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Escrima, Kali, Arnis, are terms that most martial artist these days are very familiar with. These words describe the arts of the Philippines. The arts first gained fame, with the legendary stories of how the Spanish conquistadores were defeated and Magellan lost his life, to the warriors of the Philippines. It was on the island of Mactan, which is in the province of what is known today as Cebu, that Magellan and his men were defeated by King Lapu Lapu and his men.
Later, the Spanish returned, with firearms, and the Filipino people were defeated. Spanish rule, did not allow any Eskrima practice, and the locals were forced to practice in hiding. Many Spanish terms crept into Filipino Martial Arts, such as Largo Mano, Espada y Dagga, etc. Spanish rule was followed by American domination in the early 1900's.
Later, the Philippines were invaded by the Japanese, and many Filipinos joined the American service, to fight the Japanese. During and after the war, many Filipinos immigrated to Hawaii, and California.For a more detailed history, please read Dan Inosonto's book,entitled,"The Filipino Martial Arts."
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One of the Masters who relocated to Stockton California, was Grandmaster Leo Giron. GM Giron was a secret operative under General Macarthur during World War 2. GM giron set up the first Bahala Na club in Stockton, and the first graduate from the club, was none other than Guru Dan Inonsonto.
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Guru Dan Inosonto is considered by many to be one of the main reasons Escrima, Kali,and Arnis have become so popular in the USA. Guru Dan was able to demonstrate Escrima in Bruce lee movies, such as the Game of Death, Steven Seagal movies, like Out For Justice, and many many more. Guru Inosonto spread the arts, along with Jkd, by doing seminars all over the country and throughout the world. I became aware of Escrima, by attending seminars with Guru Inosonto, after watching him on TV.
I sought out instruction in NY in 1991, I began my training with Guro Charles Chi in 1991 and 6 years later in 1997 I became a Certified Instructor In the Fillipino Arts . Years later, after training with many people from different styles of Escrima, including, Modern Arnis, Pekiti Tirsia, and Doce Pares, I decided to pursue further training. In 2005, I became a certified Affiliate in the Bahala Na system, as taught by the current Grand Master, Tony Somera.
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Grandmaster Tony Somera has a vast background in Martial Arts, including Mande Muda Silat, and Escrima. He was personally chosen as the head of Bahala Na, by the late Grandmaster Leo Giron. Grandmaster Tony is known for his skill and humble attitude.
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In 2009 Danny recieved his certification in Doce Pares as an Apprentice Instructor under the guidance of Grand Master / Master Don Edwards. Don is certified as a Grand Master under Cacoy Canete and as a Master under Diony Canente and is one of the few to have learned both variations of Doce Pares .
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While in California, Dan had the pleasure of taking private lessons with 8th degree Blackbelt in Doce Pares, Master Erwin Mosqueda. Master Erwin is in charge of the Los Angeles Doce Pares group and teaches in several locations in Los Angeles. Pictured above is Guro Dan Regan and Master Erwin in Griffith Park Los Angeles
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I was very fortunate to have met, and trained with Modern Arnis Grandmaster Remy Presas. GM Presas had offered to help me with opening an Arnis School, and invited me to his Instructor Camp. I was unable to attend. I was very lucky to have met GM Presas, and shared a brief friendship, prior to his passing, his art lives on through his students.
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