instructors
MAESTROS
Maestro refers to a seasoned teacher of the Filipino martial art, embodying both technical expertise and a deep understanding of the art's principles. A maestro plays a vital role in preserving the cultural and martial heritage, guiding students in techniques like striking, footwork, and self-defense while instilling values like discipline and character development
Maestro Chaston
Maestro Chaston has had the privilege of training under numerous TKE Casag Kali Escrima instructors, from the founders to current Maestros, each contributing unique approaches and methods. This diverse training has allowed him to develop his own interpretation and teaching style of Casag. His journey includes traveling across the Continental United States (CONUS) to attend and participate in various FMA seminars, learning from different styles and systems, and sharing the essence of Casag. Through competing in numerous tournaments, Maestro Chaston has continuously refined his skills and understanding. A firm believer in the effectiveness of Casag Kali Escrima, Maestro Chaston focuses on teaching techniques, utilizing drills, and applying these in practical scenarios. Beyond TKE, he also brings over a decade of experience in Kenpo Karate and Jiu Jitsu.
Maestro Lee
Maestro Lee has more than three decades dedicated to TKE Casag Kali Escrima and a strong foundation in KAJUKENBO under the late Sr. Grandmaster Edmund Louis, integrates a wealth of knowledge and techniques from various FMA systems and styles. His unique approach, shaped by his extensive background, provides students with a comprehensive martial arts education that honors tradition while embracing innovation.
Maestro Rico
Maestro Rico believes in the importance of mastering the basic foundations and techniques of Casag, which he skillfully integrates into his movements, methods, and teaching. His fluid and quick movements, honed through the footwork and techniques of TKE, demonstrate the effectiveness of this discipline. With a passion for teaching, Maestro Rico enjoys guiding students through the essential footwork and techniques, often incorporating fun and innovative ways to challenge and "test" their understanding of the basics.
ADVISOR
Maestro Don retired as the head of The Tobosa School of Kali Escrima in 2023, transitioning to an advisory role. Before relocating to Colorado, he nominated Maestro Chaston as his successor, a decision unanimously supported by all Maestros. Now living in Colorado with his family, Maestro Don continues to inspire and guide the path of Casag Kali Escrima through his enduring legacy.
Maestro Don
In 1992, Maestro Donald Mendoza was honored with the prestigious Hangin (Wind) rank and named the successor of The Tobosa School of Kali Escrima by Segundo Batikan Teofisto Tobosa. Having dedicated over 40 years to the study of Casag Kali Escrima, Maestro Don's commitment to the art is a testament to his deep respect for its founders and their principles and teachings. Throughout his journey, Maestro Don mentored and guided countless students, including the current Maestros, always emphasizing the importance of developing both technical skill and strong character. He believed that a person’s character was as essential as their technique, a lesson passed down from the founders. This principle shaped his approach to training, encouraging students to cultivate good habits and integrity along with their martial prowess. In his youth, Maestro Don was an active participant in tournaments, later contributing to the community as a referee, judge, and organizer. Before discovering Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), he was a ballroom dancer, a discipline that influenced his unique approach to Kali Escrima. His personal style is known for its steady, fluid tempo, which can shift seamlessly into short, powerful movements. After a distinguished career with the City & County of Honolulu, Maestro Don retired in 2023 and transitioned to an advisory role within the school. Before his relocation to Colorado, he nominated Maestro Chaston as his successor, a choice that was unanimously accepted by all Maestros. Now residing in Colorado with his wife, daughter, and grandchildren, Maestro Don’s legacy continues to inspire and guide those who follow the path of Casag Kali Escrima.
GUROS
A guro in Filipino martial arts is a newly promoted teacher skilled enough to instruct others. While refining their craft, guros support advanced instructors, called maestros, by assisting with training sessions, guiding students, and ensuring proper technique. They often mentor beginner and intermediate students, offering personalized feedback, demonstrating techniques, and correcting forms. Guros play a vital role in bridging the gap between students and maestros, preserving the art’s rich heritage and promoting its continued growth.
Guro Cory
Guro Cory is deeply passionate about the holistic benefits from practicing Tobosa Kali Escrima (TKE). He values the physical balance it promotes, particularly through the equal use of both the left and right sides of the body, a feature that sets Kali Escrima apart from other sports. This focus on symmetry helps students achieve a well-rounded, functional fitness that extends beyond the traditional benefits of exercise.
What he enjoys most about TKE is the humility of his instructors, whose guidance emphasizes building a solid foundation. He appreciates the straightforwardness of the practice—focusing on basic strikes and footwork, with no room for unnecessary or flashy movements. This emphasis on simplicity and discipline resonates with him, as it reinforces the importance of mastering the fundamentals before moving on to more complex techniques.
In addition to the physical and mental aspects of Kali Escrima, he treasures the strong sense of camaraderie and family-like atmosphere within the Tobosa school. The community he’s found through Kali Escrima is one of mutual respect, support, and fellowship, which strengthens his commitment to the practice. Whether training for self-defense, sport, cultural enrichment, or just for fitness, he sees TKE as a versatile practice that can be adapted to various goals, while always remaining deeply rooted in tradition.
Guro Kawika
Guro Kawika has been immersed in the martial arts community in Hawaii for over 25 years. He has been an active instructor in the CHA-3 Kenpo Association since 2002 and joined the Tobosa School of Kali Escrima (TKE) in 2004. His deep appreciation for the camaraderie and family-oriented atmosphere of TKE motivates him to remain a committed member of the school.
In 2023, Guro Kawika was promoted to Guro, marking a significant milestone in his martial arts journey. Now, he enthusiastically shares the wisdom he has gained from more than two decades of training under the school’s Maestros with the next generation of TKE students.
In addition to his martial arts experience, Guro Kawika brings a decade of classroom teaching in 'ukulele and Hawaiian music at the HTA Charter School in Central O'ahu.
His philosophy is rooted in the belief that teaching and learning in any art form are two sides of the same coin. He views teaching as a way to continue the cycle of learning and growth, which enriches both instructors and students. By passing on the knowledge he has received, Guro Kawika helps to perpetuate the art forms, honoring the legacy of the founders and instructors who came before him.