San Miguel Eskrima - help me FMA authorities

[mr. gordo]

Hey all,

I found a San Miguel Eskrima instructor by me. Here's the site with the information:

http://www.eskrima.com/


Is this style of kali reputable in terms of being of an authentic lineage and being respected in the kali community? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.



mr. gordo

[SamHarber]

Why is lineage important? Your learning to hit people with sticks.

[feedback]

Lineage is very important. I remember when the Japanese poinsoned my master before their fight, and my master was killed in his weakened state. I fought for my master's lineage and honor by finally defeating the master of the Japanese Karate Dojo in a field with blowing leaves, then I smashed some General's shit.

Oh wait that was Fists of Legend.

[Kuya]

San Miguel in the US is headed by Tom Bisio. He was one of Pekiti Tirsias top guys, in the 70s/80s, and would have been Leo Gaje's choice for heading the US branch if he didnt switch over to the San Miguel style and Chinese Internal arts. If you like the Dog Brothers, this guy was Top Dog's senior in PT. The Canete's are Cebu eskrima. I dont know much about Filemon, but Cacoy was the fighter of the family. The story goes, if someone wanted to challenge the Canete's they would first have to fight Cacoy, and if they could beat him then the older brothers would fight. No one ever got by Cacoy. The man in his 60s still fought full contact, NO ARMOR stick fighting. There is a very good story about his last fight, and the speed by which he downed his younger opponent. Anyways, I cant claim to have any first hand experience with "San Miguel" instructors, I just know the reputation of the Canete's and Tom Bisio. I also know that Diony Canete produces fighters who can KO people through WEKAF helmets. Best thing would be to go in and try a class for yourself, and see what the quality of the instruction is. No matter how great the system, and how accomplished some of its fighters may be, there is always the change that there are a few screw ups in the mix.

[Pandinha]

If Kuya posts it, you can take it to the bank.

[mr. gordo]

Kuya, All,


Thanks so much for the info! I will definitely give Mr. Bisio a call and see who he recommends out by me since there are two instructors in the vicinity.


mr. gordo

[Matt Bernius]

Let me second the recommendation. Mr Bisio is one heck of a martial artist. While I haven't had the chance to work with him, my Pekiti instrutor (Guru Doug Marcaida) trained with him for quite a while. Mr Bisio apparently became quite adept at mixing concepts from both the Chinese Interal Arts and Kali (especially in using weight manipluation to add increased power to striking). I've met good instructors on both the Kali and IMA side that hold him in the highest respect.

As for San Miguel, my understanding is it's a longer range form of Kali. Where as Pekiti goes close range (it's name translates as "to chop things up at close range), San Miguel plays in mid to outter range.

I would defintely check it out!

- Matt

[mr. gordo]

Matt,

Thanks again for the lowdown. Nice to see a fellow NY'er with their ear to the ground.


mr. gordo