THE ART OF THE BLADE MAESTRO ARNOLD NARZO was personally trained in the “Art of the Blade” (Kalis Ilustrisimo) by Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo and by Tatang’s top protege, Master Tony Diego (Mang Tony). Here’s Arnold’s story… Born in Manila, Philippines in 1970 but raised in Cebu, Arnold took a liking to boxing and the martial [...]
My search of the Malay Archipelago for exotic fighting arts recently led me to Paranaque, Philippines where I had a private training session with Grandmaster Roberto Labitan Labaniego (Mang Bert). You may have seen Mang Bert before, as he was featured in the Filipino Martial Arts film "The Bladed Hand". At 74 years old, Mang [...]
My Southeast Asian Kung Fu odyssey took an amazing turn yesterday when I had the opportunity to take a private lesson with and interview Grandmaster Yuli Romo. GM Yuli is one of the Five Original "Pillars" of Kalis Ilustrisimo as handed down by "Tatang" Antonio Ilustrisimo. The 5 Pillars of Ilustrisimo are: 1) Antonio Diego [...]
