This Just In...

In Loving Memory of My Father

Dr. Nestor V. Jacobo
March 10, 1932 - September 17, 2006

Guro John teaches Filipino Martial Arts at West Valley Sports Academy

October 1, 2009

In coordination with WVSA, classes devoted to the Filipino Martial Arts of weapons and empty-hands will begin this October. Contact Guro John for details!

1st SWACOM Southwest Gathering

Join SWACOM members from the East Coast and Southwest to promote and preserve the Filipino Martial Arts with integrity. Experience these combat arts through the philosophy and training methodologies that offer a less than traditional approach. Where function over flash is the only goal in mind. Hence, our motto “Tested not Theory”.

  • Dates: November 2-4
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM (1 hour lunch)
  • Location: 2 Days at West Valley Sports Academy / 1 Day at White Tanks Regional Park
  • Cost: Non-members:$225($175 pre-registered by 10/24) | Members:$150/

Topics:

  • Kali Ilustrisimo (Combat Tested Sword Strategies & Techniques of the late GM Antonio “Tatang“ Ilustrisimo)
  • SWACOM’s Edge Weapon Use & Defense (including improvised weaponry)
  • Dos Manos (4ft. Staff and Riot Baton Work)
  • Combat Sport Stickfighting
  • ...and MORE!

*Each day will NOT be limited to technical instruction. It will consist of at least 1 of the following training methodologies which will not only enhance your skill set but strengthen your mindset.

  • Contact Drills (Application, Sensitivity etc.)
  • Impact Drills (Focus Mitts, Air Shield etc.)
  • Non-Compliant Exercises (Resistance)
  • Force-on-Force Simulations (Sparring to Scenarios)

*Equipment Requirement: Training Sword & Knife, Sticks, Goggles,20Mouthpiece, Cup, Sparring Gear (Optional) and Bag Gloves.

For more details, please contact Guro John directly at bakbakan@aol.com

Guro John returns to France!

April 2010

1 Week Training in Valloire, France

Visit venue: www.letatami.com

Details TBA here or visit www.pcsa2.com

Arizona's First FMA Friendship Gathering

Through the inspiration of Mike Butz of Kada Anan and the coordinated efforts of Pietro Vitelli (Bahala Na), Scott Abbott (Inayan Eskrima) and John Jacobo (Kali Ilustrisimo), this first ever non-political and ego-free fostering of brotherhood was held at Papago Park in Phoenix on April 27th. This whole day event was free for attendees who wanted to experience the Combat Arts from the Philippines. This whole day event offered not only informal instruction in the various systems but a "potluck" luncheon.

Because of the great success, organizers have already made their committments for another gathering on October 19, 2008. Check back for details on guest instructors and location...

Valley of the Sun Chapter

The "Valley of the Sun" Chapter recently opened doors (or should I say, garage) to FMA enthusiasts on the West Valley in Arizona. The “backyard” training group is lead by Guro John Jacobo who adheres to the highest standards of philosophy, teaching approach, training methodology and most importantly integrity. Traits he encouraged with his students since SWACOM's inception in 2004.

These traits anchor my beliefs as an instructor and student of the martial arts. In over 25 years of involvement, I have come to know many “truths” in the Warrior Arts. And it is my responsibility to share these “truths” with students rather than mislead them with complicated and dragged out methods.

Training is conducted in the privacy of my home. Hence, the label of “backyard” training. There is nothing commercial in what I do. No marketing hype and false claims. I am not selling a style, system or affiliation. Rather, I am selling my passion for providing quality instruction. And this is the only way success is measured.

Guro John’s endeavor to open a Personal Protection Consulting & Training Center has lead him to develop several training programs that were designed to address a client’s specific want or need. In addition to offering the Filipino Martial Arts, personal training in the following programs will be offered.

Individual Client Programs:

Defense Methods-Edge Weapon Awareness & Readiness: Recognized as a favorable tool for intimidation, the hazards of an edge weapon has become even more prevalent. Learn how to deal with this ever growing threat!

Womens Tactical Empowerment (WTE): Sometimes saying no is just not enough. It takes both mind & body to bring down larger and stronger adversaries. Unleash the bodyguard in yourself and experience a personal one-to-one approach to women’s self-defense. (Privates ONLY - Contact John direct for more details)

The Traditions Remain (Maryland Chapter)

Since the relocation of Guro John to Arizona this past October, Maryland-based members continue to train regularly. These sessions are devoted to the Filipino Martial Arts and REAL World Self Defense.

The training, mindset and camaraderie have been the long time characteristics that have bonded this small but dedicated group. This is a place where individuals are open to both sharing and learning from one another. Only ego-free and like minded individuals need apply.

For more information on the Maryland Chapter, contact Vince Ford at: (410) 963-1455

Meet Your Training Partners

Lead Trainers (from A-Z):

  • John Bosch
  • Russell Brandford
  • Vince Ford
  • Don Penatzer
  • Mike Ponce

Members:

  • Leonard Anderson
  • Gary Boisen
  • Robert Brooks
  • Bill Brown
  • Stan Cheung
  • Brian Grant
  • Jason Grant
  • Al Sotto
  • Jeff Realo

Kali Ilustrisimo with Master Topher Ricketts

Private & Group Lessons Now Available in San Diego

Contact Master Christopher "Topher" Ricketts for more information. E-Mail: Master Topher Ricketts
Tel: (619) 861-3206

Keep It Combat DVD Series - Now Available!


Volume I - The Combat Principles of De Cuerdas [DVD - 40 minutes]

Although there are several principles defined in DeCuerdas, this tape will take a look at the rebounding principle as it applies to feints known as enganyos, countering/recountering measures and understanding your opponent's opening.

For shipment within the
U.S. & Canada ($34.95):
For shipment outside the
U.S. & Canada ($39.95):

Volume II - Dos Manos Methods [DVD - 40 minutes]

This tape introduces the two-handed methods as it applies to longsword or staff. It includes footwork, striking methods, offensive/defensive use, short skirmish exercise and even reverts back to the Escalera DeCuerdas drill covered in Tape 1 to show it's versatility.

For shipment within the
U.S. & Canada ($34.95):
For shipment outside the
U.S. & Canada ($39.95):

Volume I & II - 2 DVD Set [Save $19.95!]

For shipment within the
U.S. & Canada ($49.95):
For shipment outside the
U.S. & Canada ($59.95):

*Payment by PayPal or credit card

Warrior Arts of the Philippines Book - Now Available!


$34.95

Profusely illustrated with over 1600 photos, this historical and highly informative publication is destined to become a classic and valuable resource on the Warrior Arts of the Philippines.

Featuring in-depth biographies, exclusive personal insights, and detailed combative applications, this exclusive collection by acclaimed Filipino martial arts expert, teacher, and writer, Rey Galang, presents the priceless legacy and cultural treasures of the manifold Filipino martial arts.

Discover the history, the strengths, and the secrets of six of the foremost systems in Philippine combat arts.

  • Balintawak Eskrima
  • Kali Ilustrisimo
  • Lameco Eskrima
  • Lightning Scientific Arnis
  • Modern Arnis
  • San Miguel Eskrima

Relive and experience the journeys of warriors past and present through the interviews and writings of the eminent masters and disciples of these celebrated combat arts.

Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: arjee enterprises inc. (April, 2005)
ISBN: 0972767916
Product Dimensions: 10.0 x 7.0 x 0.9 inches

Masters of the Blade Book Currently Out of Stock


In this truly groundbreaking masterpiece of academic research, highly acclaimed Filipino Martial Arts warrior and scholar, Rey Galang, collaborates with renowned “Masters of the Blade” to bare the heart and soul of the Filipino martial arts. In a presentation that goes beyond and across boundaries, discover the techniques, the training methods, the strategies and concepts that have been honed, tested and proven through centuries of combative application. Discover the essence of the Filipino Martial Arts that has made them respected and utilized worldwide by law enforcement officers, armed forces personnel, frontline operatives and members of the public interested in self-protection with and against edged weapons.

Destined to become another classic resource on the Warrior Arts of the Philippines, this massive collection, profusely illustrated with over 2700 photos, presents the core tactics and concepts of many world acclaimed edged weapon combative experts.

“One of the finest self-defense knife instructors I’ve had the pleasure to know is Master Reynaldo Galang of Bakbakan International. His ability to develop the reactions and quickness of his students while maintaining their safety in his training is outstanding. I’m honored to write the foreword for ‘Masters of the Blade’, his latest in a series of excellent books.” --- GM Bobby Taboada, Balintawak Arnis Cuentada

ISBN 0-9727679-2-4
Pages: 472
Product Dimensions: 10.0 x 7.0 x 1.0 inches
Publisher: arjee enterprises inc.
Library of Congress Control Number: 2005902486

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