Ilustrisimo

Another Pamantukan Sunday. This time we covered some sparring techniques and reviewed "redonda". Watch till the end!

Kali Pamantukan Ilustrisimo is not a new group. It has deep roots in Luneta going back many years, even during Tatang's time. Back then, Kali Pamantukan was founded and led by Manong Yuli Romo, becoming part of the long standing culture of training and gathering in Luneta.

When Manong Yuli eventually moved abroad to Morocco, the original Kali Pamantukan group in Luneta gradually stopped operating in its original form. But the spirit and identity of the group remained alive through the students who trained under it.

Today, one of Manong Yuli's longtime students, Sir Maynard, decided it was time to bring it back. A retired police colonel, tournament champion, and one of the dedicated students who regularly trained under the Kali Pamantukan Ilustrisimo banner in Luneta, he felt that after many years, the group deserved a revival.

This Sunday, we proudly supported that effort and trained once again in Luneta, very close to the original area where Tatang and the original Kali Pamantukan group used to train, near Manila Hotel.

The gathering was also an opportunity to reconnect with the wider Eskrima community. We met, trained, exchanged ideas, and shared time with fellow practitioners from different groups including KIRO, Kalis Ilustrisimo Repeticion Orihinal, and RRK, Rapido Realismo Kali.

Special thanks to KIRO and RRK for the warm welcome and camaraderie. The spirit of Luneta has always been about brotherhood, friendship, and keeping the Filipino martial arts alive.

This video captures moments from that day. Training, reconnecting with old and new friends, exchanging ideas, and taking part in the revival of a piece of Luneta history.

Kali Pamantukan Ilustrisimo is back.

If you would like to train with us or become a member, send us a message and we will gladly provide more information.

See you in Luneta.

Today is the birthday of Manong Epifanio Yuli Romo Jr.

This clip is from one of our Saturday sessions a few months back. No cuts. No edits. A small look at how he really trains us.

Strikto. Walang palusot. But at the same time, palabiro. May timing ang biro, pero mas may timing ang tira. Kung kailangan ka paluin sa pwet para matuto, gagawin niya without hesitation.

That balance is what makes the training real. Hindi lang technique. Disiplina, awareness, and presence.

Happy birthday po, Mang Yuli. Maraming salamat sa patuloy na pagtuturo.

For those who want to send a small gift or support, you can send directly via PayPal:
[email protected]

Happy Birthday to Sir Louie Lindo.

Sharing a clip of Sir Louie training with Mang Yuli, working on Serrada Abierta. A reminder that beyond techniques, what is passed on is understanding, timing, and connection.

Sir Louie has always carried himself as a student of the art first, and that shows in how he moves, how he trains, and how he continues to learn from the elders. This kind of mindset is what keeps the art alive and moving forward.

Wishing him continued health, strong training, and many more years of sharing and growing in the art.

Maligayang bati sa aming butihing tagapagsanay, Mang Jaime Quizana. Pagpupugay po sa inyong kaarawan.