OLA`A-NALO  ESKRIMA Personnel Bios

Born in the year 1972, I was raised with five siblings on the southern Philippine Island of Bohol. Growing up in the Philippines, I learned my family's heritage in the art of blade making. My grandfather and his relatives were known for their skills in making bolos and bladed farming tools. My father's occupation prior to returning to Hawaii was fishing and ironsmith.

My first exposure to Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) was from my older brother who in turn was influenced by our cousin. Our cousin was a member of the Philippine Yaw-Yan foot fighting school. Being the youngest in the family, I was not allowed to engage in any kind of sport that may cause harm or injury. After we moved to Hawaii in 1983, an opportunity came up when my father mentioned an old man who was a Mananambal, (a healer) who also taught Escrima from his backyard. However, It was not until late in the year 1987 when my dreams of learning FMA materialized. My father finally approved and my mother, though hesitant, allowed me to study.

From 1987-1992 I trained under Master Brauilo Pedoy of the Pedoy School of Derobio Escrima. After GGM Pedoy passed away in 1992, I studied Balintawak Escrima and Doce Pares and also learned the basics of Lightning Scientific Arnis International under Master Romy Santos from Manila, Philippines. In 1995 I resumed my studies of Pedoy Style Derobio Escrima with Sr. Chief Instructor Ron England. At the same time I also studied with Grandmaster Mike Delmar of the Del Mar Kali Arnis System.

In 2004 I was promoted by Batikan Pedoy of the Pedoy School of Escrima to the rank Chief Maestro. In 2005 I moved from Hawaii to California and later to Texas. I now represent Olaa-Nalo Eskrima and hold a Senior Chief Maestro rank in this system.