Training

Requirements

Training in Lapunti does not require any prior experience with other martial arts. Complete beginners as well as practitioners from other disciplines are equally welcome. We especially encourage those who have trained in other martial arts to maintain an open mind, and to show courtesy and respect for practioners of other styles. During training we try to follow certain rules in order to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment, one that is properly conducive for practice and improvement in the art.

Master Buboy Ador and Guro Alvin Penaflor Stick Lock

Master Buboy Ador performing an espada y daga lock on Guro Alvin Penaflor.

Membership Requirements

Have attended the free trial session and orientation
At least 12 years old*
Duly accomplished membership form

* Younger students may apply and be accepted upon evaluation, but Lapunti employs weapons and movements that children below 12 years old may still find too hard to perform, especially with safety considerations both for themselves and their partner.

Training Gear

Lapunti Karilyon uniform (or any shirt suitable for loose movement for beginners)
Loose black cargo pants or shorts (beginners may wear loose black jogging pants)
One rattan stick for beginners. A pair of rattan sticks and training blades (at least one practice knife) for more advanced students.
Rubber shoes or rubber-soled sandals (avoid wearing expensive, large-threaded runnning shoes if possible, smooth-soled rubber footwear is recommended for practice)

Optional but recommended

Extra shirt or change of clothes
Towel
Water bottle or any bottled fluid to minimize the risk of dehydration

Students at the Likas or beginner level hold a probationary membership status. They are required to complete a minimum of 16 training sessions and successfully pass the evaluation for the next rank, Luntian, before being awarded the Lapunti Karilyon uniform and earning the privilege to wear it during training. Members are prohibited from wearing the uniform outside of official training sessions or formal club events, in keeping with the group’s standards of discipline and respect.

There are three things all students of Lapunti are required to bring every training session: a courteous and respectful attitude towards others, an open and curious mind, and a healthy thirst for learning and improving oneself within the art.

Schedule & Fees

Jerico Lagdaméo performing a stick lock.

Regular Training

8:30 AM to 12:00 PM every Sunday
Venue: UP Theater (Villamor Hall), UP Diliman, Quezon City

Training Schedule

Warm up and Drills (all are encouraged to attend) – 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM
Training Proper (segregated according to student level) – 9:30 AM to 11 AM
Advanced Training (for Lakan members) – 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
For variation, we spend the whole training session on group drills every first Sunday of the month
We also hold special Sunday sessions, or seminar-type instruction for members, once or twice a year

Fees

Training fee (per session)
Promotion fee (for qualified students)

Fees are explained during the initial orientation

Special Sessions & Seminars

Special classes or one-on-one sessions could be arranged for members or non-members, but for prolonged training we require students to become members of the club to be eligible for promotion. The fee for special sessions depends on the number of students and training venue (considering travel time and expense for the instructor).

We can also be engaged for seminars or demonstration events, depending on the availability of instructors and attending members. Send us a message for details.

Josh Balburias performing a stick lock.

Training Rules & Etiquette

Our primary goal is to create a supportive and engaging environment for anyone interested in learning the Filipino Martial Art of Lapunti Arnis De Abanico. We strive to provide quality instruction and training to all who wish to take part in the art. Our aim is to foster an atmosphere where individuals, whether or not they have prior martial arts experience, can learn self-defense, develop fitness, enjoy the training process, and ultimately grow as individuals.

Ace Yorobe performing a stick lock on Josf Yorobe. Supervised by Guro Alvin.

To ensure a safe, and enjoyable training environment, it is necessary to provide and uphold certain rules and regulations during training. As such, all members are advised to familiarize themselves with, and observe the following:

Be punctual. Respect the instructor’s and other members’ time by arriving at least 10 minutes before the scheduled training session.
Wear the proper attire or uniform during practice.
Keep fingernails trimmed and clean. Long hair should be tied back and jewelry removed.
Chewing gum, eating, smoking, spitting or any other unseemly behavior is not allowed within the training area.
It is every member’s duty to keep the training area clean and ordely. Members are expected to clean up after themselves, especially before leaving the training grounds.
Ask for the instructor’s permission to join or leave an ongoing training session. This can be done by going to the instructor and performing the normal salutation and waiting to be aknowledged.
Respect the experience of your fellow students in other martial arts or styles. Conversely, refrain from discussing or demonstrating your own background in other arts during class, regardless of its relevance to the techniques being taught.
Always put safety first and follow the instructor’s advise at all times. Refrain from engaging in horseplay or reckless behavior. Lapunti is a weapons based art, and the movements or techniques being taught during class have the potential to cause serious injury.
Inform the instructor and your training partner of any existing illness or injury that can be aggravated during training.
Sparring is not allowed without the direct supervision of an instructor, and make sure to wear the proper safety gears when permitted.
And the most important rule of all: have fun while training!