Interview with Mang Romeo "Romy" Macapagal of Kalis Ilustrisimo | Filipino Martial Arts | Kali

[@FMAPulse]

We hope you enjoy the interview with Mang Romy. Here are the time codes. 0:00 - Intro 2:50 - Meeting Tatang for the First Time 4:54 - Street Fights in the Philippines and Growing Up in Post WW2 Manila 11:47 - Documenting and Archiving the Kalis Ilustrisimo System 12:17 - Grandmaster Johnny Chiuten 13:46 - The Kalis Ilustrisimo System in it’s Purity 16:23 - What is Intent and how to Develop it 19:25 - Old School Training 24:12 - Learning Under Tatang 29:47 - Tatang’s Development of Kalis Ilustrisimo and Spanish Fencing Influence 32:12 - Eskrimador Challenge Matches 36:08 - Walo Apak - 8 Steps 38:49 - Spanish Fencing Influence on Kalis Ilustrisimo 45:35 - Mang Romy’s thoughts on the Current State of FMA 46:20 - Maestro Reynaldo “Doy” Baldemor 47:47 - Grandmaster Bobby Taboada 50:20 - FMA Outside of the Philippines 53:46 - Thoughts on the Origin of the Words Kali, Arnis and Eskrima 59:12 - The Misconceptions of the Filipino Martial Arts Today 1:04:16 - Teaching Knife if You’ve Never Been in a Knife Fight 1:11:08 - The Importance of Sparring HARD 1:13:09 - Beginner Tips for Starting Out with Kalis Ilustrisimo and FMA 1:16:29 - The Future of Kalis Ilustrisimo 1:19:43 - The Importance of Learning Olympic Fencing 1:22:37 - Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) 1:29:36 - Mang Romy’s Parting Words of Advice and Sparring Tips 1:39:45 - The Realities of Good and Bad Instruction in the FMAs

[@shogunshogun]

Thanks!

[@jjhervas]

Mang Romy is one of the few OG maestros whose only aim is to preserve a martial craft in it’s original form. He seeks neither fame nor coin, he does not teach for money nor does he do it for an applause. He does it for the love of ihis craft and his teacher Antonio “ Tatang Ilustrisimo. Kalis Ilustrisimo the way it was taught by tatang himself. There is a saying that if a rich man gives you free advise, you take it. Here is a man with a wealth of knowledge.. listen up

[@JamesJrSy-cv7me]

That I'll have to second the motion.

[@jasonward9942]

Mang Romy holds a large piece of the Ilustrisimo puzzle. Worth listening to over and over!

[@barkadaworldwide4484]

Great interview. Thank you FMA Pulse. Mang Romy Macapagal is a wealth of knowledge. This is a refreshingly honest take on the real mindstate needed to train in weapons based fighting arts and on the history of FMA. That being said, the truth is threatening to those invested in fraud. Sadly the martial arts community is plagued by pretentious masters who cant handle the truth or afford to accept it, as their authority or paycheck is dependent on it. When training in or teaching self defense, of which real world application could possibly mean life or death, it’s important to sift thru whats truly effective and whats fantasy. In my opinion, the only way to confirm the integrity of technic is to test it thru hard sparring. We need to hear from more masters like this.

[@FMAPulse]

Agreed, we also interviewed another GM that feels the same way. He said that he is happy that more people are interested in FMA, but also sad that FMA is losing or has lost it's true intent/meaning to appeal to the masses. He also stated that FMA should not be that complicated, and there's too many unnecessary drills and techniques.

[@dionisiodelima6674]

I used to learn from GM Romy Macagal before and he really kind of sharing his knowledge but unfortunately I was moved away that is why I haven't have a chance to visit him. I still want to continue learning from him if I have chance...they are our seniors GM T Diego, GM Romy, late Master Pete, M Martin, M Ernie etc...

[@FMAPulse]

Have you tried reaching out to him? Not sure if GM Romy would be open to teaching online. I know it's the not the same as in person training, but maybe supplemental trainining. We spoke with a couple of KI instructors and they said the only reason they started teaching was because there was no one to practice with. So they had to develop a training partner. Have you considered teaching so you can continue you're training?

[@michaelangelo4583]

I was fortunate enough to see Mang Romy twice in my life after two years of asking his permission of seeing kalis Ilustrisimo from him. Salamat po Mang Romy.

[@FMAPulse]

Our goal is to meet up with Mang Romy eventually and learn from him in person. Many people within the FMA community agree that he has a wealth of knowledge.

[@michaelangelo4583]

He has really, I'm just a liittle late meeting him because his already in his prime when I meet him. Anyhow teaching methodology of Mang Romy is very strict he doesn't want any alteration with the ilustrisimo techniques he learned from Tatang ilustrisimo. Thanks.

[@markj228]

Great interview! Mang Romy is being modest concerning his teaching ability. He is an excellent teacher! He is very methodical, technical, And purposely very strict... because what he teaches is about life and death and he knows what works and what does not!

[@FMAPulse]

We appreciate the knowledge and experience from the older fighters before us. They don't hesitate and you learn through pain.

[@lancevelez1721]

Ilustrisimo is alive and well with the group run by the sons of Master Topher Ricketts and the Luneta group of Master Arnold Narzo.Ilustriisimo is a tree with many branches nobody has a monopoly on what is the purest version except Tatang himself.

[@FMAPulse]

We would love to see and document the many interpretations of Illustrisimo in the future.

[@filipinokalieskrimaacademy2777]

Maraming Salamat Mang Romy. Your experience and insights is what this generation needs to hear. Ingat po 🙏🏽

[@FMAPulse]

Indeed, we were informed that Mang Romy is the historian for Kalis Illustrisimo.

[@antondelacruz9362]

I was disappointed that gm romy wasnt on fma discussion so im glad to have found this. Very good interview with mostly the interviewee speaking his mind.

[@egjundis]

He's been on FMA Discussion now.

[@antondelacruz9362]

@@egjundis yes thanks, ive heard it and i think i commented there as well. Gotta get his book!

[@egjundis]

@@antondelacruz9362 The book is amazing. If you're outside of the Philippines contact Bunal Brand to order it.

[@antondelacruz9362]

@@egjundis thanks for the tip :)

[@nomadicjfilms8858]

Great stories and insights about this generations history.

[@FMAPulse]

Agreed, it's great to hear what the OG's have to say. Not many are not willing to train and go through he experienced nowadays.

[@soulrebel3880]

I’m late to the party, but By far my favorite interview you guys have put out. Love his brutal honesty, thought provoking philosophy on training and low key stance on KI.

[@FMAPulse]

Thank you, we appreciate his straight forward approach and views as well. Many people we have talked to have much respect for Mang Romy. Straight to the point and no BS.

[@soulrebel3880]

@@FMAPulse no worries, I just started my KI journey with Coach Arnold. Can’t wait to deepen my understanding of the art.

[@costaricasbestguide9906]

Excellent interview and I understand fully what Maestro Mang Romeo (Romy)) Macapagal says at the end in terms of teaching.

[@FMAPulse]

We agree. It's an old school way of thought. But in the States and Europe, when it becomes a business things have to be dialed back in terms of safety. Teaching the old way of pain is not for the masses.

[@Jer-h6c]

Mang Romy, Salamat po sa pag-bigay ng iyong buong puso at kaalaman. Mang Romy outlines the history, current state of FMA and what pitfalls to avoid, as well his research and life with Tatang. Learned so much, Thank you!

[@livetogetherfeckers]

Thanks for publishing this, truly inspiring..

[@FMAPulse]

Thank you for your support. That's our goal is to document the old school Guro's and Maestro. There stories are important to the culture. A lot of history has been lost, and we hope to document these oral histories for future generations.

[@jjones7837]

This is invaluable. Thank you.

[@FMAPulse]

Glad it was helpful! Words of wisdom from the previous generation.

[@terrydawson2239]

Statement: “I don’t think you can publish this because you will be in hot water (in opposition to the views of others). Response: GM Romy your views and opinions are just as important (as anyone else’s) and deserve to be heard and valued.

[@Tonybakerkaratefitness]

Really enjoyed this interview!

[@rodrigocolegado4518]

SGM Antonio A. Ilustrisimo fondly called Tatang by his students was an icon in Arnis or Eskrima. He’s from Kinatarcan, a small town in Bantayan Island, Cebu. He likes to be called “Alulod” his maternal surname. He ascended to Heaven together with his sparring partner Atty. Adrian Escario, the former governor of Cebu. Would like to thank the publishers FMA Pulse of the video and Mang Romy Macapagal for making this history of Kali Ilustrisimo feasible. Yes, my roots were from Bantayan Island more particularly Sta. Fe where the kutas (Fort) still standing to protect the inhabitants from Moro raiders.

[@FMAPulse]

Thank you for sharing your background and some of the history. Our goal is to try and document the oral history as much as possible with current GM's and Guros. Not a lot of written history is available to the public, and a lot has been lost in time.

[@WarriorVillageTV]

From an Archive standpoint... how come all of Master Topher’s video’s from his camcorder were referenced here and no Credits for him? Hmmm? I’m just saying...

[@empinchen]

What an amazing interview. Thank you so much!

[@FMAPulse]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was an honor to interview him during quarantine. He's still going strong.

[@FMAboy12]

Definitely a challenging one to hear. If I'm learning specifically just the blade art, I know whom to gonto:) thankfully FMA has other applications as well since in many instances they're not just carrying sabres. Thanks for the video guys. Good to hear different vantage points and ideas/philosophies.

[@FMAPulse]

Not a problem, that's what we're here to do. Promote without politics. Many old school GM's and instructors from the Philippines have a lot to say. We are just creating a platform for their voice to be heard.

[@geoffhardy3420]

The south african is Lloyd De Jongh Piper fighting Systems. Mang Romy is one of the most eloquent speakers i have ever heard.

[@Hadorac70]

Such a great interview and great insight with current FMA. He is also correct on HEMA. Learning from that , you'll understand what you have learned in FMA of what is practical and what isn't.

[@FMAPulse]

Mang Romy said that you learn quick when you spar hard without hesitating.

[@therealdinwah]

Thankyou for your insights

[@warriorstkdify]

Thank you for sharing this interview, it was extremely insightful!

[@FMAPulse]

Glad we can create content that you can appreciate. We'll be doing more interviews with GM's and Guros from the Philippines online.

[@nativeclan]

What a great interview. Thanks for sharing.

[@FMAPulse]

Thank you. That's our mission and vision. Promoting all styles.

[@aatejero410]

Pugay Manong Romy! From TiraBinta Family...✊

[@game9848]

Cool thanks for posting this video. I began my FMA journey with learning LAMECO. Hope one day to check out all the fondation arts that made up LAMECO.

[@lialia711]

LAMECO?

[@game9848]

@@lialia711 LA = Long Range, ME = Medium Range, CO = Close Range ...This system was created by Edgar Sulite

[@lialia711]

@@game9848 thanks,

[@game9848]

@@lialia711 your welcome WARRIOR

[@maituraray9066]

@@game9848 Largo, media, corto Translation : long range, medium range, short range

[@Final_D-]

Eyy that real real, thank you sir! 👊🏽🪄

[@FMAPulse]

We always listen to elders. They don't hesitate when they speak or do things. OG's :)

[@lialia711]

there should be more interviews/interactions with other pioneers or GMs of FMA

[@FMAPulse]

That's our goal now since we're in quarantine. Our goals of visiting the Philippines has come to a pause. We usually would want to do in person interviews, but do to the state of the current situation, everyone is going virtual.

[@bolomanx]

Every style or system should have a designated archivist like Mang Romy. With the accessibility of technology today, we are fortunate to be able to do that while the senior masters are still with us.

[@lialia711]

@@bolomanx wow! so comforting and delightful to know that

[@pauldaystar]

Many Thankyou 🙏🏽👣 from Alaska, Yes Like Family Accountability,

[@wehrwolf8006]

Excellent 👍

[@FMAPulse]

Many thanks, Mang Romy is a great asset to the FMA community for historical context and information.

[@jayjohnvillalervold879]

Nice words!! 😁

[@kasama4christMedia]

So true!

[@vloggingismyhobby]

Jan/10/2021 I went to luneta morning for Biking i pass along near Ocean park i saw some groups of people practicing arnis then i stop to watch their traning. While im watching i saw the other side of group just only 3 people practicing arnis so i approaches them just to watch them practicing. then i talk to them what kind of arnis is that bcoz theres a lot of groups here practicing arnis so i didint know what is the differences. they said the other groups is Balintawak. But to his group its from Tatang Ilustrisimo system. Then i saw the logo of their clothes is an eagle has an stick on his feet. and the name of that logo ibjust ill remember is Engaño. i forgot the whole name. he said they make a new name and he explain it to me but ill forgot the whole thing. But the root of his art its from Ilustrisimo and Doce pares Then i talk the instructor his name is Grandmaster Martin Raganas I continue watching them practicing and talking to him its a good master about his martial arts. He is good i want to learn from him but i dont have money to pay per session. Bcoz ive no work now. So im just enjoying to watch practicing and talking to him He said Every sunday morning on that place he came to teach his student. Maybe next sunday i will go to watch again. Thats why ill search on KZbin to search what is Ilustrisimo bcoz its a first time i hear that kind of arts and im curios about it. So i found this video i find out its the same style that i saw from GM Martin Raganas teaching his student.😊👍

[@FMAPulse]

I am glad you can enjoy the various fighting arts in the Philippines. There's so much to learn from the various styles and teachers. I know it's hard right now for everyone. Maybe just talk to them and see if you can trade something for classes. Or sometimes observing and practicing by yourself at home is also good. But it's not the same if you are not with another person.

[@antondelacruz9362]

Punta Ingaño :)

[@legendude4446]

Wow

[@joachimcoonan6255]

I can understand the importance of who one teaches, to say the least. There was an individual whom I took under my wing and taught FMA to , though his main interest, luckily, was in the Panantukan and in Muay Thai, and he did not learn as much he could about the blade arts. I ended up taking him in when he was homeless, and he got on meth, and ended up in a psychosis, and attacked me randomly from behind, without any warning or reason, stabbing me twice in the neck from behind. I turned and saw the knife and disarmed him, he backed away for a moment before producing a sharpened screwdriver, and attacking grab and stab style.. I blocked all of his attacks therewith, except one, again to the throat, ( now a third stabwound to the right side of my throat!!..) I got hold of and disarmed the screwdriver, even though he almost bit through my nose as I did so it, and badly gouged my right eye at the same time as I did so.... Now I had the upper hand.... He said that he would leave if I just let him go, and I could see that the fight had left his eyes, and decided to let him go instead of killing him, though I was well within my rights to take his life, l let him live. It just goes to show the importance of who you teach, and in being selective, though I saw no sign previously in this individual of the potential for such an extreme turn of events. You live and learn though...( And sometimes your are lucky to live, to have the opportunity to learn therefrom...)

[@FMAPulse]

Sorry to hear this happened to you. We've heard similar stories from other instructors, and it's a shame that this still happens. There are so many mentally unstable people out there, and we understand why the old school teachers only selected a few students at a time. They always said that they wanted to make sure the individual wasn't crazy or those looking to abuse the art.

[@denisyogore9660]

👍

[@maituraray9066]

Mang Romy, Your description of mobilization, during the Spanish era is still alive in the modern CAFGU where the government arms the farmers for security and stabilization programs. An Oath gives you your rifle and basic load out.

[@russellim7968]

Arnis is simple 1-2-3. naging komplikado kasi kailangan ibenta.

[@FMAPulse]

Agreed, the fighting should not be complicated, just the training should be hard.

[@maragtaz3653]

Pang away means for fighting

[@MattLimm]

Does he endorses KIRO Luneta and Kali Ilustrisimo USA?

[@Doeboi131]

What was Melecios last name

[@ShintaroGokuto]

Who's the GM of KI now?

[@FMAPulse]

There's various branches of KI, so each one has their own head instructor.

[@juandelacruzph4299]

GM tomas dy tang, inheritor of GM tony

[@juandelacruzph4299]

wrong. ask novus gladius. its simple gm tatang chose tony diego chose tomas dy tang

[@juandelacruzph4299]

@ShintatoGokuto GM tomas ty dang, inheritor of gm tony diego, gm tony was tatangs inheritor

[@phph1701]

@FMA Pulse si GM tom dy tang talaga ang Heir ni gm tony na pinili ni Tatang. kay novus gladius kayo magtanong ng mga ilustrisimo. mythmaker din si macapagal sa KI. pinapasikat nya si Tatang more than needed. Fun Fact Nag away si Gm tony and macapagal in 2012 sa Xmas party sa caloocan. witness si fritz balgos, warren dmn and Bruce pimentel

[@kalidynamics]

Did he say he was 46 when he started?

[@GulangUK]

started as a child with his lolo, he met Tatang at 46.