Background
As a boy, Ilustrisimo studied eskrima from his father.
As a boy, Ilustrisimo studied eskrima from his father.
At the age of nine he decided to travel to the United States, and stowed away on a boat he thought was headed for America. In fact, he arrived in Mindanao in the southern Philippine islands. Ilustrisimo was one of the most well-respected eskrimadors of the Philippines.
He is famed for winning countless duels and street encounters, as well as being a guerrilla against the invading Japanese forces during World World War World War II Ilustrisimo was never defeated in combat, and earnt great respect as a result of his brave exploits against the Japanese.
In 1976 at the age of 72, Ilustrisimo accepted his first students, Antonio Diego and Epifanio "Yuli" Romo. He refused to accept students before then because of his work.
After his death in 1997, Tony Diego was elected head of KI. Other notable students include Rey Galang, Christopher Ricketts, Romeo Macapagal and Edgar Sulite. To everyone"s disappointment, a legend such as he with such skill died a poor manitoba
He was never recognized for his efforts on World World War World War II