Sonny Umpad's Eskrima: The Life and Teachings of a Filipino Martial Arts Master

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Sonny Umpad's Eskrima: The Life and Teachings of a Filipino Martial Arts Master
Authors and Contributors      By (author) George M. Yore
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:240
Dimensions(mm): Height 235,Width 178
Category/GenreOriental martial arts
ISBN/Barcode 9781583945025
ClassificationsDewey:796.815
Audience
General
Illustrations 152 B&W ILLUS./PHOTOS

Publishing Details

Publisher North Atlantic Books,U.S.
Imprint Blue Snake Books
Publication Date 6 November 2012
Publication Country United States

Description

Sonny Umpad's Visayan Eskrima provides insight on Maestro Santiago "Sonny" Umpad's life, philosophy, and teaching methods, as well as the structural underpinnings of his system. Born with the soul of a warrior, the intellect of a scholar, and a zealot's devotion to his art, Maestro Santiago "Sonny" Umpad forged an enduring contribution to the rich and colorful history of Filipino martial culture. In 1976, after immigrating to the United States, Sonny founded the school of Visayan Style Corto Kadena & Larga Mano Eskrima-rooted in his training in the Philippines and tested by a hard and dangerous life on the streets, Sonny's system was above all else practical. As Sonny's reputation as a talented fighter became well-known, he began to cross-train with masters of other martial arts, including Jesse Glover (Bruce Lee's first student) and Wally Jay (founder of Small Circle Jujitsu). One of the most innovative and visionary exponents of the Filipino arts, Sonny pioneered the concept of "mixed martial arts" long before the term was in use. Instructor George Yore has assembled the writings of six of Sonny's students (including Wade Williams, 2012 nominee for the U.S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame) to create a biographic homage to this remarkable martial artist; basic techniques and applications are also demonstrated, accompanied by 130 step-by-step photos. Practitioners of Filipino martial arts-as well as mixed martial artists and security specialists-will find valuable instruction in techniques and applications, while the thousands of people touched by Sonny's teachings will gain a new understanding of this notoriously reclusive master's life-and how his experiences informed the development of his system.

Author Biography

George M. Yore has studied martial arts for over forty years and holds instructor ranks in both Kenpo karate and Visayan Style Corto Kadena & Larga Mano Eskrima. He trained in the system of Visayan Eskrima under its founder, Maestro Santiago "Sonny" Umpad, and received official Guro status directly from him. An exercise physiologist by profession, Yore lives in Oakland, California.