On Sunday, September 27, 2009, the Midwest School of Eskrima sponsored a memorial picnic/workout in honor of the late Mangisursuro Michael G. Inay, the founder of the Inayan System of Eskrima. All but one of the members of the MSE were in attendance, along with several family members, and good food, good fellowship, and great weather were enjoyed by all. A moment of silence was observed by the students and instructors of the MSE in memory of Mangisursuro Inay, whose mastery of the art of Eskrima continues to inspire us to this day, and whose generosity in sharing this art with us will never be forgotten. Also remembered on this day were others who have gone on before us; Masters Angel Cabales, Max Sarmiento, Leo Giron, and Gilbert Tenio, men who were pillars of the Stockton Filipino martial arts community, and the very roots of the legacy that has become Inayan Eskrima and Maian Eskrima. The students and instructors of the MSE were especially, and very pleasantly, surprised by the unexpected visit of Inayan Masirib Guro Ben Berry, one of Pinunong Guro Kim Satterfield’s teachers. Guro Berry graciously shared stories of his training under Mangisursuro Mike Inay in California many yeas ago, and relayed his experiences training with and getting to know such FMA luminaries as Max Sarmiento, Angel Cabales, Remy Estrella, Dentoy Revillar, and Leo Giron. Guro Berry then worked with several of the students, demonstrating lock and block, and answering questions about training, history, and the finer points of Inayan Eskrima. Guro Berry’s presence was a bridge to the past, as we paid tribute to Mangisursuro Inay’s memory, and a bridge to the future, as we honored the continued growth of Inayan Eskrima.

Guro Berry was also witness to the promotion of two Guros within the Midwest School of Eskrima on this day. Ron Robertson was awarded the rank of 9th level, Dalabhasang Guro, or Expert Teacher. Kirk Bowser was awarded the rank of 8th level Bihasang Guro, or Proven Teacher. Both men have been instrumental in the continued operation of the Midwest School of Eskrima, and the steady progress of the MSE’s students. The MSE would not have continued to grow and prosper without the contributions and leadership of these two instructors, and we gratefully acknowledge their accomplishments.