OUR LEGACY | My Site

The Legacy We Propagate

Although Cinco Estilos Urban Arnis is an organic, progressive system, we will always celebrate and respect the elders of the martial arts from where our methods are based. There are 2 primary methodologies that comprise our system. The first is the Giron Arnis System, founded by the late Grand Master Emeritus, Leo Giron and carried on by his only designated successor, the late Grand Master Antonio Somera. The second is the system known as Lucaylucay Kali, founded by the late Guro Ted Lucaylucay. Cinco Estilos is also heavily influenced by the teachings of the legendary Guro Dan Inosanto, Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker of American Kenpo, and Pendekar Paul de Thouars, creator of Bukti Negara Penjat Silat. Coincidentally, Guro Ted & Guro Dan were both students of Grand Master Giron. Guro Dan was a Black Belt under SGM Parker, as well as a student of Pendekar PDT. Finally, Guro Ted was also a student of Guro Dan, and one of the first graduates of the Inosanto Academy. Legacies intertwined. These legends paved the way for those that would eventually be teachers to Guro Gerry.

Grand Master Antonio Somera (1957-2013)

What can be said about Grand Master Tony Somera (GMT)? So much. More than this write-up can do justice. Simply put, GMT was one the finest human beings I've ever known--as a practitioner of the martial arts, as a teacher, and as a friend. He was my Grand Master from the time I began training in the Giron Arnis System in 2001, until his untimely passing from cancer in October, 2013. His loss was felt around the world by the hundreds of people whose lives he touched. He lives through Cinco Estilos Urban Arnis, as his lessons live through me.

He was ranked as a 3rd Dan in Goju Ryu Karate. He was one of the highest ranking practitioners in the art of Pencak Silat under Pak Herman Suwanda. Most importantly, he was the only person ever NAMED successor to the Giron Arnis System, by Grand Master Emeritus (GME) Leo Giron, himself. GMT was at GME's side until the latter's passing, and was a staunch advocate for the art. He promoted it around the world, as well as in his hometown of Stockton, CA, the hub of Filipino martial arts in the United States.

I was fortunate to have had direct instruction from GMT in the 12 years I knew him. He would take me aside and show me how to fine tune my technique, he'd give me pointers on teaching, and most importantly, he regarded me as an important part to the propagation of GME's art. He'd call me randomly sometimes, just to mess with me on the phone, and catch up. He always found a way to get his point across and make you understand the importance of something.

He moved effortlessly. He had these big paws for hands (which was interesting because he was not that big of a man) that when he got you in a joint lock, you weren't going anywhere!! He was very big on learning the BASIC FUNDAMENTALS, and always emphasized form to enhance function. He had a (somewhat) progressive viewpoint on things related to the art, but always remained steadfast in the way GME taught. GMT was a great storyteller, and always conveyed Filipino-American history to his students--especially as it related to Stockton, and the San Joaquin Valley in Northern California. He was a civic-minded individual and made connections with everyone in Stockton--from City Hall to the corner market. Everyone knew GMT.

He was a dedicated husband to his wife Sally, and just an overall wonderful man. I am a better person for knowing him. I am a better teacher for knowing him.. I miss him dearly. At his wake, I touched his hands, as he lied peacefully in his casket. I wanted to try and receive any bit of his powerful energy that remained. I hope I was able to. I stood guard at his casket during his funeral service, and I joined my warrior brothers and sisters as we accompanied him to his final resting spot. Thank you GMT for giving me the tools to be a better teacher and a more effective martial artist. I really hope I'm making your proud.

CLICK for Video of GMT in Houston, TX, 2007

CLICK for Video of GMT teaching us about the asparagus fields, Stockton, CA 2007

CLICK for Video of GMT teaching joint locks

Guro David Dizon ( 1954-2006)

The following is a tribute I wrote for Guro David Dizon, my 1st teacher in the Filipino martial arts. He was more than just a teacher to me--he was my boss, he was my friend, he was like my big brother. He taught me for 5 years, and instilled a SOLID foundation in me. I offer the following to memorialize my admiration for Guro David, and to keep it posted online for posterity's sake:

Bahala Na® brothers and sisters~

On behalf of Guro David's students, I just wanted to let you all know of the tremendous tribute paid to Guro David during his services over the last two days. I know I speak for all of Guro David's pupils when I say a very grateful, "THANK YOU," to Grandmaster Tony, Master Kirk, and Master Joel for allowing us the honor to take part in the Bahala Na® funeral rites.

Bahala Na® Martial Arts turned out by the dozens. Past and present members, including our Arizona affiliates, attended the services for Guro David. At the viewing, we provided an honor guard for Guro David. With our swords at parade rest or at shoulder arms, we stood guard in the chapel and over his casket, and escorted selected visitors for viewing. The Bahala Na® banner proudly stood at the side of the chapel, near the casket.

For only the 2nd time in the almost 40 year history of Bahala Na®, we performed 3 separate funeral rites, that are unique to our organization. The first ceremony had Bahala Na® members approach Guro David's casket, bow, and then proceed, two by two, to do a 20 second carenza (solo practice/shadow sparring). We then did a candle lighting ceremony where everyone in the chapel lit a candle in Guro David's memory. Lastly, the crowning ceremony of the evening included Guro David's 4 students: senior student, Tim Morgan, myself, Anthony Hardwick, and Jose Giron (no relation to GME). We approached the casket in a diamond formation: Master Joel at the lead, Tim and I at the sides, Anthony at the lower tip of the diamond, followed by Jose. GM Tony stood at the center of the diamond. When we reached the casket, we each bowed and then formed a single file line in front of the casket, and watched as GM Tony paced back and forth in front of the casket 3 times, inspecting it. GM Tony then proclaimed 3 times, "GOD BLESS GURO DAVID!" We all drew our swords in unison and joined them at their points as a final salute to Guro David. It was a very fulfilling and memorable experience.

The following day, about 200 people attended the church services for Guro David--a testament to how his presence affected people's lives. We escorted Guro David to his final resting place at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in the City of Orange. It was a beautiful, sunny day with a cool breeze. GM Tony, Master Kirk, and Master Joel led Guro David and his family in a short procession to the gravesite. Bahala Na™ members lined both sides of their path to the gravesite forming an aisle for them to pass. All of us had our swords drawn, pointed towards the heavens, as the procession slowly passed beneath our raised weapons. What a fitting tribute for Guro David.

Guro David was a very private man. He kept the different aspects of his life separate from one another. At both the viewing and at the funeral I overheard people state that they had no idea that he was even into the martial arts. Grandmaster Tony had told us that people should know what an important person he was to Bahala Na®--I believe our tributes to Guro David showed that, and so much more, to everyone.

I will miss my teacher very, very much. He was my friend, confidant, and big brother, and his passing has affected me greatly. I count myself fortunate to have served as a City of L.A. employee under his supervision, to have had him as a close friend, and most importantly to have had him as a teacher in the martial arts. He will forever be credited as the man who introduced me to the Filipino martial arts. I know that he will live on through me, as well as my classmates, as well as everyone else whose lives he touched. His influence in me is felt as I teach my own students, and I will do my best to continue the great legacy he has left behind.

I'll see you later bro---have fun playing Larga Mano with GME Giron and the angels :)

Peace to all~

Gerry Valido

O.C. Underground Bahala Na®

~In Memory of a Fallen Warrior~

GURO DAVID DIZON ~ Rest In Peace (Oct.24,1954-July 30,2006)

"Thank you for being my big brother, close friend, and teacher--I love you and will miss you. May the angels welcome you to heaven....Bahala Na!!!"

Guro Alex Reyes

Guro Alex Reyes trained in Lucaylucay Kali in the late 1990s under his teacher Guro Mark Stewart. We have been friends since 2006--which began when I was his oldest son's teacher in Chinese Kenpo! I credit Guro Alex with lifting the blinders off my eyes (they were on tight...) and giving me my very first exposure to Kali and Silat. He kicked me out of my complacency and martial arts comfort zone. When I left the Giron organization, it was Guro Alex who encouraged me to strike out on my own as an independent teacher. He began formally training me in the Lucaylucay Kali tradition, evolving my form, expanding my functionality, and correcting my body mechanics. He opened my eyes to a more liberated movement, which was very different from the regimented, classical movement I had been used to for so long. Most importantly, he allowed me to experiment and express my ideas, while offering his insight and logical methodology. I'll always appreciate how Guro Alex exposed me to other flavors of southeast Asian martial arts. Guro Alex continues to be a good friend and my current teacher, instructing me in the Lucaylucay tradition and also imparting body mechanics and combative methodology from Bukti Negara Silat, as taught DIRECTLY to him by the late Pendekar Paul de Thouars. Guro Alex, most importantly introduced me to HIS teacher, Guro Mark Stewart--who inevitably also became one of my teachers from the pure Lucaylucay lineage. Maraming salamat, bro....

KENPO Roots - Angelo Collado, 9th Degree Black Belt

Mr. Angelo Collado is my teacher in the American Kenpo Karate system. His instruction has enabled my empty hand skill set to improve immensely--my balance, timing, and targeting have all improved under his tutelage. His style and methodology towards combative application of the martial arts and self defense is second to none. He is an out-of-the box thinker, and critical in his study of motion. Why? Probably because of his knowledge of kinesiology, and his work as a licensed physical therapist. He has shared with me how the body should move, and why certain body positions and movements work and why other ones don't. To study motion with Mr. Collado is fascinating. His innovative training methods, such as his 'elbow flow,' and knife defense are very logically put together. He seamlessly integrates movements and has has logical, tested methods behind what he does--I can honestly say I'm in awe of some of the viewpoints he shares with me!!

Mr. Collado is also a highly skilled practicioner and teacher in the use of the Indonesian curved blade known as the karambit. He formed the Kenpo Karambit Association, with the renowned weapons expert and southeast Asian martial artist, Steve Tarani, who personally taught Mr. Collado the way of this revered blade. The concept behind the KKA is the ancient blade of karambit meeting the modern day concepts and principles of Ed Parker's American Kenpo Karate. Mr. Collado teaches his karambit system to only a selected few--of which I am one, and I'm very honored to carry on his legacy. The Collado Karambit (as I refer to it) system will be incorporated as a methodology in the graduate stages of Cinco Estilos training.

Collado Knife System (CKS) is only taught to a select few, of which I am honored to be one. His knowledge of blade combatives is incorporated into the Cinco Estilos Urban Arnis system. Futhermore, his knowledge of anatomy from his background in kinesiology and physical therapy has influenced C.E.U.A. in focusing on "A-B-C-D," a.k.a. "Anatomically Based Concussive Contact/Cutting to Disable (or disarm/deter/destroy). This aspect has greatly influenced the way we approach offence/defense with our opponent.

Guro Rich Lamoureaux

https://www.richardlamoureaux.com/

Richard Lamoureaux is an American martial artist that has studied extensivly in over 15+ martial arts. His 40+ years of training includes various forms of unarmed and armed combat. In 1980, Guro Rich started training in the Filipino Martial Arts of of Kali/Escrima/Arnis, as well as Bruce Lee’s famed JKD. His training in Kali spans more than 30 years and included intense study with some of the top masters of the arts. Some of the Filipino martial art’s instructors that he has worked with include Bruce Lee’s #1 student Dan Inosanto, former Navy Seals combat instructor and blade expert Paul Vunak, and Kali master, Guro Ted Lucaylucay. Guro Rich is a certified Associate Level Instructor in both Kali and JKD. In 1991, Guro Rich began practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with when it was literally just being introduced in the United States. Guro Rich trained extensively in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and was one of the first Americans to host some of the big name Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stars at seminars around the country. This included seminars with Rickson Gracie in 1992,Wellington Megaton Diaz in 1995 and Jacare Calvacanti in 1997 to name a few.

Some of Richard Lamoureax’s certifications and Rank include:

* 1st degree Black Belt (Dark Blue) Tang Soo Do

* Black Sash Tibetian Lama Pai Kung Fu.

* Certified Kali Instructor
* Certified JKD Instructor
* 10 years of Boxing
* 10 years of Kickboxing
* 6 years of Muay Thai
* 18 years of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Guro Rich has trained formally with the following martial artists:

Rickson Gracie, Renzo Gracie, Megaton, Jacare Calvacanti, Mercelo Pereira, Prof Ted Stickel, Pedro Carvalho, Rodrigo Teixeira, Master John McSweeney. Sifu T. Ming, Sah Bum Nim, Raymond Soon, Pendekar Agung Paul De Thouars, Surachai Sirisute, A. Chai, Tuhon Lindsey Largusa, GM Diony Canete, Datu Glen Dahams. Jack Callahan.
Guro Dan Inosanto, Guro Ted Lucaylucay, GM Diony Canete, Sifu Jack Soderberg, Suro Mike Inay, Guro Nate Defensor, Sifu Paul Vunak, Sifu Francis Fong, Master William Cheung, Tuhon Leo Gaje, Sifu/Guro Louie Campos, Sifu Christopher Kent, Sifu Larry Hartsell, GM Dong Cuesta, Shahram-Moosavi, Master Paul Olives, GM Angel Cabales,
Master Jimmy Tacosa, Guro Al McLuckie, Richard Bustillo, Sr. Grandmaster Ed Parker, Ken Dinkins, Sifu Hawkins Cheung, Suryadi “Eddy” Jafri. Peter Sanchez, Sammy Arvello, Dalubhasang Guro Ignacio Casas.

Guro Gerry has had the good fortune of receiving direct private instruction and distance learning from Guro Rich since 2023. It was important for Guro Gerry to seek out yet another of Guro Ted Lucaylucay's "direct lineage" students, as there are not that many around anymore. Through Guro Rich, a new perspective on Kali has been discovered, and the importance of "Numerado" and the "Tayada/Tallada" footwork has been revealed. Guro Rich offers his insight on the history and development of certain aspects of the Lucaylucay system, as well as his own personal evolutions to the traditional training, sanctioned by his teachers. Guro Gerry travels to Las Vegas, NV to train directly with Guro Rich, as often as possible.

Guro Mark Stewart

https://indigoranchbri.com

I first met Guro Mark Stewart in 2010 at a seminar he gave at my-then Chinese Kenpo dojo. At the time, I was still training in the Giron System, but my friend (not yet my Guro) Alex Reyes set up the seminar, and encouraged me to go. From what I can recall, we did a lot of empty hand stuff--Panantukan (Filipino boxing) mostly. It was a workout!!! It introduced me to the "weaponless" side of FMA. Fast forward 10 years, and I have trained with Guro Mark in 3 other seminars, and became on online student of his during the COVID-19 pandemic, learning the "Kali Abtik" component of his curriculum. Being the fact that he lives in Sattahip, Thailand, all my lessons were via video, and email correspondence. I consider myself fortunate to have been under his guidance, and to have had actual in-person time with him, understand his methodology, and his movement. He is of a progressive, mindset--which is at the core of Cinco Estilos--so his approach is fresh and motivating. The following is his bio from his website:

As Founder of Boxer Rebellion International, Mark Stewart is based in Thailand and the USA with groups in Asia, USA, Europe & Australia and is known for returning JKD back to L.A.'s Chinatown starting in 1992. Mark Stewart has taught martial arts, defensive tactics, combative sports and fitness throughout the USA and Asia. Mark Stewart has taught at universities and fitness centers including UCLA, USC, and University of Hawaii at Manoa and Shinjuku Sports Center in Tokyo, Japan. Mark Stewart was an Adjunct Professor of Physical Education, at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California from 1999-2001, where he taught martial arts and self defense. Stewart was also an Elective Sports Coach at Singapore Poly-Tech College where he taught women’s self defense. Stewart has also taught many individual law enforcement, military personnel & teams throughout the years, in the USA & Asia.

Stewart began his martial arts training in the Chinese/Okinawa style of Karate of Uechi Ryu. At the age of 18 he was awarded his 1st degree Black Belt and in 1989 became the youngest 5th degree Black Belt in the World, of the OKIKUKAI of Okinawa, Japan under Sensei William Keith and Sensei James Thompson. Stewart was a long time private student and Certified Instructor under the late Guro/Sifu Ted Lucaylucay in Filipino Martial Arts, and Bruce Lee’s “JFGF/KB” (Kali/JKD) as well as a longtime private student and Authorized Instructor under the late Sifu Ted Wong in the “Latter Stage” developments of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do. Stewart is a former Karate “point fighting” competitor and 1982 Grand Champion in the Great Lakes Region of the USA as well as an International Amateur Kickboxing Competitor with a record of 15-5-1 who’s last fight was a victory, under Savate rules in 1994. (Los Angeles, CA)

Stewart is a published author who has been featured in and on the cover of many magazines including Inside Karate, Inside Kung Fu, Masters and styles, Black Belt, Karate Illustrated, Fighter Magazine of Sweden, Martial Arts Illustrated of Great Britain, and Siam Combat of Thailand.