Presented by The Rooted School
& Kapwa Gardens
Funded by MoHCD
Filipino Martial Arts(FMA) is making a comeback at Kapwa Gardens. In 2022 Kapwa Gadens presented a weekly Filipino martial arts class series. From the different styles of Eskrima to Kali, Filipinos have been deeply immersed in various fighting styles for decades. Attendees got to learn to learn the basics of Filipino martial arts in an inclusive and safe space.
In 2023, Many Styles is back with a new monthly format! Each event will start with beginner classes interwoven with demonstrations. Then at the end of day, sparring sessions hosted by the Sabong Federation.
The event will also feature pre-colonial dance performances, kulintang, vendors, and other FMA adjacent cultural activities. Each month will also feature new styles of FMA.
Instructors
Evan Rubin
Teaching Original Giron Escrima
Evan Rubin is a graduate of the Original Giron Escrima system under Grandmaster Michael Giron, son of GME Leovigildo Giron. Instructor Rubin has a 15 year background in both weapons based and empty hand martial arts. A self proclaimed “student for life”, Mr. Rubin approaches the study of martial arts as a lifetime journey and takes no greater joy than sharing the art of escrima with those eager to learn. Mr. Rubin is currently the head instructor of the San Francisco Division of the Original Giron Escrima Federation teaching out of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.
Master Mel Orpilla
Teaching Villasin Balintawak Arnis
Master Mel teaches Villasin Balintawak Arnis in the Benicia/Vallejo/American Canyon area. He started training under GM Ver Villasin in 2000, and started his school, Island Warriors Martial Arts, in 2010. Previously, he trained in Kajukenbo starting in 1972. Master Mel is also a well- known author and speaker on the topics of Filipino American History and Traditional Filipino Warrior Tattoos.Island Warriors strives to develop the student into a whole person – Body, Mind and Spirit. Through Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), the student will develop not only skills in the ancient Filipino fighting arts, but also Life Skills that will carry over into their everyday lives.
Kristian Kabuay
Teaching Baybayin
Kristian is an artist/entrepreneur/futurist specializing in endangered writing systems from the Philippines. As a leading authority for the propagation and instruction of prePhilippine scripts, he launched his own edutainment business specializing in custom art, books, events, technology, and apparel. Kristian has spoken around the world at museums, schools, and companies. His work is wide-reaching that spans across multimedia, traditional practices, and technology. He is currently working on his 7th book, 2nd documentary, education startup, and learning traditional tattooing.
Joselito Sering
Teaching Sparring
Joselito is an FMA dilettante with over 30+ years of mixed martial arts training in various urban open hand and improvised weapons combat with experience in street confrontations while being a vassal to escrima grandmasters in the SF Bay Area. He founded the Sabong Federation to exalt fellowship between FMA practitioners and lay the groundwork for a unified collective across schools and styles. His FMA journey began with Escrima Serrada in 1991 and evolved toward Kalis Ilustrisimo in 2015. He is currently studying Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) at F3 Sword Academy.
Vendors
Sparring Sessions
Hosted and led by the Sabong Federation’s Joselito Sering. The last 2 hours of Many Styles is dedicated for FMA sparring and fencing. Equipped with padded swords and safety gear, intermediate and expert level participants engaged in a controlled and dynamic exchange. Demonstrating their mastery of striking, blocking, and footwork, they showcased the effectiveness of Eskrima, Arnis, and Kalis.
*Registration is required and all participants are screened and must agree to our code of conduct and liability wavier
Tickets
Tickets for the Many Styles are FREE but we are accepting sliding scale donations. Your donations will help us continue to host our future events and keep our garden growing.
Interested in taking class? Please register down below and fill out the participation form.
Registration is required and all participants are screened and must agree to our code of conduct and liability wavier