Master Samuel “Bambit” Dulay is what one would call a Master in the ways of Tapi Tapi, except in his humble way he continuously seeks more and more knowledge and skill in the movements and techniques, focusing on the use of the cane(s) and related weapons of the body. The intense mental contest that occurs in this type of training (especially when it is done competitively) creates a dynamic chess-like struggle, with Master Dulay working hard to outwit his opponent. It requires a sharp mind and a good knowledge of technique, as well as the precise physical skill and combination of attributes that make the techniques effective. Additionally, it requires Master Dulay’s ability to follow the opponent, using whatever energy the opponent gives him to use for his own advantage, and also to lead his opponent down a certain path, causing the opponent to choose techniques that he has prepared to counter. These advanced tactics bring efficiency, making victory closer and his opponents’ margin of error slimmer. All of these factors also develop a will to survive and a will to succeed despite the situation.
Using the classical theories of Palis system, Abaniko system, and the Krusada system Master Dulay incorporates and manipulates the movements and theories to excel in Tapi Tapi.
Master Samuel Bambit Dulay started training in Filipino Martial Arts in Dumog and Judo in 1968-69 under Roming Yanson and the Lisondra Brothers (both students of Grandmaster Remy Presas), at the University of Negros Occidental and West Negros College. He learned the Baston (basic Arnis) in 1972 while studying karate jujitsu under Romy Lisondra. For the first time in 1974, he witnessed a bladed weapon demonstration between Master Roberto Presas and Master Cris Vasquez, which inspired him to seek an Arnis Instructor. Fascinated with Mano Mano, locks, trapping, and the ground fighting aspects of the art he continuously would seek new ways to improve his knowledge.
As time went on he transferred to another school, operated by Mike Vasquez and was introduced to Shotokan. Master Dulay became a professional full contact fighter and was very effective in the ring. It was during this time when a man by the name of Juan Laoaan of Lapu Lapu Arnis joined in the training at the Vasquez Martial Arts School. Guro Dulay realized that though he was very proficient in Shotokan, something was lacking inside.
He returned to train with the Lisondra brothers and found that what he felt was the heritage and values of his own culture, and that with the training in Modern Arnis he was becoming fulfilled inwardly and finding self gratification and an inner peace.
The concept of Tapi Tapi so amazed him that his determination to master the theory and techniques were overwhelming. He found that the traditional aspects and the research evolved is a continuous cycle of knowledge. Eternally expanding and developing with no end, but a continuous gathering of knowledge for self-betterment.
Master Dulay expresses the importance of being a student of the Filipino Martial Arts in order to see the difference between the modern and the traditional aspects of the Filipino culture. To understand the values of the historical background, along with the heritage of the Filipino Martial Arts. One should constantly seek out knowledge to better ones self both physically and mentally. Finding the difference of philosophies in each art so as to gain an understanding of what is basic essence upon which the art is built. With this understanding a self-awareness and stability and inner peace will be established within ones self.
Master Samuel “Bambit” Dulay’s lineage of teachers and styles:
- 1975, Old Maestro Juan Lawaan (age of 72) who also served as his inspiration: Decuerdas Lapu-Lapu style
- Maestro Juan Lawaan: Lapu-Lapu Decuerdas style, no belt system
- Grandmaster Mike Vasquez: Tapado style Black Belt
- Grandmaster Robeto Presas: Tabak Tuyok Arnis style and Free Style Modern Arnis
- Senior Master Cristino Vasquez: Ipit Pilipit style
- Senior Master Rene Tongson: Tres Puntas style
- Grandmaster Ernesto Presas: IPMAF Mano-Mano and Classical Arnis
- Grandmaster Remy Presas: Dumog, Mano-Mano, Classical Arnis (Abaniko, Palis-Palis, Close Quarter of Balintawak and Ifugao, Crusada), Dumog/Mano-Mano, and the Tapi-tapi "the way of the flow" concept.
Master Dulay is currently the external Vice President and Chairman of the Committee on Membership and Affiliation, International Modern Arnis Federation Philippines (IMAFP). The ‘International Modern Arnis Federation Philippines’ website can be found at: www.imafp.com |
