2009, Cubao, Quezon City, Combat Aikido (Tapondo)
I remember seeing a "Combat Aikido" sign in Cubao in the late 1990s. I wanted to enroll but I was living quite far (first in Pasig City then in Laguna). But when we moved to Cubao in 2005, I did not remember it, until 2009. When I visited the gym, it was already renamed TAPONDO. I met Master Monching Gavileño who has encouraged me to also enroll my 2 kids - Lawrence and Dilion.
I found a lot of similarities with the traditional Aikido, but the shorter application of techniques and use of "street-fighting" weapons were noticeable difference, in addition to the clearly marked Tapondo uniforms. I'll write in a separate post the key differences that I found and the advantages and dis-advantages from my own perspective.In Tapondo, I already passed the white, green, and purple belts. I am now wearing the yellow belt which focuses on kicking defenses.
Am interested in finding any photos of Rick Abad, who taught Aikido in Hawaii in 1972. He was a gunners mate on board the USS Sample at the time. Any info that might be helpful in finding photos and info about Mr. Abad would be appreciated.
ReplyDelete