Bushinkai has started a study group learning Abaniko Tres Puntas under Northwest representative Bob Carruthers, and attending courses where possible with UK head Angelo Baldisonne and Grand Master Rene Tongson. This style is classical Arnis and we are still in the early stages of learning it. All enquiries on this style should be directed to Bob and Angelo - see below.
ABANIKO TRES PUNTAS
Founder: Mateo D Estolloso
Inheritor: Grandmaster Rene Tongson
UK head: Grandmaster Angelo Baldissone 8th Dan
Northwest head: Master Robert Carruthers 7th Dan
Rene Tongson is the inheritor of Mateo D. Estolloso's classical Abaniko Tres Puntas style. As a traditionalist, Rene is known for his fluidity and grace in classical arnis.
Senior Master Rene Tongson took his first Arnis lesson at age nine (9) in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental - the hometown of Professor Remy Presas, using sugarcane instead of the rattan stick which was scarce then.
His modern Arnis training started at the age of 15 with Grandmaster Roberto Presas, under the observation and supervision of Grandmaster Remy Presas. From Grandmaster Remy, he learned classical techniques such as Banda-y-Banda, Rompida, Doblada (double-zero), Hirada Batangueña, Espada-y-Daga, Palis-Palis and Tapi-Tapi. Under Grandmaster Ernesto, he mastered the techniques of Filipino weaponry.
Senior Master Rene R. Tongson, is one of the two most senior Masters of the International Modern Arnis Federation - Philippines (IMAFP) under the Professor Remy Presas Clan. He is also a member of the Council of Masters of Modern Arnis.
Pictured above: Grandmaster Rene Tongson going through a drill with Bushinkai chief instructor Simon Keegan at the Abaniko Tres Puntas annual seminar
For more information see Master Bob Carruthers' website: www.abanikonorth.com