Mario Palazuelo

Mario Palazuelo - Head Escrima Instructor

Punong Guro Mario Carsonete Palazuelo is a highly respected practitioner of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), with decades of experience in Arnis, Eskrima, and Kali. Born in Davao City, Philippines, he was first introduced to the art at the age of 10 through his family’s lineage—an environment where Eskrima was not only practiced, but lived and tested in real-world conditions.

Coming from a family with deep roots in combat-proven methods, his early exposure shaped a practical understanding of the art. Stories passed down from the World War II era—where his family was involved in guerrilla warfare—reinforced Eskrima as a system of survival, not performance.

In the early 1970s, he continued his journey under Master Emiliano Galocgoc of the Doce Pares system, where he developed a deep appreciation for the fluidity, timing, and precision of doble olis (double stick). His training included advanced systems such as the 24 original methods, tres miniadas, and other closely guarded teachings reserved for dedicated students.

Following the passing of his teacher, he further refined his skills under Master Benjamin T. Mabatid, one of the top students of Master Galocgoc, continuing his progression within the system.

Alongside his Eskrima training, he was also an active martial artist in other disciplines, earning his 1st Dan Black Belt in Moo Duk Kwan and competing extensively throughout the 1970s and 1980s. While this broadened his understanding of martial arts, his path ultimately remained rooted in Filipino Martial Arts.

Experience, Leadership & Recognition

Founder of Kapatirang Doble Olisi Escrima (1990), recognized by the Davao City Mayor’s Office and the Philippine Centennial Movement.
Appointed Commissioner for Davao City by Arnis Philippines (under the Philippine Olympic Committee).
Gold Medalist – Mindanao Games
Awarded Most Outstanding Athlete (2004) in Arnis
Silver Medalist – National Arnis Tournament (Rizal Memorial, Manila, 2006)
Gold Medalist (Double Stick) and Bronze Medalist (Single Stick) – World Escrima & Kali Championships (2012)

International Work & Contribution

Conducted Eskrima seminars across Vietnam, Singapore, Australia, and the United States
Invited by Supreme Grandmaster Dionisio Cañete to California as a Guest Examiner for Doce Pares multi-style gradings
Served as part of the Technical Officials Team for the SEA Games in both the Philippines and Cambodia

Leadership in Filipino Martial Arts

In 2017, the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF) was founded by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. Upon his appointment as a Board of Director and Vice President for Region XI and the Caraga Region, Mario was formally recognized within the Filipino Martial Arts community at the level of Grandmaster.

Despite this, he modestly prefers the traditional title of Punong Guro, a reflection of his grounded approach and lifelong dedication to teaching rather than status.

Teaching at RDS Philippines

At Rising Dragon School Philippines, Punong Guro Mario leads the Eskrima program, delivering authentic Filipino Martial Arts rooted in tradition, discipline, and real-world application.

His teaching focuses on precision, timing, flow, and combat effectiveness—ensuring students develop not only technical skill, but a deep understanding of the art.

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