The Status of Kuntaw

At this posting there are over 30  Kuntaw organizations  world wide. The main Kuntaw organizations are Legacy Kuntaw under GM Alice Kossmann, Bais Tres Manos under GM  Jon Bais, International Kuntaw Federation representing the USA under Cyrus Laguman  in Virginia Beach, Kuntaw Ng Pilipinas representing the Philippines under Jhunn Lanada,  PMKA representing the Philippines under Irvin Requintina, AMKA representing  the USA Under Guro Paul Vittorelli, Typhoon Kuntaw under  Maurice Gatdula, IMUA Kuntaw under Glenn Abrescy  , Kuntaw Kali Kruzadaunder GM Rich Acosta -Kuntaw Dumpag under Ron Kosakowski, Kalintaw under GM Galo D. Lalic , Mandirigma Kali Association representing Bicol Philippines- under GM Brian Smith a Kuntaw Legacy Philippines under Ariel Delgado. There are many more but these are the systems  generally referred to by  most martial artists. Kuntaw can be spelled Kuntao and  usually was referred to as the Philippine Kung Fu. It has been  claimed as the original style of Lapu Lapu the first Filipino hero. The true history has been lost to time but many unsubstantiated stories and claims abound. The Tausug tribe of the Southern Philippines has the most complete history of Kuntaw.

One of the largest organizations was the International Kuntaw Federation  under GGM Carlito Lanada but that organization fractured and  separated in 2011 . The Largest  standing organization from that split is the Bais Tres Manos group with over 3000 members worldwide. GGMLanada retired in 2015 and passed his heritage to both his daughter and then later to his estranged son.

AMKA/ PMKA Philippines



The AMKA  was established in the Philippines in 2010 by the acceptance of the  Aquinas University Kuntaw Club. They had been expelled from the  International Kuntaw Federation with no  explanation after an attempt was made to unify all of the Bicol Kuntaw Chapters.  I had brought down from manila GM Frank Aycocho to unite his group and the Aquinas group for support. When that failed, I offered my hand and support for the group.  Since that time I have  directed many Kuntaw  members from all over to contact  that group for admittance into the AMKA Philippines. Due to political and personal reasons, those people were turned away.

 I received word recently that  representatives of the IKF and Kuntaw ng Pilipinas have contacted members in Bicol to re unite under a new banner. Although  i support this idea, I find myself wondering what will be the  structure. Previous incarnations of the IKF and KNP has not been for the advantage of the various clubs but more for the  benefit of the IKF. Steps have already been taken byt he AMKA Philippines to establish the PMKA organization with  sec numbers and a charter/constitution/ By laws so that all Kuntawistas , regardless of their syle, uniform, or  affiliations are welcome.

Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time there lived a farmer who had no son. He  had a small farm that produced good vegetables for market and provided the farmer with a meager income.One day an older farmer suggested that he add some burnt coconut husks to his fertilizer, so he tried it and the vegetables grew bigger.  But he was a good farmer and soon he had a full garden. People came to the farmer because  of his special vegetables. Word got out that the farmer was very good at raisng vegetables.  One day a young man came to see the farmer and asked to learn  the secrets of the growing. The farmer agreed and took the young man into his home and showed the young man how he made special fertilizer to  feed his vegetables. For many years the young man helped the farmer grow his vegetables and even helped the farmer expand his garden. Soon all the tending of the garden fell to the young man.

People would come from  miles away to buy these delicious vegetables. The old farmer would smile and thank them while counting his earnings. He would tell all that this was his family secret passed down for years. The young man would soon  not only tend to the garden but also sell the vegetables because the old Farmer started to spend more time playing chess and chatting with the vendors at the market. The young man  still did all his chores and learned to make the fertilizer a little better and  soon the vegetables were doing better and growing bigger.Yet the young man was never paid for his efforts.This went on for years.
 One day a customer came up to the young man and said "you have done a fine job raising these vegetables" The old farmer overheard this compliment and yelled at the young man, how can you take a compliment for my vegetables?  The young man just said  he laid no claim to the vegetables and did not solicit the compliment. The old farmer was infuriated he said " I teach you to  care for the plants and you ride on my reputation!" The young man said " if you no longer need me I will leave"  "Fine!" said the old farmer.

A few weeks later the farmer learned that the young man had bought some property and was cultivating a  vegetable patch. Customers would come to the farmers  garden and ask where the young man went. " He stole my fertilizer and is trying to grow his own vegetables. " he would rant.  The young man just continued to til away and set up  a nice garden.
Soon  the young man's garden was producing vegetables and they were larger than they were before. People started to buy his vegetables. The old farmers vegetables were  not doing as well because they were not tended as they were before. The old farmer had forgotten his fertilizer formula. Soon his regular customers would not come to him and those that did he would tell how the young man had robbed him and how his garden  was failing because of the young man.

 But the young man  , used to tending the other  garden, continued to  work every day. He was doing quite well and making a nice living. The old farmer cussed and accused the young man, but the young man kept quiet about learning of the gift that was given to the old farmer that he now claimed as his own.

What you give away cannot be taken back. What  you cultivate becomes yours, because it is a part of you. Do not become greedy with your knowledge or use others to bring you fame. For one day, it will come back and bite you.

This is the story of Kuntaw, how it was formed, and how it fell.

Martial Arts Showdown

ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

1ST INVITATIONAL KARATE TOURNAMENT, KATA & MARTIAL ARTS SHOWDOWN 2013
“ KUNTAWAN SA PURO: FIGHT FOR A CAUSE ”
August 25, 2013 (Sunday); 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Puro, Legazpi City, Basketball Court

Hosted by: AMKA/KAMAO PHILS. Martial Arts Club
Puro Chapter, Puro Leg. City

Participants: In interested martial arts club in the Bicol Region.

Rules: Kuntaw-karate rules (for tournament)/ Independent judges (kata/martial arts exh.)

Purpose/aim: This is one way of giving support to fellow martial arts enthusiast. The fruits of this event will benefit our brothers for their medicines:

KYUD JULYSES BELGA (Instructor/Blackbelt)-heart attacked and stroke
KYUD RENATO TRILLES (Blackbelt)-serious injuries by motorcycle accident

Contact persons: BROD MICHAEL M. TUSCANO (09208448111)
AMKA/BAKA- Phil. Dir.
KAMAO PHILS INC. – President
ABSORB- Member; KSMA- Member; WBTM- Member,WOMA-Member
Chief Adviser/Instructor- AMKA/KAMAO Puro Chapter
Tournament Director & Over All Chairman

MARICEL O. ORTONIO, RN
Adviser & President
AMKA/KAMAO- Puro Chapter
Chairman- Reg. Comm.

Categories: Blackbelt Division (Individual)/ Brownbelt Div. (Ind)/ Junior Div. (Team by Team)/ Midget Div.-11yrs old-13 yrs old (Team by Team)/ Women Div. (Color belts)-Team by Team/ KATA competition (Open)/ Martial Arts exhibition competition (Open)

AMKA Philippines

Since its inception in August of 2010 the AMKA  Philippines has been expanding  and growing. Representatives from  many old Kuntaw clubs have joined forces to  promote the Kuntaw art.



Legaspi Port Chapter- Guro Jonny Rangel
Aquinas University Chapter-Guro Alvin Salazar
Tabaco Chapter- Guro Dante Perfecto
Santo Domingo Chapter- Guro Dodong Capistrano
Puro Chapter- Guro Berto Ala
Anislag Chapter- Guro Vincent Arias
Pampanga Chapter- Guro  Allan Mark Santos
Angeles City Chapter- Brod  Nikko Batan
Guinobatan Chapter- Guro Harvey Acabado
Camalig Chapter

 

 and most recently  an appkication from Mindanao has been requested and is being investigated.

 Kuntaw is now taught in several public schools and Universities all under the banner of the AMKA

 You will know these  chapters by their uniform- black top with red stripes  and red pants.

 Mabuhay my   friends may the  Kapatiran grow and prosper.
 Guro Brian Smith

Maharlika Kuntaw Seminar Grand Rapids

 

 ·

 Nov 10th, 2012
Innovative Martial Arts sponsored a Maharlika Kuntaw Seminar to cover basic stick work,  stick  drills, disarms, and knife drills.
 Maha Guro Brian "Buzz" Smith was the  Seminar instructor and Lakan Guro Paul  Vittorelli from the American Maharlika Kuntaw Association was his assistant. People from all over the  Michigan area came and shared the  comradery and the   open house attitude that makes the seminars at Innovative Martial Arts club such a joy  to attend. Ranks were left at the door and an informal but concise menu of  skills were passed on. Guro Chuck Pippin and Guro Don Young hosted the event and filled the hall with novice and advanced students of TKD, FMA, Indonesian and Chinese practitioners.  Sticks and bodies were flying everywhere from 11 am til almost 4 pm.

 Guro Chuck and Guro Don were given  certificates of recognition for their 5th degree status. They have been sponsoring seminars and workshops for the past 11 years and have opened their door to many to camp out or crash inside the club for these get togethers. The Yearly  Gathering of the Tribes has been attended by people from Washington State, California, Utah, Iowa, Michigan,and many other states and from many  different  members of different styles and systems. This last seminar was the final  for this club location as it is closing and moving to a new location.

Maha Guro Smith has been a constant supporter of these  seminars and always ready to share his knowledge of Filipino martial arts and Filipino culture.

"I met Brian "Buzz" Smith (2005) about  7 or  8 years ago when he attended one of our Semi Annual Gathering of the Tribes events.  He was friendly, outgoing, down to earth, approachable, and an incredibly able Martial Artist.  What struck me the most was how willing he was to share his knowledge and experience."

“Soon after meeting him, I asked him if he would consider being a regular part of our event, to which he said he would be happy to participate.”  That was almost 8 years ago.  Now, I am continuously asked if Buzz will be there and 'what do think he'll show us this time?!  'by our participants prior to the event."

"Rarely have I found a teacher who can bridge the many different families of martial arts out there and show students the common thread/concept/principle as well as Guru Buzz.  I have taken more away from an hour with Buzz than in months of classes from some of my previous teachers.  I eagerly look forward to anytime I can visit or work out with this quiet, unassuming, martial arts treasure."

Charles Pippin, 5th Dan
Co-Founder of San Yun Do
Co-Founder of Innovative Martial Arts
 Co-Founder of "The Gathering Of The Tribes"

BAIS TRES MANOS

Bais Tres Manos Maryland

GM Bais, who was also with Kuntaw from the beginning  and who  was the one who established Kuntaw in the Middle East, will continue to promote Kuntaw/Kuntao with his Bais Tres Manos organization.