Tambuli Media is proud to present our Family of Experts. Each of these individuals are highly skilled and knowledgeable subject matter experts in their areas of expertise. For everything from Health and Wellbeing to Exercise and Martial Arts, you can count on Tambuli Media and our Family of Experts.
Bong Abenir
Fernando “Bong” Abenir is a modern master of Filipino martial arts, who started training at the age of 9 He has studied Yaw-Yan under Orlando Lapuz and became an instructor under his leadership. In late 1994 he informally trained under Antonio Ilustrisimo upon the introduction of Pedro Reyes but it was short-lived due to Tatang’s unexpected death in 1997. He continued training under Pedro Reyes and eventually was introduced to Master Tony Diego in 1998 and was granted a certificate of authorization to teach the art of Kalis Ilustrisimo. He was also trained and was certified to teach Nusanatara Pencak Silat by Pendekar Mohamad Hadilmulyo the master of Nusantara Keluarga Pencak Silat and also from his disciple O’ong Maryono who was a three time world Pencak Silat champion and a well-known author and researcher of the art of Silat. Abenir has written for Rapid Journal and is currently a regular contributor for the Manila Times newspaper in the subject area of practical self-defense techniques. He has appeared in numerous TV sports and morning shows demonstrating his Abenir Kalis system. For Tambuli Media, he is author of the book Eskrima Street Defense.
Dennis Angelina
A native of Ardmore, Pennsylvania and Co-owner of Fast Twitch Training (FTT), I earned a B.S. in Athletic Training as well as an M.S. in Exercise Science from East Stroudsburg University. Upon completion of my advanced degree, I decided I would use my expertise and Athletic Training Certification to perfect a program and business dedicated to injury prevention and rehabilitation with high school and collegiate athletes. I helped create and build Fast Twitch Training and have over 14 years of experience in assessing, training and, when necessary, rehabilitating athletes so they can efficiently and safely return to competitive fitness and ability levels. What you should know is that I have enjoyed sports and athletics like many others in the industry; however one of my attributes is my unique interest in rebuilding an athlete from injury back to sport competition greatness. The goal here being that they will then be better and stronger than they were prior to injury. That is my passion.
Kellie Bach
Kellie Bach has been a statistician for over 20 years and for the past 12 years has been the owner and lead statistician at Analytic Solutions. Over a decade ago she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which led to deep reflection and positive growth in her life. The diagnosis gave Kellie the motivation to become a certified health coach, substantially cleaning up her family’s diet, and allowing her to help many others manage various health conditions and emotional struggles. Through her own process of recovery, Kellie developed a much deeper spiritual practice which has had a huge impact on slowing the progression of MS while enriching her and her family’s lives in the process. Journaling about gratitude, she believes, is one of the cornerstones of her recovery and quality of life. She lives in suburban Philadelphia with her twin daughters and their pets. For Tambuli Media, Kellie is author of the book, My Gratitude Journal.
Herb Borkland
Sam L. Buot, Sr.
Sam Buot, born March 24, 1936, is a lawyer and businessman, a graduate of Silliman University in the Philippines. He was a broker, appraiser, investor and developer, who engaged in real estate both in the Philippines and the USA. Grandmaster Buot is an enthusiast of Philippine Martial Arts and has served as unofficial historian of the Balintawak Eskrima style having studied under the tutelage of Grandmaster Venancio Bacon, Jose Villasin, Teofilo Velez and Teddy Buot since the late 1950s. Buot has received several awards for his involvements including the Outstanding Alumnus Award from his alma mater Silliman University and the Golden Life Achievement Award by the World Head of Family Sokeship Council, a worldwide martial arts grandmaster’s council. At 78, Sam is now retired and teaches eskrima in his backyard in Phoenix, AZ. Fro Tambuli Media, Sam is the author of Balintawak Eskrima.
James Cama
James Cama began his martial arts training in karate at the age of 7 under his cousin, and at age 9 he trained formally at Sun Duk Son’s Mu Duk Tang Soo Do school. He then trained in Hung Gar Kuen under Bucksam Kong and Chester Chin, Ying Jow Pai under Leung Sum, Go Ju Ryu Karatedo under Peter Urban, Kayo Ong and Meitatsu Yagi, Wing Chun under Moy Yat and Fut Sao Buddha Hand Wing Chun under Grandmaster Henry Leung. Years passed by and Cama became a closed door disciple under G.M. Leung and eventually became the first student to finish the whole Fut Sao Wing Chun system and to become certified to teach the art. Sifu Leung taught the system secretly for so long and because training was difficult at times, many students never finished the whole system. In fear of the art becoming extinct and with GM Leung’s blessing, Sifu Cama decided to open the gate and teach the art publicly. Sifu Cama tragically passed away on August 14, 2015, leaving a legacy for the art in his Tambuli book, Fut Sao Wing Chun.
Dr. Brett Cardonick
Dr. Brett Cardonick has been a chiropractor serving hundreds of patients in the Mount Airy/Chestnut Hill sections of Philadelphia and the Greater Montgomery County areas of Pennsylvania since 1993. Helping his patients achieve optimal health using a holistic approach, he specializes in musculoskeletal pain – including the back, neck and shoulders – as well as headaches and many other injuries.
Teruo Chinen
Alexander Lim Co
Alexander Lim Co is a living treasure of Chinese kung-fu. In fact, no name is more synonymous with Kung-fu in the Philippines than Alexander Co. He spearheaded the Chin Wu Club in Manila, wrote the first kung-fu book ever published in the Philippines, and published the country’s first martial arts magazine, simply titled “Martial Arts Magazine.” Co has studied a dozen different kung-fu styles, was an “in-door” disciple of Ngo Cho Kun’s late grandmaster Tan Ka Hong, and has studied Seven Star Praying Mantis and Hung-gar under Grandmaster Shakespeare Chan, Wu style Tai Chi Chuan under the late Master John Hu Chuan Hai, and Hsin-I Liu Ha Pa Fa under Master David Chan. Alexander Co is the Advising Grandmaster of The International Beng Hong Athletic Association, has served as Chairman of the Philippine-Chinese Beng Kiam Athletic Association and the Tsing Hua Ngo Cho Kung-fu Center and as Vice-chairman of the Hsin-I Society of Internal Arts. For Tambuli Media, Co is the translator of the Bible of Ngo Cho Kun and Secrets of Seven-Star Praying Mantis (coming soon).
Robert James Coons
Robert James Coons began his study of Daoism and Chinese culture at the early age of eight. Throughout his childhood he studied Oriental martial arts and always maintained a passion for the study of ideas coming from other cultures and times in history. On suggestion of his teacher, Robert went to China in search of a new perspective on martial arts. Robert currently resides between Canada, where he runs a tea business and meditation club, and Henan China, where he operates an English school and studies Chinese arts and culture. He is author of the Tambuli Media book, Internal Elixir Cultivation.
Dr. Dale Dugas
Dr. Dale Dugas is a board-certified, state licensed Acupuncture Physician/Doctor of Oriental Medicine (AP/DOM) as well as a board-certified Chinese herbalist. His passion for traditional Asian medicinal practices arose in the late 1980s, while living in Iwate Prefecture, Northern Japan; working for the local Japanese Government in the Board of Education for Yamada township. Dr. Dugas has over 35 years of training in Chinese, Okinawan and Japanese martial arts, including Uechi-ryu Karate, Judo/Jujitsu, Jook Lum Tong Long Pai/Southern Mantis, Shuai Jiao, Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, Taijiquan and Internal/External Qigong systems. He began his martial arts journey as a young teenager and has traveled extensively to train privately and publicly in both Chinese martial arts and traditional Chinese medicinal systems. He is a highly trained proponent of traditional Dit Da Ke (Chinese trauma medicine) as well as Tieh Sha Zhang Gong (Iron Palm) and Tieh Be Shan Gong (Iron Vest). He teaches publicly and privately and treats patients in Tampa, FL. For Tambuli Media, Dugas is author of the book Fundamental Iron Skills.
Tak Wah Eng
Sifu Tak Wah Eng has been involved with the ancient world of martial arts since the tender age of four. Growing up in Hong Kong and later moving to The United States, Sifu Eng has had the opportunity of studying with the world’s top martial arts masters. Today, after four decades of training, Tak Wah Eng is recognized as one of the most accomplished Masters, earning him respect and distinction. He has won many prestigious awards for forms competition, full contact fighting and has served as a judge in numerous tournaments and demonstrations. Sifu Eng has has also served as a fight choreographer and technical advisor for many feature films and has appeared on a variety of national television series. Not only is Sifu Eng a revered Shaolin martial arts master, but also a skilled painter and calligrapher who has exhibited his work in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and the Far East. His conception of balance incorporates his passion for painting. His work is dynamic and unusual in its use of vibrant colors and ancient brushstrokes, melding the modern with centuries past. It is in this balance of Yin and Yang, the spiritual and the physical, that Tak Wah Eng exists.
Tema Esberg
The founder of Potentia Personal Training, Tema’s motto in life is: “Be Happy. Be Healthy. Be Kind.” And that is the philosophy she brings to each training session, Lifestyle Coaching session, and fitness class. Tema is energetic & creative, and enjoys making fitness fun and challenging for all types of athletes, from novices to the experienced, from youth to adults. She values hard work, commitment and fun, and she helps support each client so that they can power their own potential, stay motivated and celebrate their successes. Tema is certified as a Personal trainer and Mat Pilates instructor through AAAI/ISMA; certified in Small Group Fitness and Lifestyle & Behavioral Coaching through SCW; certified by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness in Gluten Free Kitchen protocols; and certified in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction through the Jefferson University Mindfulness Institute.
Ramiro Estalilla
David E. Gould
David E. Gould has been training in the Martial Arts since 1977 but he is best known for his association with Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite and the Lameco Eskrima System. He was the last Instructor certified by Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite in the Lameco Eskrima System on July 28, 1996 as well as being one of the recognized Standard Bearers of the System who was appointed directly to that position by Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite in 1996. As well as being a long time private student of Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite, David E. Gould was also one of 25 exclusive handpicked members of PG Sulite`s private “backyard” invitation only group which later became known as the “Sulite Orehenal Group”. David E. Gould has conducted hundreds of Lameco Eskrima Seminars in numerous countries around the world and also teaches Elite Military and Law Enforcement. For Tambuli Media, Gould is author of the book Lameco Eskrima: The Legacy of Edgar Sulite.
Shishir Inocalla
Shishir Inocalla is a pioneer of wellness and the creator of the BMST (body mind spirit training and living system). He is a Master Instructor in Arnis Martial arts, Tai-chi, Yoga, meditation and natural healing. He is the Wellness trainer at the World HQ at David Leadbetter Golf Academy in Championsgate., Florida since 2003. He started martial arts training at age 8 and become a Yogic monk in India at age 15. He was persecuted for his spiritual belief and was detained in Tihar, Jail, India during 1975 Martial law for 1 year at age 18. From 1980 he moved to Vancouver, BC. Canada. He started his Holistic martial arts schools. He competed and won over 50 martial arts Championship and Featured in over 30 Films and TV. He became the action “Michealangelo” in the Ninja Turtles Movie and TV series. 2005 he was introduced to golf and enjoys competitions and wellness. He created quite mind smiling heart meditation, BMST training system, FMA Mix martial arts, Heart Yoga, Arnis chi golf, FMA Arnis Mahailka. He often travels and run seminars in BMST an Arnis centers in USA, Canada and Brazil. In 2011 he move back to his ancestral land in Bicol province in Camarines Norte and started Arnis wellness self-sufficient farm and revive Arnis wellness in his homeland.
Kevin Kearns
Kevin is founder and CEO of Burn with Kearns, where he is responsible for the worldwide development and implementation of personal training continuing education courses and group fitness licensing programs. For over 25 years, Kevin Kearns has been professionally involved in the fitness industry. In 2013, he was named an All Star Conference Presenter for IDEA, the world largest association for fitness and wellness professionals. His commitment to fitness is both unique and compelling. If you looked up “last pick” in the dictionary you would have found a picture of a young Kevin Kearns. He was the last one picked on the field, in gym classes and at recess. Simply put, he was the neighborhood punching bag. When Kevin was twelve his father died of liver failure and his world was completely turned upside down.
Daniel Kun
Daniel Kun, born March 4, 1958 in Manila, Philippines, started training in 1975 at Kong Han Martial Arts Club became an outstanding student with his athleticism and natural ability in learning and absorbing Ngo Cho Kun. From 1977 -79 at a young age he successfully became the national open style martial arts full contact champion of the Philippines with a record of 9 wins 0 losses. In 1995 he and his family migrated to Canada and in 2002 he started Canada Kong Han Ngo Cho Kun Kung-Fu Assn. He is active in international and local events and is an active member and supporter of Kong Han main club in the Philippines. For Tambuli Media, Kun is co-author of the book Kong Han Ngo Cho Kun.
Louelle Lledo
Mataw Guro Louelle Lledo is grandmaster of Amara Arkanis Arnis, head of the Mataw Guro Association, and Senior Adviser to the United Fellowship of Martial Artists. Lledo is one of the best known and renowned Filipino martial arts instructors in the world. A captain in the Philippine Air Force Reserves, he has received several awards from martial arts organizations including Grandmaster of the Year Award of the Filipino Fighting Arts (2003), and Excellence Award in the Preservation of the Martial Arts (2004). He has helped train elite Filipino officers as chief defensive tactics instructor of the Headquarters, Philippine Integrated National Police Training Command, and National Capital Regional Training Center at Fort Bonifacio, chief unarmed combat instructor of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and chief combat instructor of the 1st Air Division and the 304th Security Squadron of the Philippine Air Force. Through years of martial arts experience he has created his own form of Filipino martial arts which he called Amara Arkanis. He is also the founder and head of the Mataw Guro Association, a group dedicated to ensuring the quality and propagation of quality Filipino martial art’s educators. For Tambuli Media, Lledo is co-author of the book Mataw Guro Arnis Academy: FMA Education Manual.
Henry Lo
Henry Lo was born in 1961 and started training in Ngo Cho Kun in 1971. In 1995, after the passing of his father Grandmaster Dr. Lo King Hui, Henry became the Headmaster of Dr. Lo Yan Chui Memorial Institute of Kong Han Martial Art Club, Philippines. That same year he also won second place in full contact sparring at the International San Shou Tournament at Zhengzhou, China. Sifu Henry has won many awards and recognitions and is very active in leading Kong Han in several international and national tournaments and conventions. For Tambuli Media, Lo is co-author of the book Kong Han Ngo Cho Kun.
Dan Medina
Dan Medina was first introduced to martial arts with a combination of Judo and the Navy Seal Quick-Kill method. He joined the Black Masters Sphinx Karate Clan of the Philippines, and discovered the art of Arnis 63 Generals. In 1978, he joined Philippine Martial Arts Studio and studied with Shihan Raynaldo Gingco a Kyokushin and Kuntaw Instructor. In 1980, he became a student of Grandmaster Narrie Babao learning the arts of Arnis Batangas and Kuntao. 1984 to 86, Medina mastered the Ocho system and Modern Arnis Ernesto Presas Style under the tutelage of Philip Pabalinas. In 1986, Dan Medina moved to Hawaii and became a disciple of Great Grandmaster Braulio T. Pedoy and his son, Batikan Eduardo J. Pedoy. Currently, Dan is the founder and Grand Master of Majapai Derobio and Rajah (6th Degree Red & White belt), Florida V.P. for Sphinx Karate & Arnis 63 Generals. For Tambuli Media, Medina is author of the book The Secret Art of Derobio Escrima.
Arnaldo Ty Núñez
Arnaldo Ty Núñez sojourn into Asian martial arts extend over 40 years. He has had the opportunity to have learned and be mentored by a roster of well-regarded masters of Chinese martial arts in the Occident. For the last 25 years, he has dedicated he effects in preserving and transmitting martial arts principles as a martial art journalist for major North American periodicals, including Inside Kung-Fu and Kung-Fu Tai Chi magazines. At the same time period, was active in promoting competitive Chinese martial arts through the United States. Today, he continues to pursue his love of documentation of martial arts principles as an editor and author for Tambuli Media, having worked on the development of the books Fundamental Iron Skills and Kong Han Ngo Cho Kun. His own book, Tai Chi Tactical Push Hands, is in press.
Alan Orr
Alan Orr is world renowned martial arts teacher, regarded as a modern Wing Chun master. He has been featured on the cover of Martial Arts Illustrated magazine twice, has written hundreds of articles, and is the former editor of MMA Uncaged magazine. Alan has traveled the world to find and train with best martial art and healing teachers and today he himself teaches martial arts, fitness, and healing in multiple countries. He holds 8th degree in Chu Sau Li Wing Chun, 5th degree in Integrated Eskrima, and Black Belt in Brazilian Jui-Jitsu. In addition to martial arts, Alan is an Acupuncturist who holds qualifications from the Bodyharmoics Centre, Renshu Collage, The Chinese Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Beijing), and International Tung’s Acupuncture Research Association (ITARA). He has trained to Master Practitioner level in Tui- Na Chinese Massage and Manipulation Therapy with Maria Mercati the leading teacher of Tui Na in the UK. He currently resides in Tauranga, New Zealand with his wife and daughter, and runs the successful GYM 101 and the online Alan Orr Wing Chun Academy. For Tambuli Media, Orr has written The Structure of Wing Chun Kuen.
Garry Parker
Garry Parker was born in Columbus, Georgia, and began training in Kodokan Judo in high school. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, and was stationed at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. Shortly after arrival in Okinawa, Parker enrolled in the Hamagawa Dojo, where he learned under the watchful eye of Takamiyagi Hiroshi, Hanshi. After separation from the Air Force, he was granted a visa and continued to live and train in Okinawa until 1996, when he moved back to Georgia. Parker received authorization to teach Goshukan-ryu in America, and opened the first branch Okinawa Goshukan-ryu Dojo outside of Okinawa in 1999. For Tambuli Media he is author of the book, Chanpuru: Lessons and Reflections from the Dojo.
Andy Sanano
Andy Sanano was born and raised in the Philippines, coming to the United States in his late teens. He served in the United States Air Force for over 20 years, which brought him to the Rapid City area in 1972. Mataw Guro Andy Sanano has been training in the Martial Arts since 1961. He has more than 49 years’ experience in hand-to-hand combat and over 38 years in the instruction of martial arts. He is the Mataw Guro of the Filipino Martial Arts Education in USA. He is the Dakilang Guro (10th degree) of the Trecehampas Family tradition of Arnis De Mano and Awayan (Ah-wah-yahn) (the Arts of Fighting). Over the years, his Martial Arts achievements have included receiving an 8th degree Black Belt Datu in Modern Sikaran, 8th degree Black Belt Datu in Burokil Alambra Arnis De Mano, a 5th degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and a 5th degree Black Belt in Filipino Combat Judo. Dakilang Guro Sanano specializes in a variety of traditional weapons including Arnis De Mano (Philippine Arts of Stick Fighting), Sai, Double Sword, Butterfly Knives, Nunchaku and Balisong among others. For Tambuli Media, Sanano is co-author of the book Mataw Guro Arnis Academy: FMA Education Manual.
Russ L. Smith
Russ Smith expressed an interest in martial arts as a young teenager, and began learning Karate basics with a family friend. It wasn’t until Russ was on extended vacation in the Philippines over 25 years ago that he began his formal training in Japanese Goju-Ryu. Upon his return to the United States, Russ’s interest in the origins of Goju-Ryu were piqued, which led to him seeking out instruction in Okinawan Goju-Ryu. Russ’s desire to continue research on the origins and influences on Goju-Ryu has lead him to study Fujian and Hakka arts such as Five Ancestor (Ngo Cho Kun), White Eyebrow (Pak Mei), and White Crane Boxing styles. Russ is the head instructor at the Burinkan Dojo and makes periodic trips overseas to train Goju-Ryu and Kobudo in Okinawa, and Kung-fu in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and across the USA. For Tambuli Media, he is co-translator of the Bible of Ngo Cho Kun.
Nigel Sutton
Nigel is a martial artist with more than forty years of experience who has spent the last two decades living, training and teaching in Southeast Asia. The author of a number of books on the Asian martial traditions and a lineaged initiate in many of these systems, Nigel continues to research, through practice and participant observation, the martial traditions of the region. Working from his foundational knowledge and experience of the taijiquan of Cheng Man Ching Nigel has broadened the scope of his studies to include other Chinese martial arts, multiple styles of silat, traditional Filipino Eskrima (De Campo JDC-IO) and Thailand’s Krabi Krabong. Nigel holds instructor rankings, many of them at a senior grade in Taijiquan, Xingyiquan, Baguazhang, Liangshi Wushu, five styles of Silat, Eskrima DeCampo JDC-IO and Krabi Krabong. His current research is focused on the core elements common to all martial arts which constitute effective martial movement. For Tambuli Media he is author of the book, Wisdom of Taiji Masters.
Walther von Krenner
Walther G. Von Krenner has been practicing Aikido and other martial arts for more than half a century. He trained with Ueshiba Morihei and other well-known instructors, and has written several books about martial arts and East Asian art, including Aikido Ground Fighting. A Zen practitioner and accomplished artist, he currently resides in Kalispell, Montana, where he continues to train and teach. For Tambuli Media, von Krenner is author of the book Atemi: The Thunder and Lightning of Aikido.
Mark Wiley
Dr. Mark Wiley is a martial arts grandmaster, holistic healer, researcher and author. His interest in traditional health practices was not just a mere curiosity; he was looking for long-lasting relief from the debilitating migraines and chronic pain that plagued him from childhood. He began martial arts training in 1979 and the study of mind-body health practices in 1987. Since 1994, he has been conducting extensive training and research in the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan. Dr. Mark has a Master’s in Health Care Management, and Doctorate’s in both Alternative Medicine and Oriental Medicine. He has authored 15 books and has served as editor of the publications, Martial Arts Illustrated, Martial Arts Legends, Tambuli, Martial Arts Masters Magazine, Journal of Asian Martial Arts, Quality of Life, and The Catalyst Review, and for the companies Tuttle Publishing, Agora Publishing, and Unique Publications. He is a heath contributor to Easy Health Options, The Healthy Back Institute, The Chinese Medicine Academy, The Pavilion Center, and is the CEO and publisher of Tambuli Media. For Tambuli he is author of Arthritis Reversed, Headaches Relieved, and Mastering Eskrima Disarms.