Pamantukan Arnis


Pamantukan Arnis is under the umbrella of Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Illustrisimo. It is the predecessor of Bahad Zu'Bu Kali Ilustrisimo.


History


Pamantukan Arnis was formed by brothers Epifanio “Yuli” Romo and Pedrito “Pedring” Romo in 1985 with its first training ground located at Barangay Arkong Bato, Valenzuela City and was later moved to Barangay Palasan. Pamantukan was originally formed to teach interested practioners the art of arnis as self-defense and for combat purposes. Although Maestro Yuli has many martial arts background, he considers the art of Tatang to be the most effective in combat. Maestro Yul Romo believes that a practitioner should first practice the drill before engaging in any sparring. During that time, practitioners spar with the use of rattan sticks without any protective gears which often result to injuries and bruises. Pamantukan students are trained to spar using rattan stick so that during actual combat, they will have a great chance of survival. Hundreds of student enrolled with Pamantukan but only few remain due to the rigid training and discipline of Maestro Yuli Romo.

In 1987, Arnis Philippines was formed to organize different Arnis Clubs in the Philippines thru sports. Since then, Pamantukan Arnis garnered several medals and trophies for every competition. Pedring Romo organized Kali Combatant, Palasan Arnis and Valenzuela Arnis Club for the purpose in competing in the tournament. Pamantukan, on the other hand, remain to preserve the art.

Among the notable students of Maestro Yuli Romo are Jaime Quizana, all time National Arnis Champion, Ronnie Digay, Elmer Reyes, Maynard Andan, who is now an officer of the Philippine National Police, Jason Yee, Jerry Yee, Tristan Andan, Antonietto Mag-Aghop and Emmanuel Mag-Aghop.