"This art is neither for sport nor recreation. This art is for combat and the preservation of culture." - Pangulong Guro Sultan "Shaykh" Uddin, Founder of IESA
I was born in San Francisco, attended St. Ignatius College Prep, subsequently going to San Jose State where I graduated with a BS Industrial Technology - Drafting and Design.
I Worked for United Airlines, Applied Materials, Clorox, TNT, and I'm now currently employed at KLA-Tencor. I just started my own Travel Agency, too.
Played and coached lacrosse, raced outrigger canoes (even traveled half way around the world to compete in Western Samoa at the World Sprints).
I had a brief, fragmented stint in the martial arts when I was younger, having studied Chinese Karate under Sifu Mike Solaices, Shotokan under the late Sensei Erdie Manila and Shorin-Ryu under Sensei Isao Wada when I was at SJSU. Now I practice and teach Eskrima/Serrada under Pangulong Guro/Head Founder Sultan "Shaykh" Uddin and the International Eskrima Serrada Association (IESA) .
YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT MY TEACHER'S WEBSITE at www.sultantv101.com . Check out his own MySpace page at myspace.com/sultan_uddin .
It was through the art of Eskrima/Serrada that I not only reinforced my culture and martial heritage, but I also cultivated the fire for speaking and writing, which led me to write numerous articles published in the Philippine News (reaching 6 million people in North America alone!).
I received the prestigious Pamana Arts Legacy Award for Journalism and Martial Arts in 2003 from the Filipino American Arts Exposition, placing me with some of the top artistically talented Pilipinos from the US and abroad.
This art has taken me to places I could only dream of seeing. I've shaken hands with some of the top people in politics, business, entertainment and the martial arts. But the crazy thing is, it doesn't stop here. We're just getting started.
Standing (l to r): Klay, Master Kalanduyan, Dee, Isa, Evelie and myself
Kneeling (l to r): Guro Manny Dragon, Mayor/Councilman Mike Guingona, Pangulong Guro Sultan "Shaykh" Uddin, Master Lito Concepcion
Personally, I wouldn't be who I am or where I am if it hadn't been for that first day when I picked up the stick at my teacher's school.
I've been a student for over a decade now...it seems like yesterday when I first started. Now I find myself with the distinct honor and responsibility of being the first Punong Guro personally promoted by Pangulong Guro Sultan "Shaykh" Uddin. I am now the designated Chief Instructor and Official Spokesperson for the IESA organization.
Punong Guro Ray Abad, Punong Guro Andrew Pelayo, Pangulong Guro/Head Founder Sultan "Shaykh" Uddin, Punong Guro Bob Manalo, Jr. (left to right)
I teach both private and group classes in the San Francisco area. I'm available for workshops and demonstrations
For more information, call 888-221-5462 or send me a message.
A few slides of the recent workshop in Los Angeles with Pangulong Guro Sultan "Shaykh" Uddin