Filipino Martial Arts Eskrima School
RDS Philippines
Mario Palazuelo
Mario Palazuelo - Escrima Teacher
Master Mario Carsonete Palazuelo was born October 1960 in the home of the highest mountain in Philippines, Davao City. He was first exposed to the art of Arnis, Kali, Escrima at the age of 10 by the brother of his grandfather, Necolas Carsonete. Unfortunately, the training did not last long because of the health condition of Master Necolas Carsonete.
According to Master Necolas, their way of fighting was combat tested, and almost all the members of their family and relatives also practiced this fighting method. He said during the Japanese invasion period of World War 2 their original family name was one of the most wanted names by the Japanese Government for the reason that they was involved in Guerilla Warfare. They were able to utilize their ability in Escrima to fight the Japanese and protect themselves.
When Master Necolas died, Mario met several instructors but not one of them sparked his interest until he met Master Emiliano Galocgoc in the early 1970’s who claimed that his style is Doce Pares, (Double Stick method). Mario was amazed with the fluidon motion in which the Master moved the double stick and so started his training with him at once, as days passed, he became more and more interested with the lessons he got. During the training he encountered lessons such as the 24 original arts, trese miniadas, the joining haft arts and some other techniques that were considered secret with only selected students being taught.
Mario was not able to continue the training with Master Emiliano Galocgoc, because of some personal family issues. When he finally had the time to train again, he immediately went looking for Master Emiliano only to find out that the Master had already died. Fortunately, he met one of the senior students of the Master, Master Benjamin T. Mabatid.
Master Benjamin trained secretly with Master Emiliano almost everyday becoming the top student of the Master. Among the senior students Master Emiliano no one could defeat him. By this time, Mario was already a 1st Dan Black Belt of the Philippine art of Moo Duk Kwan, Soo Bahk Do Association and was a tournament player in almost all tournaments of the Moo Duk Kwan during the mid 1970’s and the 1980’s. His training in Moo Duk Kwan made him appreciate other forms of martial arts and made him very aware of the combat effectiveness and its sports aspects. However, he felt that there was no other martial art in which he loved most than the Original Filipino Martial Art of Arnis.
As time goes by his willingness and passion in FMA became deeper and stronger. He has taken part and been involved in many competitions over the years also accomplishing many achievements:
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Founded the Kapatirang Doble Olisi Escrima in 1990 and received a Certificate of Recognition from the Sports Development Division from the City Mayor’s Office (Davao City) and Philippine Centennial Movement, in grateful appreciation for contributing to the success of the Pinoy Centennial Games as Arnis De Mano Organizer.
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He was appointed as the Commissioner for Davao City by Arnis Philippines, National Sports Association affiliated with the Philippine Olympic Committee in 2003, in the same year he won a Gold Medal (Arnis Event) in the Mindanao games.
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In the 2004 Arnis event he was awarded 'Most Outstanding Athlete'.
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Silver Medalist in the National Arnis Tournament held at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila in 2006.
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Gold Medalist in Double Stick (Senior Division), and Bronze Medalist in Single Stick (Senior Division) in The 2012 World Escrima & Kali Championships.
Because of his continued success in the field of FMA he was given an opportunity to host his own Arnis Tournament in Davao City. He lead the Arnis Exhibition Team in the Martila Art Expo, which showcased Arnis as part of the Filipino Culture and Tradition, and as an Original Filipino Martial Arts both for self-defense and as a sport.
Master Mario also wanted to share this gift to young children not just for the sake of sports but also for them to defend and protect themselves. He started teaching in several schools and has received recognition from the Department of Education.
Mario is truly a great and experienced teacher, and will surely give all of his best in teaching you to ensure you achieve your goals.