JohnJ
11-21-2005, 04:52 PM
Since the passing of revered GM Antonio Tatang Ilustrisimo, several groups were established. There are various reasons why certain individuals felt the need to have a separate identity from the others. Sadly, many of these disciples were peers at one point. While the topic of whom Tatang’s successor would be was questioned by one group, it was very clear to those closest to him that the rightful heir could only be Antonio Diego, his most loyal and longtime student.
Although I have my lineage, it is not my intent to disparage any one group or individual. The purpose of this thread is simply to identify the “factions of Kali Ilustrisimo" as a resource for those KI enthusiasts.
In no particular order:
GM Tony Diego with the assistance of Tommy Dy and Romy Macapagal head the Kalis Ilustrisimo Repeticion Orihinal in the Philippines. The group teaches the art as it was taught to them.
Master Christopher Ricketts now residing in San Diego heads Bakbakan’s West Coast group. Master Topher along with son Bruce, teach the art as it was taught to them.
Master Reynaldo S. Galang heads the Bakbakan WHQ in New Jersey. He teaches Bakbakan Kali which is an offshoot of the original system. Although it maintains the principles & strategies of the original art, the curriculum, progression, some of the training methods and terminology differ.
Master Yuli Romo heads the Bahad Zubu Kali Ilustrisimo group in the Philippines. BGKI is also an offshoot of the original art. Not only is it a personal expression of KI, it is one that has evolved through his vast experience in other arts and systems of FMA.
The late PG Edgar Sulite is acknowledged for sharing his experience of the art via Lameco Eskrima.
Master Norman Suanico heads the Kali Academy in Red Deer Canada. He teaches the art as it was taught to him.
There are many other 1st generation disciples and now contemporaries that come from the above lineage. How should we look at each of the representatives and their approach to the art? Simple...no different providing they/we maintain the integrity of the art, it's principles & strategies. Whether they have evolved, developed or paid tribute, we should recognize the efforts in keeping Tatang’s art ALIVE!
Just my thoughts...
John J
www.swacom.com (http://www.swacom.com)
Although I have my lineage, it is not my intent to disparage any one group or individual. The purpose of this thread is simply to identify the “factions of Kali Ilustrisimo" as a resource for those KI enthusiasts.
In no particular order:
GM Tony Diego with the assistance of Tommy Dy and Romy Macapagal head the Kalis Ilustrisimo Repeticion Orihinal in the Philippines. The group teaches the art as it was taught to them.
Master Christopher Ricketts now residing in San Diego heads Bakbakan’s West Coast group. Master Topher along with son Bruce, teach the art as it was taught to them.
Master Reynaldo S. Galang heads the Bakbakan WHQ in New Jersey. He teaches Bakbakan Kali which is an offshoot of the original system. Although it maintains the principles & strategies of the original art, the curriculum, progression, some of the training methods and terminology differ.
Master Yuli Romo heads the Bahad Zubu Kali Ilustrisimo group in the Philippines. BGKI is also an offshoot of the original art. Not only is it a personal expression of KI, it is one that has evolved through his vast experience in other arts and systems of FMA.
The late PG Edgar Sulite is acknowledged for sharing his experience of the art via Lameco Eskrima.
Master Norman Suanico heads the Kali Academy in Red Deer Canada. He teaches the art as it was taught to him.
There are many other 1st generation disciples and now contemporaries that come from the above lineage. How should we look at each of the representatives and their approach to the art? Simple...no different providing they/we maintain the integrity of the art, it's principles & strategies. Whether they have evolved, developed or paid tribute, we should recognize the efforts in keeping Tatang’s art ALIVE!
Just my thoughts...
John J
www.swacom.com (http://www.swacom.com)