Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima

Pulahan, literally "those wearing red", refers to the members of a religious movement and warrior cult that developed in the Philippines following the Philippine-American War, around 1902-1907. At its peak, it numbered around 10,000-15,000 adherents. The movement began after the Philippine Constabulary took over patrols in Samar, after the U.S. military declared it pacified.
Pulahan Combat Prowess
The weapon of choice was a heavy, crescent-shaped Bolo knife. Their battle preparations consisted of bottles of holy oil, prayer books, consecrated “Anting-Antings” (magical charms), and other religious paraphernalia. Led by priest-warlords; one of these priest is known to be our GGM’s teacher General Faustino Ablen, Pulahan were notorious fighters, usually disregarding better technology (such as firearms), in favor of hand-to-hand fighting using their bolos. The Pulahan sought nothing but death in battle, making them very dangerous combatants and also contributing to their high casualty figures. In seeking death in battle, they believed that those who perished would be sent to paradise. The Pulahan main battle tactic was simply to advance upon the enemy, fire a volley, then throw down their firearms and rush in to the enemy and fight in hand-to-hand combat.

General “Papa” Faustino Ablen
To the Americans, he was known as a rebel.
To the Pulahan, he was known as a leader and Holy man.
To the Great Grandmaster, he was known as teacher.

Through cultural perspectives, Faustino Ablen was many things to many people. In history, he is known as the rebel leader of the Pulahan of Leyte. A spiritual rebel movement in arms against the occupying forces of the Americans in the late 1800's - early 1900's. Known to his people as "Papa" Faustino Ablen, he was part of a spiritual sect of holy men, proclaimed healers and deliverers of their people, preaching throughout the land of Filipino unity and the evil of the occupying forces. "Anting-Antings" were magical, spiritual amulets, medallions, and writings that Papa Ablen provided his people before battle and for healing. He was not only known as a healer but also as a fierce warrior. His army of Pulahan warriors was armed with only their razor sharp bolos, their “Anting-Antings”, and their warrior spirit. The fiercest of warriors of the time matched only by the Moro's of Mindanao, the Pulahan brought fear to the soldiers with the battle cries of "Tad Tad" as they rushed the regiment lines fearless of the guns knowing of only one thing, drawing blood. The Pulahan Wars (1902 - 1907) saw much bloodshed on both sides and made Papa Faustino Ablen a wanted man. In history there are many accounts as to what happened to Gen. Ablen, some say he was killed and others say he was captured and never heard of again. From what Great Grandmaster Pedoy has told us through his oral history is that he escaped and found his way to the mountains to live out his life.

It wasn't until a young boy from Ormoc City ran away from home and came across a small hut and campfire. This boy was Great Grandmaster Braulio Pedoy and the man he found was Faustino Ablen. To GGM Pedoy, Faustino was a General of a rebel army who refused to salute and bow down to the American flag. Ablen had told GGM Pedoy that he was in hiding and no one has been able to find him until now and that it must be fate that they had met. Faustino Alben took in GGM Pedoy and taught him his art of Derobio; a battle tested no-nonsense bladed art form of Eskrima. For eleven years, the GGM trained and lived with Faustino Ablen in the mountains of Leyte; as apprentice and master, as it was done centuries before them. Through a grueling test of his acquired skill and knowledge of Derobio; the young Braulio Pedoy was made Master, Ablen sent GGM Pedoy out into the world to learn and spread the art of Derobio to assure its legacy. GGM was told to seek out other Eskrimadors and open his heart and knowledge to all forms. Through his travels he met many compadres, had many battles that tested not only his skill but his spirit as well.

Great Grandmaster Braulio Pedoy
Great Grandmaster Pedoy was born on October 16, 1900 in Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines. At the age of six, he ran away from home and traveled into the mountains of the Southern Visayas where he was taken in by General Faustino Ablen. The General was a leader of the Independence movement against the occupying American forces on the island of Leyte. For eleven years, the Great Grandmaster lived and trained under the General in the art of Derobio Eskrima. At the age seventeen, Pedoy was tested by the General on what he had obtained in his years with him; their choice of weapon was the bolo. As it was told , the test lasted almost two hours with Pedoy receiving a cut on the chin and near the eye; the General none. Through his ability to survive the battle, the General awarded Pedoy mastership of his art of Derobio and the task to expand his knowledge of the martial arts and travel the land learning other styles of Eskrima.
In 1924, his travels brought the Great Grandmaster to the island of Hawaii where he worked on the Olaa Plantation. During World War II he worked as a security guard for the Army. Later in life he worked and retired from Gaspro Inc. In 1961, Great Grandmaster Pedoy began the first Eskrima School in the islands. The Great Grandmaster would come to be known for his prowess as a man of counters and as a healer in the art of Hilot; Filipino healing and bone setting art.
On April 9, 1976, he was awarded a Certificate of Recognition from the State of Hawaii, House of Representatives; awarded the entitlement "Eskrima Expert Extraordinaire", House Resolution No. 633. In 1991, he was inducted into the International Martial Arts Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution in promoting the Philippine martial art of Eskrima.

SIANGCO COLLECTIVE
Decades of Experience in Martial Arts…
The Mentor – Grand Tuhon Chris Siangco…the catalyst that exposed the warrior arts to his sons and guiding force of the foundation of Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima.
-6th Level Pulahan Grand Tuhon - Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima.
-Professor – 9th Dan Black Belt under Grandmaster Julian “Blue” Generalao’s Chinese Kenpo
The Beacon – Tuhon Chaz Siangco…the guiding light in the foundation and creation of Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima.
-5th Level Pulahan Tuhon - Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima
-SiGung – 6th Dan Black Belt under Grandmaster Julian “Blue” Generalao’s Chinese Kenpo
The Compass – Tuhon Christian Siangco…a true man of God and one who leads Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima on a righteous path.
-5th Level Pulahan Tuhon - Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima
-SiGung – 6th Dan Black Belt under Grandmaster Julian “Blue” Generalao’s Chinese Kenpo

Pulahan~Derobio Eskrima
Pulahan: literally translated “those wearing red”, we pay homage to these warriors not for their political and religious beliefs or fanatical views but to hold on to the virtues of this warrior sect of never bowing down, to never submit, to stand true to our philosophies as a warrior and purveyor of the Filipino combat arts. We also hold on to the tradition and ranking founded within the Derobio System of the Maestro and Chief instructorship ranks wearing RED; as did our Pulahan predecessors, and as structured by GGM Pedoy in the early 1960’s. The color RED is held to high esteem within our ranks and is a symbol of accomplishment, stature, and skill.

Derobio: literally translated “Rhythm of the Horse”, to encompass all aspects of combat, the key to all movement, the nucleus of our combative philosophy – to evade and conquer.

This expression of Eskrima as founded by the Siangco Collective is a combative progression of their foundation in the art of Derobio as taught to them by their maternal Grandfather; the late Great Grandmaster Braulio Tomada Pedoy, a highly adaptive and innovative expression of the warrior spirit and skill of their predecessors, the Pulahan Warriors of Leyte.

The Siangco Collective has incorporated various styles of fighting within Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima, keeping its foundation on the original bladed movements of traditional Derobio and adapting to the dynamic threats of today’s aggressors. Other major influences are that of Grandmaster Julian “Blue” Generalao’s teachings and expression of Chinese Kenpo Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu and the Filipino boxing style of Elias “Battling Bolo” Cantere, paternal grandfather of the Siangco Collective and former welter-weight boxing champ in the Filipino Smokers fight clubs of Hawaii in the 1920’s. Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima emphasizes progressive disarming techniques and defensive behaviors that encompass all range of combat that allows the fighter to overcome his aggressor and eliminate any further attack. The basis is deflecting and controlling an opponent’s aggression through the following combative states:
Counter-Strike Mindset
- For every block there is a corresponding attack, for every attack a block, for every lock a counter. Evade-Counter – Strike/Block with equal or greater force.
Limb Destruction
- Controlled Chaos: maximum damage without a lethal outcome.
Joint Manipulation - Axis Control: understanding joint movement to efficiently lock and destroy.
Range Progression
- Largo / Long / “Looking” Range: To scan your opponent, visualize movement and attack/defend outside your opponents range.
- Medino / Middle / “Measure” Range: Sensory ranges, using major senses to measure up your opponent, using full extent of your weapons, evade.
- Corto / Short / “Combative” Range: To fully engage your opponent, to completely isolate your opponents weak side, to overcome, counter-for-counter, and conquer.
- Centerline Targeting: focused control of your opponent’s angles.
- Transitioning: seamless transfer from each combative range.

These combative states are focused by one thought: A.C.E INTENT
A = Advance on your enemy, bridge seamlessly through each range of engagement.
C = Cover your position, Counter every attack and movement.
E = Empower yourself over your enemy; by leverage, positioning, both physically and mentally. Eliminate any threat...Eliminate your enemy.

Instruction in the following techniques in accordance with above:
-Weapons: Garrote (Stick), Bolo (Long Blade), Daga (knife), Dulo Dulo (Pocket Stick), Duplicada (Double Stick), Espada y Daga (Long Blade / Knife), ASP Tactical Batons
-Street Defense / Awareness
-Non-Lethal Tactical Training
(Arrest / Detain / Submit)
-Agaws
(Grabs / Locks)
-Sikiran
(Filipino Kicking)
-Panantukan
(Filipino Boxing)
-Dumog
(Filipino Grappling / Stick Grappling)
-Destructive Grab Arts of GM “Blue” Chinese Kenpo/Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu.

Pulahan-Derobio is structured in a 12-strike pattern or "Doce Teros." This strike pattern allows a fighter to equally disable / strike an opponent on both sides of the body. 12 defenses are then derived from these strikes. From this base, countless techniques are at a fighter’s arsenal.

Timing, Rhythm and Fluidity are the three major factors that are stressed throughout ones training in Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima. These three factors are taught to bring ones body, mind and spirit into one harmonious entity. Every movement, strike, and defense must fall into these factors for what one is trying to accomplish will not fall in to place. In Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima, every movement blends and leads into the other. Seamless transition between each counter attack and defense is emphasized in a fighter’s maturation in the art. Nothing is ever separate or rigid. As referring to the horse, envision it trotting through a field. It never loses its stride or rhythm and as it gains momentum and speed, it keeps the same timing, rhythm, and fluidity. The ultimate goal of an Eskrimador is to develop this movement because without it a fighter’s strikes and blocks would not matter. This is true with all martial art disciplines. If there is no flow of movement within a practitioner then the art will never live within him.

GGM Pedoy often commented that a fighter should behave like the wind and branches. "When the wind blows, the branch bends with the force of the wind and then snaps back when the wind stops blowing". Learning to follow behind the opponent's blow is an important element of learning Pulahan-Derobio. Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima relies on gliding movements, ala contra movements and inside counter to counter movements to keep the opponent off guard. "Never give the same movement twice in a row, or your opponent can easily disarm or counter you. If you take a strike on the inside take it on the outside next time. You must remain unpredictable and remember accuracy is better than speed"

Our Logo, What does it mean?
The two horse heads represent the literal meaning of Derobio, “Rhythm of the Horse.” They also symbolize the duality of a warrior: the Left Head - the aggressive nature of combat and to overcome your adversary at all costs to survive…the Right Head – the compassion of ones heart to not let ego or hatred dictate the outcome of an encounter and lead one back to the virtues of the Eskrimador Creed.

The two Sansibar blades, the very tools of combat used by the Pulahan Warriors of Leyte, guide the two horse heads to a balanced mindset of a true warrior. The blades meet at the center in which is represented by a depiction of the Philippine national flag.

The flag is shown as a V or open reverse triangle representing the basic foundation of the combative footwork of Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima: Footwork Pyramid-

The flag also symbolizes the Siangco Collective:
The stars represent the Mentor, the Beacon and the Compass of the Siangco Collective.
The sun represents the teachers, the mentors, and masters that influenced the Collective.

The open triangle symbolizes the open mind and adaptive nature of the Siangco Collective and their belief to blend and adapt to all forms of combat through the guiding philosophy of Pulahan-Derobio Eskrima.
Our Motto: Never Submit…Always Adapt…Counter…Survive!

Ranking Structure
Student Ranks: in each there are three levels (Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced)
*Belt system used to honor Grandmaster Julian “Blue” Generalao and his story and 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 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.

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).