Pulahan: literally translated “those wearing red”, we pay homage to these warriors not for their political and religious beliefs or fanatical views but to hold on to the virtues of this warrior sect of never bowing down, to never submit, to stand true to our philosophies as warriors and purveyors of the Filipino Combat Arts. We want to honor their devout faith in their beliefs, their warrior spirit and skill. We also hold on to the tradition and ranking founded within the Derobio System of the Maestro and Chief instructorship ranks wearing RED; as did our Pulahan predecessors, and as structured by GGM Pedoy in the early 1960’s. The color RED is held to high esteem within our ranks and is a symbol of accomplishment, stature, and skill.
Derobio: literally translated “Rhythm of the Horse”, the Derobio Method of Eskrima is our foundation encompassing all aspects of combat. The key to all movement and the nucleus of our combative philosophy – to evade and conquer.
This expression of Eskrima as founded by Master Chaz Siangco and the Siangco Collective is a combative progression of their foundation in the Derobio Method of Eskrima as taught to them by their maternal Grandfather; the late Great Grandmaster and Father of Derobio, Braulio Tomada Pedoy. PDE is a highly adaptive and innovative expression of the Derobio Method embracing the warrior spirit and skill of their predecessors, the Pulahan Warriors of Leyte.
The Siangco Collective has incorporated various styles of fighting within Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima, keeping its foundation on the original bladed battlefield influenced movements of classical Derobio and adapting to the dynamic threats of today’s aggressors. Other major influences are that of Grandmaster Julian “Blue” Generalao’s teachings and expression of Kajukenbo/Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu/Chinese Kenpo and the Filipino boxing style, Panantukan,of Elias “Battling Bolo” Cantere, paternal grandfather of the Siangco Collective and former welter-weight boxing champ in the Filipino Smokers fight clubs of Hawaii in the 1920’s. Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima emphasizes progressive disarming techniques and defensive behaviors that encompass all range of combat that allows the fighter to overcome his aggressor and eliminate any further attack. The basis is deflecting and controlling an opponent’s aggression; effectively and efficiently bridging through all ranges of combat:
Counter-Strike Mindset -For every block there is a corresponding attack, for every attack a block, for every lock a counter. Evade-Counter – Strike/Block with equal or greater force.
Limb Destruction -Controlled Chaos: maximum damage without a lethal outcome.
Joint Manipulation -Axis Control: understanding joint movement to efficiently lock and destroy.
Range Progression
-Largo / Long / “Looking” Range: To scan your opponent, visualize movement and attack/defend outside your opponents range.
-Medino / Middle / “Measure” Range: Sensory ranges, using major senses to measure up your opponent, using full extent of your weapons, EVADE.
-Corto / Close / “Combative” Range: To fully engage your opponent, to completely isolate your opponents weak side, to overcome, counter-for-counter, and CONQUER. *Dominate position in Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima.
-Centerline Targeting: Focused control of your opponent’s angles.
-Transitioning: Seamless transfer from each combative range.
These combative states are focused by one thought:
A.C.E INTENT
A = Advance on your enemy, bridge seamlessly through each range of engagement.
C = Cover your position, Counter every attack and movement.
E = Empower yourself over your enemy; by leverage, positioning, both physically and mentally. Eliminate any threat...Eliminate your enemy.
A.C.E Intent: "as \ in-'tent)” Definition trademark:
1) To gain a decisive advantage over the threat.
2) By having the mind, attention or will concentrated on ending said threat.
ADVANCE- COVER - EMPOWER