Interview with Joe Amargo, Admin of Eskrima / Arnis / Kali Filipino Martial Arts FB Group

What is your style of FMA? 

My style of FMA is Balintawak Eskrima.

Who was your main teacher? 

My first teacher was Guro Ritche Gumahin , then when he had to much on his schedule I was taught by one of his students, Guro Tim Williams..both very good in Balintawak Eskrima.
I also took a lesson from Ninong Tim Rivera of Garimot Eskrima, but I mainly practice Balintawak Eskrima.

How long have you been doing it? 

I started 6 years ago.. and been practicing ever since ..for now I practice 1 hour a day at least.

How is your style different from other FMA styles? 

My style is a close quarter or Cordo type style, which is close range fighting.

What makes it unique? 

All of FMA is unique in it’s own way..Balintawak is more on the close quarter fighting, limiting the opponent’s chance of attacking in close range.

What made you start learning FMA? 

I have always been interested in FMA, and that started from an early age.  When I said it started from an early age, it’s in my blood.. I use to play swords with my cousins when I was a kid, and it’s always been my favorite to play when I was younger.  I am also a fan of Bruce Lee, so when I first saw him, I did my research about him and found out one of his students was a Filipino by the name of Dan Inosanto..so I did further research on Guro Dan Inosanto and found out he learned and taught FMA,..Also as a kid, I use to watch the “Barangay Tanods” watch over the neighborhoods just using a bastion as their main weapon..that pretty much impressed me.

Why did you choose to do FMA and not other arts? 

Because I felt an attachment to the Arts, as a Filipino.. I will probably do other arts as well just to keep my education going in the Martial Arts, I just chose to focus on Filipino Martial Arts for now until I am good enough.  I also chose FMA because I know the style works for me and others.  It is a complete style of Martial Arts.

Have you ever used FMA to defend yourself? 

Yes, and I’m not proud of using it and hurting someone else, but I had to.. My neighbor tried to assault me, using a broomstick as his weapon, I was forced to defend myself.

Do you think making FMA mainstream and popular is good for the art or will it destroy it? 

I’m sure FMA is already in the mainstream, it’s just not as popular as other arts, but I think it would be good for the arts,. There are positives and negatives to this question, first the positives;  FMA would get a lot of attention and more people would want to try and learn it, but the negative side of this is, the effect on the egos of some people, There will always be that biggest argument , specially in FMA of who’s style is the best.. as an individual I have to look at both he positive and negatives effects of learning FMA.. will it destroy it, probably not but the negative doesn’t help it either.

What do you think is the key for FMA to finally reach the level of popularity of Taekwondo or BJJ? 

I’m not sure, I guess more people just need to try it before judging it.  I think eventually people will come around to wanting to try FMA.

What is your advice for new FMA students? 

Hmm, Learn your basics, practice it, try to do things on your own, don’t imitate your teachers, try to make it your own style.  Create, Learn and continue practicing every day.

Do you teach FMA?

No I do not teach FMA.  I would love to..but for now I am simply content with the title of STUDENT.

What do you currently do for work? 

Currently I am a freelance Graphic & Web Designer.

In the future, if you decide to teach, Where would you teach?

If I was to teach it would be at my house and I would only take students who intend to use FMA for something good.. but for now I am and always a Student first.

Do you sell FMA related stuff like Baston, etc?

Currently, No, but I would love to get some Sticks so I can put my design on them..maybe I’ll sell them, maybe , or just give them away.. maybe

How do interested students get a hold of you?

Call me, message me on Facebook??  email me?  ooh smoke signals also work!  just kidding, um I’ll have to decide on that when I get to that level of proficiency.

-Joseph Alvin Amargo, Administrator of Eskrima / Arnis / Kali Filipino Martial Arts

You can Join our group for FMA related discusion
https://www.facebook.com/groups/eskrimaarnis/