FMA Culture International & Embassy of the Philippines Celebrate Kali

Madrid, Spain, February 18, 2017 --(PR.com)-- Advanced Combat Evolution (ACE) was invited by Consul Mary Hicarte of the Philippine Embassy in Madrid to teach and demonstrate at the iconic Matadero's celebration of cultures. The Philippines is rich in culture and is always keen to showcase its treasures. One of the best known exports is its own style of martial arts, Kali also known as Arnis and Escrima and a host of others names depending on which dialect is being spoken.

Director and Chief Instructor Lawrence Oleriana boasts a lifetime in his native arts as well as exploring combatives outside of Filipino Martial Arts. "Being Pinoy and Spanish means I can see the underlying value of the preservation of our traditional arts and this is a great responsibility that myself and ACE can be part of the catalyst," Lawrence informs.

The practice of Indigenous Kali has influenced Filipinos for some time, famous students include Dr Jose P Rizal. Datu Lapu.- Lapu was said to have killed Ferdinand Magellan at the Battle of Mactan in 1521 wielding a large Kampilan. Today, FMA entertains us on the big screen as a favourite for fight choreographers for its realistic and “gritty” elements. For example, the Jason Bourne movies, I-Frankenstein, more recently Marvels Deadpool and TV's Arrow.

Although ACE is not solely focused on Filipino Kali, it was certainly born from under Pinoy sun, Mr Oleriana continues, “My Grandfather taught me the family style of Kali when I was young, he encouraged me to take on many concepts, I further developed my traditional learning with SGM Ruben Tansingco in Arnis Tapado. Whilst training in the military under MSGT Manuel Prado the Chief Instructor on Tactical Combat Kali for the AFP in Piñas I begun to explore much more into the security services interpretations of Kali.”

ACE showcased a variety of techniques armed and unarmed, also giving a small preview into their anti bullying courses. ACE Team Leader David Mark, “Bullying comes in so many different formats, but yet if we know the warning signs we can quite easily avoid most situations or confrontations. At ACE we recognize we cannot carry bolos or machetes in the streets, but we need to know that bladed attacks are on the rise. So we teach students to be very proactive of their situations.”

Team Leader David Mark in recent years has been traveling to The Philippines as a student in Tactical Combat Kali directly under MSGT Prado as well a student Abaniko Tres Puntas under GM Rene Tongson. “We constantly evolve and adapt what we learn but we are deeply passionate about our traditional art which we represent also today.”

Its clear that ACE stands out from the crowd, so much so others are keen to be partnered with ACE. On the back of their hoodies were a number official sponsor logos, nine to be exact.

Monica Martinez Huerta, “We would like to extend our extra gratitude to Matador Prime a global leader in financial services, for their continued support from our first steps. Bram Frank for furnishing us with the CRMPIT2´s and sharing our vision. Andrew Langhorn of TML Creative Media Ltd for going beyond the extra mile at such short notice. Salamat to all our partners and sponsors.”