About
HISTORY
Founded in 1973 by BATIKAN Raymond Tobosa and SEGUNDO BATIKAN Teofisto “Toby” Tobosa (also known as Manoy Toby), the Tobosa School of Kali Escrima (TKE) preserves the rich heritage of Filipino martial arts through the unique Tobosa Casag style.
Rooted in a legacy of self-defense and personal growth, TKE offers practical training in Kali Escrima techniques and advanced footwork, emphasizing dynamic angling, precise strikes, and effective defense. Our programs build strength of character, discipline, and confidence while promoting Filipino culture and traditions.
Inspired by the teachings of their father, Maximo Tobosa, and other Sakada Kali-Escrima masters, TKE’s Casag (crab) style blends traditional Filipino principles with modern self-defense applications. The focus on fluid movements, situational adaptability, and foundational footwork ensures that these techniques remain as effective today as they were generations ago.
LEGACY
The Tobosa family’s journey began with Maximo Tobosa, a skilled Kalidor and Eskrimador from the Panay Islands. Maximo’s mastery of the Cinco Tieros, with its distinctive "V" pattern strikes and footwork, laid the foundation for our art. Inspired by their father, Raymond and Toby sought knowledge from renowned Kali-Escrima masters, many of whom were Sakadas—Filipino plantation workers who brought their expertise to Hawai'i.
Our art reflects the contributions of these masters:
Floro Villabrille: Known for his quick footwork and explosive strikes.
Bonifacio Lonzaga: Creator of the Slide Style, focusing on vital strikes.
Telesporo Subingsubing: Master of the Sinayoup (Wrong Way) style, emphasizing slashing attacks.
Feliciano Magsanide: Barabara Estilong Arnis, focused on passing strikes, close-quarters combat, and disarming.
Atanacio Acosta: Winakli Estilo Arnis, an “X” striking pattern with 42-inch sticks and twirls for defense-to-attack transitions.
MISSION
Our mission is simple yet profound: to perpetuate Tobosa Casag Kali Escrima and honor the masters who came before us. We aim to develop strength of character and equip our students with the skills and confidence to face life's challenges. We firmly believe in the credo, “As one thinketh, so does one become,” underscoring the importance of mindset and adaptability.
501(C)(3) NON-PROFIT
EIN: 99-0336985
The Tobosa School of Kali Escrima (TKE) is proud to be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Filipino martial arts. As a non-profit, TKE operates with the mission of making Tobosa Casag Kali Escrima accessible to individuals and families in our community while fostering strength of character, discipline, and self-defense skills. All proceeds from our classes, events, and programs are reinvested into our organization to support operational costs, provide resources for students, and ensure the long-term sustainability of our school. Supporting TKE contributes to the preservation of Filipino culture, supporting a community-focused organization, and helping perpetuate a legacy that has shaped Hawaii’s diverse heritage.