17/05/2026
Kali Pamantukan Ilustrisimo is not a new group. It has deep roots in Luneta going back many years, even during Tatang's time. Back then, Kali Pamantukan was founded and led by Manong Yuli Romo, becoming part of the long standing culture of training and gathering in Luneta.
When Manong Yuli eventually moved abroad to Morocco, the original Kali Pamantukan group in Luneta gradually stopped operating in its original form. But the spirit and identity of the group remained alive through the students who trained under it.
Today, one of Manong Yuli's longtime students, Sir Maynard, decided it was time to bring it back. A retired police colonel, tournament champion, and one of the dedicated students who regularly trained under the Kali Pamantukan Ilustrisimo banner in Luneta, he felt that after many years, the group deserved a revival.
This Sunday, we proudly supported that effort and trained once again in Luneta, very close to the original area where Tatang and the original Kali Pamantukan group used to train, near Manila Hotel.
The gathering was also an opportunity to reconnect with the wider Eskrima community. We met, trained, exchanged ideas, and shared time with fellow practitioners from different groups including KIRO, Kalis Ilustrisimo Repeticion Orihinal, and RRK, Rapido Realismo Kali.
Special thanks to KIRO and RRK for the warm welcome and camaraderie. The spirit of Luneta has always been about brotherhood, friendship, and keeping the Filipino martial arts alive.
This video captures moments from that day. Training, reconnecting with old and new friends, exchanging ideas, and taking part in the revival of a piece of Luneta history.
Kali Pamantukan Ilustrisimo is back.
If you would like to train with us or become a member, send us a message and we will gladly provide more information.
See you in Luneta.