Grandmaster Mateo D. Estolloso
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ABANIKO TRES PUNTAS FIGHTING SYSTEM OF ABANIKO TRES PUNTAS – a unique classical arnis fighting system originated in Culasi, Antique, Philippines. Develop and made famous in the early 1900’s by Mateo D. Estolloso in his many no rules duels as part of festivals and celebrations. His intricate techniques in ESPADA Y DAGA (sword and dagger) gained him the respect of fighters across the archipelago. The outbreak of World War II exposed Estolloso to numerous encounters as a resistance fighter bringing with him his blade and talisman (amulet) in tandem with his US Army springfield rifle. After the war, he pursued his practice and furthered the techniques incorporating DUMOG-IPIT (native wrestling-pinning) from which the intricate execution of HAWI-TAPI (parries and impact blocks) in MANO-MANO bone-breaking traps and pins were derived. The combination of his technique were then integrated to the long blades and dagger, the forerunner of his Baston (stick) system. The triangular and close to perfect geometry of his strokes gave identity to the ABANIKO TRES PUNTAS (fan style in three-point or edge). His typical SANGGA-PATAMA (block-hit) combinations in OTSO-OTSO (figure 8), BANDA Y BANDA (side to side), SUNGKITI (stab or thrust) in ABANIKO LARGO-CORTO (fan strike in long and short) and PONYO (butt) comprised the complex elements of soft flows and drills in training but lethal when used in combat. In 1984 at age 70 then, Estolloso toured the USA for Arnis demonstration with Philippine Army General Marcos Villa Agustin, Constabulary General Wilfredo Estrada and Grandmaster Ernesto Presas. He was partnered in all demonstrations by his student-aide RENE TONGSON, where Estolloso was applauded the most for his graceful silk-like movements despite his age. Today, Grandmaster MATEO D. ESTOLLOSO’s ABANIKO TRES PUNTAS is widely practiced in many parts of the world. His followings have spread to the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Ukraine, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Bosnia, Slovenia, Austria, India and in most part of the Philippines, universities, colleges and martial art clubs. Numerous DVDs and training materials in his honor are published the world over. The International Federation- Philippine Classical Arnis International is presently headed by Grandmaster RENE R. TONGSON, caretaker of ABANIKO TRES PUNTAS FIGHTING SYSTEM. GM Tongson is responsible for today`s continuity of the Grand Old Man`s legacy. “FOR THIS DYNAMIC ART, WE GIVE THIS TRIBUTE IN MEMORY OF THE GREAT GRANDMASTER MATEO D. ESTOLLOSO” for his contribution to Philippine culture and heritage and helping bridge the world through international understanding, unity and cooperation. For the future generations….. MABUHAY !
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