Featured School

Interview with “Carli Sensei” of Agbulos Martial Arts Studio Philippines (MASPHIL)

1. Who is the dojo’s founder and what prompted him/her to build the school? Is there any rich history behind its making?

My wife and I are the founders of MASPHIL. It was founded because there was need to – I was assigned to a school and our head instructor was kidnapped and a backlog of certificates are needed, so we brought to life MASPHIL, and it academically grew. It was registered with the Department of Trade and Industry on May 27, 1983 as SCT Martial Arts Studio Philippines then changed its name into Agbulos Martial Arts Studio Philippines on January 14, 2002.

2. What forms of Japanese martial arts do you teach in your school? Can you please share with us the history behind them?

a. MASPHIL Bujutsu

It is our version of the complete Arts of Striking, Throwing/Ground-fighting, and Weaponry, First Aid/Diet and Nutrition, Instructor’s and Coaches’ Courses, and Value Formation & Emotional Maturity.

b. Karatedo

Literally defined as “The Way of the Empty Hand”.  Our style is an integration Goju-ryu, Shorin-ryu Shidokan and Shotokan. It is an art for of the Japanese oriented hand to hand combat emphasizing hands and feet to block and/or strike.

c. Taekwondo
Literally defined as “The way/method of Kicking and Punching”.
It is an art form of Korean oriented hand to hand combat emphasizing mostly feet attacks and simultaneous with hand(s) defense.

d. Aikido
Literally means “The Way of Harmony with the Energy”.
It is an art form of Japanese oriented hand to hand combat emphasizing relaxation techniques, meditation and esoteric arts of self-defense empowered by Ki.

Tanto, Bokken, Jo and Katame-waza/Ne-waza, Ground-fighting inclusive.

e. Arnis
Common word for “The Art of Stick-fighting”.
A style dependent on the origin and/or their own masters.

Our style is an integration of Pangasinan-style, Bicol-style, Sphinx-style, Modern Arnis, Kali Ladiwa, Kalaki, Kali Ilustrisimo and Mena Style.

It is the Filipino blade and/or stick esoteric art using single and/or double stick(s), sword and dagger, long staff, its improvisation and empty hands.

f. Kobudo
Literally means “The Way of the Weapons”.
It is an art form of Japanese and Chinese oriented/armed combat using Tekko, Bo, Tonfa, Nunchaku, Kama, Sai, Shuriken, Manrikigusari and 3-sectional staff.

Taught only to qualified blackbelter(s) supplemental to Karatedo Training.

g. T’ai-chi Ch’uan
Literally means “Supreme Ultimate Fist/Boxing”.
It is a Chinese art emphasizing slow breathing, balanced and relaxed postures, and absolute calmness of the mind. Every movement has its logic in a practical, combative use related to the fighting tradition of Shaolin temple boxing (Limited to T’ai-chi Ch’uan for health).

3. What are the principles and concepts that you uphold and try to instill in your students?

First is respect to everything, then PRESERVATION OF LIFE, and finally the use of martial arts in purely self defense or injustice.

4. Why do you think it is important for people to learn martial arts?

If the old school will be followed the first lesson is health, then stance, then defense, then offense.

5. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered so far with regards to teaching martial arts and how did you overcome them?

The changing system of Japan – they keep on updating that even the original form is now said to be wrong. I PERSONALLY THINK THAT THE FOUNDER’S FORM IS ALWAYS CORRECT, THOUGH ONE’S PERSONAL OPINION MAY BE CONSIDERED, BUT THE FOUNDER WILL NEVER BE WRONG.

6. What advice and/or insights can you share with our readers who want to pursue their interest in the Japanese form of martial arts?

Regardless of martial arts style, your commitment should be your life because it is a continuous process. For example, which is better between hard or soft technique – my answer is neither as both of them are equally important. In essence, there will be no hard technique if there is no soft technique, and vice versa.

7. Can you give a short biography of your instructor(s)?

Carlos Rodrigo Dimaano Agbulos, Carli Sensei – The owner of MASPHIL and Master Teacher started martial arts training in the mid-1960s and still trains until the present.

He obtained the following ranks…
6th Degree/Asst. Regional Director, NCR – WUKO Philippines (Phil. Union of Karate and Kobudo Organizations
Vice President – Phil. Haedong Kumdo Asso.
5th Degree MASPHIL Bujutsu
5th Degree Shorin-ryu Shidokan Karatedo international rank
4th Degree Goju-ryu Karatedo
3rd Degree Kokusai Goju Karatedo international rank
3rd Degree Shotokan Karatedo
Sensei / Auditor Kobudo, international rank
Instructor Taekwondo
Sensei Aikido
Mataw Guro Amara Arkanis

My fellow instructors belong to nearly the 1st batch of Philippine National Team Players, including the 1st Filipino international referee in karatedo.

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3. Interview with Nicklaus Suino of Japanese Martial Arts Center
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