Eskrima DeCuerdas
Las Vegas, Nevada

The Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), also collectively known as Eskrima, Arnis or Kali, are the martial arts of the Philippines. The names are parallel, generic terms for FMA that emphasize weapon based fighting. Techniques are based on sword use and later translated to employ sticks, knives, empty hands and improvised weapons (often called "weapons of opportunity" e.g. a scarf, briefcase, book, pen, cane, umbrella, etc).

• Read More

EDC-FMA is a Filipino Martial Art based on the teachings of late Grandmaster Gilbert Tenio, late Senior Master Juan Eliab Sr., and Grandmaster Gilbert Cordoncillo. While GM Tenio's DeCuerdas Eskrima is the core style of the system, the blend taught by Sr. Master Eliab comprised of Serrada, Larga Mano and DeCuerdas, accounts for the majority of the material practiced during training.

The EDC-FMA, being a progressive culmination of styles, teaches Larga Mano Eskrima first. This style emphasizes using footwork for evasion and closing distance to gain fighting advantage. Wielding a single weapon, which may often be large and/or heavy, the beginning levels of Larga Mano employ larger movements which are later refined to become smaller and tighter. Since most students new to martial arts have a tendency toward large, wide motions, training in Larga Mano allows for a natural feel in the techniques practiced.

EDC-FMA progresses to Serrada Eskrima next. This style emphasizes training directly toe-to-toe against an opponent (the worst place to be in a close quarter fight). Practice involves responding to quick, multiple attacks and draws from fighting techniques utilizing Espada y Daga (sword and dagger). Training also incorporates the footwork developed in Larga Mano to get out of the pocket and defeat an opponent. Teaching Serrada post Larga Mano allows the two arts to complement each others' strengths to the benefit of the practitioner.

DeCuerdas Eskrima is our core style. Although there are some specific techniques to learn, the bulk of the training is conceptual. DeCuerdas emphasizes the quick kill and is not weapon specific. Students are guided to move naturally while bringing concepts into motion. DeCuerdas is taught last to ensure students have acquired solid, basic skills before advancing to the conceptual.

• Close

Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art that draws heavily from Okinawan Karate and incorporates influences from traditional Korean fighting styles like Taekkyeon and Subak. At its core, Tang Soo Do emphasizes the philosophical concept of "Do," meaning "the way." This art promotes the harmonious development of mind, body and spirit through self-discipline, respect and perseverance.

• Read More

The technical focus of Tang Soo Do is on powerful punches, kicks, and blocks executed with proper form and technique. This is complemented by deep, stable stances that provide power and balance. Practitioners also train in choreographed sequences of movements known as Hyung, which help hone techniques and develop fluidity of motion. Sparring in Tang Soo Do emphasizes the practical application of techniques through controlled, hands-on practice.

While known for its striking prowess, Tang Soo Do also incorporates internal aspects by drawing from the Korean art of Soo Bahk Do, which emphasizes the flow of energy (Ki). The philosophy of Tang Soo Do encourages practitioners to cultivate strong mental discipline alongside their physical skills. Despite its traditional roots, Tang Soo Do allows for variations in teaching styles, enabling it to be adapted to different training goals and needs.

• Close

The word "Koshiki" 古式 consists of two Japanese characters that, when used together, mean "old style". The word "ToKen" is a combination of two Japanese characters: "To" 唐, meaning "China" (specifically the Tang dynasty) and "Ken" 拳, meaning "fist"; thus, ToKen means "China (Chinese) fist". The word "jutsu" 術, refers to "technique, skill, or method". So, Koshiki ToKen Jutsu means "Old Style Chinese Fist Technique/Method".

• Read More

The name is indicative of the training mentality coupled with an homage to the cumulative practice that led to its development. The old style mindset develops fighting skill instead of just practicing for art, self defense or competition. The homage pays tribute to Tang Soo Do, Wado Ryu Karate, Southern Shaolin Tiger/Crane Fist & Grappling Method, and QiGong. However it's important to understand Koshiki ToKen Jutsu wasn't formed from a collection of other styles into something different. It's the result of experience, insight, and evolution that emerged over decades of practice and is most accurately described as a change in pedagogy instead of the creation of a new style.

Koshiki ToKen Jutsu blends modern methods with an old style mindset. Modern styles approach training with a "self development first, self defense second" philosophy while the old style mindset follows a "fighting first, self development second" perspective. It's the older mindset that enables a practitioner to develop the art beyond the obvious blocks, strikes and kicks seen in karate. Like modern styles, practice involves use of the "3K's": kihon (basis, foundation), kata (model, shape), and kumite (group/organized hands, sparring) with special attention given to bunkai (break down, analysis) of the movements in order to create technique. The results of bunkai allow practitioners to incorporate close range techniques and tactics that emphasize limb control/trapping and low kicks, use body movement and turning for evasive motion, develop catching and grabbing to execute joint locking techniques which can be adjusted to create joint breaks, weapon disarms, take downs, and throws, and apply strikes and presses to exploit anatomical weaknesses in the body. Concepts involving heaviness, lightness, hardness, softness, explosive power, sensitivity, etc. are also introduded as skill progresses.

• Close

"My martial arts journey began at Hyde's Tae Kwon Do when I was six years old in Bolsa Knolls, a suburb of Salinas, California. Like many children, I was drawn to martial arts by the allure of executing impressive karate techniques. My initial Grandmaster instructor was Master Hyde, who was later succeeded by Grandmaster Gilbert Cordoncillo (known as Mr. C). Master Ted Cordoncillo, Mr. C's brother, eventually took charge of instructing the children's classes. During my early training years, I struggled with proper form and technique, which led me to alternate between karate and freestyle wrestling. At age nine, Mr. C introduced me to Eskrima, teaching me the fundamentals of stick and knife techniques. However, I found the art's intensity overwhelming at that time, as my interests remained focused on mastering dynamic kicks. This resulted in an inconsistent training pattern where I would periodically step away and return to training.

• Read More

When I resumed Eskrima training at seventeen, my perspective had evolved significantly. The art now appeared to me as an intricate dance of movements incorporating sticks. Though I initially struggled to grasp its concepts, Mr. C encouraged me to persist. With guidance from both Mr. C and Master Michael J. Butz, I discovered a genuine appreciation for the art.

The Eskrima system Mr. C taught me traced its lineage to grandmaster Gilbert Tenio's DeCuerdas style. Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to train with or meet Grandmaster Tenio or his senior student Juan Eilab, as they had passed away several years before my return to martial arts.

My commitment to Eskrima deepened when Mr. C revealed a common thread between myself, him and Grandmaster Tenio. This connection sparked introspection about the knowledge and teachings I might have gained had I maintained consistent dedication to martial arts from the beginning. This realization motivated me to remain steadfast in my training, ultimately achieving my black belt in Tang Soo Do while continuing to practice Eskrima.

My martial arts journey continued to evolve. Despite training intermittently, I persevered and achieved my second-degree black belt. My martial arts background provided a valuable foundation when I ventured into professional wrestling, where I made a name for myself in both the West and East Coast independent circuits as "Jon Jon the Phenomenon."

Returning to California, I continued training under Mr. C alongside other students, eventually earning my third-degree black belt. My path led me to Los Angeles, where I balanced my martial arts pursuits with work as a Hollywood nightclub bouncer. With Mr. C's blessing, I had the opportunity to teach Eskrima to several actors, even before receiving my formal instructor's certification. During this period. Michael was developing our Eskrima curriculum, and Mr. C directed me to align my training with Michael's methodology.

My journey ultimately brought me to Las Vegas, where I've resided for the past 14 years. The year 2023 marked two significant achievements in my martial arts career: receiving my master belt in Tang Soo Do from Mr. C and earning my katulungan agisulo (teaching certification) in Kada Anan Eskrima, which translates to "the old way" or "the long old path," under Michael's guidance. Currently, I share my knowledge and experience as an instructor in Las Vegas, Nevada, continuing to write new chapters in my martial arts story."

• Close