www.eskridousa.com

Where it started...

It was in 1950 during my vacation in Sabang Sibonga, Cebu , the birthplace of my father, that I met Maning Tenebro, who became my first instructor in Combat Judo and Arnis.  He is a polite, calm, wholesome, and reserved person.  He is one of the most respected men in the barrio of Sabang.  His father is a faith healer.  Maning himself offered to teach me and a nephew of my sister’s husband combat judo and Arnis in preparation for the Sabang barrio fiesta demonstration.  At the time, I was still an elementary student, so I had enough time to practice with Master Maning, especially during vacation.  As I became more interested, I wanted to improve my techniques. I wanted to practice every day, since I was schooling in Cebu City .  We practiced every Saturday and Sunday.  One time Maning told me that his instructor was Doring Saavedra.  Nevertheless, at that time I was not interested to know who discovered the said art or the style or where it came from.  I just hungered for techniques – just teach me how to fight, protect, or defend myself if my life is in danger.