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ARNIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY
of
GRANDMASTER PEPITO A. ROBAS

I started studying Arnis at the age of eight years old under Grandmaster Arnulfo Mongcal (Balintawak style of Grandmaster Venando "Anciong" Bacon) in 1960 at my hometown Hinigaran, Negros Occidental in the Visayas. Grandmaster Mongcal taught me the techniques on actual fighting in Arnis Through sparring and actual fight. These techniques are considered to be the old Techniques or style of Arnis.

After Grandmaster Mongcal, I then studied Arnis under Grandmaster Jose B. Presas (father of Grandmaster Remy A. Presas). Grandmaster Jose Presas taught me Arnis inside their home in my hometown of Hinigaran, Negros Occidental in 1963. It is said that during the Spanish period, Grandmaster Leon Presas (father of Jose Presas and grandfather of Remy Presas) was well known to be a great Anisador. He was involved in several duels with the Spaniards Where’ he emerged victorious through the use of yantok (Arnis) against the sword of the Spaniards. During my training with Grandmaster Jose Presas I was able to learn much and integrate his techniques and style due to the fact that I was almost living in the house of the Presas. Even at night Grandmaster Jose B. Presas would still teach me Arnis until the wee hours of the morning.

After Grandmaster Jose B. Presas, I pursued my Arnis studies under Grandmaster Eduardo A. Belardo (Student of Grandmaster Venando "Anciong" Bacon founder Balintawak Style of Arnis) also in my hometown. After which, Grandmaster Remy Presas took over in instructing me his Modem Style of Arnis from 1965 to 1967. During this period I was able to develop the modern combative techniques of Arnis to the point that I mastered the defensive and offensive techniques of Arnis. After a long period of time, Grandmaster Remy Presas and I started an Arnis Club in my Hometown of Hinigaran, Negros Occidental. This is where I developed my teaching abilities through the practice of Arnis.

In 1979, I went to Cebu to further my studies of Arnis under Grandmaster Auring but I was not able to train under him because I was not able to find him. While in Cebu, I started teaching Arnis to the Barangay Officials of Cebu Province. I also did several Arnis exhibitions to the Cebuanos

In 1982, I went back to Manila to continue my college studies. I was able to get a degree in Physical Education from the National College of Physical Education in Manila. After which, Grandmaster Remy A. Presas invited me to teach in his Modem Arnis Gym, which I readily accepted.

1 have also cross-trained over the years with the following exponents of Arnis: Grandmaster Jesus Pellorina of the wedow or instinct style; Grandmaster Jose Mena of Doblete Rapillon; Grandmaster Josue De La Cruz of the De Cuerdas Style; Grandmaster Ben Luna, and Grandmaster Edgar Sulite of Lameco Eskrima to name a few. Several of my students have already attained fame in the field of Arnis here in the Philippines and around the world, one of which is Master Shishir Inocalla.

Now, 1 am currently the Chief instructor of the Modem Arnis Federation of the Philippines and through the years of training i have developed my own system of Arnis called Otsotiros Baston Arnis System.