– Hosted by EFA , Chiapas Mexico. May 2025

KALI ILUSTRISIMO & LAMECO ESKRIMA SOG
with INSTRUCTORS ARIEL FLORES MOSSES,
ARNOLD NARZO & DINO FLORES

Presented by:
ESKRIMADOR DNA, COMBAT FMA
KAPISANANG MANDIRIGMA
& TEN TIGERS MARTIAL ARTS
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Location: Ten Tigers Martial Arts
6985 W. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas , NV 89117
Date: Thursday, June 27th, 2024• Time: 5PM – 8:30PM
Contact: Guro Ariel – (702) 533-9688
Donation: $115.00
Email: combatfma@yahoo.com

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS:

Guro Arnold Narzo:
Guro Arnold Narzo was born on June 22, 1970 in Manila, Philippines. He started his arnis training with the legendary Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo in 1993. Kalis Ilustrisimo has long been regarded as one of the most efficient and effective system of Filipino Martial Arts. After the death of Tatang, he continued his extensive training with the late Master Tony Diego along with other senior Kalis Ilustrisimo students.
Master Tony Diego designated Guro Arnold Narzo as the Chief Instructor of Kalis Ilustrisimo Repeticion Orihinal (KIRO) base in the fame Luneta Park in Manila. Arnold Narzo has experience in both tournament fighting and coaching. He was named one of the top 10 Filipino Martial Artists during the 1st Philippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame held in Manila, Philippines.
- https://www.facebook.com/arnold.narzo

Guro Ariel Flores Mosses:
Guro Ariel trained directly with Punong Guro Edgar Sulite. He originally was accepted into the “Lameco Backyard Group”, however when he left L.A. for Washington State he became the State Representative for Washington establishing a school which is still run by his students Guros John and Dale.
Guro Ariel first taught Kali Ilustrisimo by Punong Guro Edgar Sulite. Guro Ariel was authorized to teach Kali Ilustrisimo by Master Christopher Ricketts and is the original Nevada and Washington State Representative. Guro Ariel is a founding member of Lameco Eskrima SOG / Kapisanang Mandirigma. He is the head instructor of Combat FMA.
- https://www.facebook.com/MasterArielF.Mosses

Guro Dino Flores:
Guro Dino is an original member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites “Lameco Backyard Group”. He was one of Punong Guro favorite fighters from the group.
Guro Dino was first taught Kali Ilustrisimo by Punong Guro Edgar Sulite. Guro Dino was authorized to instruct in Kali Ilustrisimo by both Master Christopher Ricketts and Master Tony Diego.
Guro Dino is a founding member of Lameco Eskrima SOG / Kapisanang Mandirigma.
- https://www.facebook.com/Eskrimador1898/

www.combatfma.com • www.mandirigma.org • www.backyardeskrima.com

LAMECO ESKRIMA AND KALI ILUSTRISIMO SEMINAR IN LAS VEGAS. MARCH 30, 2024.

Vegas with Guro Ariel F. Mosses and Guro Dino Flores

- Las Vegas, Nevada. 10/14/23

Vegas with Guro Ariel F. Mosses and Guro Dino Flores

- Las Vegas, Nevada. 10/14/23

https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembering-bud-balani

Remembering Guro Bud Balani

LAMECO ESKRIMA SOG & KALI ILUSTRISIMO SEMINAR

With Guro Ariel Flores Mosses,

Guro Brandon Ricketts & Guro Dino Flores

Presented by Eskrimador DNA, Combat FMA, Kapisanang Mandirigma & Ten Tigers Martial Arts.

Date: August 14th, 2022.

Time: 11 AM to 4 PM.

Donation: $99. $125 after July 24th, 2022.

Location: Ten Tigers Martial Arts. 6985 W. Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89117.

Contact: Guro Ariel – Cell: (702) 533-9688 • Email: CombatFMA@yahoo.com.

MORE SEMINAR INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:

Guro Ariel:

http://www.combatfma.com

https://www.facebook.com/CombatfmaLV

https://twitter.com/CombatFMA

YouTube Channel-Combat FMA

https://www.instagram.com/combatfmalv/

Guro Brandon Ricketts:

https://www.facebook.com/rickettsfma

Guro Dino:

http://mandirigma.org/?p=122

Lameco Eskrima SOG

Spain & Germany

Presents

LAMECO ESKRIMA SOG – ZOOM SEMINAR

With Guro Ariel Flores Mosses,

Guro Bong Hebia & Guro Dino Flores

DATE AND TIME:

USA (West Coast Time) -

Sunday, May 22nd, 2022 – 8 AM to 12 PM .

(Streamed Live from Los Angeles, Californa).

Madrid Time (Central European Time) -

Sunday, May 22nd, 2022 – 5 PM till 9 PM .

(+9 Hours Ahead of  US West Coast Time).

REGISTRATION ONLY:

Apprentice Guro Tim Fredianelli – Event Host

Email – Fredianellibruno@gmail.com

$60.00 USD Per Person Prepaid.

$75 Per Person after April 30th, 2022.

MORE SEMINAR INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:

Guro Ariel:

http://www.combatfma.com

https://www.facebook.com/CombatfmaLV

https://twitter.com/CombatFMA

YouTube Channel-Combat FMA

https://www.instagram.com/combatfmalv/

Guro Bong Hebia:

http://backyardeskrima.com/?cat=76

Guro Dino:

http://mandirigma.org/?p=122

EUROPEAN SEMINAR SPONSORS:

Apprentice Guro Tim Fredianelli  – Spain Representative

Apprentice Guro Christof Froehlich – Germany Representative

More Information at:

http://mandirigma.org/

http://backyardeskrima.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Eskrimador1898/

https://www.youtube.com/user/MandirigmaOrg

https://vimeo.com/mandirigma

https://www.instagram.com/lameco_sog_eskrima/

——

https://mandirigma.org/?p=3931

Lameco Eskrima& Kali Ilustrisimo Europe Presents

Online Zoom Seminar with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores

ZOOM SEMINAR NEW DATE & TIMES!

USA West Coast Time: Saturday, January 29th, 2022 – 8 AM to 12 PM – (Streamed Live from Los Angeles, California).

Madrid Time (Central European Time):  Saturday, January 29th, 2022 – 5 PM till 9 PM  (+9 Hours Ahead of  US West Coast Time).

OTHER TIME ZONES

Mexico City Time:  Saturday, January 29th, 2022 – 10 AM till 2 PM – (+2 Hours Ahead of  US West Coast Time).

Singapore Time:  Sunday, January 30th, 2022 -  12 AM to 4 AM – (+16 Hours of Ahead of  US West Coast Time).

Melbourne Time: Sunday, January 30th, 2022 -  3 AM to 7 AM – (+19 Hours of Ahead of  US West Coast Time).

(Please inform us ASAP if you see any errors in the time/date calculations)

—

$30 Per Person

This one time special low price for the seminar is usually reserved for Kapisanang Mandirigma Spain and Germany members only. However to launch our first European Public Zoom Seminar the discount will be extended to all.

$50 – if paid after January 10th, 2022.

—

REGISTRATION:

Apprentice Guro Tim Fredianelli – Spain Representative – Event Host and Sponsor  – fredianellibruno@gmail.com

—

MORE INSTRUCTOR INFO:

Guro Ariel: http://www.combatfma.com

https://www.facebook.com/CombatfmaLV

https://twitter.com/CombatFMA

YouTube Channel-Combat FMA

https://www.instagram.com/combatfmalv/

Guro Dino: http://mandirigma.org/?p=122

More Information at:

http://mandirigma.org/

http://backyardeskrima.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Eskrimador1898/

https://www.youtube.com/user/MandirigmaOrg

https://vimeo.com/mandirigma

https://www.instagram.com/lameco_sog_eskrima/

—

MORE SEMINAR INFO:

https://mandirigma.org/?p=3915

Lameco Eskrima / Kali Ilustrisimo Seminar.

with Guro Ariel F. Mosses and Guro Dino Flores

Sunday, September 12th, 2021.

https://www.instagram.com/lameco_sog_eskrima/

Lameco Eskrima / Kali Ilustrisimo Seminar.

with Guro Ariel F. Mosses and Guro Dino Flores

Sunday, September 12th, 2021.

Lameco Eskrima / Kali Ilustrisimo Seminar.

Lameco Eskrima / Kali Ilustrisimo Seminar.
Saturday, June 19th, 2021.
Ten Tigers Martial Arts, Las Vegas, Nevada.

https://mandirigma.org/?p=3892

Payments: Combat FMA Paypal – CombatFMA@yahoo.com

More Instructor Information:
Guro Ariel: https://ariel-mosses.squarespace.com/about-ariel-f-mosses
Guro Dino: http://mandirigma.org/?p=122
More Information at:
http://mandirigma.org/
http://backyardeskrima.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Eskrimador1898/
https://www.youtube.com/user/MandirigmaOrg
https://vimeo.com/mandirigma

with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores.

Las Vegas, Nevada. March 27th, 2021.

Ten Tigers Martial Arts, Las Vegas, Nevada.

with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores.

Las Vegas, Nevada. November 22nd, 2020.

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores. Las Vegas, Nevada. April 4th, 2020.

Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Dino Flores will be doing a seminar in Las Vegas November 22nd, 2020. It will be held at the Lohan School of Shaolin. 3850 Schiff Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89103.

Strictly No Video Recording. Photos OK.

Payments: Combat FMA Paypal – CombatFMA@yahoo.com

More Instructor Information:

Guro Ariel: https://ariel-mosses.squarespace.com/about-ariel-f-mosses

Guro Dino: http://mandirigma.org/?p=122

More Information at:

http://mandirigma.org/

http://backyardeskrima.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Eskrimador1898/

https://www.youtube.com/user/MandirigmaOrg

https://vimeo.com/mandirig

with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores

Las Vegas, Nevada. October 11th, 2020.

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores.

Las Vegas, Nevada. July 26th, 2020.

Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Dino Flores will be doing a seminar in Las Vegas April 4th, 2020. It will be held at – Ten Tigers Martial Arts, 6985 Sahara Ave., Las Vegas, Nevada.

Strictly No Video Recording. Photos OK.

Payments: Combat FMA Paypal – CombatFMA@yahoo.com

More Instructor Information:

Guro Ariel: https://ariel-mosses.squarespace.com/about-ariel-f-mosses

Guro Dino: http://mandirigma.org/?p=122

More Information at:

http://mandirigma.org/

http://backyardeskrima.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Eskrimador1898/

https://www.youtube.com/user/MandirigmaOrg

https://vimeo.com/mandirig

 About Guro Ariel:

Traditional Arts for a Modern World!Master Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under the watchful eyes and close supervision of three legendary Grandmasters: Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois, the late Grandmaster Christopher “Topher” Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo, and the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, founder of Lameco Eskrima International.Master Ariel F. Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. Master Mosses holds an 8th degree black belt in Kali Jukune Do, as well as an 8th level Master Instructor in Manaois Eskrima.He is an authorized Senior Instructor in Lameco S.O.G., and an authorized Senior Instructor in Kali Ilustrisimo C.N.R. Master Mosses is enshrined in the Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and is a proud member of Kapisanang Mandirigma, a Federation of warriors from different disciplines of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines.Master Mosses is a certified Nevada CCW instructor.Trained by LEGENDS of Filipino CombatThe Filipino Warrior Tradition is founded upon honoring and preserving the knowledge passed on though our teachers. Each generation of students should seek to maintain the virtues and the original intent of his teachers’ systems of combat. These are the teachers and friends who have directly trained Master Mosses.Grand Master Conrad A. ManaoisGrand Master Christopher “Topher” RickettsPunong Guro Edgar G. Sulite

Close Ties: Family, Honor, TraditionMaster Mosses has close ties with the influential trainers and practitioners in FMA today. This close knit group forms a small community, frequently training together to keep the tradition ALIVE, VIBRANT, and TRUE to its roots.

Master Mosses’s cousin, Guro Dino Flores, shares in this long history of training and sparring together.They began their formal training in the 1980′s with Grandmaster Henry Bio, of Sikaran Arnis. Both Master Mosses and Guro Flores also trained in the NINOY CINCO TEROS Arnis style with Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois.Each also trained directly with Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite. Guro Dino was accepted as an initial member of Sulite’s newly formed BACKYARD GROUP, AKA The Sulite Oriehenal Group (S.O.G.) into which Master Mosses became an honorary member.Master Mosses soon relocated to Washington State, where Punong Guro Sulite made Master Mosses his head representative for the state. Over the years, Punong Guro spent many weeks at Master Mosses’s home where he PERSONALLY trained Master Mosses. He became Master Mosses’s close friend and mentor. Today, Master Mosses continues to teach his beloved instructor’s Lameco Eskrima in its pure form. Guro Flores and Master Mosses also trained for many years under Grand Master Christopher N. “Topher” Ricketts until his passing in 2010.

About Guro Dino:

Guro Dino trained for many years with Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois in Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis and Master Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis in the 1980′s along with his cousins Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores. In the early 1990′s he was accepted as an initial member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites’ newly forming Backyard Group AKA the Sulite Oriehenal Group

At the recommendation of Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Dino first visited Master Christopher Ricketts in the Philippines in 1995 and was introduced to his perspective on the Warrior Arts.  Since the passing of Punong Guro Sulite,  he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts, who gave Guro Dino permission to teach his method before his passing. Guro Dino was the Lameco representative for Master Ricketts and a member of Bakbakan Philippines sponsored by Master Ricketts. Guro Dino continues his training in Master Ricketts method of training with his two sons, the young Masters Bruce and Guro Brandon Ricketts. Masters Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts are now officially the head of the late Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts “Ilustrisimo” organization which strives to preserve the purity of the art.

Guro Dino additionally had good fortune to experience training in Kali Ilustrisimo with Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster Yuli Romo and Grandmaster Tony Diego. He also trained in Kali Ilustrisimo with one of his training partners and fellow Lameco Backyard member Guro Hans Tan, who was certified to teach Kali Ilustrsimo under Master Tony Diego.Additionally Guro Dino trained privately for several years in California and the Philippines with Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO.

Guro Dino also cites the importance of his training partners in Lameco SOG and Kapisanang Mandirigma in his growth. After the passing of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, certain members of the Lameco Backyard group reformed also became know as Kapisanang Mandirigma. The group regularly continued  training, sparring, experimenting and seeking the deeper roots of their chosen arts. This group includes Guros Joel Adriatico, Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr., Mar Elepaño, Choy Flores, Arnold Noche, Gary Quan, Hans Anton Tan and Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (RIP). With frequent visits by Guro Lowell Pueblos, Guro Bong Hebia and honorary member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses.

Seminar: Lameco SOG Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores. Las Vegas, Nevada. April 4th, 2020.

Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Dino Flores will be doing a seminar in Las Vegas April 4th, 2020. It will be held at the Lohan School of Shaolin. 3850 Schiff Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89103.

Strictly No Video Recording. Photos OK.

Payments: Combat FMA Paypal – CombatFMA@yahoo.com

More Instructor Information:

Guro Ariel: https://ariel-mosses.squarespace.com/about-ariel-f-mosses

Guro Dino: http://mandirigma.org/?p=122

More Information at:

http://mandirigma.org/

http://backyardeskrima.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Eskrimador1898/

https://www.youtube.com/user/MandirigmaOrg

https://vimeo.com/mandirig

Las Vegas Eskrima Seminar, December 7th, 2019. Oido de Caburata, Tapado Arnis ,Lapu Lapu Vinas Arnis Afficionado, Backyard Lameco Eskrima, Kali Ilustrisimo

Master Joe Tan, Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Dino Flores will be doing a seminar in Las Vegas December 7th. It will be held at the Lohan School of Shaolin.3850 Schiff Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89103.

Time: 10:00 am to 3:30 pm.

Donation: $99 at the door.$79 if paid before November 30th, 2019. T

his will be an action packed seminar. Master Joe will share his Oido de Caburata, Tapado Arnis and Lapu Lapu Vinas Arnis Afficionado. Guro Ariel and Dino will share hardcore Backyard Lameco Eskrima and Combative Kali Ilustrisimo. Don’t Miss Out!

Strictly No Video Recording. Photos OK.

Payments: Combat FMA Paypal – CombatFMA@yahoo.com

Bring own helmet, hand and forearm armor, padded knife and sticks, eye protection if you want to train at a higher level or if you are in the Lameco Fundamentals Program and you want to get some sparring rounds logged in.

More Instructor Information: Master Joe Tan https://www.mastertapadoarnis.com/history.html http://mandirigma.org/?p=1616 Guro Ariel: https://ariel-mosses.squarespace.com/about-ariel-f-mosses Guro Dino: http://mandirigma.org/?p=122

More Information at: http://mandirigma.org/ http://backyardeskrima.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Eskrimador1898/ https://www.youtube.com/user/MandirigmaOrg https://vimeo.com/mandirigma

GM Manaois Fund for burial expenses: https://www.facebook.com/donate/193541891562439/193542068229088/

Rest In Peace Grandmaster Conrad Aquino Manaois

It is with my deepest sympathy to Tess, Kim and the Manaois family that we have lost such a great man, Grand Master Conrad Aquino Manaois. Manaois Eskrima International (MSI) which was established in 1979 will never be the same without him. GM Manaois has been in and out of the hospital this year due to diabetes and has been receiving dialysis treatment for his kidney complications. He passed early this morning (June 9th)  at 0255 at Glendale Memorial. I will have more information regarding services which will be held Wednesday June 19th, 2019. Our prayers and thoughts go out to all who new and loved him. I will miss you dearly my Grand Master with all of my heart.

You are in Gods Hands, Ariel Flores Mosses.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2335491730105943&set=a.2028552274133225&type=3&theater

—–

Rest In Peace Grandmaster Conrad Manaois.

A teacher to several members of Mandirigma.org  in Cinco Teros Arnis and Manois Eskrima from the late 1980s to early 1990s. Many of the Lameco Backyard Group first met at his school in Hollywood where the doors were always open to us. You will be missed Grandmaster.

GM Manaois has been in and out of the hospital this year due to diabetes and has been receiving dialysis treatment for his kidney complications. He passed the morning of June 9th – 0255 A.M. at Glendale Memorial Hospital. Services will be held Wednesday June 19th, 2019.

Warrior Arts of the Philippines

Arnis Camp – Las Vegas, USA

LAMECO ESKRIMA and KALI ILUSTRISIMO

Saturday, August 24 & Sunday August 25 , 2019

Featuring Guro’s Bong Hebia, Ariel Flores Mosses & Dino Flores.

Don’t miss this opportunity to train with World Class Eskrimadors!

Date: Saturday, August 24, 2019.

Location: Lohan School of Shaolin

Las Vegas Chinatown, Nevada.

Registration: 9am

Event Time: 10am – 5pm

Date: Sunday, August 25, 2019.

Location: Lohan School of Shaolin

Las Vegas Chinatown, Nevada.

Event Time: 10am – 5pm

Contact: Guro Ariel – (702) 533-9688

Email: combatfma@yahoo.com

Seminar Fees:

2 Days Seminar

Prepaid – $125 • At the door – $175

1 Day Seminar

Prepaid – $95 • At the door – $130

Prepaid special ends July 1st, 2019

——-

Additional Workshops:

Date: Monday, August 26th

Subject: Sparring Workshop & Coaching.

Sparring qualifies towards ranking requirements.

Location: TBD

Event Time: 10am – 2:30pm

Fee: $50

*Please bring own Padded Weapons, Helmet, Gloves and Armor.

Date: Tuesday, August 27th

Subject: Combat FMA – Firearm Basics.

Fundamentals of Shooting. Includes Live Fire.

Location: Green Valley Range

Event Time: 10am – 2:30pm

Fee: $75 – Includes Workshop, firearm, ammo & range time.

Date: Wednesday, August 28th

Subject: Lameco Eskrima Fundamentals and Foundations.

For students interested in Essential Lameco or ranking.

Location: Ten Tigers Martial Arts

Event Time: 10am – 2:30pm

Fee: $50

—

Strictly No Video Recording. Photos OK.

Payments: Combat FMA Paypal – CombatFMA@yahoo.com

Bring your own Sparring Gear if you want

to participate in Sparring. Bring own helmet, hand and

forearm armor, padded knife and sticks, eye protection.

Gear available at www.LamecoEskrimaIntl.com.

Some gear will be available at event. Sparring Sunday & Monday.

——

www.combatfma.com • www.mandirigma.org • www.backyardeskrima.com

Presented by:

TEN TIGERS MARTIAL ARTS,

LOHAN SCHOOL OF SHAOLIN,

GREEN VALLEY RANGE,

ESKRIMADOR DNA, COMBAT FMA &

KAPISANANG MANDIRIGMA

—

http://tentigersmartialarts.com

https://www.lvlohans.org

https://www.greenvalleyrange.com

For more Information,

Contact Guro Ariel Flores Mosses:

https://ariel-mosses.squarespace.com/contact-us/

(702) 533-9688

Chiapas Mexico. November 2, 3, 4 – 2018.

https://www.facebook.com/EFAchiapas

Prepárate!!
CAMPAMENTO INTERNACIONAL
LAMECO ESKRIMA.
Noviembre 2018.

Efectividad en este enorme legado!
Además KALI ILUSTRISIMO!
Chiapas, México.

Tres Guros herederos de LAMECO ESKRIMA, el legado de Punong Guro Edgar Sulite de nuevo en México!

Para mayor información ve el Cartel con quienes comunicarte y en EFA.

Comunícate

European Tour August 2018

with Guro Dino Flores

More information about Guro Dino:

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

About Guro Dino:

Guro Dino trained for many years with Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois in Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis and Master Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis in the 1980′s along with his cousins Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores. In the early 1990′s he was accepted as an initial member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites’ newly forming Backyard Group AKA the Sulite Oriehenal Group

At the recommendation of Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Dino first visited Master Christopher Ricketts in the Philippines in 1995 and was introduced to his perspective on the Warrior Arts.  Since the passing of Punong Guro Sulite,  he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts, who gave Guro Dino permission to teach his method before his passing. Guro Dino was the Lameco representative for Master Ricketts and a member of Bakbakan Philippines sponsored by Master Ricketts. Guro Dino continues his training in Master Ricketts method of training with his two sons, the young Masters Bruce and Guro Brandon Ricketts. Masters Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts are now officially the head of the late Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts “Ilustrisimo” organization which strives to preserve the purity of the art.

Guro Dino additionally had good fortune to experience training in Kali Ilustrisimo with Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster Yuli Romo and Grandmaster Tony Diego. He also trained in Kali Ilustrisimo with one of his training partners and fellow Lameco Backyard member Guro Hans Tan, who was certified to teach Kali Ilustrsimo under Master Tony Diego.Additionally Guro Dino trained privately for several years in California and the Philippines with Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO.

Guro Dino also cites the importance of his training partners in Lameco SOG and Kapisanang Mandirigma in his growth. After the passing of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, certain members of the Lameco Backyard group reformed also became know as Kapisanang Mandirigma. The group regularly continued  training, sparring, experimenting and seeking the deeper roots of their chosen arts. This group includes Guros Joel Adriatico, Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr., Mar Elepaño, Choy Flores, Arnold Noche, Gary Quan, Hans Anton Tan and Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (RIP). With frequent visits by Guro Lowell Pueblos, Guro Bong Hebia and honorary member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses.

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

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

Tim Fredianelli: fredianellibruno@gmail.com

Las Vegas, Nevada. May 26th, 2018.

About Guro Ariel:

Traditional Arts for a Modern World!Master Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under the watchful eyes and close supervision of three legendary Grandmasters: Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois, the late Grandmaster Christopher “Topher” Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo, and the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, founder of Lameco Eskrima International.Master Ariel F. Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. Master Mosses holds an 8th degree black belt in Kali Jukune Do, as well as an 8th level Master Instructor in Manaois Eskrima.He is an authorized Senior Instructor in Lameco S.O.G., and an authorized Senior Instructor in Kali Ilustrisimo C.N.R. Master Mosses is enshrined in the Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and is a proud member of Kapisanang Mandirigma, a Federation of warriors from different disciplines of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines.Master Mosses is a certified Nevada CCW instructor.Trained by LEGENDS of Filipino CombatThe Filipino Warrior Tradition is founded upon honoring and preserving the knowledge passed on though our teachers. Each generation of students should seek to maintain the virtues and the original intent of his teachers’ systems of combat. These are the teachers and friends who have directly trained Master Mosses.Grand Master Conrad A. ManaoisGrand Master Christopher “Topher” RickettsPunong Guro Edgar G. Sulite

Close Ties: Family, Honor, TraditionMaster Mosses has close ties with the influential trainers and practitioners in FMA today. This close knit group forms a small community, frequently training together to keep the tradition ALIVE, VIBRANT, and TRUE to its roots.

Master Mosses’s cousin, Guro Dino Flores, shares in this long history of training and sparring together.They began their formal training in the 1980′s with Grandmaster Henry Bio, of Sikaran Arnis. Both Master Mosses and Guro Flores also trained in the NINOY CINCO TEROS Arnis style with Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois.Each also trained directly with Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite. Guro Dino was accepted as an initial member of Sulite’s newly formed BACKYARD GROUP, AKA The Sulite Oriehenal Group (S.O.G.) into which Master Mosses became an honorary member.Master Mosses soon relocated to Washington State, where Punong Guro Sulite made Master Mosses his head representative for the state. Over the years, Punong Guro spent many weeks at Master Mosses’s home where he PERSONALLY trained Master Mosses. He became Master Mosses’s close friend and mentor. Today, Master Mosses continues to teach his beloved instructor’s Lameco Eskrima in its pure form.Guro Flores and Master Mosses also trained for many years under Grand Master Christopher N. “Topher” Ricketts until his passing in 2010.

https://ariel-mosses.squarespace.com

About Guro Dino:

Guro Dino trained for many years with Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois in Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis and Master Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis in the 1980′s along with his cousins Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores. In the early 1990′s he was accepted as an initial member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites’ newly forming Backyard Group AKA the Sulite Oriehenal Group

At the recommendation of Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Dino first visited Master Christopher Ricketts in the Philippines in 1995 and was introduced to his perspective on the Warrior Arts.  Since the passing of Punong Guro Sulite,  he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts, who gave Guro Dino permission to teach his method before his passing. Guro Dino was the Lameco representative for Master Ricketts and a member of Bakbakan Philippines sponsored by Master Ricketts. Guro Dino continues his training in Master Ricketts method of training with his two sons, the young Masters Bruce and Guro Brandon Ricketts. Masters Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts are now officially the head of the late Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts “Ilustrisimo” organization which strives to preserve the purity of the art.

Guro Dino additionally had good fortune to experience training in Kali Ilustrisimo with Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster Yuli Romo and Grandmaster Tony Diego. He also trained in Kali Ilustrisimo with one of his training partners and fellow Lameco Backyard member Guro Hans Tan, who was certified to teach Kali Ilustrsimo under Master Tony Diego.Additionally Guro Dino trained privately for several years in California and the Philippines with Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO.

Guro Dino also cites the importance of his training partners in Lameco SOG and Kapisanang Mandirigma in his growth. After the passing of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, certain members of the Lameco Backyard group reformed also became know as Kapisanang Mandirigma. The group regularly continued  training, sparring, experimenting and seeking the deeper roots of their chosen arts. This group includes Guros Joel Adriatico, Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr., Mar Elepaño, Choy Flores, Arnold Noche, Gary Quan, Hans Anton Tan and Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (RIP). With frequent visits by Guro Lowell Pueblos, Guro Bong Hebia and honorary member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses.

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

COMBATIVES AND SELF-DEFENSE SEMINAR

MAY 19, 2018 12:00PM-7PM

Guro Roger Agbulos
Guro Dino Flores
Guro Ariel Flores
GM Conrad Manaois

For the first time ever, four seasoned Martial Arts Instructors joined forces to present the best in COMBATIVES and SELF-DEFENSE!
This event will feature LAMECO, KALI ILUSTRISIMO, COMBAT FMA and MANAOIS SYSTEMS. Certificates will be provided to all attendees at the conclusion of the event. Free Parking!

Please bring goggles/eye protector, gym gloves or hockey gloves.
Optional: sticks, knife and long blade trainers. These will be provided on a first come first serve bases at the event.

SEMINAR FEE:
$45/person – advance payment on or before May 5th, 2018.
$55/person – advance payment by May 18th, 2018.
$65/person – at the door.
PayPal Account: geerow@hotmail.com or check. Call Bob for more info.at Tel: (818) 357-0440.

**** GROUP RATES AVAILABLE ****

Venue:
ENERGIX MARTIAL ARTS & FITNESS
20812 Lassen Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311
Tel: 818-773-1747
Lameco Astig – Kali – Ilustrisimo – MSI
Guro Roger Agbulos, Master Ariel F
Mosses, Guro Dino Flores, Grandmaster Conrad Manaois

https://www.facebook.com/events/1779839095371633/

About Guro Ariel:

Traditional Arts for a Modern World!Master Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under the watchful eyes and close supervision of three legendary Grandmasters: Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois, the late Grandmaster Christopher “Topher” Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo, and the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, founder of Lameco Eskrima International.Master Ariel F. Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. Master Mosses holds an 8th degree black belt in Kali Jukune Do, as well as an 8th level Master Instructor in Manaois Eskrima.He is an authorized Senior Instructor in Lameco S.O.G., and an authorized Senior Instructor in Kali Ilustrisimo C.N.R. Master Mosses is enshrined in the Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame, and is a proud member of Kapisanang Mandirigma, a Federation of warriors from different disciplines of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines.Master Mosses is a certified Nevada CCW instructor.Trained by LEGENDS of Filipino CombatThe Filipino Warrior Tradition is founded upon honoring and preserving the knowledge passed on though our teachers. Each generation of students should seek to maintain the virtues and the original intent of his teachers’ systems of combat. These are the teachers and friends who have directly trained Master Mosses.Grand Master Conrad A. ManaoisGrand Master Christopher “Topher” RickettsPunong Guro Edgar G. Sulite

Close Ties: Family, Honor, TraditionMaster Mosses has close ties with the influential trainers and practitioners in FMA today. This close knit group forms a small community, frequently training together to keep the tradition ALIVE, VIBRANT, and TRUE to its roots.

Master Mosses’s cousin, Guro Dino Flores, shares in this long history of training and sparring together.They began their formal training in the 1980′s with Grandmaster Henry Bio, of Sikaran Arnis. Both Master Mosses and Guro Flores also trained in the NINOY CINCO TEROS Arnis style with Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois.Each also trained directly with Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite. Guro Dino was accepted as an initial member of Sulite’s newly formed BACKYARD GROUP, AKA The Sulite Oriehenal Group (S.O.G.) into which Master Mosses became an honorary member.Master Mosses soon relocated to Washington State, where Punong Guro Sulite made Master Mosses his head representative for the state. Over the years, Punong Guro spent many weeks at Master Mosses’s home where he PERSONALLY trained Master Mosses. He became Master Mosses’s close friend and mentor. Today, Master Mosses continues to teach his beloved instructor’s Lameco Eskrima in its pure form.Guro Flores and Master Mosses also trained for many years under Grand Master Christopher N. “Topher” Ricketts until his passing in 2010.

https://ariel-mosses.squarespace.com

About Guro Dino:

Guro Dino trained for many years with Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois in Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis and Master Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis in the 1980′s along with his cousins Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores. In the early 1990′s he was accepted as an initial member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites’ newly forming Backyard Group AKA the Sulite Oriehenal Group

At the recommendation of Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Dino first visited Master Christopher Ricketts in the Philippines in 1995 and was introduced to his perspective on the Warrior Arts.  Since the passing of Punong Guro Sulite,  he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts, who gave Guro Dino permission to teach his method before his passing. Guro Dino was the Lameco representative for Master Ricketts and a member of Bakbakan Philippines sponsored by Master Ricketts. Guro Dino continues his training in Master Ricketts method of training with his two sons, the young Masters Bruce and Guro Brandon Ricketts. Masters Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts are now officially the head of the late Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts “Ilustrisimo” organization which strives to preserve the purity of the art.

Guro Dino additionally had good fortune to experience training in Kali Ilustrisimo with Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster Yuli Romo and Grandmaster Tony Diego. He also trained in Kali Ilustrisimo with one of his training partners and fellow Lameco Backyard member Guro Hans Tan, who was certified to teach Kali Ilustrsimo under Master Tony Diego.Additionally Guro Dino trained privately for several years in California and the Philippines with Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO.

Guro Dino also cites the importance of his training partners in Lameco SOG and Kapisanang Mandirigma in his growth. After the passing of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, certain members of the Lameco Backyard group reformed also became know as Kapisanang Mandirigma. The group regularly continued  training, sparring, experimenting and seeking the deeper roots of their chosen arts. This group includes Guros Joel Adriatico, Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr., Mar Elepaño, Choy Flores, Arnold Noche, Gary Quan, Hans Anton Tan and Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (RIP). With frequent visits by Guro Lowell Pueblos, Guro Bong Hebia and honorary member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses.

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

https://youtu.be/R0Gvw6NZjH4

https://issuu.com/budoweb/docs/martial_arts_magazine_budo_internat_85ca1bbb4026c7

https://issuu.com/budoweb/docs/martial_20arts_20magazine_20budo_20_bd9e9e848cf9e4/72

https://budointernational.com/en/buscar?controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=guro+dino&submit_search=

———

Budo International Has been a big supporter of Mandirigma.org and associated projects. It has additionally been an early promoter of Lameco Eskrima, Kali Ilustrisimo and the Warrior Arts of the Philippines in general. It is among the favorite Martial Arts publishing companies of Mandirigma.org.

Budo International Publishing Co. is one of the world’s leading publishers in the field of martial arts, with more than 35 years in the industry. Our product catalog:
Instructional Martial Arts, Combat Sports & Self Defense DVDs (PAL and NTSC, more than 600 titles in 5 languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Italian), Videos on Download Books, and Free online monthly Magazine Budo International in 8 language editions (English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese).

https://budointernational.com/en/

The late Punong Guro Edgar Sulite on the cover. The first magazine ever to publish an article about him. First to put him on the cover. Many publications would follow years later, but Budo Publishing  was the first.

Manois Eskrima 40th Anniversary Workshop. Las Vegas, Nevada. November 2017.

http://www.zonadecampeones.com/portal/index.php/selecciona-tu-deporte/artes-marciales/judo-y-jiu-jitsu/1257-guro-dino-flores-impartio-seminario-de-lameco-eskrima-y-kali-ilustrisima

Guro Ariel F. Mosses Seminar hosted by South Jersey Tactical Fighting Arts

Punong Guro Edgar Sulite

September 25, 1957 – April 10, 1997

————

MADRID, SPAIN

Madrid, Spain Group headed by Guro Tim Fredianelli:

Honoring the memory of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite by training in Lameco Arnis in Madrid Spain. Our mode to all Lameco practitioners everywhere! Punong Guro Sulites 20th death anniversary. In Honor of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite we made a special training today. Our respects to our brothers from Lameco everywhere.

——–

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

————-

ZACATEPEC DE HIDALGO, MEXICO

——

PINTO, SPAIN

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

About Grandmaster Nonato “Nene” Gaabucayan

“Standing at 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighting no more that 120 pounds, Venancio “Anciong” Baconwas a very unassuming man. He was a veteran of a great many “death” matches in Cebu. Described by many of his students as lightning fast, Venancio Bacon maneuvered through a fight smoothly while exploiting his opponents’ balance and coordination. He was known to be very surgical with a stick, able to employ varying force to his exact targets throughout his adversary’s body. But, his greatest virtue and asset was his constant desire to innovate and improve his art, diligently discovering techniques through the years, never ceasing in this path. He taught his art to those who desired to learn it.”

At age 16, Nonato “Nene” Gaabucayan was introduced to Venancio “Anciong” Bacon’s BALINTAWAK.

In early 1976, “Nene” Gaabucayan moved to Cebu City from Cagayan de Oro to attend college. He lived in a boarding house owned by “Ben” Marapao in Urgello area. Upon learning that Nene was interested in continuing his Karate training, Dr. Marapao suggested he take up Eskrima. Nene attended one training session, in which he was given a demonstration by Teofilo Velez. He’d never seen anything like it, since then he had always been a loyal student and teacher of BALINTAWAK.

Along with Teofilo Velez, Nene trained with Bobby Taboada, Chito Velez, Monnie Velez, Eddie Velez, Romeo de la Rosa, and Hector Rizzari. Training was hard, and he made a point to be there every day. Like a sponge, everybody poured whatever Balintawak knowledge they had to this very eager 16 year old. In return, he learned from them.

At 18, Nene began teaching his own crop of students in Lapu-Lapu City. He divided his time between his studies at the Philippine Air Force College of Aeronautics and the YMCA in Lapu-Lapu.

After completing his studies in Cebu, Nene returned to Cagayan de Oro. As one of Teofilo Velez’ master instructors, he carried the Gold Chapter of Teovel Balintawak. He continued to teach Balintawak.

In 1987, Nene traveled to Germany and later to Switzerland to teach BALINTAWAK. He stayed in Europe for 3 years, then returned to Cagayan de Oro. Nene has been teaching BALINTAWAK for 35 years.

For more information:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/367399160092901/

Guro Ariel Flores Mosses and Guro Dino Flores.

Las Vegas, Nevada. May 29th, 2016.

Glendale FMA, California. April 9th, 2016.

Seminar: Lameco SOG and Kali  Ilustrisimo

with Guro Dino Flores Guro and Ariel Flores Mosses.

March 17th, 2016. Las Vegas.

El Guro Dino Flores impartirá seminario de Lameco Eskrima

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A self-defense seminar for women is being offered this weekend for a donation to AFAN of $20.

Read more: http://www.fox5vegas.com/Clip/12133192/self-defense-seminar-for-women-being-offered#ixzz3yo7O1jKi

http://www.combatfma.com/

http://www.tentigersmartialarts.com/index.html

Coming this Summer…

Seminar: Don’t Bring a Gun to a Knife Fight! with Guro Ariel Flores Mosses.  Green Valley Range indoor shooting range in Las Vegas, Nevada. July 18th, 2015.

Sometimes you don’t have the option to draw and fire on an attacker, so you have to put on your Jason Bourne goggles. Start to see common household items as lethal weapons. Learn to defend yourself with a magazines, pens, Swiffers®, a wooden leg…whatever happens to be within your grasp when danger strikes!

Don’t Bring a Gun to a Knife Fight! is a 2-hour close-quarters defense class that will have you honing your instincts, boosting your confidence and upping your hand even without drawing your gun. With Master Ariel F. Mosses of CombatFMA as your guide, you will apply the old adage “Necessity is the Mother of jamming a rolled up Newsweek into an No-Goodnik’s eye,” and discover some new truths of your own by wielding objects both blunt and pointy.

Yes, this Saturday, July 18th, you can learn to fight like Jason Bourne. Go check out his pen fight and his magazine fight scenes on Youtube [too graphic for a link here], and then get over and Register Now . Spaces are limited!

See you still standing when the smoke clears!
Copyright © 2015 Green Valley Range, All rights reserved.
Green Valley Range indoor shooting range in Las Vegas, Nevada

Our mailing address is:
Green Valley Range
175 Cassia Way, Henderson, NV
Henderson, NV 89014

More info @ http://combatfma.com/special-events.html

More about Guro Ariel at: http://combatfma.com/about-ariel-f.-mosses.html

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

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

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

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

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

Event Flyer

Aranda – Ricketts / Glendale FMA Gym Banner

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

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

Guro Brandon giving pointers.

Sparring!

Sparring!

Sparring!

Group photo with some of the participants.

Sparring!

Guro Brandon giving pointers

Participants in action.

Participants in action.

Guro Brandon giving pointers.

Guro Johnathan giving pointers.

Contact drilling.

Contact drilling.

Ang Dangal ng Lahi (Pride) is a series of short documentaries about the Warrior Arts of the Philippines commonly known as Eskrima, Arnis and Kali. The focus will be arts and organizations of Bakbakan Philippines, Ilustrisimo and Lameco Eskrima.

Director: Tim Fredianelli
General Consultant: Dino Flores
Distribution: Mandirigma.org
Kapisanang Mandirigma Productions

Release Date: 2015

For more information go to:

http://mandirigma.org/?p=2651

© 2015 Kapisanang Mandirigma Productions, All Rights Reserved.

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

10Am to 2PM

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

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

Contact: mandirigma.org@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Warrior Arts of the Philippines Alliance

Presents for the first time ever in California

Viñas Arnis Seminar

” GM Nonong has been actively Instructing , propagating and spreading this
Legacy FMA art founded by his late father GM Jose Vinas. He is here for
a short visit and practitioners irregardless of styles are encouraged to
attend this rare workshop and experience the different approach with regards
to bolo and knifefighting.”

Master Joe Valencia Tan
Certified Master Instructor
Lapu Lapu Vinas Arnis Afficionado
Certified Master Instructor
Modified Tapado

Viñas Arnis is a complete and original, bladed weapon and empty hand, Filipino Martial Arts system founded in Bacolod City, Philippines in 1932. Lapu Lapu Viñas Arnis Affecionados Assoc. is the oldest documented Filipino Martial Arts system in Negros Occidental, Philippines It was founded in 1932 by the late Grandmaster Jose L. Viñas. The first inheritor of the system is none other than Grandmaster Jose L. Viñas son, Professor Wilson E. “Nonong” Viñas. This system appeared in Punong Guro Sulite’s landmark book “Masters of Kali, Arnis and Eskrima”.

Seminar presented by Master Joe Tan, Kapisanang Mandirigma and the Warrior Arts of the Philipines Alliance. This is an extremely rare opportunity as this was originally going to be invitation only. Don’t miss out!

Date: July 19, 2015 (Sunday) Time: 10AM to 2:00PM.

Location: Glendale FMA, California / Aranda – Ricketts Memorial Gym.

Donation: $35 Prepaid. $50 at the door.

Spectators – $25.

Please bring your own training gear.

No video. No photos without permission.

Contact:

Master Joe Tan – comfortwear@roadrunner.com

Guro Bud Balani – bbalanigrip@gmail.com

Guro Dino Flores – mandirigma.org@gmail.com

For further details go to: http://mandirigma.org/?p=2808

The late Grandmaster Jose L. Viñas.

The late Grandmaster Jose L. Viñas.

Copyright © 2015 Kapisanang Mandirigma. All images, content and layout except those of those by owner.

Los Angeles City Hall to celebrated the 117th Philippine Independence Day or Araw ng Kalayaan. The event was organizes by the Los Angeles Association of City Employees. Kapisanang Mandirigma/Mandirigma.org demonstrated a sample of the Warrior Arts of the Philippines at the event. In particular the Arts of Lameco Eskrima and Kali Ilustrisimo. This is the second time Kapisanang Mandirigma has appeared at L.A. City Hall. The last time was for the official dedication of L.A. Historic Filipinotown in 2002. The first official Filipinotown in the country. Guro Bud Balani and Guro Dino Flores was assisted by Guro Johnathan Balani, Mark Ramos and Daniel Parker. Their performance was after the flag ceremony in the main building forecourt. The Flag c Ceremony consisted of Filipino-American law enforcement officers parading with various flags of the Philippine Revolution. Los Angeles has the largest population of Filipinos outside of the Philippines. Mabuhay Ang Pilipinas!

City of Los Angeles official dedication to the celebration.

The demo team with Master Joe Tan of Modified Tapados/Vinias Eskrima Systems.

Guro Bud Balani, Dr. A.S. Flores, Guro Dino Flores

Demo Team in action headed by Guro Johnathan Balani.

Event program.

Guro Dino and Guro Johnathan demonstrating single sword techniques as Guro Bud narrates.

Filipino-American Law Enforcement Officers parading various flags of the Philippine Revolution.

The Eskrima Demo team.

Guro Bud Balani and Guro Dino Flores.

Filipino-American Law Enforcement Officers parading various flags of the Philippine Revolution.

Los Angeles City Hall and L.A. Sister Cities.

Photos property of Mandirigma.org. Photographer Dr. A.S. Flores.

Photo courtesy of Arnold Noche.

This photo was taken in 1997.  It was at the Dog Brothers Gathering in Hermosa Beach, California. Arnold was in town from NYC.

Some of the people in the photo: Arnold Noche, Dino Flores, Ron Balicki, Diana Inosanto, Sebastian, Al, Perla,  JP, Crafty Dog, Hans Tan, Nick Papadakis, Sung Han, Felix and Dogzilla.

Announcing the upcoming seminar in Honolulu, Hawaii September 13 & 14, 2014. Please check out our exciting new website at www.combatfma.com designed by humaninterestvideoproductions@gmail.com

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Kapisanang Mandirigma Las Vegas Presents presents Guro Dino Flores and Guro Ariel Flores Mosses Seminar in Ilustrisimo & Lameco Eskrima. Las Vegas, Nevada, Saturday, September 20th, 2014

About Guro Ariel:

Guro Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under Filipino Hall of Fame Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois, the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, and Grand Master Christopher Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo. Guro Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. He holds a 7th degree in Kali Jukune Do. Guro Ariel is a member of Kapisanang Mandirigma. He has experience as a professional bodyguard and is a former police officer. Guro Ariel is currently teaching at LV Tactical Training in Las Vegas, Nevada.

About Guro Dino:

Guro Dino trained for many years with Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois in Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis and Master Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis in the 1980′s along with his cousins Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores. In the early 1990′s he was accepted as an initial member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites’ newly forming Backyard Group AKA the Sulite Oriehenal Group

At the recommendation of Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Dino first visited Master Christopher Ricketts in the Philippines in 1995 and was introduced to his perspective on the Warrior Arts.  Since the passing of Punong Guro Sulite,  he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts, who gave Guro Dino permission to teach his method before his passing. Guro Dino was the Lameco representative for Master Ricketts and a member of Bakbakan Philippines sponsored by Master Ricketts. Guro Dino continues his training in Master Ricketts method of training with his two sons, the young Masters Bruce and Guro Brandon Ricketts. Masters Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts are now officially the head of the late Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts “Ilustrisimo” organization which strives to preserve the purity of the art.

Guro Dino additionally had good fortune to experience training in Kali Ilustrisimo with Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster Yuli Romo and Grandmaster Tony Diego. He also trained in Kali Ilustrisimo with one of his training partners and fellow Lameco Backyard member Guro Hans Tan, who was certified to teach Kali Ilustrsimo under Master Tony Diego.Additionally Guro Dino trained privately for several years in California and the Philippines with Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO.

Guro Dino also cites the importance of his training partners in Lameco SOG and Kapisanang Mandirigma in his growth. After the passing of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, certain members of the Lameco Backyard group reformed also became know as Kapisanang Mandirigma. The group regularly continued  training, sparring, experimenting and seeking the deeper roots of their chosen arts. This group includes Guros Joel Adriatico, Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr., Mar Elepaño, Choy Flores, Arnold Noche, Gary Quan, Hans Anton Tan and Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (RIP). With frequent visits by Guro Lowell Pueblos, Guro Bong Hebia and honorary member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses.

About Guro Ariel:

Guro Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under Filipino Hall of Fame Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois, the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, and Grand Master Christopher Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo. Guro Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. He holds a 7th degree in Kali Jukune Do. Guro Ariel is a member of Kapisanang Mandirigma. He has experience as a professional bodyguard and is a former police officer. Guro Ariel is currently teaching at LV Tactical Training in Las Vegas, Nevada.

About Guro Dino:

Guro Dino trained for many years with Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois in Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis and Master Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis in the 1980′s along with his cousins Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores. In the early 1990′s he was accepted as an initial member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites’ newly forming Backyard Group AKA the Sulite Oriehenal Group

At the recommendation of Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Dino first visited Master Christopher Ricketts in the Philippines in 1995 and was introduced to his perspective on the Warrior Arts.  Since the passing of Punong Guro Sulite,  he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts, who gave Guro Dino permission to teach his method before his passing. Guro Dino was the Lameco representative for Master Ricketts and a member of Bakbakan Philippines sponsored by Master Ricketts. Guro Dino continues his training in Master Ricketts method of training with his two sons, the young Masters Bruce and Guro Brandon Ricketts. Masters Bruce Ricketts and Guro Brandon Ricketts are now officially the head of the late Grandmaster Christopher Ricketts “Ilustrisimo” organization which strives to preserve the purity of the art.

Guro Dino additionally had good fortune to experience training in Kali Ilustrisimo with Dodong Sta. Iglesia, Grandmaster Rey Galang, Grandmaster Yuli Romo and Grandmaster Tony Diego. He also trained in Kali Ilustrisimo with one of his training partners and fellow Lameco Backyard member Guro Hans Tan, who was certified to teach Kali Ilustrsimo under Master Tony Diego.Additionally Guro Dino trained privately for several years in California and the Philippines with Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO.

Guro Dino also cites the importance of his training partners in Lameco SOG and Kapisanang Mandirigma in his growth. After the passing of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite, certain members of the Lameco Backyard group reformed also became know as Kapisanang Mandirigma. The group regularly continued  training, sparring, experimenting and seeking the deeper roots of their chosen arts. This group includes Guros Joel Adriatico, Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr., Mar Elepaño, Choy Flores, Arnold Noche, Gary Quan, Hans Anton Tan and Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (RIP). With frequent visits by Guro Lowell Pueblos, Guro Bong Hebia and honorary member Guro Ariel Flores Mosses.

About Guro Ariel:

Guro Ariel F. Mosses has over 30 years of Filipino Martial Arts experience. He has trained under Filipino Hall of Fame Grand Master Conrad A. Manaois, the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, and Grand Master Christopher Ricketts of Kali Ilustrisimo. Guro Mosses is the Vice President and Chief Instructor for Manaois Systems International. He holds a 7th degree in Kali Jukune Do. Guro Ariel is a member of Kapisanang Mandirigma. He has experience as a professional bodyguard and is a former police officer. Guro Ariel is currently teaching at LV Tactical Training in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Guro Ariel will be one of the instructors at Jeff Speakman’s 5.0 Fighter Event Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. June 27, 28, 29 – 2012.

To contact Guro Ariel go to:

http://combatfma.com/index.html

Mandirigma.org – Online Since 1998 – A Project of Kapisanang Mandirigma

Mandirigma.org

Mandirigma Research Organization also known as mandirigma.org is a project of Kapisanang Mandirigma. Their focus includes preserving and promoting the Warrior Arts commonly known as Kali, Eskrima and Arnis. The Warrior Arts is one of the most important aspects of any society because its very nature is to defend and preserve the culture. Thus, mandirigma.org is also involved in researching issues from ancient to current.

The primary objective of mandirigma.org is to do its part in keeping alive ancient knowledge and give honor to the sacrifices made by previous generations.Using both traditional and modern methods in its work, mandirigma.org has organized, collaborated with and participated in classes, conferences, demonstrations, festivals, lectures, seminars and workshops with prominent college and community organizations. Aside from their hands-on approach, mandirigma.org utilizes multimedia technologies such as audio, desktop, video and web to reach people across the globe.

Researching since the 1970′s and online since 1998, mandirigma.org believes in being actively involved in giving back to the community. They have collaborated with and volunteered in various non-profit agencies. They have also arranged fundraisers in order to assist causes for indigenous tribal groups and organizations dedicated to cultural preservation in the Philippines.

mandirigma.org believes that this expansive pursuit is at its best a collaborative effort. This has allowed mandirigma.org to meet and work with many fine individuals and organizations throughout the Philippines, the United States and the world. mandirigma.org welcomes all with an open and positive mind to participate and join them on this never-ending cultural adventure.

This humble site is dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of Warriors throughout the many generations that have come before us.

Maraming Salamat!

2nd FMA Charity Festival in Trebur, Germany for Grandmaster Tony Diego of  Kalis Ilustrisimo

https://www.facebook.com/events/492191180856607/?notif_t=plan_edited
“Master Tony’s wife has breast cancer and had her second surgery last week. Even with the surgery though, it has spread and chemo therapy is needed. Master Tony is very much affected.

Master Diego is retired from work and has no medical or retirement benefits.

They had been saving money to operate on Master Diego’s knees as they have deteriorated considerably in recent years. Master Diego is constantly in pain because of it. When the cancer was discovered, all the saved knee operation funds went to his wife’s first cancer operation costs.”

Instructors:

GM Datu Dieter Knuettel (National Coach Modern Arnis)

Master Philipp Wolf (NickelStick Balintawak Eskrima)

Guro Flavio Ruiz Van Hoof (M.A.R.S.)

Guro Tobias Ricker (Cacoy Doce Pares)

Guro Jojo Balinado (Balinado Arnis Krusada)

Guro Lars Helms (Pekiti Tirsia Kali)

Hanjo Bergmann (Giron Arnis Eskrima)

Andreas Hofmann (Filipino Fighting Arts)

Joe Brandt (Lightning Scientific Arnis)

Christof Froehlich (Lameco Eskrima)

Minimum Donation: 25€
you are more than welcome to donate more;-)

ALL DONATIONS GO DIRECTLY TOWARDS GM TONY DIEGO WITHOUT ANY COMMISIONS!!

MORE INFORMATIONS FOLLOW

https://www.facebook.com/events/492191180856607/?notif_t=plan_edited

Organized by Christof Froehlich of Kapisanang Mandirigma Germany and Lameco Eskrima Germany

An Event Honoring the Sparring Tradition Founded by the Five Pillars of Ilustrisimo and the Original Bakbakan Philippines.

Participating Organizations: Bakbakan Philippines – USA HQ,  Ilustrisimo USA, Lameco SOG, Kapisanang Mandirigma.

Event Supervised by: Guro Brandon Ricketts, Guro Bud Balani, Guro Ariel Flores Mosses,  Guro Dino Flores.

Kapisanang Mandirigma presents an  Introductory Course in Backyard Lameco Eskrima.                                                                                     JULY 14th until AUGUST 17th, 2013, Los Angeles, California.

This course will introduce you to the the Foundations and Combat Applications of Lameco Eskrima, the Philippine Warrior Art System founded by Punong Guro Edgar Sulite. Class will focus on core Lameco “Eskrima Drills” and “Kali Drills”. Classes will be conducted primarily by Guro Dino Flores.

Classes will be kept small in order to ensure quality instruction.
This is a very rare opportunity. These classes are only held when time permits.
This course also serves as a prerequisite to any future classes that are only open to members and individuals that have completed this course.

For further course details go to: http://backyardeskrima.com and email us directly from the “Contact” page.
Please give us a little background on yourself when requesting information. Maraming Salamat.

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

Visit www.fmainformative.info and download a copy.

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

The Philippine Daily Inquirer is undeniably the
country’s most widely read and circulated newspaper.
With over 2.7 million nationwide readers daily, it enjoys a market share of over 50% and
tops the readership surveys. Not only is it the most read among  all sectors and ages, it is
also the country’s most trusted source of hard-hitting news and countless expos’s.
Distinguished by award-giving bodies like the Catholic Mass Media Awards, Jaime
Ongpin Awards for Investigative Journalism and Anvil Awards, it is the Philippines’ most
awarded broadsheet with over 200 awards and citations.

Arnis Boosts Fil-Am’s Sense of Pride
By Volt Contreras
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Published on Page A1 of the October 4, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

CROSSING land bridges that once linked the Philippine archipelago to the Asian
mainland, ancient fighters introduced to Filipinos a form of martial arts believed to have
come from India and now called kali, eskrima and arnis de mano.
Yes, those rattan canes – and the graceful moves that make them lethal – are that
old, according to generally held notions as to the origins of the Pinoy warrior art.
With a deep sense of history, a Filipino-American based in California since the
late ’60s considers his mastery of kali (considered the pre-Spanish name for arnis or
eskrima) as a bridge to the country of his birth – and hopes that more Fil-Am’s would join
him in paying ambidextrous homage to their shared cultural roots.

Arnold Noche has been
taking time from his business each
week, driving up to 48 kilometers
from his home in the Gardena
suburb, to conduct two-hour training
sessions for kali enthusiasts of all
ages at Filipino community centers
in Los Angeles.

“There’s something about a
stick in the hand that is very
Filipino”, noted Noche
Noche and other “backyard”
eskrimadors started the Kali Klub
project in 1999 and have since taught an average of 250 students a year, around 90
percent of them Fil-Am’s aged 5 to over 40.

Kali Klub sa FilAm ARTS
Since 2004, Kali Klub has been conducting classes in partnership with FilAm
Arts (Association for the Advancement of Filipino American Arts & Culture), a
nonprofit, multidisciplinary arts organization located on N. Vermont Avenue in LA.

Dealing with Confusion
“I could have taught my (Fil-Am) students something else to help them deal with
whatever confusion they may have about their cultural identity. But I am an eskrimador,
and this is my way of helping them understand the complexities of being a Fil-Am,”
Noche said.

His family moved to the States when he was only 2 years old. At age 8 he began
studying karate and, at age 12, picked up his first kali sticks – henceforth earning bruises
and scars in a discipline that would “control my life.”

At 40, Noche runs his own management consultancy and multimedia firm
ATF1898 – a proud reference to the year Filipinos declared their independence from
Spain. But in a recent Inquirer interview in Manila, he said he would rather be counted as
a member of the “Filipino warrior class.”

He was referring to the disciples of an ancient art that had been in progression
long before foreign powers reached Philippine soil. Employing real swords or knives in
its original form, kali survived by being “secretly practiced” during colonial times when
Filipinos were prohibited from carrying weapons.

“It has been handed down from one generation to another, and has eventually
made its way around the world. Now it is not only practiced by thousands of martial
artists but also favored by elite military and law enforcement groups,” Noche said.

Action Flicks
Further proof of its global appeal, he noted, is the growing number of Hollywood
action flicks that feature kali movements in their fight sequences.
Matt Damon, for example, in an interview on the hand-to-hand combat style of
his “Jason Bourne” character, pronounced it as “kay-lee,” he  said. Vin Diesel had also
acknowledged training in kali for his sci-fi flick, “The Chronicles of Riddick.”

“Mission Impossible 3″ and “Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life”
featured brief fight scenes with the lead stars Tom Cruise and Angelina Jolie,
respectively, “using Filipino fighting sticks,” Noche said.
And Noche has this to say about Star Wars” Yoda: “My impression was that his
moves (with the dazzling light saber) were more Filipino than samurai.”
Through the centuries, the kali system — believed to have started in the Visayas  -
diversified through many individual masters around the country who continually added to
its repertoire of attacks and defenses.

Basic Principle
But the basic principle remains: “For weaponry to serve as extensions of the hand
for maximum impact and reach,” Noche explained.
And the weapons refer not only to the more familiar canes, but also to daggers,
whips, chains, “a mere pen or a rolled newspaper.” The movements would remain the
same, with the fighter merely adjusting his range.
“Filipino martial arts (FMA) is the only one I know where you train on day one
already with a weapon in your hand. Other martial arts begin training empty-handed and
you get to use more intricate weapons as you progress,” he said.
While maintaining that no particular combat method can be theoretically
considered superior to another since it all depends on a fighter’s skills, Noche pointed out:
“In (FMA) I do have weapons in my hands, but losing them doesn’t mean I could no
longer do damage.”
Take note, he said, that a hand that holds a rattan stick also forms a closed fist -
which means that this hand can be used either to strike an enemy with the stick or, at
closer range, to punch him.
And even with the hands full, the kali system is fluid enough to incorporate
maneuvers for tripping or throw-downs (just as in judo or aikido) or for choking an
opponent. This is an example of how the method, from being fundamentally based on
frontal blows, has “evolved” with every master  who improved on it.

The Noche Style
Noche’s own style – the Lameco
Eskrima – is just one of the many branches in
this evolution. Before he became a “guro”
(teacher) to his students, Noche found his
own, much revered “punong guro” (master) in
another California-based Fil-Am, the late
Edgar Sulite.
Founded by Sulite, Lameco stands for
largo (long-range fighting), medio (medium-
range) and corto (close-range) – or what
Noche called the “synthesis” of these three
orientations.
“We were part of Edgar’s backyard group,” he recalled, referring to his two fellow guros now running the Kali Klub, Dino Flores and Hospecio ‘Bud’ Balani. “When Punong Guro died (of natural causes) in 1997, it would have been easy for us to bury the art with him.”*
“Keeping it alive is one thing, how to keep it alive is another,” he said. “We can either go the commercial route (become full-time instructors, charge for private trainings,
or hit the seminar circuit), or go the community route.” Noche had obviously taken the latter path, charging no personal fees for Kali
Klub. “Everything we charge (as tuition) goes back to the program,” he said. The students are asked to provide their own black training attire, rattan sticks and safety goggles – “in addition to dedication, discipline and an open mind.”

No Mainstream Draw
But for all that he’s willing to share about his passion, Noche easily sensed during his recent visit to Manila that kali – even as a sport or fitness regimen – had never enjoyed a mainstream draw in the very nation that supposedly developed it. “As a balikbayan, I can see that it has a following here but you still have to find it. It is not
commercially available; it’s taught in some schools but it can still go far,” he said.

Last year’s Southeast Asian
Games in Manila finally included
arnis – but this “new” event hardly got
any media coverage. While Filipinos won three gold medals in arnis, the home crowd still
reserved its loudest cheers for the other more popular fighting disciplines, especially tae
kwon do.

Also, no local movie star has been able to popularize arnis the way a Bruce Lee or
a Jackie Chan brought Chinese martial arts to the world. And yet here now is Noche
reporting that “kay-lee” has entered Hollywood lore.

But Noche has made sure no student of his mispronounces anything; even with
non-Fil-Ams in the class, Kali Klub preserves the original Filipino terms for specific
drills and maneuvers (“armas” for weapons, “salok” for uppercut, “sagasa” for run over,
etc.) And with every “palo” (hit) or “ilag” (evasion) that he teaches his fellow Fil-
Am’s, this guro helps them rediscover their now distant ancestral heritage lest this
kinship, like the primeval land bridges, erode in time.

Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved.

* Note: Dino’ Flores supported by Hospecio ‘Bud’ Balani initially founded the
Kali Klub in early 1999. Arnold Noche joined soon after to help bring the project to a new level of expansion. Also note that the interview is the journalist’s personal perspective of the information presented to him.

This article was published in Vol. 21, No. 298 of the
Philippine Daily Inquirer on Wednesday, October 4, 2006.
Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved.

By The Institute of Heraldry

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Description

A silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Azure, Satanta’s arrow in fess Argent between in chief a castle Or in base a kampilan and bolo in saltire of the second hilted of the third. On a chief embattled of the second a cross Gules.

Symbolism

The symbolism is that of the coat of arms.

Background

The distinctive unit insignia was approved on 28 Mar 1923.

Coat Of Arms

Blazon

Shield

Azure, Satanta’s arrow in fess Argent between in chief a castle Or in base a kampilan and bolo in saltire of the second hilted of the third. On a chief embattled of the second a cross Gules.

Crest

On a wreath of the colors a fusil Gules bearing a cross patée Argent charged with an acorn of the first.

Motto

SEMPER FIDELIS (Always Faithful).

Symbolism

The shield is blue for infantry. Service in the Spanish War is shown by the castle and in the Indian Wars by Satanta’s “arrow.” The most important Indian campaign of this regiment was against the Kiowas, Comanches and Cheyenne in 1874. Satanta was a noted Kiowa chief who died just previous to this campaign. His “arrow” was really a spear with feathers on the end and a handle. The kampilan and bolo represent engagements against the Moros of Mindanao and the Filipinos of the Visayas. Service in the World War is shown by the chief bearing the cross of the ancient Lords of Dun to commemorate the crossing of the Meuse at Dun. The embattled partition represents the siege of Chattanooga in 1863. The crest consists of the Civil War badges of the 1st Division, 14th Army Corps and 2d Division, 5th Army Corps, and the World War 5th Division shoulder sleeve insignia.

Background

The coat of arms was approved on 12 Oct 1920.

http://www.kali-jeetkunedo.com/6noticias.html

Interested contact with Sifu Tim Fredianelli 615308348
Space must be reserved in advance for these courses, places are limited to ensure quality.
Special rates and privileges for members only at our school

Again please contact me via email on alan.mcfarlane.beae@hotmail.com or Mobile (In Australia) 0466 442 913 if you wish to attend or if you have any enquiries. Last edited by Alan McFarlane; 04-22-2010 at 12:07 AM.

This article was brought to our attention by Guro Hospecio “Bud” Balani, Jr. As it turns out both his father, Hospecio Balbuena Balani, Sr., and his uncle, Martin D. Balbuena, were both members of the Regiment. He also had numerous uncles in the Regiment but to get their names, he’d have to dig deep into the darkest recesses of his mind, and it might get ugly in there. From what he understands, “The United States wanted to be at Regiment strength so they eventually merged the three Battalions into one unit and formed the 1st Filipino Regiment (keeping the First Unit’s Patch). Regiments are two or more Battalions, Battalions are three or more Companies. Companies are three or more Platoons. Platoons are three or more Squads. Squads are nine strong. These are just rough estimates. Also, any unit with the spelling of “Philippines” were US Army units that were recruited in the homeland. There were many Philippine Scout units, all in the Philippine islands. Any unit with the spelling of “Filipino”, was a unit formed in the United States, with the only units being Laging Una, Sulong and Bahala Na.”

Saturday, August 14th, 2004
The 1st and 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments
By David T. Vivit, 1LT, AUS (Ret)

Laging Una – Sulung

The 1st & 2nd (Laging Una – Sulung) Filipino Infantry Regiments were units of the Army of the United States (AUS) inducted into service during World War II. They were wholly manned by Filipino citizens in this country and Hawaii and officered by both Filipinos and Americans, the only non citizen units in the American Citizen Army. They were similar to the Philippine Scouts in that the latter were also wholly manned by Filipino citizens with both Filipino and American officers, but the similarities ended there. The Scouts were professional soldiers in the Philippine Department of the United States Regular Army (USA). Most of the men were married and enjoyed a high economic and social status in the Philippines in contrast to the mostly single discriminated against (in the U.S.) “laborers” and students of the Filipino Regiments. Each group of Filipino soldiers played important but different roles in World War II.

After the Japanese sneak attack on Pearl Harbor and Clark Field, Filipinos in the U.S. and Hawaii rushed to Army Recruiting Stations to enlist only to be rejected because they were not (US) citizens (Filipinos were not eligible for U.S. citizenship before the war). As residents, however, they were registered under the Draft Law, and when the first Filipino Battalion was activated in San Luis Obispo, California in April 1942, they “volunteered” for the draft instead of waiting for their call.

This unique unit was to spearhead MacArthur’s liberation forces when he returned to the Philippines. But the military authorities made a great miscalculation! In three months the 1st Filipino Battalion became the 1st Filipino Regiment, activated in Salinas on July 13, 1942 and on October 14th of the same year the 2nd Regiment was activated at Ft. Ord, bringing together a fighting force of more than 7,000 men. If created earlier, the Battalion very well could have become a Division. By the time it was activated hundreds had already joined the Navy and Army Air Corps. With an average age of over 30, they more than made up this overage by their spirit and enthusiasm. In no other units of the AUS in WWII, including the much publicized 442nd Regimental Combat Team (NISEI), was the motivation greater and the morale higher than in the 1st & 2nd Filipino Regiments. About the end of 1942 and in early 1943, these Filipino soldiers became American citizens under a new U.S Naturalization Law in mass oath taking ceremonies which made headlines throughout the country. After two years of intensive training in California without a single Court Martial case, these units went to New Guinea to prepare for their landings in the Philippines.

Here the 2nd Regiment was split up into the Counter-Intelligence Units (CIC), the Alamo Scouts and the Philippine Civil Affairs Unit (PCAU) all of which played important roles during the liberation.

The 1st Regiment remained intact as a combat team but for some unknown reason was not with the initial landing forces in Leyte. Instead it was relegated to the minor (but more dangerous against a fanatical enemy) role of mopping-up operations in Samar and Leyte. In accomplishing this difficult mission with minimum casualties, it earned the reputation of being the “most decorated regiment in the Pacific”. It remained for a “child” of the regiments, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion (Bahala Na) known only as “commandos” in the Philippines, whose operations during the occupation had been kept secret until recently, to really “spearhead MacArthur’s return to the Islands.” But this is a story in itself.

More significant than their military feats was their accomplishments in the field of romance. These gallant soldiers literally chased the shy, coy and above all, suspicious Filipino girls even as the war was going on. Having won them, they had to go through much Army red tape to get married. But marry they did and when the war was over, they brought their war brides back to the U.S. Those who didn’t have the patience for the hard to get “Pinays” came came back to the U.S. but later returned as civilians to bring back their post-war brides. Now it was for them to be regarded so highly, who before the war were looked down on so lowly. As respected U.S. citizens they settled down to bring up the second generation of Filipino Americans, many of whom have already served in Viet Nam in the spirit of the 1st and 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments.

Bahala Na

This secret organization was conceived by General MacArthur and his staff even as they were being evacuated from the Philippines to Australia in March 1942. They knew that parts of the Islands remained under guerilla control and somehow a link must be established between them and his headquarters. The problem was where to procure the personnel for this “clandestine” unit, the nucleus of which was already in Australia with a handful of officers and men – patients and crew from a hospital ship – who volunteered to go back.

The problem was conveniently solved by the 1st and 2nd Filipino Regiments. In early 1943 Major General (then Colonel) Courtney Whitney, MacArthur’s closest adviser, came to the regiments to ask for volunteers. From among the many who volunteered, were picked the Filipino officers and men of this elite organization. Soon a few officers and men were sent directly to Australia to join the volunteers from the Philippines to form the 5217th Reconnaissance Battalion, “clandestine” which later became the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion (Special). They set up camp in Tagragalba just outside Beaudesert, fifty miles south of Brisbane. After weeks of training and operating under Allied Intelligence Bureau (AIB) the first party was sent to the Philippines in October 1943.

Meanwhile, in California a group of enlisted men were sent to the Army Signal School at Camp Crowder, Missouri, from there they were sent to Australia to man the Signal Co., one of the two companies of the 5217th Battalion. A larger group of officers and men were sent to the Army Language School at the Presidio of Monterey. Here they learned elementary Japanese, Japanese ship and aircraft recognition and sailing. These were the officers and men who formed the other bigger company, the Reconnaissance Co. After three months this first big contingent of officers and men were shipped to Australia, arriving there in November 1943 just before the second party left for the Philippines. Other groups followed them from the Regiments through Monterey until the company was brought up to its authorized strength.

In Australia, with their war cry “Bahala Na” (Come What May!), they went through intensive and extensive training under the Australian Army. First they went to the tough jungle school of Canungra where they set new hiking endurance records through mosquito and leech infested mountains and rivers. From there they went to the equally tough SEA WARFARE School on Frazer Island where they learned swimming, underwater demolition, sabotage and guerilla tactics.

In July 1944, a cadre of one officer and five non-commissioned officers arrived from the 82nd Airborne Division in Italy to train a group of men for a pre-invasion mission of sabotage and communication disruptions. Now hardened, the men were ready for the toughest of all their training. But they lacked adequate facilities and proper training aids (they improvised their own C-47 mock door and didn’t have a tower to practice jumping) and this coupled with the Australian pilot’s inexperience caused the large number of “casualties”, probably a record, in the first class’ qualifying jumps. But this didn’t daunt the volunteers, for the bigger second class fared better.

While all this training was going on , more parties were being sent to the Islands. Parties of ten to thirty officers and men were outfitted in Brisbane and flown to Darwin where they took the submarines – the same ones which evacuated President Quezon and his exiled Commonwealth Government and the gold bullion from Corregidor to the U.S. A few Philippine Army officers were brought back to Australia from the guerrilla bands to lead some of the parties back to the Islands.

There were nine parties sent, the last one in a Destroyer. This was the party that raised the American flag in Homonhom Island three days before MacArthur landed in Leyte on October 27, 1944. The eighth and last submarine was sunk without a survivor by our own planes in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, the greatest Naval battle in history. The paratroopers who were supposed to be the last and biggest party were never dropped because the invasion was advanced two months ahead of the original MacArthur planned invasion in Mindanao.

After the long and dangerous voyage through the Japanese blockade, the submarines landed in guerrilla controlled areas (as depicted in the motion picture “Back to Bataan”), although in some cases the reception was not quite as pleasant as in the picture. But this was the best part of this mission. After landing, the soldiers became civilians and disguised as fishermen, they fanned out through the length and breadth of the Islands in sail or just plain row boats.

In co-operation with the guerrillas whom they supplied with much needed medicines, small arms, ammunition, food, cigarettes and that rare wartime commodity called whiskey (later they brought and circulated the “I Shall Return” magazine and the new and legal “Liberty” peso bills to further confuse the enemy) the men of the Signal Company set up radio stations while the men of the Recon Co., posing as fishermen, farmers, merchants, taxi and caretela drivers and mess boys working in Japanese officers clubs, including Yamashita’s, gathered the information. A few were caught and paid the supreme penalty meted out to spies. This information was sent to guerrilla headquarters in Mindanao which relayed it through Darwin and to MacArthur’s headquarters in Brisbane.

On this military intelligence was based MacArthur’s strategy for the invasion of the Islands. When he “returned” to Leyte, the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion’s mission was practically over. But the men didn’t stop there. They went on to supply important information which led to decisive battles and engaged in commando tactics, blowing up bridges and ammo dumps.

For their splendid accomplishments, the “Commandos” of the “Balaha Na!” Battalion earned General MacArthur’s individual and Unit Commendations and the U.S. Presidential Unit Citation. But curiously enough it was awarded the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for it’s work in the Resistance Movement.

Because of the limited space in the submarines (started with three and ended up with one) which were loaded with supplies and because the invasion was advanced two months ahead, not all the officers and men saw action in the Philippines. It was for the Korean War to prove the mettle of these well trained but battle untested men. Besides two who were killed, that unexpected war produced four outstanding “Bahala Na!” officers, two of them paratroopers – all heroes in their own right.

“Favorite weapon” photo courtesy of: http://www.watawat.net

Wednesday, March 12th, 2008
FMA DELEGATES GRACE CBF2008

(LOS ANGELES – March 12, 2008) Now entering its 7th year, the Martial Arts Arena at the Cherry Blossom Festival – Southern California continues to draw a steady crowd. Taking place on April 5th and 6th in the Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles, this event is FREE and is produced by a 100% volunteer team and underwritten by private donations and sponsors.

Volunteers Gary Endo, Arnold A. Noche and Gary Quan have been handling their business in the “arena” since the inception of the festival at the Pasadena Convention Center back in 2002.

“My involvement with this festival was an honest attempt to introduce the Warrior Arts of the Philippines to yet another audience,” said Noche, a guro from Lameco SOG. “We’ve been blessed to have so many FMA groups come through in the past (Doce Pares, Lameco Eskrima, Modern Arnis, Pakamut, San Miguel Eskrima) but this year, we’re taking it up a notch with all the mainstream exposure that we’ve been getting.”

Perhaps a “notch” is an understatement as this year’s FMA portion of the festival will feature delegates from the following disciplines of the Filipino Martial Arts.

In alphabetical order:

Master Rick Mitchell (Balintawak Eskrima – www.worldbalintawak.com)
Master Christopher Ricketts (Kali Ilustrisimo – www.ilustrisimousa.com)
Master Felix Roiles (Pakamut – www.pakamut.com)
Master Jose Tan (Modified Tapado – www.modifiedmartialarts.com)

Guro Arturo “Dino” Flores (Lameco SOG)
Guro Pedro “Pete” Israel (Harbor Kickboxing / PI Kali)
Guro Willie B. Laureano (Inosanto-Laureano Pag-Kali Kali)

The Martial Arts Arena will feature non-stop action from open to close. The FMA portion of the festival will take place on Sunday, April 6th at 1:00pm.

Other martial arts groups scheduled to perform are as follows:

• Aikido Institute of America
• Atemi Ryu Jujitsu
• California Sumo Association
• Capoiera Batuque
• Center for Practical Self Defense
• Goltz Judo Club
• Grappling / MMA – Villa Park
• Harmony Aikido
• IMB Academy
• Jinenkan
• Kage No Michi Ninjutsu
• Krav Maga
• Monterey Park Karate Club
• Monterey Park Wu Shu
• New Breed – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
• Northern Shoalim
• Ohana Academy of Martial Arts
• Paramount Karate
• Shindo Muso Ryu
• Shinkendo
• Sityodtong/Muay Thai
• South Bay Self Defense
• Westside Kendo

Tell a friend.

http://www.cherryblossomfestivalsocal.org

Lameco Sulite Orihinal Group

Sulite Orihinal Group is comprised of dedicated
Lameco Eskrima International practitioners who were
handpicked by Punong Guro himself to be a part of his
regular “backyard” training sessions. Many loyal Lameco
practitioners have trained in the “backyard”, yet there was
and always will be a distinction between “Invitation Only”
and “Open Invitation” students. The open invitation students
were the selected few individuals who attended the rigorous,
3 days a week, 4-hour sessions and were frequently shown
numerous techniques not shared with the general public. An important factor among the
core members was that they held no administrative ties to other Filipino Martial Arts
styles and systems. One of the primary reasons Punong Guro created the elite group was
to create a first generation of practitioners that owed allegiance, first and foremost, to
Lameco Eskrima.

Because the sessions were conducted at his personal residence, Punong Guro was
extremely selective about whom he allowed to participate. Punong Guro often mentioned
that although many individuals were eager to train, very few actually allowed themselves
to be trained.
It is not a system, for it already exists, but a fraternity of dedicated practitioners
with a common bond. One factor that is prevalent among the original core members is
that they initially joined Lameco Eskrima International for reasons of pride, culture and
heritage.
The primary aim of the group is to keep the art of Lameco Eskrima alive through
continued training in a combat realistic, non-commercial and non-political environment.
Passion for the art was, and always will be, the prime motivator. As a sign of respect so
that Punong Guro’s name shall always be remembered for many generations to come, the
core members named themselves “Sulite Orihinal Group.”
Sulite Orihinal Group considers their inherited knowledge more precious beyond
any material compensation, just as much as the blood, sweat and tears that were spilled
by our forefathers in order to obtain it, so we strive to be worthy of the generations of
warriors before us. The desire of the brotherhood is to continue traveling upon the same
path, which Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite had started them on. They wish to keep his
legacy, and the heritage, alive and pure and pursue it with a mind, body and sprit that is
nothing short of being honorable.
Sulite Orihinal Group will continue to uphold this tradition in order to maintain
the spirit of brotherhood and unity amongst its members.

Lameco Sulite Orihinal Group circa 1992 -1997

Lameco Sulite Orihinal Group circa 1992 -1997

Lowell Pueblos, Eric Koh, Ron Balicki

Mar Elepano, Hospecio “Bud” Balani, jr., Rem V. Cruz, Dino Flores, Arnold Noche,

Hans Anton Tan, Pelix Balencia, Dave Gould, Steve Grody 
Elmer “Bong” Hebia,

Roger Agbulos, Jason Ancheta
Marc F. Denny, Steve Tarani, Phil Rapagna
, Choy Flores,

Gary Quan Joel ‘”Jay” Adriatico,
Bryant Emerson, Sung Han Kim, Rodney Wilson,

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

Guro Dino

Guro Dino Flores – Mandirigma Research Organization Director

Guro Dino Flores was born in Honolulu, Hawaii . He has lived in various places including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Australia as well as  Manila and Laguna – Philippines.

A glimpse into Guro Dino’s family tree finds a lineage as diverse as the Philippines itself.  Ancestors ranging from Katipuneros in Bicol serving under General Simeón Ola y Arboleda the last general to surrender to American forces during the Philippine-American War, “Tulisan” in Luzon who never surrendered, Datus in Tanawan Batangas, Traditional Healers using methods such as Orasyon and Anting-Anting in Laguna, Filipino-Spanish Hacienda owners settling at the foot of Mayon Volcano in the early 1900′s after migrating from the Visayas, World War Two American Colonial Army officers fighting under General Douglas Macarthur in Bataan and Corregidor and surviving the infamous “death march” as well as Globetrotting Modern U.P. Scholars in the 1970′s reluctantly leaving the country to escape Martial Law and the possibility of being “Salvaged”.

Guro Dino was first introduced 
to the concept of “Arnis” and Philippine Warrior history by his father Dr. A. S. Flores in the mid 1970′s. This was done through the oral tradition, Pilipino Komiks and hard to find publications during Martial Law. His 
first exposure to physical training was in the early 1980′s in Laguna Province, Philippines. Older relatives and neighbors to family ancestral lands of many generations, introduced him in backyard sessions to basic street applications and strategy of the balisong blade during stays in the Philippines. Many of these early instructors had experienced real blade situations with the scars to prove it. The first lessons were avoidance, environmental awareness and proper behavior to avoid conflict. The sad irony is that a member of this early group and a close friend has since passed away after a knife ambush by two attackers due to improper behavior.

Guro Dino trained for many years with Grandmaster Conrad A. Manaois in Ninoy Cinco Teros Arnis and Master Henry Bio in Sikaran Arnis in the 1980′s along with his cousins Ariel Flores Mosses and Choy Flores. In the early 1990′s he was accepted as an initial member of Punong Guro Edgar Sulites’ newly forming Backyard Group AKA the Sulite Oriehenal Group. During the constant sparring in the Backyard he evolved from being an aggressive fighter to one who now more calm and precise. His fighting style in the early days of the the Backyard Group earned him the nickname “Aso’ng Gulo” from his fellow peers and was considered Punong Guro Sulites’ favorite backyard fighter due to the clear usage of curriculum during fighting.

At the recommendation of Punong Guro Sulite, Guro Dino first visited Master Christopher Ricketts in the Philippines in 1995 and was introduced to his perspective on the Warrior Arts.  Since the passing of Punong Guro Sulite,  he has continuously train in Kali Ilustrisimo Under Master Christopher Ricketts, who gave Guro Dino permission to teach his method before his passing. Guro Dino was the Lameco representative for Master Ricketts and a member of Bakbakan Philippines sponsored by Master Ricketts. Guro Dino continues his training in Master Ricketts method of training with his two sons, the young Masters Bruce and Guro Brandon Ricketts. Additionally at Master Ricketts suggestion before his passing, Guro Dino also continues his studies in Ilustrisimo under Grandmaster Antonio Diego.

Guro Dino additionally had good fortune to experience training in Kali Ilustrisimo with Dodong Sta. Iglesia,  Guro Arnold Narzo, Guro Peachie Baron, Master Rey Galang, Master Yuli Romo and Master Tony Diego. He also trained in Kali Ilustrisimo with one of his training partners and fellow Lameco Backyard member Guro Hans Tan, who was certified to teach Kali Ilustrsimo under Master Tony Diego. Additionally Guro Dino trained privately for several years in California and the Philippines with Professor Ireneo L. Olavides in Eskrima De Campo JDC-IO. Guro Dino also cites the importance of his training partners in Lameco SOG and Kapisanang Mandirigma in his growth.

After the passing of Punong Guro Edgar Sulite in 1997, certain members of the Lameco Backyard group reformed also became know as Kapisanang Mandirigma. Together the group regularly continued  training, sparring, experimenting and seeking the deeper roots of their chosen arts. This group includes Guros Joel Adriatico, Hospecio “Bud” Balani Jr., Mar Elepaño, Choy Flores, Arnold Noche, Gary Quan, Hans Anton Tan and Pantaleon “Mang Leo” Revilles, Jr. (RIP). With frequent visits by Guro Lowell Pueblos, Bong Hebia and honorary member Ariel Flores Mosses.

Guro Dino has taught numerous seminars and classes over the years. He has appeared on Television, Instructional Videos, Independent Film and Radio Shows promoting the arts. He has contributed to magazine article for publications such as “Budo International”,  “Masters”, “Blitz” and “FMA Digest. Guro Dino has also contributed to book publications including “Masters of the Blade” and “Warrior Arts of the Philippines”. Guro Dino has conducted numerous seminars, lectures and demonstrations. Including conferences at UCLA, Cal State Fullerton, University of California Irvine, Loyola Marymount University, Glendale College, L.A. Cherry Blossom Festival, L.A. Lotus Festival, Philippine Tourism Expo in Manila, Sports Expo in Manila, Balintawak Cuentada Gathering Las Vegas and The Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture to name a few. Guro Dino was one of the first instructors invited to the World Filipino Martial Arts Association EXPO in Seattle, Washinton in 1993. One of his proudest moments was to be one of two cultural groups (the othe one being traditional dance) to perform in the world famous Los Angeles City Hall during the televised dedication of the the very first official “Filipinotown” in the USA. Other activities include Guro Dino being fight coordinator for the original performance of the first Filipino Opera “Karim at Jasmin” and the Filipino stage Musical “Abadeha”.

Guro Dino is a founding member of Kapisanang Mandirigma’s: Mandirigma Research Organization/Mandirigma.org, Kali Klub sa Historic Filipinotown Los Angeles and the Backyard Eskrima™ Organization. The Kali Klub is a volunteer collaboration with various non-profit agencies in Los Angeles. The project included setting up an award-winning program to positively divert at-risk youth from drugs and gangs using the Filipino Warrior Arts as a metaphor for adaptation and learning. Hundreds of students experienced the program over the course of ten years. For some students the education literally saved their lives in several armed street situations. Some of the award’s and recognitions for the program come from organizations such as Search to Involve Pilipino Americans, The California State Assembly and the City Hall of Los Angeles.

Historic Filipinotown is located in Los Angeles’ Rampart District and is notorious for being among the highest in gang, murder and drug activity in the country since the 1960′s. In as much so, that Hollywood has portrayed it in television shows such as “Adam-12” and most recently in “The Shield”, as well as in feature films like “Training Day”. The success of this program over ten years led to awards and recognition by organizations such as S.I.P.A Youth Services, Filam Arts, Pilipino Workers Center, California State Assembly, California State Board of Equalization and The Los Angeles Mayors Office. The Kali Klub has also arranged fundraisers in order to assist causes such as indigenous tribal groups and organizations dedicated to cultural preservation in the Philippines.

After taking some years off to focus on what he loves most, being a dedicated “student”, Guro Dino has recently started teaching publicly again. Although his primary objectives is to keep learning till the end, his secondary objective is to honorably share and preserve what he has learned before retiring from public teaching again to focus on other matters. Material includes Punong Guro Guro Edgar Sulites Lameco Backyard Method, Master Christopher Ricketts Ilustrisimo Method of instruction and more. Instruction and curriculum is administered under Kapisanang Mandirigma’s “Backyard Eskrima™” Organization. In the tradition of the backyard, instruction is open to a few dedicated practitioners who are open minded, respectful and passionate about the arts.

Guro Dino Flores can be contacted for Private Lessons, Workshops or Seminars at mandirigma.org@gmail.com.

Mandirigma Research Organization/Mandirigma.org, a project of Kapisanang Mandirigma, is a research organization dedicated to cultural research. Their focus includes preserving and promoting the Warrior Arts of the Philippines commonly known as Kali, Eskrima and Arnis. The Warrior Arts is one of the most important aspects of any society because its very nature is to defend and preserve the culture it originated from. Thus, mandirigma.org is also involved in researching  culture in issues from ancient to current. The primary objective of mandirigma.org is to do its part in keeping alive ancient knowledge and give honor to the sacrifices made by previous generations.
Using both traditional and modern methods in its work, mandirigma.org has organized, collaborated with and participated in classes, conferences, demonstrations, festivals, lectures, seminars and workshops with prominent college and community organizations. Aside from their hands-on approach, mandirigma.org utilizes multimedia technologies such as audio, desktop, video and web to reach people across the globe.
Researching since the 1970′s, mandirigma.org believes in being actively involved in giving back to the community. They have collaborated with and volunteered in various non-profit agencies. They have also arranged fundraisers in order to assist causes for indigenous tribal groups and organizations dedicated to cultural preservation in the Philippines.
Mandirigma.org believes that this expansive pursuit is at its best a collaborative effort. This has allowed mandirigma.org to meet and work with many fine individuals and organizations throughout the Philippines, the United States and the world. mandirigma.org welcomes all with an open and positive mind to participate and join them on this never-ending cultural adventure.

This humble site is dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of Filipino Warriors throughout the many generations that have come before us.
Maraming Salamat!

“A nation is born into freedom on the day when such a people, moulded into a nation by a process of cultural evolution and sense of oneness born of common struggle and suffering, announces to the world that it asserts its natural right to liberty and is ready to defend it with blood, life, and honor.”

The promotion of a healthy nationalism is part of the responsibility of the leaders of newly independent nations. After they lay the foundation for economic development, they promote nationalism and spur the search for national identity. This we can do by honoring our distinguished forebears and notable periods in our history. A step we took in this direction was to change the date for the commemoration of Philippine Independence day.

When I was a congressman, I formed the opinion that July 4 was not the proper independence day for Filipinos and should be changed to June 12– the date General Emilio Aguinaldo proclaimed the independence of the Filipinos in Kawit, Cavite, in 1898.

Having served in the foreign service, I noted that the celebration of a common independence day with the United States on July 4 caused considerable inconvenience. The American celebration dwarfed that of the Philippines. As if to compound the irony, July 4 seemed tantamount to the celebration of Philippine subjection to and dependence on the United States which served to perpetuate unpleasant memories.

I felt, too, that July 4 was not inspiring enough for the Filipino youth since it recalled mostly the peaceful independence missions to the United States. The celebration of independence day on June 12, on the other hand, would be a greater inspiration to the youth who would consequently recall the heroes of the revolution against Spain and their acts of sublime heroism and martyrdom. These acts compare favorably with those of the heroes of other nations.

In checking the reaction to my plan to shift independence day to June 12, I found that there was virtual unanimity on the desirability of transferring the celebration from July 4. Likewise, there was a preponderant view for choosing June 12 as the proper day.

A few suggested January 21, the opening day of the Malolos Congress in 1899, or January 23, when the Malolos Congress, ratifying the independence proclamation of June 12, established a republican system of government. The reason for this view was that the government temporarily by Aguinaldo when he proclaimed independence on June 12 was a dictatorship.

There was no difficulty in adhering to June 12, however, because although Aguinaldo Government was a dictatorship in view of the military operations he was then leading, he led in converting it into a republican Government in the Malolos Congress. Moreover, the celebration of independence refers to its proclamation rather than to the final establishment of the government. In the case of America, when independence was proclaimed on July 4, the American Government was still a confederation and it was much later when it finally became a federal government.

The historical fact was that the Filipinos proclaimed their independence from foreign rule on June 12. Even the national anthem and the Filipino flag which are essential features in the birth of a nation were played and displayed respectively at the independence proclamation in Kawit.

When I became President, I knew that this was the opportunity to take action on what had been in my mind since entering public life. The specific question was when to make the change.

The opportunity came when the US House of Representatives rejected the $73 million additional war payment bill on May 9, 1962. There was indignation among the Filipinos. There was a loss of American good will in the Philippines, although this was restored later by the reconsideration of the action of the US lower chamber. At this time, a state visit in the United States had been scheduled for Mrs. Macapagal and me on the initiative and invitation of President John F. Kennedy. Unable to resist the pressure of public opinion, I was constrained to obtain the agreement of Kennedy to defer the state visit for another time.

To postpone the state visit, I wrote a letter on May 14, 1962, to Kennedy, which read in part as follows:

The feeling of resentment among our people and the attitude of the US Congress negate the atmosphere of good will upon which my state visit to your country was predicated. Our people would never understand how, in the circumstances now obtaining, I could go to the United States and in all honesty affirm that I bear their message of good will. It is with deep regret theredore that I am constrained to ask you to agree to the postponement of my visit to a more auspicious time.

On May 28, 1962, Kennedy wrote me explaining the situation on the war damage bill. His letter stated:

In the meantime, I must respect your decision that your visit to the United States should be postponed. We do not want your visit to be less than first class, when it comes. But I do hope that we will be able to find another convenient time.

I decided to effect the change of independence day at that time not as an act of resentment but as a judicious choice of timing for the taking of an action which had previously been decided upon.

I called Press Secretary Rufino Hechanova to consult him on my contemplated action. I asked him outright what he thought of my step if I should move the celebration of independence day from July 4 to June 12.

Hechanova winced and said: “Please Mr. President, don’t act on that yet. Let us give it a thorough study. I am flying to Iloilo today and on my return on Monday I will come to discuss it with you.”

After his departure, I called in Legal Adviser Juan Cancio. “Johnny,” I asked, “Do I have the power to change independence day from July 4 to June 12?” Cancio readily answered: “Yes, sir, because July 4 is being celebrated as independence day not because it is so specifically designated by law but as an official holiday. Since the President has the authority to declare official holidays, you may declare June 12 as a holiday and hold an independence celebration on that day.”

I immediately directed Cancio to prepare the proclamation, revised and signed it, and asked him to release it to the press through the Malacañang press office. On May 17, 1962, I certified as urgent to the Congress the enactment of a measure to fix June 12 statutorily as independence day.

The change was justified by the successful celebration. General Emilio Aguinaldo was the guest of honor. At least one million people attended whereas in previous celebrations on July 4, only from two to three hundred thousand came.

Bespeaking of the nobility of the American people, President Kennedy was among the first to extend the congratulations of the United States to the Filipino people in celebrating their freedom on June 12, 1962. In a message to me, he said:

It is with pleasure that I join the people of the United States in extending our best wishes and warmest congratulations to Your Excellency and the people of the Republic of the Philippines on the occasion of the Philippine Independence Day.

A letter of thanks in Spanish was also sent to me by General Aguinaldo on May 19, 1962. A translation of the letter reads in part as follows:

I cannot but send you this letter to express the most profound gratitude for the proclamation which Your Excellency has recently issued naming June 12 as independence day– the date when we announced to the whole world that we were a free and independent nation. I who took an active if modest part in the effort of our people to break the colonial yoke we were subjected to, feel joy and pride over the patriotic act which Your Excellency has just performed.

In my address on the first June 12 as independence day celebration, I said:

In the discharge of my responsibility as President of the Republic, I moved the observance of the anniversary of our independence to this day because a nation is born into freedom on the day when such a people, moulded into a nation by the process of cultural evolution and a sense of oneness born of common struggle and suffering, announces to the world that it asserts its natural right to liberty and is ready to defend it with blood, life, and honor.

While we were seated at the grandstand during the ceremonies, General Aguinaldo thanked me again for the rectification of an erroneous historical practice and then asked: “When will there be an Aguinaldo monument at the Luneta like that of Rizal?” I could not answer the question. The next generation might have the answer.

The following year the same successful celebration was held. The commemoration on the third year was likewise a success.

I noted by this time that Congress had not yet approved a measure to prescribe June 12 as independence day by statute. I followed up the matter with members of the Senate and the House.

Rep. Ramon Mitra Sr. was leading the spade work in the House for the approval of the new independence day measure. The bill was authored by him and Rep. Justiniano Montano. Senator Lorenzo Tañada authored a similar measure in the Senate.

Among those whom I talked to in following up the bill was Senator Gerardo Roxas, son of President Roxas who raised the Filipino flag on July 4, 1946 to mark the independence of the Philippines from American rule and thereby became the first President of the Republic of the Philippines. I thought it possible that Senator Roxas might be lukewarm toward the change of independence day since the historical focus on the first Presidency of the Republic may shift from Roxas to Aguinaldo. My talk with him did not bear out my fear. Roxas informed me that what had delayed the approval of the independence day bill was the desire of some legislators to retain some significance for July 4. In the consideration of the measure, the snag was solved by the provision that with June 12 being declared Independence Day, July 4 shall be known as Republic Day.

Finally, on August 4, 1964, I signed at Malacañang Republic Act No. 4166 statutorily prescribing June 12 as Philippine Independence Day. Special witnesses invited to the signing were children of Presidents, including Carmen Melencio-Aguinaldo, Manuel Quezon Jr., Maria Osmeña-Charnley, Gerardo Roxas, Tomas Quirino, and my sons Arturo and Diosdado Jr.

(Thanks to the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles for making this document available.)

To cite:
Macapagal, Diosdado. “June 12 as Independence Day” in Hector Santos, ed., Philippine Centennial Series; at http://www.bibingka.com/phg/documents/whyjun12.htm. US, 30 April 1997.9

Mandirigma.org - Online Since 1998

Mandirigma Research Organization also known as mandirigma.org is a project of Kapisanang Mandirigma. Their focus includes preserving and promoting the Warrior Arts commonly known as Kali, Eskrima and Arnis. The Warrior Arts is one of the most important aspects of any society because its very nature is to defend and preserve the culture. Thus, mandirigma.org is also involved in researching issues from ancient to current.

The primary objective of mandirigma.org is to do its part in keeping alive ancient knowledge and give honor to the sacrifices made by previous generations.Using both traditional and modern methods in its work, mandirigma.org has organized, collaborated with and participated in classes, conferences, demonstrations, festivals, lectures, seminars and workshops with prominent college and community organizations. Aside from their hands-on approach, mandirigma.org utilizes multimedia technologies such as audio, desktop, video and web to reach people across the globe.

Researching since the 1970′s and online since 1998, mandirigma.org believes in being actively involved in giving back to the community. They have collaborated with and volunteered in various non-profit agencies. They have also arranged fundraisers in order to assist causes for indigenous tribal groups and organizations dedicated to cultural preservation in the Philippines.

mandirigma.org believes that this expansive pursuit is at its best a collaborative effort. This has allowed mandirigma.org to meet and work with many fine individuals and organizations throughout the Philippines, the United States and the world. mandirigma.org welcomes all with an open and positive mind to participate and join them on this never-ending cultural adventure.

This humble site is dedicated to honoring the sacrifices of Warriors throughout the many generations that have come before us.

Maraming Salamat!

Copyright 2012

The Mandirigma.org Logo is the property of D. Flores.

It was designed by D. Flores in 1994.