Illustrisimo Estrulla (Star)

[Call Me Al]

I have heard very good things about the Illustrisimo system and its training methods. Has anyone trained the system who would be able to train the Estrulla (Star) series or pattern. I read avery short article which mentioned it.

I was curious if it a set series of techniques, a footwork series, a pattern which can be used in a variety of ways for different targets or a template with several methods of attack (similar to the 64 Attacks series of Pekiti Tersia).

I started to play with ideas and imagine what it might be creating possible stroking drills, patterns and footwork. I know I have probably missed it, but it is fun to imagine.

Let me know

[Balisong]

Call me Al,

Estrella is when a subtle, aggressive counter is launched during the entry movement. This technique puts you in a central and advantageous position.

It is very hard to explain or go into detail with words. If you were in Los Angeles, you could go to the seminar on Sunday, Dec 10, and you will learn Media Fraile, lutang, di salon, and a lot of other stuff along with Estrella.

Kalis Ilustrisimo is mindblowing as hell. It is based on the blade, and many of the stick techniques serve very little purpose against what Kalis Ilustrisimo offers in terms of blade vs. stick, or even blade vs. blade.

Do you know abaniko technique? I'm sure the abaniko you have been exposed to is stick based. In Kalis Ilustrisimo, the abaniko is blade based, and possibly a lot different than the abaniko you have seen.

[Call Me Al]

Unfortunately I am in the KC area and don't get the volumes of seminars as on the coasts, but I am always interested. One of the things I do is a lot of applications of the stick work with dulled machetes I got from a sporting goods store.

I makes a big difference when you make the transfer. The lighter techniques which are not as effective open a whole new world with the blade with a slight flick of the wrist or tap of the alive hand.

Any info on this system would be great. I do purchase a lot of videos to examine the differences in training style and technique so if you have suggestions let me know. Thanks

[Balisong]

here are some intersting web sites:

http://www.my.treeway.com/illustrisimo

http://www.bakbakan.com

There is also a few books out there with good info on Ilustrisimo system.

Filipino Martial Culture by Mark V. Wiley,
and
Masters of Arnis Kali and Eskrima by Edgar Sulite.

Also keep in mind that Antonio Ilustrisimo was very spiritual and was a firm believer in the power of prayer, and mystical amulets. He states that these things, along with his fighting skills are what kept him alive, and put his opponents six foot under.

[Call Me Al]

I have read a couple articles about th Tulisan Knife and the anting-anting amulets and tattoos. It is great information. I think I got it from the Bakbakan site. I have Mark Wiley's book and have his lastest on Theory and Practice of FMA on order when it is released in Jan 2001. I have had a hard time finding punong Sulite's book if you have any suggestions.





[Edited by Call Me Al on 12-09-2000 at 03:37 PM]

[ILONGGO]

I got Sulite's book at National Bookstore in the Philippines...

Balisong, are you taking Kalis Illustrisimo? I'd love to take it, but there's nobody here in Ohio that's qualified.:-(

[Edited by ILONGGO on 12-09-2000 at 04:59 PM]

[Stickgrappler]

Call Me Al,

I recall seeing PG Sulite's books available through the Lameco site linked from http://www.dogbrothers.com. Check it out. HTH.

Hy

[Call Me Al]

Thanks I will give thoses a shot.

[Balisong]

Ilonggo,

Yes. I am currently studying Kalis Ilustrisimo, but I am still a beginner in this art.

There is nobody qualified enough in Ohio? Maybe if there are enough people out there who are interested, and willing to pay, somebody qualified may go out there to do a seminar.

[ILONGGO]

Tatang's art is virtually unknown here. Stickfighting here is very minimal and majority here that does know and practice it are either doing IMB (Bustillo) Kali or Modern Arnis. Seminar is good my friend, but that's almost like being teased with water in the desert. I believe it helps if you have a strong background in that certain arts, but without nothing, it's a waste. By the way, I know Galang's Bakbakan International is in Jersey, and that's about as close as I can get. Maraming salamat,po...

[Balisong]

ILONGGO,

Tatang's art is virtually unkown there? Maybe you can start spreading the word or something.

Probably the best thing to do is go to Bakbakan in Jersey to learn some Ilustrisimo.
From what I've seen so far in this art, it not really suited for Knocking people out. It is totally blade oriented, and a counter to a #1 strike would be something as simple as a thrust to your opponents stomachs.

With a stick, a thrust is not as effective, but when a fight is with blades, you can imagine how much effective a thrust to the stomachs is against a #1 overhead strike.

So basically, I study Tatang's art not so much for combat because I don't plan to fight with a sword, but I study it for the sake of the art and beauty of Tatang's system.

Did you know that there is also empty hand in Ilustrisimo? It is called Sogo, and it is just effective as Tatang's weapon stuffs.

Hasta La Vista Bata

[ILONGGO]

That would be one of the same reason I would take the art. Another is to perpetuate the pilipino culture and have something to pass on down to my kids. I believe it's a very beautiful art, Arnis in general...

[thekuntawman]

hello illongo, i have some advice for you.

many teachers are flattered when a student shows that they really want to study with you. just like if you want to see a concert but you are at a "cow town" you will have to travel just to go to a concert you want. i sometimes get a person or a few people who will come to sacramento for the weekend just to study because they want the type of martial art i teach and there is none in there area. maybe you can go to new jersey like someone said already. my advice is call the teacher up there and ask for a weekend or maybe even one day, and go up and train. maybe you might get accepted as a student and you can do it every month. believe me what you will get in return for all that driving is oging to be worth it in a few years. (dont forget to bring the gift with you when you go)

at least it is better than the pressure you get to have a minimum amount of money and people just to have a seminar. personal training is more personal and you will probably learn more. i have seen lots of people end up not liking the person because of the money or something its not worth it.

good luck!