The following article was published with pictures on pages 6-9 of the FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS MAGAZINE, VOL. 4 #3, 2002, archived with the Hawaii Karate Museum at  (Only the cover is viewable on this website).

Inayan Old School Remembers

An Interview with John Peterson, Frank Defanti, Benjamin Berry and Rob McDonald

By Kristine Strasburger

Kristine Strasburger:  It is my privilege to introduce a group of men who, as teachers and mentors on the path of Eskrima, had a huge impact on my life.  These four men were among the most active teaching Guros of Mangisursuro Mike Inay when I began my Eskrima training in 1981 at the age of seventeen.  At Mike's request, they each invested a lot of time and effort in my training, and I can truly say that I would not be the person I am today if it were not for the unique strengths and perspectives that each of these men brought to bear on my Eskrima training.  This article is a compilation of a series of emails between the five of us, reflecting on our experiences and relationships with our teacher, Mangisursuro Mike Inay.

Kristine:  Gentlemen, please introduce yourself by giving your name, the year you started training with Mangisursuro Mike Inay, how old you were when you started training with him, and the martial arts background you had at that moment in time.

John:  My name is John Peterson.  I began my Eskrima training at the age of twenty, in the first week of November of 1975.  Previously, I received training in Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate, while I was in the Navy from 1972 to 1975.  I trained with First Class Petty Officer Lincoln Brevard (3^rd Degree black belt) at Moffet Naval Air Station in California in 1973, and I trained with Jun Estrella (4^th Degree black belt) in 1974 to 1975, while stationed at Agana Naval Air Station on Guam.  I started Aikido training on Guam, but there was a conflict of time between my working schedule and the Aikido training schedule.  But I was exposed to Aikido’s way of performing martial arts.

Frank:  Hi, Kristi.  The answers to your questions:  I believe it was January of 1976 I started my training.  I was twenty-seven years old.  My previous martial arts background was in Karate, Tai Kick boxing, and Aikido.

Benjamin:  I'm Benjamin Berry.  Thank you, Kristine, for organizing this conversational forum.  Greetings, fellow brothers in Eskrima.  Noting each person’s various prior training backgrounds, it seems we share one common theme, that once we came into contact with Eskrima, it pretty fully took center stage, and became the centerpiece and focus of our lives.  Such is the force of this powerful art form.

I first learned of the Art in early 1977, and began my training under Suro Mike Inay that summer, at age eighteen.  My first formal training was in a Junior High School judo club taught by an instructor with collegiate competition background. After that I enrolled in YMCA Tae Kwon Do classes under a succession of instructors (where Rob also attended- same home town). But in High School I ended my training in those programs, not satisfied with the applicability of what I was learning. Instead, I immersed myself in ongoing self-study through reading widely published books of the day (Tegner, Oyama and others), and intensive solo practice.  It was not as effective as inter-personal training, but it kept hope alive while I held out, waiting to find an art form that I felt I could invest in over a lifetime.  I believed persistence would eventually lead me to a system that was right for me. Enter Eskrima.

Rob:  My name is Rob McDonald.  I started training with Mike Inay in October 1977.  I had just turned eighteen shortly before Gary Bowlds, Phil McLuckie and I made the trip from Ft. Wayne, Indiana to California for the sole purpose of training with Mike. Prior to my introduction to Eskrima by Gary I had started training in a couple of Korean styles at the Central YMCA. I say a couple because they had problems keeping instructors around for longer than a few months, so we students were exposed to more than one Korean system. It was there that I met Al McLuckie (who, a year after I arrived in California, made the journey himself to train with Mike) who coincidentally lived two houses down from me there in Ft. Wayne.  What's the old saying about it being a small world? 

After blowing out my knee trying to get my very awkward body to perform high kicks (talk about mission impossible) I looked around for another system.  One night Al and I ventured over to the Southwest YMCA where we witnessed a Goju-Kai class, and we decided to try this system. It was a good move because there I met lifelong friend and training partner, Kim Satterfield. My body seemed better suited to practice Goju-Kai and I enjoyed the training; however, my spirit was searching for something else. That something else arrived when I met Gary, and began training in my lifelong love, Eskrima.  

Referencing the title of this article, I think that it is appropriate.  It brings back a memory of a funny incident at the gathering following Mike's funeral.  Frank Defanti, Ben Berry, John Peterson, Gary Bowlds, Remy Estrella, Fred Madrid and I were all sitting at a table reminiscing when I heard this young lady who was passing by the table mutter to her friend, "That's the old guys’ table." It still brings a chuckle to my heart when I think about it.

Kristine:  Think back to the day you first met Mike Inay in person.  What do you remember thinking about him?  What impressed you about Mike and his Eskrima play?

Frank: He was very approachable and easy to talk to.  We shared many personal interests, and hit it off pretty quickly.  He was also a very patient teacher. If you asked him the purpose of a move, he would always take time to show you and explain why it was done in a certain manner, not give you the standard, "because that is the way I was taught, and that is the way you do it" type answer.

Rob:  What I remember most was that I was both frightened and excited at the same time.  I met Mike the day after arriving in California.  It was a Sunday, and Gary Bowlds took Phil and I (the three of us had just moved from Indiana to California), over to Mike's house to meet him.  When we arrived at Mike's house, Remy Estrella and Jeff Elliott were also there awaiting our arrival.  My first impression of Mike was, "Geeez, he's a big guy."  He was heavily muscled, and in the prime of his life when I met him.  I also remember wondering about how hard he hit. 

Be careful of what you wish for or wonder about.  By the time that I arrived in California Gary had gotten me about half way through the strikes, and had also introduced me to lock and block and flow sparring.  Gary introduced us, and Mike had us go through what Gary had taught us.  I could not really tell what Mike, Remy, or Jeff were thinking about our performance as they all maintained their silence which was somewhat nerve-racking in its own right.  I very much doubt that it was my proficiency (I've always been somewhat of a klutz) as much as it was my desire to learn Eskrima that prompted Mike to invite me to join the class. 

The following Tuesday night I attended my first Mike Inay Eskrima class.  We arrived at class and met the students that were present, and I apologize that today I cannot remember who specifically was at class that first night as I was extremely excited.  I do remember thinking, "I am really here in California, in Mike Inay's class learning Eskrima."  I had numerous other thoughts that first night which were quickly vanquished with the first strike that came whistling hard at my head.  You see, Mike was not the only person who wanted to see what the new guys were made of.  Mike did "play" with me a little that first night.  I remember thinking, "Boy, he hits hard. Sure answered my previous musings."  Gary told me later that it was simply Mike's way to see what a person was made of, and that Gary was happy that I didn't embarrass him. Thus began my California journey.

Benjamin:  Rob, I was there the first night you arrived.  In fact, I remember you coming in the door, stick under your right arm, and actually where I was standing in the indoor training room at the time.  Class had begun, and we were paired up, working on basic strikes and counters.  Like you, I was working my way up through strike five.  I was really happy to see you there; a familiar face from the Indiana homeland!

Eskrima training for me began as an adventure from the outset, having hitch-hiked over a thousand miles just to reach the starting point.  That warm morning under a blue sky I found myself walking through a quiet suburban California neighborhood along a street lined with exotic trees and vegetation.  I was so mystified by the sense of semi-reality; I may as well have been entering the Land of Oz.  I carefully studied each address, slowly counting down each house number as I came closer to my destination; looking for the one number that would signal I had arrived.  Then, at long last, there it was!  I took in a deep breath with much anticipation of what would come next.  I started up the front walkway.  As I approached the door, the last step was finished as if in slow motion.  I paused a moment to breathe a prayer of thanks that I had made it, and a blessing for where this door might lead.  I rang the bell, and waited.  Moments later it opened.

I was overwhelmed by a feeling of amazement and disbelief.  Before me stood a most impressive and imposing man, his figure lacking nothing I had imagined.

Penetrating eyes and a curious gaze looked me over as if sizing me up. Soon a smile crept over his face as I re-introduced myself, having spoken only briefly by phone months earlier when I had called to request permission to meet him, and had expressed my desire to be considered for training. His manner was all business, but gracious and hospitable. He invited me into his house, and ushered me to the large side-room that served as an indoor training space. It was filled with amazing photographs and artifacts of Eskrima lore, history and culture. He asked questions and spoke at length about the art. Then he showed me the outdoor training area in his large private backyard, and finally offered a warm introduction to his family. He finished by saying "Well, you hitch-hiked across the country, how can I say no? Come to the next class!"

Seeing Mike move for the first time was like watching a study in fluid dynamics. It confirmed what I had seen on film, only amplified into three dimensions; even more so when I saw how he imparted fighting traits into his instructors and even into his new students. You could see quality forming at all stages. There was no aspect of the training I didn't like, except the knots, contusions, bleeding, and the (thankfully rare) occasion of being called out as a demonstration during class of how NOT to perform a technique.

Finding Eskrima fulfilled all expectations of what I had searched for in a martial art, and more. It was naturalistic and adaptive to different body types; implemented many weapons; emphasized outdoor and environmental training and had been tested...as I was about to be.

John:  I can remember that I was impressed that he knew Danny Inosanto personally because at the time I was interested in Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kun Do and Kali.  Mangisursuro Mike had an article that he clipped out of Inside Kung Fu magazine that he posted on the inside window of his Bay Area School of Escrima Academy on El Camino Real in Sunnyvale.  The article was by Danny Inosanto, and it discussed Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kun Do and the Filipino martial arts.  Meeting Mangisursuro was the link to the Jeet Kun Do that I was extremely interested in.  Later, though, I just came to prefer the Filipino Martial Arts as a whole. 

Additionally, I was impressed with Mangisursuro Mike’s size and machismo, which I would prefer in an instructor that I would follow.  It’s like, if I had to go to war with a leader, I would expect him to be someone that I could look up to. That is what I found in Mangisursuro.  Mangisursuro was someone that I could look up to as the type of guy that I would feel confident about following.  Once I was shown what Escrima/Eskrima looked like, I knew that it was for me.  Mangisursuro displayed skills that I never saw before, and I was very impressed with him and Guro Estrella.

Kristine:  Who else was teaching alongside Mangisursuro Mike Inay besides his brother-in-law, Guro Remy Estrella, when you first started?

John: There were no other full instructors teaching, but Mike Anderson was an assistant instructor, still in training to become a full instructor.  He never received a full instructor’s title that I can recall.

Frank:  Angel Cabales, Max Sarmiento, and Leo Giron would stop by and work with the class on occasion.  Jimmy Tacosa was there sometimes, but never taught.

John:  I just recalled Mel Wong was also an assistant instructor along with Mike Anderson, but neither received the Ivory Medallion that was awarded to full Guros in 1979.  Mel Wong and Mike Anderson were Cabales-era practitioners.  I can’t believe that my memory didn’t recall Mel earlier! 

Rob:  By the time that I arrived in California neither Mike Anderson nor Mel Wong were in class.  Mike Inay was the instructor; everyone else was a student.  At that time there were no ranks outside of Instructor and Student.  The six levels and their variants would come years later.  We had a saying in class, "Your stick does your talking for you." 

The vast majority of the classes over the years were always small, with the exception of a time in the mid-nineteen-eighties when Mike, despite being out of work, decided not to charge for his lessons.  Having small classes meant there was no real reason for ranks, visible or not, as everyone knew where everyone else was as far as skill level goes.  When I began training, and continuing throughout the years, we all learned from one another, as well as from Mike.  Each classmate had their very own unique way of doing things, and I learned a lot from the others. 

Benjamin:  Individuals contributing to teaching classes besides Suro Mike Inay were mentioned by others: Remy Estrella, who, thankfully, was in class relatively often, observing and also teaching one-on-one.  He left such an impression on me.  His stylistic traits and mastery are in a class all their own; Jimmy Tacosa, very occasionally though very impactfully; Michael Amistoso, who did teach when present, and often brought a contingent of his own students when he attended.  He was a fighter first, and had a very unique style and mentality, besides being left-handed (and you had better not forget about his right hand!) 

During this Calle Margarita Backyard school period there were rare but notable visits from Grand Masters Angel Cabales, Max Sarmiento, Leo Giron and also Masters Dan Inosanto and Dentoy Revelar.  Not only did Mike have a large number of teachers dropping by the school, there was also a rich environment created by the energy and synergy of the senior and peer level practitioners.  One of the things that continually amazed me was the intrinsic pull Eskrima had which attracted such high-caliber people into its orbit, including a strong student core.

For example, both Frank and John had been training for up to a year or more already, thus both were senior to me by a significant measure, having preceded me not only in terms of chronological training, but by exposure to the old masters way ahead of me.  Additionally, they were very consistently present and active in virtually all the classes at the time.  They both have and deserve my respect for possessing a precedent standing in terms of the Inayan legacy, but even more, they were instrumental as advanced students in helping me along right from the start, and I owe them both a great deal. 

I’ll add that Rob is certainly a peer of the highest order, and no less significant a contributor to my Eskrima learning experience, both in class and in knowing him as a person.  Rob was more than a beginner when he arrived on the scene, having begun his Eskrima training under the excellent teaching of Gary Bowlds.  Rob has been an always positive influence on my training, study and understanding of the art, and many of my students have benefited from his teaching, as well. 

Lastly, another name comes to mind.  Robert Ramirez was a solid martial artist practitioner and senior class member I always liked and looked up to.  And, while we all were awarded official instructorships in a fairly close time-frame, all of these practitioners were of immeasurable help in my advancement, and I look up to them.

Kristine:  You guys underwent your training with Mike during a unique and distinct phase of Mike's teaching.  Looking back at it now, where do you think he was on his own personal path in the arts; what stage was he in as a teacher?  What effect did this have on you and on your training?

Frank:  I believe Mike was approaching a crossroads when I started my training with him.  He was an extremely creative strategist and martial artist, and it was inevitable that he would explore more of his Philippine martial heritage.

After his falling out with Angel Cabales he spent a lot of time with Danny Inosanto discussing Philippine martial arts. It was during this time that Mike really started to evolve. We would fly down to Danny's school in LA sometimes, and Danny would give seminars at Mike’s place. It was a real Renaissance of the Philippine arts during that time. Mike wanted to unite the Philippine arts, and conceived of the West Coast Eskrima Society (WES) as a way to do that.

The more members of the martial arts community Mike came into contact with, the more he evolved and improved his mother art of Serrada. He expanded Largo Mano concepts and knife disarming and pressure point control. He reminded me of Bruce Lee in many ways, reading and studying everything, using and creating concepts and improving his warrior art, polishing what he felt was relevant and creating what we now today call the Inayan System of martial arts.

As for me, his training gave me the tools to understand martial arts principles, and will continue to promote my own personal evolution in martial arts: Truly a priceless gift for which I will forever be grateful.

Rob:  Throughout his life, Mike was always exploring the possibilities, and this period was no different.  Most of the class time was spent working on the basics, and then performing those basics in different settings.  This is one main area that I have always kept and stressed in my own training and teaching.  The emphasis on training was always on Serrada, although during training time Mike would also work on integrating the other two core styles, Larga Mano and Kadena De Mano, more fully.  One of his main concerns during his lifetime was that students have the capability to flow throughout the ranges, and utilize their tools in the appropriate time and matter. 

His teaching was, as with most instructors, both verbal and nonverbal.  At times, for example during lock and block where Mike would deliver multiple hits, Mike would explain what you were doing wrong, and at other times he would simply repeat the sequence of hits and stabs until your body came up with a solution, hopefully before the numerous bruises grew cousins.  During non-class times with me, Mike would often work on things that he would be teaching the following week.  I guess he figured that if a slow learner like me got it, the other students should pick it up when he showed it during the next class. 

It was during this time, outside of class, that I also started to understand Mike's development both as an Eskrimador and as an instructor.  There were outside influences at this time, such as Dan Inosanto, but there was also an immense amount of internal influence.  My phone would ring and Mike would be on the other end asking me to come over to the house.  When I got there I usually found Mike alive and animated with something he wanted to try.  This was only the beginning.  First, there would be the technique; then there would be the counter; then the counter to the counter; then the application of the technique or counter during "play." 

This period was where Mike truly solidified the basics within his system, later to be called Inayan Eskrima.  This early work allowed Mike in the later years to more fully explore other areas such as Pressure Point Control Tactics (PPCT), seminars, other styles outside of the core three, etc. 

This period truly had a profound impact on both my development as an Eskrimador and my future as an instructor.  I have carried many of Mike's lessons with me throughout my life, and have passed them on to various students, both my own, and other people's students.  I have at times overheard others refer to me as "old school" which, thanks to Mike's numerous Eskrima and life lessons, I am.  Like Popeye said, "I yam what I yam."

Benjamin:  I feel that Suro was finding himself on several levels. He always kept his eyes open, cognizant of that was happening in the world around him, but he also began to reach more fully inward, seeking greater self-understanding and depth of artistic comprehension. As he redefined himself he further refined his system, always developing, seeking, questioning, yet never in a wandering sense. Rather more as a quest; he was on a treasure hunt for new discoveries, integrations and "permutations" as he called them. He was always striving for enhanced functional form, never artifice. Whether the end point was something as practical as law enforcement training or fostering the simple beauty and mystique of live blades in motion, “flowering,” he lived his life as he practiced his art, with attentiveness, responsiveness and almost magnetically drawn to his vision; a vision that was always greater than himself.

On the diplomatic front this was illustrated through his leadership in reaching out across stylistic lines by co-founding and chairing the inception of the West Coast Eskrima Society (WES). He sought to help the entire Filipino martial arts community see its day in the state-side sun, and to strengthen and assure its preservation as a unique cultural art form. He rightly felt the Filipino martial arts deserved greater recognition, and that the public would be the chief benefactor of that. This required making tough decisions to weigh and balance issues of hard core traditional training with the current trends in the modern martial arts world.  Mike strove to retain essential core qualities without compromise while opening up and broadening the appeal to a wider audience. His many contributions certainly helped that aim. And this excellent example of leadership left an indelible impression on at least one young Eskrimador.

John:  Kristi, could you be more specific about what period of time are you referring to?  Mangisursuro Mike was on the road to continual improvement throughout his life, so it would be necessary to pin down a particular time or year that you wanted an answer to!

1.)   The Cabales Serrada Stage                                (circa 1975 to 1978)           

2.)   The West Coast Eskrima Society Stage            (circa 1979 to 1983)

3.)   The Santa Cruz Mountains Stage                      (circa 1984 to 1989)

4.)   The Campbell Martial Art School Stage           (1991 to 1993)

5.)   The Post Campbell School Stage                      (1994 to 1998)

These are the different training eras or waves that various students had received their exposure to a continually evolving program that Mangisursuro had shared with them.  Each era had a different paradigm in which the training emphasis changed, as Mangisursuro changed. It was a very dynamic adventure for me!

Kristine:  John, I was specifically referring to the period during which you were first training, but since you have distinguished the different periods like you have here, it would be great to have you give your insights into each period as you saw it. 

John: Where do you think he was on his own personal path in the arts?

I think that he was on the path of Independence, trying to figure out where his place in the martial arts community would or should be!  He knew that what he possessed and achieved was a very rare gift, and that he must treat it with serious respect. Mangisursuro Mike had a warrior’s spirit, and he probably felt somewhat out of place in modern day society, so the question he had to answer for himself was, “What do you do with what you know and what you can do (skills wise)!”

I think that he was fully aware that Eskrima is not going to be as commonly practiced as your typical “fast food karate schools”, as far as commercial schools go.  Mangisursuro Mike’s Eskrima training is not suitable to the mass production method of teaching.  This was a sad thought for us all, because what he had was way too valuable to just die out from the lack of wide-spread support and appeal.

I will answer part two, tomorrow!  Thus answering the 64,000 dollar question of: What effect did this have on you and on your training?  I’m loving this one!

John:  Welcome to the “Oz Files.”  Thanks Benji!  It sure is great to read about all you   guys’ past accounts!  I’ve been using the spell check feature like it’s going out of style.  I hope you guys are all doing really well, and are thriving with life’s challenges.  Long Live the Inayan Eskrimadors!  Hail Mangisursuro Mike Inay.  Time now to answer part two of this collective query! 

What effect did this have on me and my training?  I think that it gave me humble confidence.  Humble, because I know damn well that I ain’t the best!  I’m just another “Eskrima Brick in the Wall” practitioner!  Confidence, because I know that I’m better now than I was before training with Mangisursuro Mike.   Mangisursuro Mike impressed upon us to “figure it out” when we received our lock and block training. 

One of Mangisursuro Mike’s sayings to me, and I’m sure some of the others may remember is; “Don’t let your form be your defense, let your defense be your form.”  This means to let your personal way of problem solving become your form.  Sursuro Frank and I both have taken that to heart, and we both have put that saying into practice over the decades, although Sursuro Frank may have initiated it way before I did.  I used to think that we should all move like Angel, because it was his system that we were learning, but we all have different body sizes, heights, weights, mental attitudes, sets of philosophies and unique peculiarities that require us all to move differently. 

Additionally, Mangisursuro Mike set an example to us all, in that he practiced a “Big Picture Perspective” in regards to the martial arts.  To elaborate further, think of Cabales Serrada.  Cabales Serrada specializes in several particular weapons in its training processes.  It includes short sticks, knives, short swords, and hands.  It is, by definition, a specialized system.  Now Mangisursuro Mike introduced the broader perspective of allowing any and all other weapons to be included in the training processes. 

What I especially got out of that influence is the “Big Picture Perspective Mentality”, so that whatever I am involved with, it is a value added resource, a force multiplier (especially when it comes time to create innovative techniques to deal with difficult problems.)  Over the years the “Big Picture Perspective Mentality” has provided a necessary ingredient to helping me in solving the various problems that came up in the process of trying to improve my performance in Eskrima.

Mangisursuro Mike also applied the “Big Picture Perspective” in the limited training drills that were in Cabales Serrada.   Mangisursuro Mike had not only come up with new and innovative training drills, but he gave the instructors under him the freedom to also add any innovative training drills that they would like to experience.  One of my favorite training drills is to perform counter for counter flow sparring, two on one.  Two individuals would team up together to combat a third person.  The third person would have to practice a continuous, dynamically executed flanking strategy.  It nurtures the third person’s peripheral awareness, mobility, and cardiovascular state.

Kristine:  What was the most intense training experience you remember having with Mike? 

Frank:  Training was always pretty intense back in the "old days" ... LOL (laughing out loud)!  However, the first thing that comes to mind for me was the unforgiving dequerdas stick.  For those that don't know about this training aid, it was a staff that was suspended by a rope and bungee cord from the middle, and hung from a tall tree in Mike’s backyard.  We would form a circle around the stick and take turns hitting it as it flew into our range.  Mike would call out "Circle to your left," and we would move around the stick in a clockwise circle while hitting and blocking the stick as it came into our range as we moved. He would then call out, "Now move to your right,” and we would all switch direction and move counterclockwise while hitting the stick.  It was totally unpredictable and would whirl and spin in all directions. 

Mike was always looking for new ways to increase the difficulty with this training tool.

One of his additions was to put an empty-handed student in the middle of the circle next to where the stick hung, so that he had to deflect it while the circling students hit and blocked the swinging stick.  Another addition was placing a circle of old tires around the stick which we had to step in and out of while we circled the stick hitting and blocking it.  However, the most intense adaptation of this exercise was when Mike put a real live spearhead on the end of the stick. It really got your attention, and tightened up your movements very precisely.

One time he put nails through one end of the dequerdas staff, but it really tore up our sticks.  Another time he stuck the staff through an old tire to add heavy weight; this made our blocking better, as we were unable to just whack it away when it came flying at us.  Needless to say, cuts, bruises and a little blood were spilled during these sessions.  I can remember on several occasions when other instructors came to train with us.  They would just shake their head and say, "You guys are crazy."  Yeah, it was a pretty intensive training tool. Hence the phrase Mike loved to use, "Snooze, you lose."

John:  Well, here goes! 

I would have to say that several things stand out in my mind with regards to your query. First, during an Eskrima demonstration that we gave at Independence High School in San Jose, Mangisursuro Mike and I performed counter for counter flow sparring with machetes.  I wasn’t used to it, and I was on “high alert status” because I didn’t want to cut or get cut in front of all those people who were watching the demonstration.  I don’t remember exactly what year it was, but I think it was probably around 1978 or 1979.  We did great, though, and no one got cut, but man, you could see the sparks fly from the machetes clashing into one another!  The audience loved it.  You certainly didn’t see any black belts in other martial arts doing such things back then. 

Additionally, before making the rank of Guro, I was put in my place time and time again, because I was somewhat cocky, being from New York and all, and that wasn’t going to cut it.  So, Mangisursuro Mike would dish out some corrective Lock and Block based discipline to straighten me out, and bring me back to a more humble minded state of being.  Mangisursuro Mike was just what I needed to bring me back to Earth. 

Lastly, I would like to mention that Mangisursuro Mike used to have us use the “Dequerdas” training aid.  It wasn’t bad by itself, but when he started attaching machetes on both ends of it, and a tire to add weight and momentum to its effect, and tacks that were taped to the shaft; you kind of wonder where it will end!

Benjamin: Mike was a gifted teacher on many levels. He was able to "read" students and give appropriate challenges to test their skills and confidence levels; to unlock abilities they didn't know they possessed. He would also conduct experiments. For example, one night Mike invited a member of the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism, the group that does medieval re-enactment) to come observe class, and asked him to bring traditional fighting gear...for two.

Suro introduced him to the class, noting he was "King" of the local chapter, and top victor in their armored-battle competitions. Mike believed in his students and had confidence in their ability to hold their own against virtually any style. After staging an Eskrima demonstration by the class for the special guest, Mike looked around for someone to match up with the battle-seasoned King. I don't know why, but he randomly chose me to go toe-to-toe with the King.

The only protective gear we used were steel helmets that looked like large coffee cans. The weapons he brought were heavy wooden clubs of sword length and thinly padded. Usually they wore suits of body armor for these exchanges, but not in this case.  The impromptu rules: full contact, no particular strike restrictions, sequential rounds, no formal points- just see how things turned out. And with that, we clashed. 

I defended as I would in our lock and block drills and sparring exercises, and countered with some telling hits of my own. Round after round, to my surprise, my conditioning, and my thin confidence held. At last the game was called to a halt. And to my relief I'd gone uninjured despite the intensity and heavy blows of this bulky guy. This proved to me the value and caliber of Mike's training, even as a relative beginner against an unknown opponent. Afterwards our guest challenger thanked and commended Mike, saying he had gained respect for the strong showing of Inayan Eskrima. I went home grateful my training had carried me through, and feeling privileged for being associated with such a talented teacher and dedicated classmates.

Do any of you recall this night? If so, what is your memory of it? Did we switch weapons? Did anyone else have the opportunity to fight, or was it as I remember, just me? Maybe one of you recalls this person about whom I refer?

Rob:  I remember that night.  A few things stand out in my mind.  First, Ben did a very good job.  We were all proud of him for putting up, not only with the SCA player, but with the other students’ various "comments" and “suggestions” on how to handle the strikes coming repeatedly at his head and body.  The calls of, "Get him, Crazy Christian!" coming often.  (Note: This last comment was and is in no way meant or implied to be a derogatory comment.  "Crazy Christian" was our fond nickname for our Eskrima brother, Ben.)  I doubt that Ben heard anything we other students were shouting at him as he was in the moment, but glancing over at Mike near the end of Ben's ordeal you could tell by the expression on his face that he was extremely proud of Ben that night.

John:  In response to Benji’s question, I remember the SCA guys visiting at Mangisursuro Mike’s home, and us getting some exposure to each others’ respective arts, but I was glad it was Benji and not me on the receiving end of that exchange.  As I remember, the King was Paul Porter, and he was taller, and I would assume, heavier than Mangisursuro Mike.  I would be hesitant to try out Paul, because if I failed it wouldn’t look good for the School as a whole.  I would have expected Mangisursuro Mike to represent his School, but I do understand that to test the Teacher is often done by testing one of his students, in order to measure the Teacher’s ability to impart knowledge and skills.  Back then I only weighed about 140 pounds or so! Clint Eastwood once said “A man has to know his limits,” and Brother, was I aware of my limitations!

Rob:  To answer your question, Kristine, as Ben said, Mike was a gifted instructor in many ways.  Mike helped me develop, not only as an Eskrimador, but particularly as an instructor.  Mike always considered the two as separate parts.  What he wished for in his students was that each student would take the two halves, Eskrimador and instructor, and form a whole.  Unfortunately I cannot remember any one particular intense training moment with Mike, as there were several over the years.  However, I can relate how the intense moments helped shape me and many others over the years that Mike taught. 

As other students’ and my own time with Mike increased, most of us began to understand more about the control of fear during the intense moments.  Whenever I trained with Mike, especially in private sessions, I was, like when I first met him, both excited and nervous. As time grew, I was better able to control the fear so that it did not lock up my counters and responses.  This mental control of fear, I have always believed, was one of the greatest gifts that Mike bestowed upon me.

I and others have mentioned some of Mike's more creative training approaches, such as attaching machetes to the end of the De Cuerdas staff.  In some cases, what many do not understand was that it was done in part to gauge the students’ reaction, and to determine if the student was capable of overcoming their initial fear of the moment.  Mike would always seek to study the students’ first reaction.  For example, did they step back or did they gleefully move towards the challenge?  If they did step back, was it because they wished to study the new challenge a bit, or did they simply allow the fear to take full control, much as when you observe someone taking a fetal position when they perceive themselves to be in danger.  And as an instructor I have carried this practice with me in evaluating students. 

The student often does not realize that the instructor has not quite put them in the danger they perceive themselves to be in.  For example, when you attach machetes to the end of the De Cuerdas, it changes the dynamics of the staff's movement dramatically.  Due to the weight of the machetes and the way that they flex, the staff now moves quite a bit slower.  Therefore, the student isn't in quite the danger that he or she may perceive them selves to be in.  There are still risks, but in the case of the machetes, we had dulled the edges quite a bit.  This training was to greatly help me in later years during my Special Forces training; not the actual techniques or counters that I had learned in Eskrima, but the overcoming of obstacles placed in my way.

Another way that Mike helped me progress was in teaching me to read body language and threats, both verbal and nonverbal.  At first, like many students, I was unaware of all the lessons that were being taught during intense training moments. Working with Mike, I eventually started to learn how to better read what my opponent was about to do.  Some of this came consciously; some occurred unconsciously.  What I didn't realize until years later were all of the lessons that were being taught nonverbally.  Mike would often attack with the same sequence numerous times in a row, particularly for students like myself, who were (and are) somewhat klutzy, and didn't figure out how to counter the moves until our bodies grew weary of the repeated pain reminders that our counters were failing.  It is then that the body reacts on its own to do its best to prevent future reminders from occurring.  Mike understood this, and knew just when to apply this kind of nonverbal instruction.

Whenever he was serious, Mike's body and demeanor would take on an increased intensity level.  After working with him for awhile, the students’ bodies, whether they consciously realized it or not, would then also increase their own intensity level.  This helped the students on many levels.  They would start to learn to better sense and evaluate threats, and to also hopefully learn to deal with threats rather than be overcome from the fear of those threats.

Benjamin:  Rob, you hit on a very relevant point about testing responses to fright reflex characteristics in students.  Students do well to realize much can be done to condition against “Fear Freeze”, and locking up under stress.  Knowing how to break down the situation and instantly analyze probability versus possibility of injury (or victory) through risk assessment can help keep a cool head, even amidst apparent chaos.  Mike taught us how to train the mind to rationally select threats to counter and targets to address on-the-fly with maximum effectiveness.

And one more thing, Rob:  You, “klutzy”?  I beg to differ!  There is nothing about you I would remotely associate with the word; quite the contrary.  Other words maybe:  tough, aggressive, hard to hit, a hard hitter, but not klutzy.  But, speaking objectively and on the record (for the benefit of our readers, lest they come away with the wrong notion), anyone who has worked out with Rob would quickly agree with me that they could think of numerous words to describe Rob before ever coming to the K-word.  (But I know you know that, Bro.)

Kristine:  There really were a lot of intense training moments under Mike’s teaching and guidance.  However, I think one of my most intense moments came after I left Mike’s Eskrima school up on Loma Prieta for U.S. Army Basic Training.  It happened during the pugil stick training, towards the end of my time at Fort McClellan, Alabama.  A pugil stick is a staff with a large pad on each end, and a pad in the center.  There is just enough room between the pads for the staff to be grasped with both hands about shoulder width apart.  In addition to the padding on the pugil stick, the combatants wear heavily padded gloves, chest and groin protection and headgear with a face guard.  I don’t recall if there was any padding used on the arms or legs, but the padding we did use was pretty thick.  I doubt anyone could have gotten seriously hurt with all of that heavily padded gear on.  That made it all the more fun because it meant we did not have to hold anything back where power and hitting were concerned.

Well, that day we had bayonet drills and training in the morning, and went to do the pugil stick training in the afternoon.  The pugil stick was a training simulation for a rifle with bayonet, and we were supposed to attack each other the way we would if we were forced into hand to hand combat on the battlefield using a rifle with bayonet.  Well, we never actually did any rifle with bayonet training at Mike’s Eskrima school, but all of the training I had done, especially in the Sinawali style, served me very well that day with the pugil stick fighting.   I give credit to the way we had trained at Mike’s school that I did not even have to think about how to apply my Eskrima training to this new weapon.  The right moves were just there, and they worked beautifully. 

We started out with all four Companies around the sand pit, each company on their own side of the rectangle pit.  All together there were about one hundred and sixty female trainees, plus two or three Drill Sergeants with each Company.  To begin with, everyone got a chance to do battle in pairs, so it was one against one until everyone had a chance to go.  After that, they asked for volunteers to go again, so my hand went up.  They let me go again, and after that one of the Drill Sergeants decided to put two girls against me on my next turn. 

I don’t remember exactly how many times I got to go that day, but I do remember that it turned into a contest between the Drill Sergeants as to whose Company’s fighters were going to be able to take me down.  At one point one of the Drill Sergeants threw in another girl on the sly, and all of the sudden I had three opponents trying to hit me.  This was not a problem, however, because we regularly trained against multiple opponents in this very same type of active free-for-all at Mike’s school.

The thing I remember most about that whole experience was how naturally and effortlessly the moves were there for me to flow with and deal with the opponents.  It was almost a surreal feeling.  It was energizing, and the crowd, especially the Drill Sergeants, were going wild- that was energizing, too.  Because we were so heavily padded there really was no pain involved, and also no fear of hurting the other people.  This gave me the freedom to really let loose with some powerful hits.  It was probably the most fun I have ever had in one afternoon.  I could tell that there were a few girls who had some martial arts training; for the most part, they were the ones who volunteered to challenge me after the first go-around.  But nobody had anything like what I had.  In fact, no one even came close.  I don’t think it was me personally who was better or tougher than the others; I think it was the Eskrima living in me that came from the excellent training I had received from Mike and his Guros that stood the test and came out on top.

Suro Jason Inay told me a few years ago that Mike loved to tell this story about how I came to be called “The Terminator” for the rest of Basic Training.  I think he felt that he was well-represented that day.

Kristine:  What was the funniest thing you remember happening (whether related to Eskrima or not) where Mike was involved?

John:  Why is my memory failing me?  Let me say that while I know Mangisursuro Mike liked to kid around with some of the Old Timers from my early Eskrima days, that wasn’t what was happening much in formal training classes.  As a matter of fact, when Sursuro Defanti and I were in Mangisursuro Mike’s El Camino Real Eskrima School, there was no laughing or joking allowed during class.  Mangisursuro wanted a serious class, without the horseplay, because injuries could be the final byproduct of such displays.  I think that it wouldn’t look professional to others who are not part of the School, but are watching us to form an opinion on this beloved art of Eskrima. 

Some of you used to hang out with Mangisursuro, but my relationship with him was strictly related to the class time.  I remember us being told after class, not to hang out because Mangisursuro wanted some family time.  In 1978, that also became my reality.  I know Mangisursuro was a very clever and witty guy, but I just can’t think of anything specifically that was noteworthy!  I’m confident that Sursuro Defanti, or one of the other Old Timers, can share a noteworthy memory.  I apologize for not offering something, however!

Benjamin:  There were many humorous incidents, but this one always brings me a laugh when I think of it, and yet has a hidden lesson of its own, perhaps about trying too hard, and not “flowing.”

At the end of every class it had long been a school tradition for everyone to line up silently shoulder to shoulder into rows facing Suro and any other instructors present for a brief question period before the class performed a final salute signaling the end of class. Mike would present the opportunity by asking, “Any Questions?” then look around to see if someone spoke up. To ask a good question was a good thing.

These were very democratic moments. Beginners, all the way through to Instructors could ask a question, or even make personal comments about what they had seen or observed during class.  Usually Mike fielded questions, but they also could be directed at others. I found these periods highly informative, whether I was the one doing the asking or not. Sometimes class could be extended another five, ten, even fifteen minutes as he grabbed someone for an impromptu live answer demonstration.  Occasionally, the questions were far afield from what class had covered, but more often they would clarify or embellish something just learned. And always the questions were relevant....well almost always.

One night, in front of this large student assembly, a certain student who shall remain unnamed here launched into a simple-minded question which was particularly ponderous and contrived.  “Well, if the guy did this move on me, I think I'd do that to him. But if he tried that move, do you think I should try this counter here or do you think it would be better if I tried this other technique first. But then what if...”  So, on and on it went.

Now Mike, a deep thinker by nature, but not one for pointless complication, drifted into a staring state. As the student rambled away, an indescribably funny expression fell across Mike's face- squinting, head cocked to one side, motionless. Finally, the student wound down, and the last fragment of his Gordian puzzle hung in the air. There was a long pause.  Everyone was still lined up and silent, anticipating Suro’s reply- having no guess as to how he would answer this crazy query.

With superlative bluntness and complete disregard for political correctness or charm-school etiquette, Mike once again demonstrated his instructional genius as only he could. With exasperated finality he exclaimed, “THAT is a STUPID QUESTION !!!!!!”  And with that, no further comment was made. Barely able to contain ourselves, everyone saluted out without another word.

You had to be there to get the full effect, but this was pure “Mike” showing a trait we loved about him. He could cut through to the essence of a dilemma with a most unanticipated, yet effective directness. While it sounded insulting on the surface, like a put down, what was really meant by it was closer to “Don’t overwork the problem. Go with the Flow, and you will find the solution you need inside the problem, as you automatically react.  Flow will tell you what the right answer is.  Always Just Flow."

On another occasion, knowing he had a flair for the unusual, I happened to buy him, for a reason I cannot explain- a set of stilts. (Actually, I can explain. I worked at a toy store.) I wrapped them and took them to him as a Christmas present. (How do you wrap stilts?) Surprised at the size, puzzled and curious, he studied the strange shape in the wrapper very carefully, probably thinking it must be some exotic weapon. Unwrapping the gift from one end to the other, suddenly his face froze. He couldn’t quite believe his eyes. He exclaimed in a half-shout, with mock disappointment, “Stilts!!??”....But then, just as quickly, climbed up on them and started stalking around, grinning like a pirate.

Only after the passage of days could Mike see the humor in this next story. It took place during a business trip Mike made to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he was booked at a downtown hotel a day earlier than originally scheduled. With some open time available, he planned to get together with friends, and enjoy a day out on the town- such as a small mid-west town can offer.

Well, this particular morning Mike was casually hanging out in the hotel lobby where an area Eskrima student was to pick him up, and serve as his host for the day. Meanwhile, Mike had drawn a bit of unintended attention. The hotel manager had taken notice of him, and began keeping an eye on him. A very close eye. Maybe it was Mike’s intimidating attire; dark shades, black clothes, butterfly knife sheathed at his belt, Inayan crossed skull medallion suspended about his neck; not exactly a look you usually see in a quiet mid-west town. Oh, and one other thing, Mike had a special purpose black carry case resting at his side.

After a while, the student, Chris Horvath, arrived in the lobby. The manager now grew even more suspicious. Chris was garbed in his usual quasi-military attire; camo vest, bandanna around his head, black military boots and was packing a not-so-concealed side arm (legal for him to do here). But the manager really began to panic when he saw Mike sling the carry case, suddenly displaying the stock butts of two shoulder-fired guns protruding out the end.

That did it! The manager felt he had to do SOMETHING! As Mike and Chris made their way out the door he scribbled down their descriptions.  Then, he covertly followed them to their vehicle where he took down their license plate number. As the vehicle pulled away, the manager rushed back inside and placed an urgent phone call to the Authorities.

Now Chris is a major weapons collector, and his van was a veritable arsenal on wheels (all legal, of course).  It was also fully equipped with a police scanner which was always ON. As the two drove down the road toward their first destination, an interesting Alert Bulletin aired over the police band radio. Police Dispatch said they were looking for a vehicle of a certain description and license plate number, with certain described occupants--considered armed and dangerous.  “Hmmmm. That sounded familiar.....Hey, wait a minute....It IS familiar!! THAT’S US!!!!!!!”

That frantic manager had told police that a suspicious pair had been spotted, and that the Cops had better act fast before something terrible happened. So the Police thought they possibly had a pair of trained hit-men on their hands that were poised to strike!  In disbelief, when Chris heard this, hoping to avert a disaster, he instantly picked up his cell phone and called Fort Wayne Police Department Dispatch directly to tell them:  number one, the cops had the wrong idea; number two, that they were completely innocent; number three, exactly where his van was now; number four, that they were almost to their destination. He continued, telling Dispatch they were: number five, friendly; number six, not illegal and number seven, to please send someone to confirm that...NOW!!! Approaching their destination just ahead, Chris pulled in and just then got the word from Dispatch to stay put, and that a patrol officer would cruise in momentarily to check them out.

Soon, the assigned patrol car swung up behind them. The Officer approached the van very cautiously. After a few minutes of questioning them, the nature of the strange mix-up was beginning to come to light. More than a little embarrassed, the Cop said, “Well, for the report, I’d better look at what’s in that carrying case, just to be sure.” Mike opened the case. And what did it contain? What lethal armament did the Officer find? Why, they were Mike’s weapons-of-choice:  a pair of fully automatic brand new PAINT BALL GUNS! And a load of PAINT BALL ammunition! And Chris had driven them right to the front door of the paint ball gun arms manufacturing plant which just happened to be based in Fort Wayne. Mike was headed there to have his two new favorite toys tuned and adjusted by the factory personnel.

So after his “search” the cop radioed in with a confirmation to Dispatch that the terrorists weren’t really terrorists after all, and ordered the Alert Bulletin canceled. After finishing his report, and with one final apology for all the trouble, he got back in his squad car and left.  Fort Wayne, Indiana, was safe once again. However Mike was livid. Once he returned to the hotel he read the do-good manager the riot act. In fact, he was so steamed at the affront that for a while he missed the humor in it. The rest of us found it absolutely hilarious. We couldn’t fail to see the irony of it all. You see, Mike’s real business purpose in town was by special invitation…to conduct a defense seminar for…can you guess? The Police Department!

Rob:  The sound of "Eeeeeee" still echoes in my head.  This was Mike's subtle way of telling you that you did something wrong, and plays a part in these next memories.  I remember many humorous incidents, but I will relate two stories that are somewhat connected. 

One Sunday morning Mike called me up and said, "Come on over, and we'll go to breakfast." Actually, now that I think about it, I believe the preceding statement was prefaced with, "Eeeeee, you're still in bed?"  Anyway, I made it over to Mike's house where Mike, Mary, the kids and I piled into their van.  We drove, and we drove, finally ending up in San Francisco's Chinatown.  Of course, being in Chinatown we went to a Chinese restaurant for some dim sum.  All the time in the restaurant I was glancing around the place thinking that it looked familiar.  I was kind of on guard at that point because all the while I was looking around Mike was studying me with a grin on his face.  Then it hit me, "Hey!  This is the place that had the shootings last weekend."  Mike could no longer contain himself, and really started laughing.  He found great humor in the incident.  At that point in my life I kind of missed the humor. He made some mention about “what are the odds that the place would get shot up again.”  It took a few years before I felt that I was able to return the favor of this bit of humor.  

During the mid-1980’s, for a period of about six months, I was living in Monterey, California, and would visit Mike and Kristi and the class on the weekends.  One of our favorite pastimes was to go to Santa Cruz, and walk around the Boardwalk simply studying people.  So, one Saturday afternoon after class, off we went in my 1966 Mustang.  I don't know if it was the worn tires, or if the car was out of alignment, or perhaps a combination of both, but whenever we took the Mustang down the winding back roads, the tires would squeal.  I am quite sure that it was not the speed at which I drove.  Anyway, we went around the first serious corner, and right on cue the tires started squealing.  The next corner fast approached, and as the tires started squealing I heard this faint, "Eeeeee," followed by a much louder, "Rob, you're going too fast."  As the next corner was coming up I heard Mike say, "I swear to God, Rob, if we go off this road, I promise that I am going to stab you before we hit the bottom."  Yep.  What are the odds?

Kristine:  That reminds me of another one of Mike’s frequent sayings, “You’re making me sweat!” always followed by some laughter.  I do recall that particular trip down the mountain.  I thought you were having a little too much fun with it, and now I know why.

Frank:  Mike had a great, playful sense of humor. The first thing that comes to mind:

One evening we were working out in Mike’s spare side room.  I was filming some moves that Danny Inosanto was showing us, and Mike and Jeff Elliot were sitting on a couch in the background. Mike liked to tease; he called it “garring”. Well, Mike kept scooting over real close to Jeff, acting like he couldn't see what Danny was doing, and Jeff would move over a little so Mike wasn’t pushing up against him. Well, Mike kept scooting over next to Jeff every time Jeff moved until Jeff finally reached the end of the couch, stopped and looked at Mike, and said the now famous, "Eeeeee," and got up and stood next to the wall and watched the rest of Danny’s demo from there. You could see in Mike’s face that he thought this was hysterical. It was a subtle, almost private-moment display of Mike’s playfulness. I didn’t even notice it was happening at the time.  It wasn't until later, when I viewed the film, that I saw this display of silliness from Mike.

There were many moments of Mike with his garring, “Eeeee”'s, and the ever-popular "Hark".  He would say, "Hark!”, and smile when someone stated the obvious.  Hearing any of these phrases Mike used brings back a wealth of wonderful memories.

Kristine:  Did Mike ever do or say anything that stands out as a special personal memory you have of him?

Frank:  The first thing that came to mind is "No pain, no gain," and "Snooze, you loose."  These two statements are not particularly philosophical gems, but they always make me smile and think about Mike when I hear them, or say them myself. They will always hold a special place in my heart.

Kristine:  I was always impressed with how Mike used music and songs to communicate his deep emotions and philosophy of life.  He really loved Bob Dylan’s lyrics and music.  The only guitar songs I can recall him playing (there were probably others which I just don’t remember) were Bob Dylan songs, and he played and sang them with all his heart.

John: There are several that I can remember to share with you!

I remember one time at the beginning of a class, when certain people who said that they would show up, didn’t!  I was telling Mangisursuro Mike that they said they would be there.  Mangisursuro Mike said, “Action speaks louder than words.”  That statement was one that remained with me.  It clued me into Mangisursuro Mike’s strategic attitude, telling me that Mangisursuro Mike is going to judge me more on what I do and not on what I say, and the lesson is that I better back up my words with action, or lose credibility and some level of Mangisursuro Mike’s respect for my words.

On a different occasion, Mangisursuro Mike was checking out how well and how hard that we all could punch.  When it was my time to be evaluated, Mangisursuro Mike observed me punch a focus mitt or padded device, and said, “You could knock someone out with that punch.”  I was happy to hear that, so it stayed with me.

Another memory that I already mentioned in one of the other answers (and is a favorite one of mine) is the one about “forms and defenses”. Mangisursuro Mike said “Let your defense be your form, not your form be your defense.”  That was a valuable quote that also stayed with me.

Rob also refreshed my memory a little bit.  Rob made a mention regarding Mangisursuro Mike’s expression which is the sound made that we would spell as “Eeeeeeeeee!”  I used to hear Mangisursuro Mike use that one a hell of a lot.  It makes me laugh every time I think of it.  It was an expression that possessed a very real emotion, especially when one’s emotion was being stimulated by the sight of danger, near danger, or a serious situation or the like.  It’s kind of like alarm bells going off in your head when you detect danger or problems.  Remember now that we were practicing some things that are damn dangerous at times, and we all would have close calls to dangerous situations.   “Eeeeeeeeeee” was the perfect expression to make a point of the seriousness of the moment.

One of Mangisursuro Mike’s common traits that I remember well because I can feel his spirit in my movement when I do it, is when he would perform counter for counter flow sparring. Mangisursuro Mike would lower his center of gravity, and start to pour on the hard fast strikes.  It was like he turned into a tornado, except he would be striking from many angles.  I refer to this lowering of his center of gravity as “anchoring”.  Often, when I perform counter for counter flow sparring, it seems like Mangisursuro Mike’s spirit is actually driving my action!  It is a strange feeling, but it is as if he is here with me!  I found that I can turn this energy “on” and “off” like a light switch, when I need to.

Rob:  This is difficult to answer because there were many personal moments with Mike over the years, even after I had decided to go out on my own, and especially at his funeral.  But I will relate a number of them. 

One of the first that I remember occurred a few months after arriving in California.  It was a few days after Christmas, and I had been in California for less than three months. Mike and Remy picked me up from the apartment that I was sharing with Gary and Phil, and took me back to Mike's house for one of Mike's favorite lunches, rice and weenies.  Mike asked me what was wrong, as he could see that I was somewhat troubled, so I explained that, despite applying for numerous jobs, I had not been able to find a job.  I further explained that due to this, I might have to head back to Ft. Wayne for a while. 

We talked for a bit more, and then Mike drove me back to my apartment and left me with a few words of encouragement to not worry about the job situation; that everything would work out in the end.  A few weeks later Frank called me, and told me to come by Atari and talk to a guy there about a job.  Mike had called Frank and asked if Frank could help me out, and Frank had then vouched for me with Roy, my future supervisor at Atari. So without the help of these two my Eskrima training would have been delayed quite a bit.  I think that episodes like this help show Mike's personality and genuine concern for people as much, or more, than anything else. 

Mike was very giving throughout the years. He took in students that had nowhere else to go, and treated them as one of his family. His love of Eskrima often overrode any business sense he had.  He entered into business arrangements with other individuals to promote Eskrima, fully believing that those other individuals were like him, and loved Eskrima more than the all-mighty dollar.  During the mid-1980’s he was unemployed, but for whatever reason, chose that time in his life to not charge his students for lessons.  It took me and Kristi quite a bit of persuading to make him realize that he needed the money due to his unemployment status; was providing a service; and that he should be charging the students for lessons. 

Later on I handled the tuition and other business matters of the school for Mike, and always found great humor in his outlook on money.  We would sign up a new student, and he would remark, "All right, no more beans and weenies." followed by, "Let's go to lunch."  Occasionally, Mike would come home from a trip (at that time Mike, Andre Green, Emanuel Hart and I were sharing a house), and simply remark, "Oh, by the way, Rob, I ordered some equipment for the school."  Andre and I would glance at each other with looks of apprehension.  I would ask Mike, "Umm, how much, Manong?" "Oh, just a couple hundred bucks worth," Mike would usually reply. 

At that point Andre and I would simply start smiling, knowing in our hearts that this was Mike at his most revealing self.  Money really didn't matter to him; only his spreading of Eskrima.  Andre and I would then start to figure out how we were going to pay for this "Oh, just a couple hundred bucks worth," knowing in our hearts that in most cases it would be substantially more.  One time Mike saw my look of apprehension, and said basically what he had said years before, "Don't worry. Everything will work out in the end."

The only thing that Mike loved more than Eskrima and his students was his own children.  He was immensely proud of them.  He used to have me test them for their next level in the Inayan System.  Although every time that I tested someone, I knew that I would have to give an accounting of how they performed, with his children I knew that I would have to give a very detailed accounting of their performance, good or bad.  I really don't know why Mike usually chose me to test most people, especially his children, but I was always happy to do so. 

After each session of testing his children, Mike, all giddy with anticipation and questions, would ask, "Well, how did they do, how did they do?"  I remember one particular occasion where I had tested Jena.  After the testing was over I didn't say much except, "Well, your daughter gives as good as she gets," and showed him my out-thrust arms, now covered with numerous darkening welts and bruises that Jena had bestowed upon me during her testing.  The look on his face said it all.  It was moments like this that revealed how Mike's pride in his children was best conveyed through the look of pride that would come over his face whenever we were discussing them.

Numerous times before class Mike would ask me to work with Jason or Jena on some particular aspect of Eskrima that day.  One of Mike's long-standing traditions, especially in the 1970’s and 1980’s, was to personally pair students up at the beginning of each class.  This was done to ensure that each student had the opportunity to work with all the other students.  In later years he would sometimes have one of the senior people do the job of pairing up the students. 

Most of the time, when Mike wanted me to work with his children he asked me to pair up the students.  I don't know what the other students thought in those numerous instances that I paired myself up with one of his children.  I don't know if they thought that I was showing favoritism or something else, but Jason and Jena are, after all, family.  And I really don't know why a look of apprehension would sometimes come over Jason and Jena's faces as they realized that they were going to have to work with their Uncle Rob once again.  I imagine that it was my klutziness and lack of control.

There were numerous other incidents. In the early years I would help Mike with the silk screening of the various shirts that we used in class, and at the end of the day he would toss me a couple of the shirts, knowing that in most instances I didn't have the money to pay for more than one. Later on, when we were living together in Los Gatos, I was going to school full-time and living off of my GI Bill monthly stipend, hence my financial situation was not good.  During that time we contracted out the printing of the various student and instructor shirts.  I would pick up the orders, bring them home, and show them to Mike.  Each time, he would start going through the order, tossing me various things stating, "You'll need one of these, and one of these, and one of these."  Throughout all of these episodes I would start to complain, and he would just smile and remark, "Don't worry about it."

But perhaps one of the most memorable incidents that occurred for me had nothing to do with Eskrima, but was simply a life lesson.  Shortly before I decided to go out on my own, so far as Eskrima was concerned, Mike and I were at a Taco Bell. When we came out, there was a homeless man sitting by the entrance.  We passed the man, and then Mike paused, dug into his pocket, pulled out three or four Ones, turned around, walked back to the man and proceeded to give him the money.  The man jumped up and rushed into Taco Bell.  Mike turned to me and said, "See, Rob, the man just wanted something to eat."

Benjamin:  There are so many stories of Mike's generosity. This particular one holds special meaning for me for its simplicity, but depth.

Near Christmas time, as I prepared to return home to join my family, Mike approached me and handed me a book; deep blue, hard-bound, only with no visible title on the cover. Surprised by his thoughtfulness, I thanked him and politely turned the book over, thinking I had it wrong-side up, but again, saw no title. I glanced up at Mike, and his eyes lit up. I opened the cover and began leafing through the pages. Then...I began understand. I looked up at him again as he said warmly, "Write your own story."

You see, the pages were blank.

And you know, I did write in this book, preserving journal notes, training diary entries and so forth.

I noticed this book on the shelf recently.  One page I re-read moved me deeply:  an entry I'd almost forgotten I'd written.  It was a passage filled with sadness and disbelief upon hearing of the passing of Master Max Sarmiento.  The process of recollecting so many memories of Suro Inay for this retrospective exchange has had a very similar effect on me. Of course, my relationship with Mike was much more personal than my relationship with Max by virtue of our continual student-teacher relationship, but now I can sense just how penetrating the loss felt by Mike over Max’s (and also Angel’s) passing was. 

I am deeply missing our much loved friend to whom we dedicate these remembrances. We all write our own life-stories, and the same is true with regard to the future story of Eskrima; we need to take time, make time, to preserve our Art in a way that displays its true value, in order that it will be found worthy of future generations who will want to continue to tell the story; and add to it by living it.

Kristine:  How did the time you spent with Mike in training and in friendship with him, especially in your early years of training, change or affect the course of your life?

John:  Well, I was just 2 months short of a celebration of 25 years association with Mangisursuro Mike when he passed on.  That should tell you something significant about what I got out of the relationship.  Obviously, I felt that Mangisursuro Mike was someone I thought was worthy of my time and commitment, and I highly valued what he had shared with me.  I found Mangisursuro Mike to be highly inspiring, and I decided to commit my life to this Art early on.  Being part of this Art has given me a lot of personal satisfaction.  I am especially drawn to the technological aspects of this Art, and find something there that is very fascinating to me.

Additionally, I found it fascinating, as well as worthwhile, meeting all the high-caliber martial artists over the years through my association with Mangisursuro Mike.  Those experiences served as significant side benefits to being associated with Mangisursuro Mike.

I got a chance to watch Mangisursuro Mike’s growth over the years that influenced my own personal growth, and the mind-set that evolved with the process. “Think for yourself” and “figure it out” were exemplified in Mangisursuro Mike’s teaching, which is a great life lesson.  Mimicking what was taught is okay, but tapping into your creative side is better, and I think, more rewarding!

Over the years, Mangisursuro Mike structured the various Inayan System styles and “Serrada-tized” some of the other styles as well.  At the time that Mangisursuro Mike was “Serrada-tizing” the Dequerdas style, I spent that time performing the same process with the Kadena De Mano style, but I did that for my own personal use.  “Serrada-tizing” is the process of organizing a framework or structure of techniques that are like the Serrada style foundation, only in a conceptual sense of the word.  The techniques are not based on the Serrada System, per se, but follow a conceptual influence. That is, there is a cohesive collection of distinct and particular countering techniques that flow well together, and are designed to offer a continuous fluid execution of movement unique to that particular style.

Benjamin: John, when I think of the epitome of loyalty, I think of you.  Who else has matched your dedication or demonstrated your humility?   Who has more continuous, unbroken years of direct training under Suro?  (More “Hours under the Sun,” so to speak.)  Mike valued you very highly as a dear friend and top Instructor.  Others have done much, but who has done more that you?  Suro took special pride in you- much justified- and comfort,  too, knowing he could always count on you for your absolute consistency as a pillar of the Inayan school, reaching back to just about the very beginning.  You earned his respect and admiration for your talent, of course, but equally for what perhaps you exemplified more than any other as the spirit of a true disciple.  You deserve no small recognition for this.  That you have this remarkable history amazes me, and when I think about the store of knowledge and experience you have filed inside, I just shake my head.  I’m so glad to hear that you are building on what was taught. You have all the raw materials and “finished goods” necessary to really enhance and add to the Inayan legacy in precisely the way I am sure Mike envisioned it.  Well done, John.

Rob:  Mike passed on many lessons that are still with me today.  From the early days came many Eskrima lessons that gave me a base that hopefully holds as firm today as it did then.  Some instructors are concerned with how many techniques that a student knows; Mike was more concerned with whether or not a student could perform their techniques when it counted.  And in the early years he provided numerous opportunities for the students to perform those techniques while he was earnestly attacking them. I truly feel that it was this grounding in the basics that was the greatest gift he gave me in the early years.  

I have always stressed to those I have helped train that it doesn't matter what you know, but rather whether or not you can apply what you know.  One of Mike's greatest attributes as an Instructor, and one that I feel is essential if you are teaching, was the ability to help a student learn how to apply their techniques.  I also relate to my students a little story from my early days of Eskrima training so many years ago.

Once, back when I first began training with Mike, I remember one of the numerous visitors that came by Mike’s house was telling a group of us that he had just returned from a trip overseas.  We all stood around the kitchen spellbound as he was relating his experiences.  What has always remained with me over the years was when he was describing the practitioners of the local art. “They had really great looking weapons and forms,” the visitor explained, “But you know," and here he paused a little and then continued on with a smile, "if you hit them with a good old number one they couldn’t deal with it.”  

As the years have gone by this simple statement has always stuck with me.  I made myself a promise that day that if I should ever have the opportunity to teach, I would do everything in my power to ensure that my students had the best chance to deal with those “good old number ones,” and whatever else came their way.  All of this came about because of a statement made by one of Mike’s frequent visitors. 

This was another exciting aspect of training with Mike, especially in the early years; the steady stream of other accomplished Filipino martial art practitioners that we novices were exposed to.  You never knew who might show up at Mike’s house or who you might have the good fortune of training with at a Westcoast Eskrima Society (WES) meeting.  There were a number of practitioners who had an impact on my life and who I probably would have never met except through Mike.  People like Dan Inosanto, Leo Giron, Dentoy Revelar, and others impacted me more than they will ever know, but it was the visits of one certain individual who, next to Mike, had the greatest impact on me during the early years.

The rare but memorable visits of this particular man, well known for his countless street fights and episodes of survival, had a profound effect on me.  Whereas Mike solidified my basics, it was Max Sarmiento who began my education in the psychology and dynamics of a fight.  Max would always take the time to talk about the mental aspects of a fight, and would educate us as to how fights or dangerous situations usually begin long before the first punch is thrown or knife is thrust. 

Once, on my first visit to Mike after joining the Army, we took a hike down the mountain where he and Kristi lived. 

As we were walking, he was relating the sad circumstances of Max’s passing less than two years previous.  He was pretty broken up, and his face still displayed the sadness and grief that all of us felt at Max’s passing.  It was at this moment that I learned a little more about Mike.  That even though we all embrace the future and all that it holds, we should also strive to honor the past and those who came before us.  I miss them both.

Benjamin: I always admired how Mike could really relate to others no matter their background, and he was openly accepted and welcomed virtually everywhere he went. This characteristic was evident in the cosmopolitan mix of those in attendance at class time. We enjoyed and benefited from a diverse range of nationalities, ethnicities, ages, gender and all manner of personality types and experience levels, ranging from highly educated and socially refined individuals to unassuming withdrawn people seeking to overcome shyness and lack of confidence. All found a "place" and were made to feel welcome, but appropriately challenged.

In his personal life, I believe Mike was inseparable from his Art as he climbed on a goal-gradient toward an ever higher and expanding ideal, a continuum of progress and improvement.  He inspired others, and they modeled how he lived. He taught us by enabling us- as a true mentor and friend- to have the courage and determination to carry on the struggle to uncover our own true personal identities.

He was an encourager, albeit not one to leave you untested. Somehow he managed to help each person find their way along their own path. In this he was remarkably consistent, and I never knew him to do anything otherwise. A goal I hold is to serve as he served if only to accomplish a fraction of what he achieved, not just professionally, but as a human being.

An important lesson he taught was this: DO seek to be influenced by other subjects. Yet, also permit your training to inform those other subject areas as well. DO bring forth new ideas. Create. Invent. Test. But out of respect and appreciation for Eskrima’s long and time tested tradition, KEEP THE DISTINCTION! Maintain its proud and venerable tradition, and let Inayan Eskrima contribute a vibrant color to the pallet of the modern martial arts world. And so, these attributes came to reflect a way of living, and a model for me and so many others. That memory of him, my contact with him both through training and via osmosis, is what has echoed back to me across the years.

Suro Mike also taught that it was okay to give training time to rest, to allow knowledge to steep and soak into the fiber of your inner being, and thus to "own" it. Over the course of a lifetime there are periods when circumstances re-route our attention or interrupt our direct involvement. Suro instructed that that is as it should be- with one gentle but firm admonition.  “Never let your training or your Art be extinguished.” The Eskrima spirit is resilient and will survive until better times, when personal resources and opportunity reunite to rekindle your efforts. Until then keep faith, persist, and you will overcome.

I’ve found this to be true in my life. Even during periods of low-exposure, when my formal training was suspended for some reason, these non-training periods have paid dividends of their own as I had time to sub-consciously contemplate the philosophy of what “Eskrima-mind” really means to me, and revisit the many lessons learned from my experience in Inayan Eskrima. I have found new ways to practice applying those principles to other areas outside the martial arts realm, and continue to notice them trickling into daily life with refreshed meaning.

When the torch of knowledge is passed from Instructor to student, it is incumbent upon the new generation blessed with such a gift to keep tradition intact and burning so it may be carried forth. The compelling force of Mike’s passion ignited our enthusiasm; like teacher, like student. Along with hard work and dedication, these crucial elements are the assurance of the continued preservation of the Art, and are the best and perhaps only means to honor Suro's memory, and sustain his life’s work.

Frank:  Mike’s greatest gift to me was in believing in me, and giving me a confidence in myself as a person who can accomplish whatever I set my mind to; and the beautiful gift of Inayan Eskrima.  I wrote a poem a while back that kind of says it all for me.

ESKRIMA

My students look for wisdom and guidance,
In this art I teach of grace and violence.

It's the way of the stick and the path of the blade,
But even more about how the pupil is made.

I teach angles of hits with thrusts and cuts,
Dealing with gaps and range, I build their trusts.

With hard work and sweat, all attacks swiftly met,
But in the end, it's their heart that pays debt.

Sometimes there are bruises, and a slight trace of Red,
But those strong of Heart, will shine light on dread.

Klack of the stick, ring of the blade,...like a spirit
It's music we make, in a song you can hear it.

To watch over and protect those misunderstood,
In our way, silent warriors for good.

We train for the knowledge, a gift we respect,
For it's in our code that we never neglect.

So it's a truth I hold in awe,
An art old in name, called Eskrima.

-by Frank Defanti

Benjamin:  Thank you, Frank, for your very fine poem.  Contained within it are so many worthy sentiments, presented with such a tactile visualization of what it is really like to train in this art.  I printed out a copy to have framed.  With your permission, I’d like to display it in my training area so I can enjoy it, and visitors can read it.  My gratitude to you for adding Art to Art.

Kristine:  What one word do you feel best describes the man, Mike Inay?  Why do you say that?

Rob:  This was a difficult question to come up with an answer for.  A variety of words came to mind; Eskrimador, that goes without saying; Instructor, for that answer, simply look at all of his students that are instructing the world over; Father, a very proud father.  However as I looked at all of my possible answers a realization came to me that they were all connected by one word:  Driven; and I feel that word perhaps describes Mike as well or better than most. 

Mike was truly blessed with something that most of us strive for but are rarely given, a purpose driven life.  I think that there may be a book about this subject, but unlike most of us that simply read about it or dream about it, Mike lived it.  At times almost everyone that knew Mike, even those that were not involved in Eskrima, were drawn in to Mike's simple but driven enthusiasm to spread the art of Eskrima.  After all, how could we not be?  His enthusiasm was contagious. 

Did his driven desire to spread the art sometimes cause problems or concerns?  Of course it did.  I still find a chuckle in my heart when I remember his take on matters of money, "Don't worry Rob, everything will work out."  All I or anyone else could ever do was to shake our heads in bewilderment and mutter under our breaths, "Eeeeee."  As much as this drive sometimes affected those of us on the periphery of his life, it most affected his family.  But they, like the rest of us, accepted Mike for who he was, an individual whose life mission was to spread the art of Eskrima.

John: Diamond, Mangisursuro Mike is a Diamond!  A diamond is a precious multi-faceted stone.  Mangisursuro Mike has many facets to his total being, whether it be Warrior, Leader, Independent Thinker, Innovator, Creator, Friend, or what have you! 

Frank: It has to be 2 words for me...sorry.  Innovator and Dreamer.  Innovator because he was always expanding and improving his love of Eskrima; he was never satisfied with the status quo.  Dreamer because I feel he dreamed of life as a warrior in another place and time.  Mike would get a far away look in his eyes, and I knew the adventure dream was afoot.

Benjamin:  When attempting to describe Mike, one would do well to keep a thesaurus close at hand. He was a richly dimensional man; more akin to a forest than a mere tree. However, in addition to loving and fostering his precious children, Jena and Jason, and his beloved family, it seems there is one over-arching attribute which culminated his many gifts. A role for which surely he felt called, and thankfully, for all of our benefit, he responded to without reserve; with his whole being. A role I watched him fulfill toward people from every background and walk of life; without question, and without fail, a lifetime role that never ceased:  that of TEACHER.

Kristine:  You guys have all come up with some great ways to describe who Mike was.  I have to add one more.  He was an Idealist.  He had some very high and lofty ideals in thought and deed that he strove to achieve in his own personal life, and he asked those close to him to reach for those same high ideals.  He set the bar very high for himself and for others.  Nobody, including Mike, could ever quite reach that bar, but it was good to have those goals to strive for. 
Many people go through life without thinking very deeply about the direction they are going, or how they are getting there.  I think that Mike had deeply thought out ideas about what the ideal warrior and man was like in public and in private, and he did his best to live out those ideals.  He also did not abandon those ideals as his life progressed, and he faced disappointments that were many times due to his own or other people’s failures to live up to these perfect ideals.  He was an idealist who never did give up.

Kristine:  If you had one more opportunity to speak to Mike face to face, what would you say to him?

Benjamin:  I would say, “Mangisursuro Mike, please accept my humble and heartfelt gratitude for sharing your Art and Friendship, which are priceless to me. My life has been immeasurably enriched for having been your pupil. And thank you for the deep personal sacrifices you, and your family, have endured to make it all possible. I honor your memory and legacy with Respect and Brotherhood. You used to remind us that taking an oath into the Inayan brother(and sister)hood meant that no matter what time passed, or what distance prevailed we should always realize we are now and shall remain connected. I will never forget your instruction, and when we recall your lessons, I have the feeling somehow you are close by.”

John:  I would thank him for sharing his Art with me!  Additionally, I would let him know that he can be proud of his son and daughter, as they are carrying out his wishes for them, as he would have liked.  They are rising to the challenge of his wishes and they are doing very well.  I have watched them both over the last seven years since his passing, and I, too, am proud of them both! 

I would love to share with Mangisursuro Mike the additional technology that I have discovered over the past seven years, as it is a direct result of his influence that has allowed me to add something further to this Art.  Mangisursuro Mike promoted the spirit of “figuring it out”, and I really took that to heart, and am turning it into a physical manifestation.  It has given me a lot of personal satisfaction, as well as being something of a “value added feature” that I contributed to the Art.  Anyone can just mimic what one is taught; it is another issue altogether to “add to” for the sake of improvement, and to keep the Art on the road to progress.

Rob:  I would simply say, "Thanks."  For all of the lessons about Eskrima and life; for letting me share in his art and memories; for all the good times, the stressful times and all of the rest that came with this roller coaster of a ride.  I would ask him for advice on mending the fences that exist within the Inayan family because I know that it troubles him.  I am sure he is happy that his art is still going strong and growing, and perhaps he would say that although those that help perpetuate the Inayan System have taken different paths, they should always remember that those paths started at the same point. 

Frank:  “I miss you, my friend, and I would like to show you what I have grown from the seeds you planted.”

Kristine:  I would say, “Mike, thank you for being open to letting me continue as a part of the Inayan Eskrima family, and for giving Jason the freedom and instructions to form a renewed relationship with me as you were planning for him to be the future leader of the Inayan Eskrima Organization.”

As it happened, Mike gave Jason the “task” of being in contact with me beginning in March of 2000, just six short months before he passed away.  I am grateful to have had the internal prompting to get in touch with him before it was too late for him to personally let me know that I was still a part of the Inayan family; and I am grateful that Mike was willing to go through some renewed personal pain in order to allow this to happen.

In an email dated February 11, 2000, Mike wrote something to me that I would like to share here.  He said, “Often people ask me to separate my art from myself.  But I have come to the realization that, that is not possible, I am my art.  And to try and segment it into different parts is impossible for me, although I have often tried to do this.  Perhaps others more wise than myself can do so.  But when I teach people, and especially those I care for, I give a part of myself, my life.  So I cannot separate business or professionalism from the whole of me.”

And later in this same letter he said, “I have made almost everyone connected to Inayan Eskrima (for the past several years) aware that, should something happen to me, Jason Inay is the heir to the Inayan system of Eskrima.  Should something happen to him, Jena Inay, the first full female Guro in Inayan Eskrima would be the alternate heir.  All of the Guros (at least to my knowledge) are in support of that.  Jason has earned his position, as has Jena.”

It is evident in this quote from the hand of Mike Inay himself, and from all of the memories that John, Frank, Rob, Ben and I have shared in this article, that Inayan Eskrima is much more than a skill set to be learned; Inayan Eskrima, a Way of the Warrior, is a way of life that permeates every fiber of one’s body, soul and spirit, to the very center of one’s being- if one takes the time to truly learn and understand it.

For all of us in the Inayan Eskrima family, Inayan Eskrima has woven our lives together, and created a unique bond that has the ability to override personal differences for the sake of the “family”.  Inayan Eskrima has connected us to each other, and in some sense, to the warriors of old who came before us.  I think Mike was acutely aware of this, and did his best to take his place in history as both a Patriarch of his own warrior clan, and as the next brother added to the long line of worthy and true warriors who have lived throughout the ages.  Mangisursuro Mike Inay, we, your Inayan Eskrima Family, salute you for a life well-lived and a path well-followed.

Kristine Strasburger resides in Northern Idaho.  She continues teaching Eskrima in the Inayan tradition as she learned it, and can be reached via her school website at www.HeartlandEskrimaSchoo.com