Grandmaster Rene R. Tongson, is one of the two most senior Masters of the International Modern Arnis Federation - Philippines (IMAFP) under the Professor Remy Presas Clan. He is also a member of the Council of Masters of Modern Arnis, and co-founder-convenor of WORLD BROTHERHOOD of MODERN ARNIS (WBMA).

Using his high academic and administrative experience, he spearheaded the organization of Arnis Philippines (ARPI) as its 1st Secretary-General in September 1986 under the Philippines Olympic Committee (POC). In 1988 he drafted and authored the original version of the Philippine National Standard for the conduct and practice of Arnis in competitive sport, the standard rules now being used in Arnis Tournaments worldwide. He has traveled worldwide were he has strong followings in Australia, Europe, USA and one of the most respected masters in the Philippines.

Grandmaster Tongson is known for his unique ABANIKO TRES PUNTAS style and form in classical Arnis. Among his top students are GM Master Bambit Dulay, GM Master Dieter Knuttel (Germany) . GM Angelo Baldissone (UK) , Master Nino Pila and Chris Traish (Australia) and leading Arnis gurus in the Philippines and worldwide.

Grandmaster Rene holds the following distinctions and rank:

• Grandmaster of ABANIKO TRES PUNTAS
• 9th Dan Modern Arnis
• 4th Dan Kendo
• 1st Dan Shotokan
• World Head of Family Sokeship Council Awardee - Grandmaster of the Year 2006
• International Martial Arts "Hall of Fame"
• Author of 8 Abaniko-Tres Puntas Instructional DVDs,
• Trustee International Modern Arnis Federation - Philippines (IMAFP)
• FMA Digest Man of the year award 2007

 

 

Abaniko Tres Puntas- The Legacy Continues

 

 

 

GM Angelo Baldissone 8th Dan is proud to announce his association with Grandmaster Rene Tongson 9th Dan Inheritor of The Abaniko Tres Puntas system, GM Angelo is the Chief Instructor for The Philippine Classical Arnis-UK Abaniko Tres Puntas System. MABUHAY!

The “abaniko tres puntas estilo” is an arnis style founded by GrandMaster Mateo D. Estolloso from Antique, Panay Island in the Philippines. Literally meaning “the fan style of three points, it is a classical arnis style of “sangga-patama” or”block and hit” or “give and take” style at its best.

The sole and current inheritor is GrandMaster Rene R. Tongson of Amadeo City, Cavite, Philippines, appointed by Grandmaster Estolloso himself. It is characterized by “abaniko” strikes, thrusts and “punyos,” (butts), martial arts stances similar to horse and cat stances, and graceful footwork and angling that covers both “largo, medio and corto” (long, medium and short) distances. As with most Filipino martial arts (FMA) systems, this deadly weapons-oriented system can be transformed into close-quarter empty hand techniques for combat.

The combination of SANGA-PATAMA and SUNGKITI execution makes a deadly form of HAWI-TAPI. The bladed weapons of this system have a unique three finger grooves in the handle. Normally, if grooves are present in a bladed weapon, most have four finger grooves for the four fingers of the hand, except the thumb. In the case of the “tres puntas” system, the forefinger is not used to grip the weapon, but rather is extended straight against the weapon during combat, to help guide the weapon especially during parries and redirects.

I have seen GM Tongson perform several demonstrations of this system, both solo and with partners, using single stick, daga, sword, and espada y daga. GM Tongson is probably one of the most technical yet graceful performers of arnis I have ever seen. He flows flawlessly from one stance and from one distance to another, changing direction and timing as he delivers unerring and deadly strikes, counters, parries and redirects at his opponent.

For more information on Abaniko Tres Puntas classical Arnis
Contact GM Angelo