FCS Gathering Reviews

The Filipino Combat Systems' (FCS) Family Gatherings give instructors and students from all over the world an opportunity to get together and get acquainted with the latest developments in the art. FCS is a system in constant evolution, making these events a learning experience not to be missed.

The latest edition of the FCS Gathering was, by all accounts, the biggest and best ever. Over 60 practitioners came to Clearwater, Florida from as far away as North Carolina, Utah and Puerto Rico. Master Ray Dionaldo started Day One with a two-hour instruction block on the kerambit, a curved, edged weapon from the Indonesian and Filipino archipelagos. Starting with basic strikes and concepts - fluidity of motion, evasive maneuvers and circular attacks - he progressed to different combinations. There was more than enough material for both advanced students and beginners to work with.

In the next block, Ray resumed the instruction with solo baston drills. While covering all combat ranges, FCS specializes in corto, with extensive use of punyo strikes, traps, locks, takedowns and even grappling and ground fighting with the stick. The crowd was thrilled when Ray, while showing the different influences behind his FCS system - namely Sayoc Kali, Pekiti-Tirsia, and Modern Arnis - displayed his trademark speed and precision in free flow fashion, with Guro Ray Cole as his uke.

We went back to single stick on the morning of Day Two. In FCS, we're expect to work towards ambidexterity, so there were both left against right and right against right drills, together with transitions and switches, often incorporated into tapi-tapi and break in/break out.

After a short interval - during which those attending had the chance to watch demonstrations from representatives of several different martial arts, as in the previous day - Ray took us through a series of blade drills, both knife vs. knife and empty hand vs. knife. As usual, a lively presentation by Ray, coupled with a smooth teaching progression and clear explanations, made it easy for novice and experienced alike to learn. Though Ray is perhaps better known for his edged weapons work, this is far from his only area of expertise; those who have had a chance to watch his performance with sticks and empty handed know what I'm talking about.

In all, the FCS Family Gatherings are a can't-miss experience. Not only there's an awesome volume of material covered, the camaraderie and laid-back atmosphere make everyone feel at home. A background in the Filipino Martial Arts is not a pre-requisite, and all dedicated practitioners are welcome.