Guro Robertson and Guro Bowser get promoted, as well as more info on the Mike Inay Memorial Picnic. CLICK FOR MORE

CLICK HERE for a special edition of the FMA Digest dedicated to the memory of Suro Mike Inay.

Pinunong Guro Kim E. Satterfield

I began my study of the marital arts in 1973, taking up the art of judo, then Goju-Ryu Karate shortly afterwards. I eventually attained black belt status in Goju-Ryu Karate, and continue to practice the art to this day. I was introduced to the art of Serrada Eskrima in 1977 by Alan McLuckie, and began studying under his instructor, Guro Garry Bowlds, that year. I then continued my study of Inayan Eskrima under Guros Ben Berry and Rob McDonald, and it was Guro McDonald who granted me the rank of Instructor. Guro McDonald continues to be a source of guidance and inspiration to me and the students of the Midwest School of Eskrima. I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all of those who shared the art of Eskrima with me over these many years, particularly to Guros Alan McLuckie, Rob McDonald, Ben Berry, and Garry Bowlds. Without Al’s generosity in bringing me into the Eskrima family, I would not have the knowledge and experiences I’ve been so very fortunate to have gained over the years in my pursuit of this art. And without the endless patience and giving nature of each of my teachers, I would not be the eskrimador and teacher that I am today.

Dalubhasang Guro Ron Robertson

I began my training in 1990 under Guro Kim Satterfield. In the mid 90's I met Guro Rob McDonald and was able to train with him until his departure in 2000. Presently I assist Guro Satterfield with the Midwest School of Eskrima,
instructing in Serrada Eskrima.

Bihasang Guro Kirk Bowser

I started my interest in the martial arts when I was in middle school. My dad and I would sit around on the weekends watching Kung Fu Theater and just hanging out. After just a few movies my interest in the martial arts turned in to a full blown obsession. My dad heard of a class forming at the YMCA in Ft. Wayne and signed me up. I started taking Shotokan karate under Sensei Ivan Almodovar and loved it. I studied under Sensei Almodovar for about 4 years and loved every minute. He was a great instructor and taught a very traditional class. It was a great introduction to the martial arts. From there I started training eskrima with Guro Kim Satterfield when I was about a junior or senior in high school. I'd never even heard of the filipino martial arts. Like a lot of people I didnt even know the Phillippines had a martial arts system, but after watching a couple of videos, I was hooked. I would train when we could find time and when I would come home from college. After a couple years, Guro Satterfield introduced me to Guro Rob McDonald. Guro McDonald taught his class like he learned it, hardcore. It was very intense and very satisfying. Its always nice to train with and be trained by someone who feels so passionate about their art. I spent several years training with Guro McDonald and gained a lot of insight and knowledge into the history and origins of the art. Having spent time with those who were there from the beginning and some of the founders of the art, Guro McDonald had a lot of knowledge to pass on in both the history and training. Now I'm back and training again where Eskrima all started for me, with Guro Satterfield. I'll be forever grateful for my introduction to such a rare and fascinating martial art system. And I was lucky to have that in all my instructors from the get-go. All of the people I've had the pleasure to work with have had a great impact on me, my life, and my training and I wouldn't trade it for anything.