Byeongcheol An Reporter, Mudo Business Times |
1. What is Pintados? – The Tattoo Culture of Warriors
“Pintados” is a Spanish term meaning “the painted ones.” It was used by 16th-century Spanish colonizers to describe the tattooed warriors of the Visayas region in central Philippines.
At the time, the Visayan people marked their bodies with tattoos symbolizing courage, victories in battle, rites of passage, and social status. These tattoos were not mere decorations—they were a warrior's pride and a visual record of their life journey.
Each design held stories of history, philosophy, honor, and bravery.
This rich tradition continues to be a vital part of Filipino identity and culture today, celebrated in events like the Pintados Festival, which reinterprets the heritage in a modern context.
2. Filipino Martial Arts – Kali, Arnis, Escrima
Kali, Arnis, and Escrima are the major traditional martial arts of the Philippines, known for their practical weapon-based combat and self-defense systems using sticks, blades, and empty-hand techniques.
- Kali: A broad term for Filipino martial arts, encompassing weaponry and hand-to-hand combat.
- Arnis: The official term adopted by the Philippine government, used in sports, education, and police/military training.
- Escrima: Popular in western regions of the Philippines, the term comes from Spanish and emphasizes practical, real-world combat.
These arts are not merely sports but survival systems rooted in ancient warrior traditions. They carry with them deep mental discipline and cultural continuity, originating from the actual combat skills of the Pintados warriors.
3. ‘Pintados Family’ Classes Led by Master Oliver Garduce
Master Oliver Garduce is a globally recognized leader in Filipino martial arts and the founder of ‘Pintados Family’, a martial arts community based on the warrior philosophy of the ancient Pintados.
✨ Class Highlights
- Structured training in Kali / Arnis / Escrima
- Covers sticks, blades, and empty-hand techniques
- Enhances practical skills in offense, defense, and distance control
Warrior-Centered Philosophy
- Training focuses not just on technique, but also on mental strength, etiquette, and honor
- Aims to develop both body and mind, like a true Pintados warrior
Culture-Integrated Learning
- Includes education on Pintados tattoo culture and traditional warrior values
- Allows students to experience Filipino heritage through martial arts
Recommended For:
- Martial artists interested in Southeast Asian traditions
- Anyone seeking deeper mental and cultural growth beyond combat sports
- Those who want to train in realistic, practical self-defense through Kali/Arnis/Escrima
- Individuals who aspire to carry on the warrior spirit in the modern world
Final Thoughts
The ‘Pintados Family’, led by Master Oliver Garduce, is more than a martial arts program—
It’s a unique community where tradition meets practicality, and philosophy blends with culture.
For those who want to engrave both skill on the body and the spirit of the warrior in the heart, this is your path.
