Kapwa Gardens &
The Rooted School Presents:
A Showcase Of The Diversity
& Beauty Of Filipino Martial Arts
The Rooted School is bringing back Filipino Martial Arts to Kapwa Gardens. In 2022 we presented a weekly Filipino martial arts class series. From the different styles of Eskrima to Kalis, Filipinos have been deeply immersed in various fighting styles for decades. Attendees got to learn to learn the basics of Filipino martial arts in an inclusive and safe space.
We’re back with a new monthly format happening in the months of July, August, September and October of 2023. Each event will start with beginner classes interwoven with demonstrations. Then at the end of day, sparring sessions hosted by the Sabong Federation.
The event will also feature pre-colonial dance performances, kulintang, vendors, and other FMA adjacent cultural activities. Each month will also feature new styles of FMA.
↓ ↓ ↓ Scroll to Learn More ↓ ↓ ↓
Presenting The Many Styles of
Filipino Martial Arts
Mandala Mandirigma Derobio Escrima
Mandala Mandirigma Derobio Escrima is a sword-based art that seeks to redirect incoming aggression as well as neutralize the intention to harm. As a cultural martial art with deep history, it is handed down to future generations for use in self-defense and self-enrichment. Students first learn the movements with sticks, but the bladed concepts can also be applied to the use of improvised items as well as unarmed defense. Derobio is also known for its many locks and disarms.
Bahala Na Escrima
Called Bahala Na®, meaning “come what may”, Giron® Arnis Escrima / Bahala Na® Martial Arts is a Filipino/American martial art of self defense created by Grand Master Emeritus Leo M Giron, an original “bladed warrior” and a true WWII Hero. The Giron® System is a proven fighting system based on edged weapon combatives. The Giron® System is composed of 20 styles including sword, stick, knife and empty hand techniques applicable to many aspects of survival for modern life.
Sabong Federation
Sabong Federation is a fencing club for Filipino martial arts practitioners in the San Francisco Bay Area. The club consists of top coaches and school masters from various different systems and styles who come together to test their skills and for mutual learning. The group also include Live Action Role Play (LARP) performers that re-enact historical battles in the Philippines from pre-colonial warfare, tribal conflicts, peasant rebellions, and World War II. Sabong Federation has become the premiere arena for multi weapon, multi style sparring between individuals from different schools, being the safest, friendliest, funnest, and most creative FMA fencing club in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Meet Your October Instructors
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DEROBIO ESKRIMA
Maestro Alvin is the chief instructor for Mandala Mandirigma Derobio in the SF Bay Area, teaching out of Hapkido USA in the Sunset District, where he is also a 5th Dan instructor. Training in FMA since 1996, he teaches a curriculum that draws from his experience in Hapkido, Silat, and various styles of Eskrima.
FOLLOW ALVINInstagram: @alvinthejust
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BAHALA NA ESCRIMA
Frank has been training in Bahala Na since 2010. Being the oldest amongst his siblings, he was the last one to take up any martial arts training. In 2016, Frank was able to complete the Graduation process and became a Graduate of Bahala Na. And until this day, he's actively training in the Art of Giron Arnis Escrima.
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FILIPINO TATTOOS
Mel Orpilla will discuss traditional Filipino Warrior tattoos and their relationship to Filipino identity and Filipino Martial Arts. He will speak about the various tribes, their patterns, symbols, and how one chooses a traditional Filipino tattoo. Mel is an author, cultural advocate, collector, Arnis practitioner, and the leader of the Mark of Four Waves Tattoo Tribe Northern CA Barangay.
FOLLOW MELInstagram: @mel9661
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SPARRING
Joselito is an FMA dilettante with over 30+ years of mixed martial arts training in various urban open hand and improvised weapons combat with experience in street confrontations while being a vassal to escrima grandmasters in the SF Bay Area. He founded the Sabong Federation to exalt fellowship between FMA practitioners and lay the groundwork for a unified collective across schools and styles. His FMA journey began with Escrima Serrada in 1991 and evolved toward Kalis Ilustrisimo in 2015. He is currently studying Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) at F3 Sword Academy.
FOLLOW SABONG FEDERATION
Website: https://sabongfederation.square.site/
Instagram: @sabongfederation
Our Copresenter
The Rooted School is an online platform that promotes Filipino martial arts and culture. The Rooted School features top instructors and cultural practitioners based in the Bay Area but coming directly to your homes through its online platform.
The Rooted School is funded in part by grants from Balay Kreative / Kultivate Labs.
Sparring Sessions
Hosted and led by the Sabong Federation’s Joselito Sering. The last 2 hours of Many Styles is dedicated for FMA sparing and fencing. Equipped with padded swords and safety gear, intermediate and expert level participants engaged in a controlled and dynamic exchange. Demonstrating their mastery of striking, blocking, and footwork, they showcased the effectiveness of Eskrima, Arnis, and Kalis.
RSVP and Register for Class Now
10/28 Many Styles:
Mandala Mandirigma Derobio Escrima | Bahala Na Escrima
Mandala Mandirigma Derobio Escrima taught by Alvin Albano
Bahala Na Escrima taught by Frank Mendoza
Filipino Cutural/Folk taught by TBA
Sparring sessions held by Joselito Sering of Sabong Federation