Instructors

Ranking Structure

Student Ranks: in each there are three levels (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced)

*Belt system used is to honor Grandmaster Julian “Blue” Generalao and the story of his journey through martial arts and his first black belt.

Mapute (White) – represents a void of knowledge, innocent view of the destination one is seeking in Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima, the beginning of a long journey.

Maitum (Black) – represents an initial inner conflict of learning to balance the teachings and instructions of the art, the struggles of the journey.

At this level, a student can be awarded a Representative status in order to gather a training group within a certain region outside the home area of the Siangco Collective. As a P.D.E Representative, the individual cannot claim an instructorship rank (Maestro, Likha Guro, Guro, or Lakan Guro) or promote students under the PDE banner; however, their status allows them to promote the system and create a training base for the Siangco Collective in regards to seminars, private training, etc. A Representative is under contract, must keep a consistent training schedule, and is held accountable by the Siangco Collective.

Asul (Blue) – Apprentice - represents the clearing and one finding balance and harmony, one can now see the end of the journey. (Rank equivalent to 1st – 2nd Dan Black Belt).

Guro / Master / Instructorship Ranks:

Pulahan (Red) – the destination and end of the journey; however, the end is the beginning of truly understanding what you have traveled through and culminating your knowledge into the warrior mindset. Training ends and your learning begins.

Level 1 – Pulahan Maestro - Average 6 – 8 years of tutelage within Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima, one is tested on all curriculum from Mapute to Asul- in accordance to not only the physical but mental and spiritual aspects of the art as well. (Rank equivalent to 3rd Dan Black Belt).

Level 2 – Pulahan Likha Guro – This rank is an introduction to those who wish to become a certified Guro and instructor. Bearer of this rank must exhibit his knowledge and abilities to become a efficient instructor and will hold the rank for 2 – 3 years before being considered for full Guro rank and full certification as an instructor and right to teach or open a school of their own. (Rank equivalent to 4th Dan Black Belt).

Following ranks are appointed and awarded to those who truly embody the philosophies and skills of a Pulahan-Derobio Eskrimador. There are no tests. Appointees have shown dedication and loyalty to the system and expressed the abilities to efficiently instruct and have culmination of extensive training and tutelage under the Siangco Collective Instructors. By obtaining these ranks the individual earns a position within the Collective and become part of an eternal brotherhood. Appointees are able to promote students within the ranks of Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima up to but not to exceed 1st Level Pulahan Maestro. Promotions to 2nd Level Pulahan to 4th Level Pulahan must be sanctioned, approved and overseen by the Siangco Collective Instructors.

Level 3 – Pulahan Guro (Min. 8-10 years. Rank equivalent to 5th Dan Black Belt)

Level 4 – Pulahan Lakan Guro – highest ranking one can achieve in the art of Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima…a lifetime achievement (Min. 15 years-Rank equivalent to 6th Dan Black Belt)

Founders Ranking

Level 5 – Pulahan Tuhon (Rank equivalent to 7th-8th Dan Black Belt).

Level 6 – Pulahan Grand Tuhon (Rank equivalent to 9th-10th Dan Black Belt).

SIANGCO COLLECTIVE: The Siangco Ohana (family), true proponents of the martial arts, a culmination of decades of training and instruction.

The Mentor – Grand Tuhon (6th Level Pulahan) Chris Siangco…the catalyst that exposed the warrior arts to his sons and guiding force of the foundation of Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima.

-Former Master Chief – 6th Level Chief Instructor of the Pedoy’s School of Derobio Eskrima.

-Professor – 9th Dan Red Belt/ Silver trim under Grandmaster Julian “Blue” Generalao’s Chinese Kenpo.

Born and raised in Hawaii and a lifetime of martial arts experience, Grand Tuhon (6th Level Pulahan) Chris Siangco's martial art influences came from the ones he loved most. As a child, he trained in the art of Panantukan (Filipino boxing) under his Grandfather, Elias "Battling Bolo" Cantere, who was Hawaii's welter-weight champ in the 30's a major player in the Filipino Smokers fight clubs. Growing up he also trained under his brother in the art of Cha 3-Hawaiian Kenpo. He later began training under Great Grandmaster Braulio Tomada Pedoy, who is the grandfather of his loving wife Gail, since the 1960’s. He also holds the rank of Professor (9th Dan - Red Belt w/ Silver trim) under Grandmaster Julian “Blue” Generalao, a long time friend and mentor.

Grand Tuhon Chris moved out of the Valley Isle of Maui with his ohana to the mainland in the early 90's with hopes of a new beginning. In 1992, their maternal grandfather, Great Grandmaster Braulio Tomada Pedoy passed away. This was the catalyst that urged Grand Tuhon Chris Siangco and family to fulfill the Great Grandmaster's dream of spreading his art of Derobio Eskrima. With the blessing of Batikan Eduardo Pedoy the dream took form.

In any endeavor that one heads into, you must take time in finding the right path you want to venture on. Grand Tuhon Siangco decided to step off in the old school direction, teaching small private classes out of his home. He wanted to build a strong unit of head students and instructors before heading into the commercial market. For several years he taught in this manner, like the days when he trained in the banana patch and when Great Grandmaster Pedoy used to train his sons behind their home in Waiawa, HI. The Siangco ohana were brought up training in this private manner with the masters. As the years went on, they have seen enthusiasts come and go; nevertheless, they have groomed dedicated Derobio Eskrimadors which they now call family. In 1996, Grand Tuhon Siangco and the family ventured in the commercial market basing a storefront school in Chula Vista, CA. For several years they kept this venue open; however, Grand Tuhon always preferred the private setting of instruction. In 2000, the leadership and control was passed down to Tuhon Chaz Siangco where a new progressive vision of Derobio has been formulated and new instructors made through their lineage. Grand Tuhon currently teaches privately to advance students and instructors out of his home in Menifee, CA.

The Beacon – Tuhon (5th Level Pulahan) Chaz Siangco…the guiding light in the foundation and creation of Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima.

-Former Regional High Chief – 5th Level Chief Instructor of the Pedoy’s School of Derobio Eskrima.

-SiGung – 6th Dan Red/White Belt under Grandmaster Julian “Blue” Generalao’s Chinese Kenpo

Born and raised in Hawaii, Tuhon (5th Level Pulahan) Chaz Siangco and his brothers were nurtured into the legacy of Derobio Eskrima. Training as soon as they could walk and pick up a garrote, the Siangco brothers began their journey at the hands of their great grandfather; the late Great Grandmaster Braulio Tomada Pedoy, Batikan Eduardo Pedoy and their father; Grand Tuhon Chris Siangco. Training one on one in the old ways as it was done hundreds of years before them and compiling over 27 years of training and instruction.

At the request and encouragement of his father, Tuhon Chaz Siangco studied various martial arts throughout his childhood and teen years to broaden both his physical and spiritual mindset within the martial arts. Kajukenbo, Chinese Kenpo, Tae Kwon Do, along with boxing and wrestling were disciplines that Tuhon Chaz studied over his life time, blending them with his family's art of Derobio Eskrima. As an adult, he made it his life’s calling to seek out true masters of the arts and promote a brotherhood of FMA masters. His path has created many friendships and mentorship’s with many great FMA practitioners. With the virtues taught to him through the Derobio Creed, Tuhon Chaz has achieved his Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and currently working on his Masters in Forensic Science. Now, one of the highest ranked practitioners of the Derobio Style of Eskrima and an accomplished tournament competitor, Tuhon Chaz is leading his family's art into a new era along with his brothers.

He has had the privilege to teach and train various accomplished Black Belts, Filipino martial arts practitioners, professionals, DEA agents, Border Patrol, police and military personnel. By teaching, he will be able to find his path and learn more of his art through his students. Tuhon Chaz also holds the rank of SiGung (6th Dan - Red/White Belt) under his mentor and teacher Grandmaster Julian “Blue” Generalao’s Chinese Kenpo. Currently, Tuhon Chaz has partnerd with Roger Gehring, a 20 year combat veteran with the U.S. Navy SEAL's, in developing a tactical combat system founded on the principles of Derobio in conjunction with other influences both Chaz and Roger have incorporated in their fighting styles. Go to www.gktactical.com for more info.

The Compass – Tuhon (5th Level Pulahan) Christian Siangco…a true man of God and one who leads Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima on a righteous path.

-Former Regional High Chief – 5th Level Chief Instructor of the Pedoy’s School of Derobio Eskrima.

-SiGung – 6th Dan Red/White Belt under Grandmaster Julian “Blue” Generalao’s Chinese Kenpo

Tuhon Christian "Bo" Siangco "started training at the ripe old age of 5 under the watchful eye of Great Grandmaster Braulio Tomada Pedoy and now spanning over 3 decades of training and instruction. After Great Grandmaster Pedoy passed away he continued his training under Batikan Eduardo Pedoy and his father Grand Tuhon Chris Siangco who promoted him to his current rank Tuhon (5th Level Pulahan).

Tuhon Christian "Bo" Siangco is currently serving as a newly promoted Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy where he has been for the last 18 years. Though away from home he never misses an opportunity to train and spread the message of Derobio wherever he goes. His vision is to see Derobio become what Great Grandmaster wanted, something for all to benefit from. He trains by this motto "In order to be great you must be willing to pay the price in blood and sweat”. Tuhon “Bo” also holds the rank of SiGung (6th Dan - Red/White Belt) under his mentor and teacher Grandmaster Julian “Blue” Generalao’s Chinese Kenpo.

Current Maestros - Pulahan Ranking

Pulahan Tuhon Chaz Siangco

Founder-Chief Instructor

Headquarters (Chula Vista, CA):

www.pdeskrima.com

Pulahan Grand Tuhon Chris Siangco

Founder

Email: battling.bolo@yahoo.com

Menifee, CA

Pulahan Tuhon Christian Siangco

Founder

Email: siangco2@yahoo.com