Dagang Kidlat Martial Lineage

Founder/Teachers:

- GM Benjamin Luna Lema (LSAI)

- Master Ronald Ramirez (Iron Vikings)

Instructors:

- Master Jose Antonio "The Dagger" Ogardo (Chief Instructor)

- Master Eugenio "The Thunder" Ogardo, Jr. (Asst. Instructor)

Members:

- Mr. Emmanuel P. Viscaya (brown)

- Mr. Edgardo P. Brillo (5th Dan)

- Mr. Rey Z. Zaboco (brown)

- Mr. Arly Dela Fuente (brown)

- Mr. Brian J. Abuel (brown)

- Mr. Roumjette D. Calub (brown)

- Mr. Ariz Severino V. Convalecer (7th Dan)

- Mr. Michael Lawrence R. Panlilio (brown)

- Mr. Raphael Louis R. Panlilio (Master - Red Belter) (updated)

- Ms. Deriza Marie P. Quintana (brown)

- Mr. Jonathan Antonio (brown) (blacklisted)

- Mr. Vic De Vera (brown)

(Note: My other students that are not included in this list have expressed a wish to remain unknown for now. To all who are unfamiliar in the Filipino ranking system, the red belt is the highest rank that can be given to any practitioner of the Filipino martial arts.)

The Ramirez Knife Fighting System

Another fighting system that is taught in Dagang Kidlat is what I called the "Ramirez Knife Fighting System", in honor of the man who has developed the system, a simple yet practical knife defense system that is based on the natural movements of the blade. Master Ronald Ramirez, my second teacher and protege of the late Mang Ben, developed the system based on his experiences in streetfighting, pratical suggestions from his fellow friends in the martial arts, and his uncanny instinct to detect what movement works and what doesn't. This system is now included in Dagang Kidlat Martial Arts Center but taught only to advanced level students of the Center due to the wishes of Master Ronald. I do not claim that this type of system is the ultimate way knife fighting nor do I claim that it has no weaknesses. All knife fighting systems have their advantages and disadvantages, the only difference between this type of knife fighting with all the others is its simplicity and lack of flowery movements; which are present in most system. For now, five of my advanced students are currently studying the system. To those who wish to benefit from this system contact me through my e-mail address (ogartony@yahoo.com / tony@lightningarnis.com/dagangkidlat@aim.com).

Combat Judo

What is the difference between an ordinary judo to a combat judo? What is so different about the other combative judo arts of other schools with Dagang Kidlat's own combat judo? Judo came into existence as forms of unarmed combat, which were grouped under the general name "jujitsu" (the gentle pratice). The object is to avoid the enemy's strength through leverage, speed, and technique. Prof. Jigoro Kano, founder of the Kodokan Judo, remove all the combative aspect and element of the art and include a code of sportmaship, respect and a system of ethical and moral development. By modifying the art he then calls it "judo" (the gentle way). But some of the followers of judo wanted a more combative approach in the art which is far away from the ideals of the Founder of Judo. But, since some of them, don't know the true origin of judo, they then include a mixture of different combative arts, like karate, and called the new art combat judo. Dagang Kidlat's own combat judo is based upon the old teachings of GM Ben Lema's 22 combat judo (popularly known to many as LSAI club assault disarm). Unlike other combat judo schools, Mang Ben only selected 22 types of combat judo techniques, during his study in the famous Kodokan Judo Institute, as a supplement to his arnis de mano. The 22 combat judo techniques are a compilation of Mang Ben's thorough study in the art which are, we have been told, forbidden to be executed or used in any judo competition. Each technique is specifically designed not only to disarm, throw or subdue an opponent but they are also designed to break bone and kill an opponent, if used correctly. Master Jose Antonio Ogardo now uses these same techniques, not only as a disarm against stick attacks, also as offensive techniques against punches, kicks, and other weaponry assault, like knives. From these same basic techniques, he also combined each of them to form a new form of combative technique, with or without his stick.

Mang Ben and the Marikina Boys

These pictures were taken in Antipolo and the Marikina Sports Park; 2000-2001. These are the only remembrance that we have of the late GrandMaster Benjamin Luna Lema. We sorely miss him.