Guro Alex MaranasI have been a student of escrima since 1992 and studied serada style of escrima under a man named Hank Delavaga who was a graduate under the late grandmaster Angel Cabales. In addition to studying the fillipeno martial arts I first began learning Ed Parker system of kenpo under the same instructor. He had asked me if I knew of escrima and I said yes and that it was only stick fighting to what I've seen, he smiled and said this is a #1 angle and then showed me an inside block to the angle. After repeating it a couple of times he said now put the stick down and punch me with the same angle. I did and he rapidly countered me with the same technique as the weapon based inside block and I was amazed. He then said what you see with the weapon is an extension of your hand. From that moment on I fell in love with my cultural martial art. After almost 2 years of instruction with Hank, he became sick and chose to give up all martial arts. In late 1993 I took up fencing at delta college and walked campus with my foil, I then came upon a person named Arvin who asked me if I knew about escrima. I was excited and said yes and I learned some and he asked me if I knew of a grand master named Leo Giron? I said no so he asked if I would like to visit a class and I quickly agreed. I met with Arvin and followed him to the south side of San Joaquin Street in Stockton where I heard the sounds of sticks clacking before entering the basement door. As the door opened I saw instructors and students exchanging attacks and blocks. I was introduced to GM Leo and sat with him while watching and Leo looked to me and said do you like what you see? I smiled and said yes. He then said do you think you can do it? I said yes. He then said what are you waiting for and go learn something with them. From that moment I felt like I became part of a unique and talented person of a special movement. I studied and left through some years but kept close contact with GM Leo and one day I called him and said I wish I never left and that I wanted to complete my training with him. He told me he didn't know how much longer he had so I dropped everything and moved back to Stockton 2000. I started over again and finally graduated in April of 2001. Shortly after GM Leo had passed, I felt I had accomplished a proud and honorable goal in my life. Additionly, 10 years later I continued to enter and fortunately wining various tournaments in Hawaii and began instructing a small group of students. Since then I have been graciously promoted to Guro under the BAHALA NA MULTI STYLE Filipino martial arts organization who I proudly represent here on the island of Oahu in the State of Hawaii. What I believe: |
