent instruction
and are ready for the world of
martial blade carry but many have
had very little training and are just
ignorantly following the latest
trend. For those who wish to make
an informed decision about buying and carrying a knife for self
protection there are some things
that you should consider.
1) Are You Prepared?

Do you have the mental,
physical and emotional training
to be able to carry a blade for
self defence? Remember we are
talking about using a sharp instrument to cut up another human
being here. This is a very ugly
and brutal way to fight. Are you
ready to suffer the consequences
of doing potentially lethal damage
to another person? Are you trained
well enough to keep your blade in
your hands instead of your attackers? Do you have enough control
of your temper to know you will

not use your weapon where it is

not appropriate? Are you willing
to take someones life to protect
your own?

If your answer is no to any
of these questions, then please do
not make the knife a part of your
defensive strategy. The sober truth
about bladed weapons is that they
maim and kill. While many knife
teachers say that you can use a
knife to disable an attacker, this is
not really very realistic in the high
speed adrenaline charged reality
of violence. Overkill is instinctive
once adrenaline kicks in, so if you
carry a blade you must be sure that
your life is in danger before you
pull it or you may find yourself
spending a long time reflecting on
your actions behind bars. Knives
can be great life saving tools but
only for the most extreme circumstances.
2) Knife Quality:

The thing I recommend
to my students is that when they
are picking out a knife they get
one made by one of well known
manufacturers. Cold Steel, SOG,
Spyderco, CRKT, Benchmade,
Timberline, Buck, and Camillus
are some of the top manufacturers
of production knives. All of them
make very good folding and fix
blade knives that are reasonably
priced and have great warranties.
Price range for these knives should
be from twenty five dollars on the
low end up to a couple of hundred
dollars on the high end. An average decent quality folder should
be around fifty to one hundred
fifty dollars. CRKT make some
excellent low cost folders but for
myself I prefer Cold Steel.

If you want you could
buy custom made knives from
a famous knife maker, but these
knives will perform just as well in
a violent encounter and they wont
break your bank. Custom made
are great if you can afford them,
but for me I simply do not have the
money for a custom knife.

Cheap knock offs on the
other hand should be avoided like
the plague. They are usually poor
quality and will break under any
hard use. Remember you will use
your defensive knife as a tool first
and for personal protection second
and this should be your first consideration when you pick it out.
Stay away from low quality stuff
that can be found at flea markets
and gas stations.

Also one thing I have found
is that quite often knives that are
marketed with gun manufacturers
names are often of poor quality.
Let the gun makers make guns and
leave the knives to the knife makers. Quite often if you get a blade
from one of the big knife manufacturers you will have a companion
that with proper upkeep will serve
you all your days.
3) Model Name:

Try to stay away from
knives with macho names or
named after famous knife fighters. A lawyer will tear you apart
in court if you used a knife called
the marauder to defend yourself.
You will look like a psycho to the
jury and court. Do not buy a knife
that will make you look bad in
court. Look for something with a
harmless sounding name like the
voyager or cricket or civilian to just name a few. Any name
23

that makes your knife sound tactical, military or martial should be

avoided because if you every need
to use your blade you will probably
have your actions judged in court.
4) Deployment:

Your knife should be able
to be brought into use quickly and
efficiently. It should be there when
you need it, not sitting in the bottom of a purse or a pocket. If it is a
folding knife it is imperative it can
be opened with one hand quickly.
If it is a fixed blade it should be
in a sheath that allows for a quick
draw.

If you cant access your
knife swiftly it will be of little use
in an assault. The other side of this
you will need to practice getting
your knife out quick while under
pressure. You need to drill your
draw. It is not enough to have a
blade at your side but you must
be practiced at getting it out in an
emergency situation.

There is yet another important factor to deployment, if it is
easy for you to draw your knife, it
will be easy for an opponent to get
to it if you are grappling or clinching. This means you need to train
at protecting your knife while in
combat. Many self defence situations can happen so quick that
you will be unable to access your
knife. Or your knife may not be
appropriate to the situation, but
once the fight is on your opponent
may go for your knife and escalate
the situation. You need to know
how to keep your knife in your
own hands and not your opponents.
Knife retention is often overlooked
by many knife practitioners and
trainers but is very important to
your survival when it comes to self
defence knife training.
5) Blade Style and Length:
24

The type of blade you
carry should suit both your life
style and self defence needs. You
should pick a knife that suits your
personal fighting style, the environment in which you live and
your profession. A roughneck
in northern Alberta would need
a different knife then a personal
assistant working in a posh office
in downtown LA. Also I train in a
slashing intensive system of arnis
where as a person who trains in
a thrusting intensive system will
be suited to a different blade then
me. Tailor your blade choice to
your environment, training and life
style.

Another side to this is that
you should know the local laws
and bylaws concerning knifes.
You do not want to defend yourself with a weapon that is prohibited in your area. This is very
important. You want to look like
a reasonable person to the police
and court, not some outlaw who
packs dangerous weapons and
looks for trouble. When it comes
to court image is very important,
if you are packing a prohibited
weapon you have taken the first
step in destroying your own credibility.

When it comes to picking
out a defensive blade you should
keep these things in mind. Pick a
knife that suits you, your training
style and your life style. Understand what you are getting into
when it comes to using a knife for
self defence. It is your responsibility to make good choices when
it comes to knives and weapons in
general. Do not make knives your
only choice of defensive training.
A knife is only a viable choice for
a severely limited amount of self
defence scenarios. You should
depend on your empty hand skills

as well and save deadly weapons

for situations where using deadly
force is a reasonable option. By
this I mean situations where your
life is in jeopardy, anything else is
morally and legally wrong.

There is a lot to consider
before one starts to carry a knife
for self defence. The more reflection and research you put into buying the knife that is right for you
will not only keep you from wasting your money but could also save
you from making a choice that will
change your life forever.

Guro Joel Huncar

Ravenwood Combat Arts
The Guild of Combat Sciences
Cranbrook BC Canada
arnisador_1@hotmail.com

The Main Role of Senior Students

Amara Arkanis - USA
By: Phillip Weathers
Amara Arkanis
Delran NJ

There are many roles filled by

senior students in a martial arts

group of any kind. The newest
senior students are in a position
analogous to that of a college student the day after graduation or a
non-commissioned military officer
the day after his initial promotion.
Both have achieved a big goal and
moved to a different level but neither has really learned to do his job
yet. Along with one kind of new
status comes a way of being at the
bottom of a new heap.

This article attempts to
track a developmental process for
seniors by looking at the roles they
fill. It is intentionally short and
directed as much at new senior
students as their teachers. No
doubt there will be expansions on
subjects glossed over here.

Senior students are never
in charge of the overall teaching or
experience of a group. As a subgroup within a school, they work
to support the goals of the school.
Although there are many ways to
do this, the essential thread uniting
senior students across history and
differences in styles is the job of
modeling the style and its desired
behaviors to more junior students.
If the seniors show through their
conduct that the school embodies desirable skills and behavior,
junior students will be moved to
emulate them. This is not a result of command authority, but of
choice by the junior students.

The Japanese might use
the word giri (admiration, love,
responsibility) for this process by

which authority is gained through

freely given choice.

An English word for the
same process is modeling. The
juniors model their behavior after
seniors (including the head teacher). The seniors provide the model.
Providing the model is also called
modeling in a specialized use of
the word by educators and behavioral scientists.

Modeling is usually unintentional. Nobody has the energy
to be a conscious role model all
day every day. Self discipline
helps to control what we model
to others. Senior students must
have some level of discipline and
understanding to fill their roles.

In this process of emulation through choice, the practices
and skills espoused by the school
are passed on to new students.
This makes it possible for the
school to survive and prosper.
In much the same way as armies
cannot survive without a solid core
of non-commissioned officers,
martial arts schools need a healthy,
cooperating core of senior students.

Modeling the practices
and behaviors espoused by the
school is the most important role
of any senior student. Please note
that it is at least possible for this
process to occur with no giving of
orders or overt exercise of authority. While seniors may need to and
should exercise authority when
required, their success is measured
in part by how little they need to
give orders or exercise authority to

www.amara-arkanis.com

extinguish poor behavior.

This brief discussion of
modeling demonstrates that senior
students do their most important
work in the workout area in the
presence of junior students. The
senior students are judged in part
by the success of juniors in their
school. A small school with only
a few long-term students is not
likely to survive unless it can present a model to attract new students.
This means the long-term students
demonstrate some martial virtues.

Many non-modeling jobs
filled by senior students are nonetheless explicable in terms of helping the school attract new students
to the workout area, which is the
center of modeling. Demonstrations, tournaments, video production, web pages, finance, advertising, and recruiting all have some
function in keeping the school
going and growing. One could
argue with perfect justice that this
article assumes the primacy of the
workout floor as the center of any
martial arts group. This is the place
where desirable physical skills and
character attributes are learned.
Most other activities collapse in
the absence of regular workouts.

Typically junior students
clean the school and tend to other
physical concerns that have to be
done ever and over. Seniors are
25

chosen in part for their ability to

model, and because they can be
trusted. Their first need is to learn
about passing on the values of the
school. Then they must do it. This
work can be augmented by simple
mechanical tasks that still require
trust like filing in the office or collecting dues.

Seniors may assist individual students and play an assistive
role to the teacher. More advanced
seniors may lead warm-ups or
even classes in the presence of the
teacher. Seniors who have successfully lead classes several times in
the absence of a teacher may have
the potential to represent the school
in public (demos, tournaments,
sales, etc.). Some jobs involving
new technology have to be assigned based simply on who can do
them. Teachers need to be current
on the set of abilities collectively
possessed by their seniors.

The further a seniors job or
role is from the workout floor, the
more it has to do with some aspect of business management and
the less it has to do with martial
arts. Still such jobs are entirely
necessary. No job that supports the
school is completely divorced from
the martial arts.

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26

Reflection of December 11, 2009

By Grandmaster Frank Aycocho

December 11, 2009, The Arnis Bill of Law,
Republic Act No. 9850, an act declaring Arnis as the
National martial arts and sport of the Philippines, the
bill of law in honor of the Author, Senator Migz Zubiri
who was an Arnis practitioner of Filipino heritage,
champion in sports and in politics in the senatorial
candidate raise, was a great honor for us all Filipinos
Grandmasters of Arnis Filipino martial arts of each
own expertise.

I was so glad when I was officially called upon
for recognition and as one of the awardees at the, First
National Arnis Congress convention at the Rizal Technological University. I was even called to step up and
speak at the press conference.

My 42 years of martial arts passion has been
long years of struggle and survival struggle from the
most perfect cone mountain of the Philippines to the
different countries overseas fighting for my identity
be recognized by the authorities of the country where
I was born. In many countries where I had been for as
long as 14 years, while teaching Filipino martial arts,
some would even say, 3rd World Filipino martial arts

27

craft, it bothers me that I even felt

like a tiny mice calling me a 3rd
World country guy. I felt so mad
when one huge weight lifter said I
am too small, he would break my
bones if he hit me. I fought and
hit the sternum of the guy with
a lunge punch and knocked him
down. The man couldnt believe
that a 56 Filipino martial arts
Master could knock him down
with one single punch. Later on he
signed up for training and became
one of my regular students.

With the assistance of
Grandmasters and University Professors, I was able to register my
Organization at the DTI and SEC.,
The AMAC- Aycocho Martial
Arts Center and the KKAASIKuntaw Kali Arnis Aycocho
System Incorporated, and also
became affiliated with the PCKEAM (Philippines Council of Kali
Eskrima Arnis Masters) Founded
by Grandmaster Roland Dantes,

At the PLM-ICPE-SAP
(Pamantasan Lungsod ng Maynila - Integrated College of Physical Education), School of Arnis
Professionals, Director, Professor
Armando Soteco becomes the
Board of Directors of AMAC, on
his behalf, AMAC has became the
training ground of graduate P.E.
Teachers taking up Master degrees and high students as well in
MAPEH subject, its my pleasure
in my spare time to give tutorial
services to educate people about
Arnis sports and for self defense.
Arnis has been a selective subject in physical education in high
schools and in colleges but this
year 2009, the USEC. Of Department of Education has committed
to Senator Migz Zubiri and to all
the Grandmasters at the Congress
Arnis Convention of promises in
C. C. C., (Commitment - Courage
28

- Challenge), The USEC has traveled to 101 countries representing

the high quality level of education
in the Philippines and has proven
excellent work and leadership for
the Filipino people.

The long wait is over for
Arnis, the traditional Filipino martial arts, has become the national
sport. And it took a Senator and
Arnis experts as well, to give the
sport, around the world, the recognitions it deserves.

Weve done it. Now we
have the law said Senate Majority
Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri who,
along with Representative Henry
Teves and George Arnais, authored
the law making Arnis the countrys
national martial arts and sport.
Republic Act 9850 was signed by
President Arroyo on December 11,
2009, a move that was welcomed
by Senator Zubiri and the countless Arnis practitioners throughout
the country.

Senator Zubiri, was the
National Champion in his weight
class in 1988. Hes been a practitioner of Arnis since he was 16

years old and now, as a 40 years

old senator, he just couldnt stop in
his desire in helping in the development of Arnis sports.

Its quite ironic that Arnis,
our traditional martial arts, is being
practiced more in other countries
than inside ours. The specialforces in the United States, Russia,
Israel and Germany used them and
recognize them as Filipino martial
arts.

Senator Zubiri spoke in
front of the Arnis Grandmasters
from different styles, clubs, and
organizations from across the
country as they paid a courtesy call
on Philippine Sports Commission
Chairman Harry Angpin.

Senator Zubiri and PSC
Chairman Harry Angpin with
Grandmasters

It didnt take long for the
PSC chief to throw his full support
into Arnis through a 5 million pesos pledge, and an office space for
Arnis training at the PSC Building.
Its about time for Arnis to get
the recognition it truly deserves,
and the PSC, being the lead gov-

Senator Zubiri and PSC Chairman Harry Angpin with Grandmasters

ernment agency in sports, will always be here to help, Said Angpin, who presented Senator Zubiri with an RP
Team jacket.

In Thailand they have Muay Thai Boxing, in Korea they have Tae Kwon-Do and in Indonesia they
have Pencak Silat, now the Philippines has Arnis as our national sport and its here to stay.
Present at the press conference, PSC, were Grandmasters:
Grandmaster Rene Tongson, Professor Armando Soteco, Grandmaster Rey Dela Cruz, Grandmaster Frank
Aycocho, Grandmaster Vic Sanches, Grandmaster Bert Lamaniego, Grandmaster Jerson Tortal Jr. Grandmaster
Pepito Robas, Grandmaster Rodel Dagooc, Grandmaster Limuel Maning Bonsa, Lady Grandmaster (daughter
of the late Grandmaster Lema), Ms. Caballero, Grandmaster Samuel Dulay. Masters of Arnis from different
styles, Master Vher Tubera, Master Rey Dominguez, Master Jerry Evangelisan, Dayang Cecil Tubera, Professor Josie Bauzon, R. Delos Santos and many more whom I meet for the first time because Ive spent a long
time overseas.

There has been a lot of Arnis Grandmasters outside the Philippines teaching overseas and are noted
to be some of the finest Filipino martial arts instructors , in fact Westerns and Europeans have become more
skillful in the art with the influence of different style such as WEKAFP, IMAFP, KKAASI, LESKAS, PCKEAM DAV, DTS, etc to name a few.

www.rapidjournal.com
The final issue is scheduled to come out February 2010.
For back issues of Rapid Journal visit:
( www.RapidJournal.com ) or ( www.berdugo.us )

29

By Marc Lawrence

What makes up the basics
of Filipino martial arts known as
Eskrima, Arnis or Kali? This is
a complete fighting art with the
primary focus being on the weapons and the defense against them.
The basics are made up of simple
mechanical principles, good body
mechanics and the economy of
motion. In order to be a good Filipino martial arts fighter, a student
must have good basics. This is a
fact as with a good foundation a
house is strong so is a fighter with
a good foundation.

The fighting system was
originally used to train fellow villagers in a short period of time for
combat against other island villages and foreign invaders. The typical time available between rainy
time was just a matter months.
There was no time or reason to
teach flashy techniques or train
only those with special abilities.
The people had to become proficient quickly or perish in battle.

The traditional arts are
known as Kali, Eskrima or Arnis,
stick, knife and hand to hand
fighting which was developed
over a period of many centuries
in the Philippines as her people
fought for their independence from
foreign invaders. Each skirmish
with a new culture added to the
Filipino martial arts as the warriors
30

developed techniques to combat

foreign styles. Subsequently, more
than 100 different Filipino martial
arts styles developed, which can
be grouped into three complete
self-defense systems which utilize
sticks, swords, and empty hands.

It is the original mixed
martial art that was based upon
simple, non-flashy battle tested
methods of fighting. They were
designed to use natural efficient
motions and exploited the weaknesses of their opponents body. A
complete Filipino martial arts system being taught to students contained certain basic things. First
you learn to use a rattan stick, it is
known as the poor mans weapon
and punching bag. The real purpose of the stick is used to teach
your body how to move for attacking, defending, counter attacking,
grappling and throwing.
The
next step is when you learn to use
and defend against blades, like a
bolo or knife, and then last but not
least you learn to use your hands
and feet like the stick and the
knife. Within a complete system
you will find it has hand to hand,
hand and foot fighting as well as
wrestling methods.

Some styles are very
complex like Modern Arnis and
Doce Pares as they teach multiple
weapons and methods as they

are made from multiple systems,

others are as simple like Cinco
Terros as just with one weapon,
a single stick only with no training on the use of blade or empty
hands methods. Some families still
have fighting systems that have no
name but are still just as effective
as well known ones. Some martial
art academies offer stick fighting
training to supplement their core
art like Karate, Kung Fu, or Taekwondo. Each has its strengths and
weaknesses. Some systems just
do drills, some spar with padded
sticks only, others spar with rattan
sticks and safety gear, others spar
with just a helmet and live stick,
and some just use gloves.

The Filipino fighting arts
are just as good today as they were
in the past. This is because the Filipino martial arts are built on battling a variety of foreign invaders.
It works amazingly well against
any style of martial art today. The
United States Army included portions of the Filipino martial arts in
its training manual for soldiers.

Today in the USA there are
local, regional, national and world
tournaments with Filipino martial
arts competition. These tournaments are the way many clubs
test their skills. In the greater Los
Angeles area there are roughly 25
groups or clubs that teach the Filipino martial arts. There are Filipino, Filipino-Hawaiian, Fil-Am and
American teachers that share their
love for the Filipino martial arts. A
fair number of the American teachers in the Filipino martial arts are
married to Filipinas and share the
art and culture with their children
and students.

This column does not take
the place of training with a Guro,
Master, or a Grandmaster but is to
hopefully supplement the training

as this fighting art is one that needs to be learned by hands-on practicing. In the old days, a Guro would spoon
feed you a little information at time, so that you could digest and remember it. Get with your teacher if you can,
practice with others if you do not have a regular teacher. Practice every day you can and play with everyone
you can and you will grow. Each body is different so just because you cannot do the technique just like another
guys does not make it wrong. Filipino martial arts, is about finding your own way! Put together your own tool
box of good techniques. Have anyone teaching you explain the concepts behind their method or combination.
Until next time,
Questions or Comments: mjlawrence@sbcglobal.net
www.southbayfmaclub.com

arnistendencia.com
Hand Crafted Rattan Sticks
In the early 90s there were two truths in training A.R.N.I.S USA with Senior Master Sam Tendencia.

1. Everyday you did the Abecedario!

2. You were using rattan sticks doing it!

These two truths started with Supreme Master Sam Tendencia in 1927 when he first started his training with
the Late Great Ramondo Gallano.
We here at ARNIS Tendencia (TM) uphold both of these truths even to this day. Just as the Abecedario is the
foundation of our system, so is the sacred rattan stick.
For more info please contact Maestro Nap at; (850) 543-9517 or Email: ndg714@live.com
31

FMA Past Events

2nd Pres David B. Tirol Cup
March 6, 2009
UB Bulletin Website
The University of Bohol, Criminology Department held the
2nd Pres. David B. Tirol Cup on Pit Fighting Competition last
March 6, 2009 at the UB gymnasium.

and Mix Martial Arts before the viewing public.

The UB Criminology Pit Fighting Society in association with

Bro. Jojo Carcallas and Grandmaster Nelson Vargas with the
support of the different martial arts clubs; Red Dragon Mixed
Martial Arts of Master Voltaire Gonzales; Aikido Ryu of Master Rolando De La Serna; Lawin Karate Club of Grand Master
Winnie Ayag; and Bokaido of Master Dennis Dadap successfully displayed the skills and talents in the art of Kick Boxing

The major sponsors include; Pres. David B. Tirol, Brig. General Danny Lim, Sen. Antonio trillanes, and Sec.
Arthur Yap of agriculture,German SAKIBO Federartion. The minor sponsors Dodong Malamis, George Lim,
Mr. and Mrs. ruben Raneces, Camp de Fishing, milo, Coke, Allied Bank, Tire Queen, Mr. and Mrs. Bernie
Aboyabor, and Aproniana Gift Shop.
The tournament is design to show the dicipline, strategy, and greatness, of the different skills and abilities of
martial art students.
To read about other events that happened at the end of 2009.
Download the Mini Issue - 2009 Past Events Wrap-up (Click Here)
Remember if you have an event besides advertising it before hand, let others know what went on, what was
taught etc... Send write ups and pictures to: fmaevent@fmadigest.com

32

www.myfma.net

MyFMA.net is a social network created to help propagate the Filipino martial arts, and encourage Filipino martial arts practitioners to share their passion with each other.
Everyone is welcome regardless of their background or style.
This network environment allows the open exchanging of
MyFMA.net seeks to bring together Filipino ideas and the opportunity to establish social relationships
Martial Arts practitioners from around the

Since its launch in April of 2009, MyFMA.net has
world in a thriving online community.
steadily increased in size to include nearly 1,000 members.
This includes numerous recognized Grandmasters, Masters,
This network of mutual respect and camaraderie is open to everyone that wishes to share and Founders - as well as individuals new to the Filipino
their love and passion for the Filipino Martial martial arts.

Every member has a customizable profile page and
Arts.
is able to post photos, videos, events, and blogs related to

Sincerely,
the Filipino martial arts. They can add friends and comment

John R. Malmo
directly to each others walls. Members may also join in live
chat, video chat, discussions, and become members of groups that share backgrounds.

These groups represent separate styles or associations and allow students of the same Filipino martial
arts system to share ideas, videos, discussions, and schedule events in their own dedicated area. There are currently 80 groups on MyFMA.net representing dozens of styles. Each group has numerous discussions, blogs,
and events.

MyFMA.net currently has approximately 115 blogs, 75 discussion topics, and 115 events posted that are
public to everyone. Current topics include: the history of Filipino martial arts, the evolution of terminology,
training drills, and personal reasons for training in particular styles. Additionally, there are over 3,700 photos
and nearly 500 videos related to the Filipino martial arts. This is the largest collection of Filipino martial arts
videos outside of YouTube, and a number of these videos are exclusive to MyFMA.net.

Some of the other features include chat, video chat, and social network integration. Members may participate in a live, real-time network-wide chat room as well as private chats with other members. They may also
utilize an elaborate video chat that integrates media sharing options. Additionally, MyFMA.net can be integrated
with social networks like Facebook and Twitter. It is also has an iPhone interface at: www.myfma.net/m

Like any network, MyFMA.net is only as strong as its members. Because of our members, we proudly
state that we are the best source of Filipino Martial Arts information on the internet. Since a number of our
members are recognized Grandmasters, if you have a question, you can turn directly to the source. You can
contact a member directly, utilize chat, post a discussion, or create a blog. Our current member base is extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer questions, provide insights, and help anyone interested in the Filipino
martial arts.

We hope everyone with a passion for the Filipino martial arts, and those just interested in learning more
about the Filipino martial arts will join us. Together we will promote Filipino martial arts while helping to educate and serve as a resource for the current and new generations of Filipino martial arts enthusiasts.
MyFMA.net - The best source of Filipino
Martial Arts information on the internet featuring photos, videos, events, chat, blogs, and
forums!

33

FMA Future Events

2010
February

March

Martial Arts Winter Camp

February 5 - 6, 2010
1569 Olivina Ave. Suite 105
Livermore, CA
Email

SEAMOK Level #1 Certification Course

March 20 - 21 2010
Alliance Martial Arts Academy
702-B Mission Trace Dr.
Kingsland, Georgia
Flyer
Email
Website

Mardis Gras Martial Arts Camp 2010

February 12-17, 2010
Fountainbleau State Park
67825 Highway 190
Mandeville, Louisiana
Seminar - Tournament
Email
Website
Legacy Tournament
February 20 - 21, 2010
The Hilton in Stockton
2323 Grand Canal Blvd
Stockton, CA.
Flyer
Email
Website
SEAMOK Tactical Solutions
Level 1 Certificate Course
February 20 - 21 2010
Excell Martial Arts
722 W. 19th Street
Houston, Texas, 77008
Contact: SiSok Dan Barretto (832) 875-0706
Flyer
Email

34

IKAEF Bali Camp

March 22-28, 2009
Bali
Nusa Dua, Indonesia
Email
Website

April
Open Grandmaster Cup Martial Arts Tournament
April 24-25, 2010
Almendraz
Davao City, Philippines
(082) 271-6148 or (0910) 378-5828
Email / Email

May
Modern Arnis Seminar
Dr Remy P. Presas
May 15 - 16, 2010
3 Adrianeiou St.
Metamorfosi, Athens, Greece
Email
Website

World Trade Center Mexico

Filipino Martial Arts Championship
May 22, 2010
Av. Filadelfia s/n Col. Napoles
C.P. Mexico D.E.
Flyer
Email
Website / Website

June
Disneyland Martial Arts Festival
June 19 - 20, 2010
Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Ave.
Anaheim, CA.
Flyer
Website
FMA Contact Information
Coordinator: Darren Tibon
(209) 464-3701
Email
Website

5th Filipino Martial Arts Festival

July 25 to 30, 2010
Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island, Philippines
Flyer
Email
Website / Website
WMAA 10 year Anniversary Celebration & Training
Camp
July 30th - August 1, 2010
WMAA Headquarters
(Horizon Martial Arts)
280 Center Rd.
West Seneca [Buffalo], NY.
(716) 771-1291
Flyer
Email
Website

July
Way of the Knife
July 8-12, 2010
Northshore Academy
281 Peterson Rd
Libertyville, IL
Email
Website
Grandmaster Richard Bustillo Seminar
July 10 - 11, 2010
307 White Horse Pike
Absecon, New Jersey
Email
Website
WEKAF
11th World Eskrima Kali Arnis Championship
July 19 - 25, 2010
Puerto Vallarta
Jalisco, Mxico
Email
Website

www.stickman-escrima.com

The Original Hi-Impact Sticks, Staffs and Training Knives

~ Since 1986 ~
Designed by a martial artist for martial artists
35


FMAPulse.com is an exciting new
website dedicated to the Filipino martial arts.
It is the mission of the FMA Pulse to help
promote, educate and serve as a resource
for the current and new generation of FMA
enthusiasts.

The team at FMAPulse.com is presenting Filipino martial arts to the world via
the internet using Web 2.0 technology. Users can interact with one another in a setting
much like Myspace or Facebook, only that we
are focused primarily on the Filipino martial
arts. This on-line community will give users
around the world the ability to share, learn,
teach and stay current with whats going on in
the world of the Filipino martial arts.

Not only will this online social network cater to practicing Filipino martial arts
students and instructors, but also to anyone
interested in learning about the Filipino
martial arts and culture. Aside from connecting people together, FMAPulse.com will be
offering viewers their own personal blog,
articles, upcoming Filipino martial arts events
and monthly video or audio pod-casts of
different Filipino martial arts instructors and
their respective styles. This will give viewers
a chance to get to know these leading Filipino
martial arts instructors and their styles on a
more in-depth level.

We at FMAPulse.com invite you to
participate, share your views and ideas so
we can all unite to help further promote the
Filipino martial arts in a positive way across
the globe.
Sincerely,
The FMA Pulse Team

36

www.FMAPulse.com

A little more than a year ago Filipino martial arts
practitioners Michael Querubin and Romeo Maguigad tossed
around some ideas for an Filipino martial arts website. One
idea was to create an on-line presence with a mission to help
promote, educate, propagate and elevate the Filipino martial
arts and culture. It saddens us that many Fil-Ams do not even
know that the Philippines has a martial art! Another was to
provide interviews of Filipino martial arts teachers using
audio or video mediums so the Filipino martial arts community could see or hear these Filipino martial arts instructors
and get to know them on a more personal level. Hence, FMA
Pulse was born.

FMA Pulse from its inception brought together varying aspects of different Filipino martial arts websites and
housed them under one roof. From the beginning we wanted
to serve as a resource site to newcomers to Filipino martial
arts. It was also essential to have a social networking component, a forum to discuss the latest happenings, and an ecommerce store to provide high quality training equipment.
It is our intention with these services to help build a vibrant
online community centered on promoting and elevating Filipino martial arts to a standard that has not been seen before!

As with any good website, we continually strive to
improve and expand our website to better serve the Filipino
martial arts community. As of January 1st we are now offering online streaming Filipino martial arts video lessons.
These lessons were designed for the person who is new to
Filipino martial arts but is not geographically close to a credible instructor. They also serve as an introduction to Filipino
martial arts for martial artists who come from different backgrounds.

We invite you to come check out our featured instructor interviews and our soon to be released FMA technique
of the week. We are also offering free ground shipping on
product orders over $75.00 dollars in the U.S.
We would also like to send a special thanks to FMAdigest
for blazing the trail for newcomers like us and being our biggest supporter. Also thank you to all the Guros, Masters and
Grandmasters for your contributions to Filipino martial arts

and FMA Pulse. There is no better time than now for everyone to do their part to help elevate Filipino martial
arts!

Past Featured Practitioners that were Interviewed

May 2009: Gat Puno Abon Baet
Garimot Arnis System
We had the great pleasure to have attended Gat Puno Abon Baets Garimot Arnis and Harimaw Buno
seminar during his visit to Chicago. When first meeting Gat Puno Baet, there was an immediate feeling of comfort being around him, like weve known each other for a long time.
Learn more and listen to his interview
Click Here

June 2009: Maha Guro Nate Defensor

Defensor Method FMA
Maha Guro Defensor has been teaching his Defensor Method in the Chicagoland area for almost 30
years and has trained and studied with notable Filipino martial arts figures such as Floro Villabrille,
Leo Gaje, Mike Inay, Angel Cabales, Raymund Tobosa, Dan Inosanto and Jimmy Tacosa to name a
few.
Learn more and listen to his interview
Click Here

July 2009: Guro Fred Evrard

Kali Majapahit
Guro Fred Evrard on his system, traditional Filipino Martial Art weapons, training with Punong Guro
Jeff Espinous of Kali Sikaran and Suro Mike Inay of Inayan Eskrima. Also hear Guro Evrard tell his
story on how he presented Kali Majapahit to the Fullcom Council of Martial Arts Masters of Baguio
and the National Council of Kali Eskrima Arnis Masters in Manila as well as training the Philippine
Special Forces and the Philippine National Police.
Learn more and listen to his interview
Click Here

August 2009: Punong Guro Myrlino Hufana

Hufana Traditional Arnis International and the WFMAA Expo & Laban Laro
Hufana Traditional Arnis International. Punong Guro Hufana is also the Founder and President of the
World Filipino Martial Arts Association which will be holding its 7th Expo and Laban Laro on October 23 - 25 in Las Vegas, Nevada. We encourage Filipino martial arts practitioners to attend this event
which will be featuring some of the best Filipino martial arts instructors in the world!
Learn more and listen to his interview
Click Here

September 2009: Dr. Remy Presas, Jr.

Modern Arnis
Dr. Presas, with the help of his siblings, established MARPPIO (Modern Arnis Remy P. Presas International Organization) to continue the legacy left by his father.
Learn more and listen to his interview Click Here

37

Weapons Review: The Hataw Stick from Simon at www.eskrimakaliarnis.com

Reviewed by Michael Butz

On November 15, 2009, I hosted

a gathering in Phoenix, AZ, known

as the AZ FMA Friendship Gathering. There was supposed to be
a sparring session at the end of the
event but I cancelled it due to a
somewhat low number of interested participants. Simon, the owner
and operator of www.eskrimakaliarnis.com and eBay store Sticks
and Buddhas had supplied some
padded sticks, his Hataw line,
for the sparring session. Since we
did not spar during the Gathering,
a friend of mine and I spent three
hours after the event testing out the
performance and durability of the
sticks. Although I am not much of
a writer and I have never reviewed
any product before, I thought I
would give my opinion on Simons
Hataw sticks.

From what I can tell, the
Hataw sticks are an improvement over his original padded
sticks. Both versions have a padded tumalin rattan core covered
with a tough, canvas-like lining.
I think the improvements are in
the stitching of the lining and
the addition of a handle on the
Hataw version. The original padded sticks are available in red and
blue. At the time of this writing,
the Hataw sticks are available in
black only but I believe Simon is
currently working with suppliers
to make them available in red and
blue as well. I am sure there are
those who would like to have at
38

least some kind of choice; however, the availability of different

colors is not relevant to me, as I
prefer the black color.

The sticks are 28 (71cm)
in overall length and just over
1 in diameter. The handle is
5 long, just over 1 in diameter
and is made of a hard rubber
with small bumps and larger oval
bumps to aid with grip (See 1a &
1b). Simon can make the sticks in
1a. 5 Handle with small bumps and
ovals for grip

One of my first concerns
was that the sticks, at slightly over
7 oz (200 g) each, are a little on
the light side. However, I have
been using Bahi sticks (also from
Simon) during practice and swinging a steel bar for solo drills for the
past couple of years so that may be
an affecting factor. What I found
during training is that the weight is
actually ideal. New and younger
practitioners can swing fully and
still keep good form while advanced individuals are free to go
all out without too much fear of
injury. We actually used no protective gear at all during our session
and experienced no problems.

Another concern I had during training was the strength of the
stitching and overall construction
(See 2a-2c).
2a. Stitch line along stick length

1b. Handle is just over 1 in diameter

different lengths for custom orders

so those who prefer something a
little longer or shorter have that
option. The handle is long enough
to accommodate most hand sizes
but some practitioners may find it
to be too short, as it does not allow for a punyo. I do not think the
handle material is soft enough for
allow for safe punyo hits without
additional protection. This is a minor detail and not a deal breaker
for me at all.

2b. Close-up of stitch line in 2a

2c. Stitching

at the tip

We were swinging the sticks hard,

not just against each other but also
against plain rattan and an oak
training sword. One spot that I was
worried with the most was the area
where the handle and the canvas
lining attach. I found myself stop-

ping frequently during training, almost every 10 minutes, to check for

tears or broken stitches. To my surprise, I found nothing. In all honesty,
we were not trying to find the breaking point for the sticks. We were using them as we would in regular training and the sticks held up well.

Before receiving these sticks, I had read about how they have the
tendency to bend before they will break and even watched a video that
tested them. I already know that flexible sticks tend to last longer than
those that are rigid. Still, I was skeptical about the design and wondered
how often I would have to stop practice and straighten the stick. Turns
out that this was not much of a problem at all, we ended up stopping and
straightening only three times in the three hours we practiced. Straightening them was easy to do by hand or over a knee or thigh. These sticks
can flex, a lot, but they are not whippy and do not stay completely
bent (See 3a & 3b). The annoyance level of having to straighten the
sticks was comparable to having to stop practice to wipe the sweat off
the hands, which I tend to do without much thought at all, so again, not a
deal breaker.

3a. Purposefully bending

the stick

3b. The stick after letting go in 3a

In summary, although I had many doubts as to how well these Hataw sticks would perform I can honestly say that I like them a lot. The quality of construction, durability and performance were above my original
expectations. Factor in that these sticks sell for only $33.98 a pair (plus shipping) and they are a tremendous
value as well. Simon also offers wholesale discounts for bulk and school orders for additional savings or extra
income for resellers. I say get a pair and try them yourself. The worst thing that can happen is that you get to
beat someone up without the negative effects!
Michael Butz is an Arizona-based instructor of the Fierce Tigers Martial Arts Association,
headquartered in Salinas CA. He is also the Arizona state representative of the Buffalo Black
Brotherhood, based in Stockton, CA. He has been training in the martial arts since 1980. He
holds instructor levels in Tang Soo Do, Eskrima and three forms of QiGong and has experience in Wado Ryu Karate, Olympic-style Tae Kwon Do, Shorinji Kempo, Muay Thai, Aikido
and Southern Shaolin Tiger/Crane Fist Kung Fu. He currently teaches Kada Anan Eskrima
out of his home in Phoenix, AZ and is the weapons curriculum/Eskrima instructor at the
Blended Arts Dojo in Surprise, AZ. For more information, go to www.ftma-az.com.

39

Filipino Martial Arts: The Core Basics, Structure & Essentials by Dan Anderson
Book Review By Barry McConnell

Thousands of books have been published on how to
punch, kick, block and throw your opponent. In 1981 the release of American Freestyle Karate: A Guide to Sparring broke
new ground. Here was a book about concepts and principles,
not just mechanics. Every serious martial artist Ive ever met
has a worn, dog-eared copy of this book on his shelf. It was
the undisputed best book ever written on the subject of core
martial art concepts. Until now.

The newly released Filipino Martial Arts: The Core Basics, Structure & Essentials addresses the need for a book that
explains fundamental ideas in a way that both the beginning
student and the experienced teacher can use. Although written for the Filipino martial arts (FMA), this book transcends
systems and styles and goes to the heart of what makes martial
arts work. A quick glance at some of the topics covered: Monitoring, Structure, Timing, Alignment, Movement, Leveraging,
Ambidexterity, and Spontaneity; tells you theres something
different going on here. These are not the province of Filipino
martial arts alone, these are Universal concepts. These are
topics to be studied again and again, gleaning deeper insight every time you do. This book gives you a path to
follow.

This is a big book at 328 pages. It contains literally over 2,600 photos demonstrating in detail each
concept or idea Dan is trying to get across. If it stopped there, this would still be a tremendous tool. But Dan has
included two DVDs with 3 hours of video footage to go along with the book. Every concept you see in the
still pictures you also see in live action video. This gives you the best of both worlds; a detailed photograph you
can use to compare your own posture to, and the action video to see how a sequence flows. Dan has raised the
bar on what to expect from a martial arts book in future.
If youre looking for a book on Filipino martial arts techniques or a training curriculum this is not the book.
This book is for the Filipino martial arts practitioner who wants to understand the core principles behind the
techniques. For example, in talking about leveraging, Dan shows disarming techniques for each of the 12
standard angles of attack. The particular disarming techniques shown are there to illustrate ways of creating or
increasing leverage and act as a platform for understanding where leverage comes from and how to best use
it. Certainly, any Filipino martial arts practitioner will improve their disarming ability but this book will not
contain an encyclopedia of disarms. Just like an onion, this book opens the reader to layer upon layer of understanding as you explore the concepts and apply them to your own practice. That understanding is what makes
this book transcend just Filipino martial arts. The material on structure and alignment will make you a better
Karateka, Hapkidoin, Kenpoist or Kung Fu stylist every bit as well as making you a better Arnisador.
Professor Presas was well known for describing Modern Arnis as The Art Within Your Art. What Dan has
done is show you exactly what he meant. This book belongs in the critical essentials library of every martial artist.
Filipino Martial Arts: The Core Basics, Structure & Essentials
(Book & DVD set) Price: $74.95 for the set
Information on International Ordering, Click Here

40

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