Derobio Escrima is a classical fighting art brought from the Philippines to Hawaii by the late GM Braulio Pedoy. The art is rarely seen, especially outside Hawaii, except through the efforts of one of Pedoy’s top disciples, GM Dan Medina. 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. 

Dan recently joined the hosts of FMA Talk Live for an hour long interview, wherein he discussed his background, what it was like training with the late GM Braulio Pedoy, challenge matches, and his new book. Click the box to listen to this fascinating interview!

At the end of 2014 Tambuli Media published Dan Medina’s book, The Secret Art of Derobio Escrima. In this book, Medina takes you on a journey into the lives and history of two of Leyte’s Legendary Men. One was considered to be one of the Philippines most dangerous rebels, a leader of the Pulahan Movement and later a patriot. General Faustino Ablen (aka Papa Ablen). The other was his disciple, Grandmaster Braulio Tomada Pedo, who is not only be remembered for his kindness, physical and spiritual healing, but also for his great ability in Filipino martial arts. For the first time anywhere, this book sheds light into the deadliness of this bone and joint crushing art. Here’s what FMA grandmasters Dan Inosanto and Richard Bustillo have to say about Dan Medina and Derobio Escrima.

“The counter locks in Derobio are the most intricate I’ve ever seen.”
—Guro Dan Inosanto

“Medina has taken Derobio to new heights and created a totally new animal.”
—Guro Richard Bustillo

The Secret Art of Derobio Escrima is the first look into this amazing battle tested art of Derobio Escrima. Not only does it take you through the basics of Derobio Escrima, it also gives you a glimpse into inner workings of countering. This book is written with the student in mind and will take you beyond the basics. It’s designed to walk you through the principles and theories behind striking, blocking, counter attacks and locks. Of great interest is the counter to counter movement of Derobio Escrima, which sets this art apart from other arts. It’s like the standup grappling of the Filipino martial arts with weapons. It teaches you how to move with the opponent’s force, taking and using their energy and flow against them. The stick locks which have made this system famous will make you want to jump out of your skin.