Testimonials
Testimonials
What FMA Authority Are Saying...
GM Leo T. Gaje JR.
Guro Dan Inosanto
Tuhon Michael
Franciotti
Bruce Ogle
Rupert Bisquera
Rodel Dagooc
Testimonials
What Martial Arts Authority Are Saying...
GM Don Madden
Kevin Cullen
Jef Naayer
Master Airr
Phanthip
Danny Lane
Testimonials
What KA Students Are Saying.....
Dr Stacy Russell
Tristan Gonzales
Allen Wilson
Doug Vaughn
Will Dagpin
Scott DaDante
Steven Bolt
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“My name is Guro Tony Marcial. I am the owner of Philippine Martial Arts Institute (PMAI) located in Cleveland, Ohio teaching the art of Arnis, also known as Kali or Eskrima.
I’ve known Grandmaster Manuel Taningco for many years. Manuel has helped me with my school a few years ago. His marketing and business management ideas was able to help create an opportunity and growth in my business. We have also shared knowledge with each other in the Filipino Arts. The speed, precision and accuracy of his movements were flowless. Manuel has so much knowledge in the different forms of Martial Arts that I considered him to be a class of his own.
And now, he is sharing his family FMA knowledge. This is why I know that his online Kali America and book will be a benefit for all who wishes to learn about the history, his training ideas, his philosophies and more. I really like the system he is teaching of FMA. We had him many times in our locations for seminars. I would highly recommend Grandmaster Taningco of his knowledge and his online training.
I know Manuel to be kind hearted. Besides his Martial Arts, he has contributed time and effort to raise funds for different charities such as MDA, Daystar in Action for under privileged children and many others. A true Martial Artists and human being.
I am honored to be your friend. Thank You.”
Guro Tony Marcial
“As a University of Dayton student and active member of the UD Water Polo team I found myself looking for something new and challenging in 2000. I walked into TAMA Martial Arts after visiting a few other schools in the area and was absolutely amazed at all of the different Martial Arts being practiced under one roof. I made TAMA a part of my daily routine almost immediately as a member of the Cardio Kickboxing and Muay Thai and Panantukan programs. Master Taningco’s hand speed and footwork is the best I have ever seen, and I attribute my Knockout ability in the ring and cage to the education I received and knowledge he passed on to me during my time at TAMA. I would strongly recommend TAMA Martial Arts if you are looking to transform your Body, Mind, and Spirit and learn effective Self Defense from true Masters of their Art. Check out his upcoming Kali America online instructions.”
Toby TigerHeart
“I have known Manuel Taningco for over twenty years. He is a person of great character, displaying humility and respect as well as being courteous. I have always felt his positive energy when we are together. Manuel’s thirst for knowledge and growth has led him to explore and master the different arts. He has many years of experience in training and teaching the different styles of martial arts. His dedication to learning and teaching has earned him high accolades. I believe The Martial Arts Community is very lucky in having him share his knowledge. I am so proud of him and very blessed to have him as a friend. I wish Master Manuel Taningco and his students all the best and a journey that is full of peace and happiness. I wish him the best in his Kali America online training.”
Master Paul P. Sun
President, Shen Fa Society
7th Degree Black Belt, Siu Lum Studio
“I first met Manny in Alamogordo, New Mexico in the early 1970’s. He entered my class I was teaching and wanted to know more about what we were doing. After the first two days of instruction, I could plainly see that he was going to go far with the teachings that I and others would instruct. His thirst for more and more knowledge of any and all systems was unquenchable and ever‐driving. He took to the lessons like drinking water, and his fluidity of motion was as a breath of air. Throughout the many years I have known him, he has always sought that which was new and, more important, practical. While my path took me to Thailand and Vietnam, he continued learning more and more and began a successful enterprise in his community where he still instructs. He has many achievements to his
credit, but what is most important to me is his spirit. THAT is what makes him the great person that he is. Thank you, Manny, for keeping me looking upward and for your “Wings of Thought” book and Kali America.
Grandmaster Timothy Gasper – Manuel Taningco receiving his 8th Degree Black belt/Chinese Kempo in 1998 from Grandmaster Timothy Gasper in Ohio – GM Timothy Gasper taught Taningco since 1972.”
Timothy Gasper
“In 1995, I met Master Manuel Taningco at his Martial Arts training center in Ohio. Guro Manny trained me in his Filipino family fighting style. It is at that time that my fighting career took off and after 15 amateur bouts, we were still undefeated. I attribute this success to Guro Manuel Taningco training and coaching methods; he is one of the most accomplished Martial Artists I have had the honor to encounter.
Thank you Grandmaster Manuel Taningco for your hard work and dedication.”
Christian Phyllis Toleque
Undefeated Pro
Muay Thai
“I have had the pleasure and honor to be a good friend of Manuel Taningco for a long time. I have first-hand knowledge of his skill and knowledge level in the martial art, and it is of the highest caliber. I am proud to recommend his book highly and his online training. Mr. Taningco has the rare and unique ability to physically perform at an expert level and also possesses the teaching skills to share these complex ideas and movements to students of various ability levels. More importantly he has the ability to create in each student the confidence to absorb, maintain and apply these often difficult principals and techniques with a positive attitude that are easily carried over into their personal lives. This newly acquired confidence can carry a student and reader to move forward toward their fulfilling their goals and dreams.”
With great respect,
Mike Stone
“I met Punong Guro Manuel Taningco at one of his Kali seminars in Bavaria, Illinois way back in 2000. I was thoroughly impressed by his art, his instruction, and his Warrior Spirit that I decided then that I would embark on an FMA journey. I stayed on and after some time I achieved my Black Belt in Willow System Filipino Kali, which Punong Guro Taningco’s family (Robles‐Willow) system. I am still involved in the FMA’s, but I still revert to PG Taningco’s teachings and the Warrior Spirit that he had somehow, through our interaction, instilled in me. I am forever grateful for all that he has taught me, especially the drive that he had instilled in me to continually improve myself in the Filipino Martial Arts and in life. PUGAY!”
Roger Velasco
Letter of Recommendation
“I am writing this recommendation to endorse the capability, expertise and competence of Manuel R. Taningco, especially in the field of Defensive Tactics and Subject Control. His capabilities as a trainer in the field of Subject Control are exemplary. He has been and continues to train numerous law enforcement officers in and around the Dayton, Ohio area.
I have previously recommended Mr. Taningco to other Dayton Police Officers to further their skills in Subject control techniques. I have relayed to the Officers that Mr. Taningco is a capable expert and a sincere trainer.
I find Mr. Taningco to be a man of character. He has experience and expertise along with exceptional teaching ability. He is truly a professional and I can recommend him without hesitation.”
Detective Kevin M. Phillips
Dayton Police Academy Instructor-Dayton Police Department Dayton, Ohio 45402
Letter of Recommendation
“It is my honor to recommend and provide an accurate account of the moral character and technical expertise of Manuel R. Taningco. As a current U.S.Air Force Phoenix Raven and prior U.S.Marine Corps Infantry Close Combat Instructor; I assure the credibility, reliability, and trustworthiness of Manuel R. Taningco. While studying under the tutelage of Master Taningco, I have witnessed his sincere dedication and commitment to the armed forces and law enforcement communities. His immense knowledge and vast experience of the martial arts is remarkable. He possesses a substantial list of accomplishments and significant achievements that are a reflection of his unwavering discipline and determination to succeed and surpass all objectives. Beyond being an accomplished professional, Manuel is a well-respected, personable, wise, righteous man of integrity; that exemplifies all the qualities of a natural leader and teacher who embodies a humble spirit.
Manuel Taningco has conducted numerous U.S. Armed Forces martial arts seminars. His concern for the operational welfare of military and law enforcement members had led him to the development of a pragmatic system called Integrated Self-Defense (ISD).His system incorporates a combination of practical “high percentage” techniques compiled from various martial arts that emphasize the proper use of force. Having examined the ISD system in contrast to other military martial arts systems, a positive but substantial difference is evident. Foremost, adopting a system that is defensive in nature and includes the word “self-defense” is irrefutable should an incident become scrutinized by the public or challenged within the justice system; as opposed to the current offensive military systems that include the intimidating terms “Martial Arts” and “Combatives”. Master Taningco understands that an aggressive system designed ‘exclusively’ for combat operations can be detrimental to overall mission success when attempting to transition toward a diplomatic posture that exemplifies a respectable policing role. The ISD system fills that gap by clearly defining the responsive actions and applicable techniques that are appropriate for existing threat levels. This system would ease the warfighters mental transition from instinctive hostile responses that are common in combat environments where the application of deadly force practices is frequently imminent;into a defensive mindset where Intelligent threat perceptions can be made to respond with the appropriate level of force in an attempt to de-escalate threats with compliance techniques or non-lethal tools before opting for deadly force as the last resort. Manuel Taningco has thoroughly analyzed the ISO system and has persistently worked toward its perfection in order to provide an unparalleled martial arts product for the armed forces.
Without reservation, I strongly recommend Manuel R. Taningco as an Armed Forces Martial Arts Instructor. In addition, I unequivocally endorse his practical well-developed Integrated Self-Defense system.”
Siam A. Siripavaket
445th Security Forces Squadron I Phoenix Raven Global Protection
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH.
Aaron Boggs
Coach Ronin Training Center
Columbus, Ohio
“I initially contacted Master Taningco, or Manong Manuel as I would address him, back in 1988 after seeing his photo in a martial arts magazine. I was intrigued because our roots hail from the same place of Ilocos Norte, Philippines not to mention our similar background in the arnis styles of the north. Our friendship allowed us the opportunity to travel to the Czech Republic when I was involved in a healing mission while he offered lessons in energy cultivation. My path shifted when he sponsored a traditional Filipino healing workshop that I conducted, and encouraged me to start a new life here in Ohio. It was during this time that I got to know him deeper as an individual, personally and professionally.
Often, one can be a great fighter, but not necessarily an effective teacher. The same is true when one is a fabulous teacher, but not an effective fighter. Grandmaster Taningco has truly attained that balance,
and it is reflective in his students. Most importantly is the responsibility that he has taken in helping build strong character in his students of all ages. His witty personality, great sense of humor, spirituality, and giving nature are but a few of the many reasons that his life is really blessed.”
Virgil Mayor Apostol
Rumsua: Ancestral Traditions
Author of Way of the Ancient Healer: Sacred Teachings from the Philippine Ancestral Traditions and
co-author of Healing Hands of Hilot
“I have known Grandmaster Manuel Taningco since 1977. We competed against each other in Martial Art Tournaments around the United States from local events to the US Open in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was an excellent competitor placing or winning every event he competed. His sportsmanship and integrity have always been admired.
As an instructor/local area has produced outstanding students. I am the president of the Miami Valley Tournament Association. Tama Martial Arts is an active member of our circuit. In 2005, Manuel Taningco was inducted into the Miami Valley tournament Associations “Legion of Honor”.
Manuel Taningco has trained many outstanding boxing and kickboxing athletes out of his Tama studio in Dayton, Ohio. Notably fighters like Jerome Henderson as pro fighter and Neal Rowe, to name a few, who won many professional bouts and titles.”
Doug Yates
8th Dan Black Belt Shorin-Ryu
President of MVTA
“I have known Manuel for many years in and out of the martial arts tournament circuit years ago. He exemplifies the martial arts spirit and ethics along with excellence as a martial arts practitioner. He values his friendship with respect and integrity. Manuel’s knowledge in the martial arts will give you a different insight and perspective in both the training and its concept.
Anyone studying under Master Taningco should be honored and take advantage of his dedication to the martial arts for 40 years.”
Cynthia Rothrock
Actress
“Dear Honorable Grandmaster Manuel Taningco,
For over 30 yearsI have been honored to know personally this selfless man who always has been one of the most respected colleague in the Martial Art World.
I can retrospect his unceasing friendship and inspirational demonstration of self-discipline, humility, and love to his students and colleagues, and the entire humanity.
I humbly carve his honorable name, Grandmaster Manuel Taningco, in my heart, a quiet and a most powerful master.
I have been watching your long journey perfecting the Kali-Eskrima skills since you have already obtained the Championships year after year, in your young master period, worldwide. Your life long endeavor in perfecting your mastery in Martial Art through constant discipline and enlightenment through various styles of Kungfu, Wushu, Kendo, Iaido, Jujitsu, Karate, Taekwondo, and others has been a model and inspiration to all of us who try to make ourselves just a notch more accomplished.
As I was struggling through founding a new martial art, Contact Weapons Sports, you have been loving and kind Kungfu-brother and teacher to me. I am deeply and sincerely indebted to you for the success of the Weapon Sparring Sports in the every martial arts competition around the world now. Without your support, participation, and advice, it was impossible for me to continue my path.
I am grateful and honored to be here to think about you, Grandmaster Manuel Taningco. I am also happy that you are still young and more powerful than ever, and spending your precious time of life teaching the new generation, and coaching the masters who once had been your young students.
Your humble, soft-spoken way of living has not been unnoticed by all of us in the martial world. We try to be soft and strong like you. We tell others to become after you. We wish you were in our town all the time and show us how.
Grandmaster Taningco, I wish you a very long life so that more martial artists have chance to learn from you, your mastery in martial art, your way of life, your way of love.
I, along with all other martial brothers and sisters, will learn your way someday, soft and strong at the same time.
Happy Teachings, GrandmasterTaningco.
Respecfully,”
Jiang Jing Sung Baek
“It is a proverbial opportunity to form a spiritual connection with a man who, throughout the years, acquired precious teachings in the field of Discipline. The gift of his experience is manifested in the enriching life that he lives as an artist, a family man, a teacher and a friend. Manuel Taningco is a man of exceptional authority and whose talent was driven by the forces of the bloodline of his great grandfathers. The spiritual guidance he receives embodies every inch of his thought and this touches every person who wants to succeed in life. With his determination to pursue his desire to help the unfortunate, he aims that the wisdom offered by the Wings of Thought will someday be a treasured asset that will enhance the modest skill and will eventually propel one’s willpower. This powerful book, the Wings of Thought, presents a real solution to one’s life. Manuel Taningco, a real MASTER with a complete comparative analysis of every Martial Arts discipline in his own time, suggests a line of perfection that every reader of this book becomes an evolutionist of the ancient medieval discipline. As readers, we are invited to become the true revivalist of the cultural discipline for the modern times of the living past to make life more eternal for the living.
Those who hold the Wings of Thought will be completely transformed and will be brought to a new beginning as the words that lie herein are written with the powers of truth and wisdom. Let a true master and authority, Manuel Taningco, speak to you and open the avenues of your mind toward the wonders of discipline today and the next years to come.”
Leopoldo T. Gaje , Jr.
Grandtuhon Supremo: Pekiti-Tirsia Global Grand Alliance Council of Cultural Affairs, Inc.
PhD & Lt. Colonel : Philippine Army -Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“Little brothers cannot be chosen, and when Manny was born, I could not have chosen better. He is everything a brother should be and more. Being seven years older than he is, I felt he needed something to back him up during those times when I am not around to fight the bullies away. So why not Martial Arts? I grew up practicing it. Little did I know that I have helped pave the way
to giving the world one of the greatest fighters, and martial artist I know. I had no doubt in my mind that he would make it to the top.
He has the driving force that people born to lead have. He has clarity of mind which brings him one step ahead at most times, but most of all, he knows how to transmit his ideas from the abstract to the concrete. His students know this either by experience or by feeling. Those who choose to accept it will learn more than money can buy. Those who are afraid to accept it find themselves losing a treasure.
For those of you who are fortunate enough to recognize a winner and a teacher of winners, you have saved yourself time ‐ a commodity that has no price.
For you Manuel, and the Martial Arts, Mabuhay!”
Alex Taningco & Manuel Taningco
Alex R. Taningco
“As a young Martial Artist Master Taningco helped guide the direction of my Martial Arts skill acquisition enhanced by the importance of the path is our own journey and is more enlightening than the destination. He helped me overcome and manage my physical challenges. Master Taningco has not questioned my resolve to be the best Martial Artist I can be when my body was no longer able to perform the physical tasks that use to be second nature.
Master Taningco’s imagination is an asset as he promotes the benefits and strength of Martial Arts. He is always thinking about how he can improve and change his teachings to fit each student’s goals. He has dedicated his life to helping his community and students to improve their lives. He has been involved in projects to assist communities in developing educational programs and providing Martial Arts training.
I remember the Russian International competition when I assisted him with a demonstration. I also remember a Kali seminar in Estonia when I first fell in love with the Willow system style. Most of all I will remember the profound affect he has had on my life.
God Bless, your student forever”
Dr. Stacy Dale Russell
“Manuel Taningco, he is a grandmaster of Philippine Martial Art, Chinese Kempo, and Juijitsu. At that time he held the 4th-degree black belt in 1977, and still he wanted to further his knowledge in Chinese Martial Arts and came to study with me. I like his honesty and desire to improve himself. I had chosen him to be my disciple. He is a good instructor and has a broad knowledge of the Martial Arts. Most of all you should feel proud to study under him and follow his example.”
