 |
|
Punong Guro Maurice Gatdula has been studying the martial arts since 1981. He learned the family style
of Philippine Kuntaw and Eskrima from his grandfather, Yun Gatdula - and Jow Ga Kung Fu from Sifu Dean
Chin and many of his Si Hing. Sifu Raymond Wong - Head Instructor of the Wong’s Chinese Boxing
Association - was Guro Gatdula’s primary Kung Fu Instructor before and after Sifu Chin’s death.
In addition to those styles, he boxed and studied Boggs Lao’s Kuntaw ng Pilipinas, Ernesto and Roberto
Presas’ Arnis Presas style, and several Arnis and Eskrima styles. In his exchanges with other
martial artists, he trained in Bak Mei Kung Fu, Bando, “52 Hands”, Tae Kwon Do and Jiu Jitsu.
Guro Gatdula has been an avid martial arts competitor since age 11, when he first undertook the martial arts. While it was simply recreation for Guro as a child, the competition circuit served as a mock battleground for the young future martial arts instructor. In fact, it was Manong Yun’s philosophy that the martial artist should constantly compare his skills to others, and to experience combat technique firsthand, instead of in the imagination and stories told by his instructor. It is because of this experience in competition that Guro learned to react against other fighters, and honed his own fighting skills. In addition to the tournament circuit, Guro Gatdula participated in “The Underground”, which was an informal gathering of local Washington, DC-area martial artists from different schools and styles. Meetings took place in Anacostia Park, River Terrace Park, and several parks in the Northwest area of Washington, DC. In “underground” sparring sessions, Guro learned the tactics of older, more streetwise practitioners, such as the late Bernard Chong, Kevin Williams, Eddie Hatch, several members of the BKC (Black Karate Circuit), Deathkido, Simba Dojang and other men who identified themselves only with nicknames: “V” (Vernard Dickson), “Bear” and “Bone”. As Guro grew up, the sparring sessions became heavier contact sessions, and soon led to his participation in the full contact circuit. His most notable experience was representing the Philippines in International Martial Arts tournaments in 1988 and 1989, when he won a bronze and gold, respectively. In addition to point fighting and kick-boxing, Guro Gatdula has competed in Stickfighting, Olympic style Tae Kwon Do and Muay Thai style kick-boxing. He has boxed for six years, and wrestled for three. The result is the Typhoon Karate Studio, which encompasses all of his experiences and studied martial arts styles. In 1999, Guro created the Typhoon Philippine Kuntaw Karate style, and continues to investigate and mold the style further today. |