-- Grandmaster Taningco has been active in the martial arts since 1964. In 1976, he founded the Taningco Academy of Martial Arts (TAMA Martial Arts) in Dayton, Ohio to provide the means to share his unique mix of martial arts training programs in a single martial arts training center. He had built over 7,000 sq. feet of training martial arts center-the largest in the Dayton area marking his 45th year anniversary since 1976.
At the forefront of these systems is his family’s Willow System Kali (Robles Family Style), where he is the lineage holder and a 10th Degree Black Belt.
He earned an 8th Degree Black Belt in Kenpo-Ju-Jitsu from Grandmaster Tim Gasper. Grandmaster Taningco’s Kenpo lineage came from Grandmaster Timothy Gasper and was handed down by the late Grandmaster Donald Fong from China. Taningco has studied from Grandmaster Timothy Gasper since 1972.
Grandmaster Gasper integrated the arts of Chinese Shaolin kung fu, Okinawan Kempo Karate-do, judo, and jujitsu to create a well-rounded program, 3rd Degree in Icho-Ryu Aikijutsu under Sensei Bernie Lau, 1st Dan Black Belt under Professor Ramon Ancho in Danzan Ryu-Jujitsu, 65th Generation Disciple of Tien Shan Pai Kung-fu under Grandmaster Chien Liang Huang, Master License (Tuhon) Pekiti-Tirsia under Grandmaster Leo Gaje, Certified Muay Thai Master instructor under United World Muay Thai Federation -Vut Kamnark. He has also studied from Guro Dan Inosanto (Bruce Lee’s protege for 15 years in JKD, Silat, and Filipino Martial Arts.
Early Life and Martial Arts Training Education
During Grandmaster Taningco’s childhood, gangs were rampant in Manila, Philippines. So, under the tutelage of his older brother Alex R. Taningco, Grandmaster Taningco learned the family arts to protect himself in the streets of Sampaloc, Manila.
Grandmaster Taningco also studied Okinawan Shotokan Karate and weaponry under his older brother, Alex. After moving to the United States, Grandmaster Taningco integrated other Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) best practices from world-renowned Grandmasters with whom he has studied. These Grandmasters read like a “who’s who” of FMA and include such names as Dan Inosanto (FMA/Jeet Kune Do), Leo Gaje (Pekiti Tirsia), Remy Presas (Modern Arnis), Ciriaco “Cacoy” Cañete, and Dionisio Canete (Doce Pares).
Grandmaster Taningco also is recognized as a member LIFETIME of Doce Pares and a 6th Degree Black Belt in Doce Pares Eskrido and as a first-generation Disciple (master instructor-Tuhon) of Grandmaster Leo Gaje in the Pekiti Tirsia System. He was awarded Sultan Award by Grandmaster Leo Gaje in 1989 in Tennessee upon his dedication and commitment to the Filipino martial arts.
Grandmaster Taningco also celebrates his 45th year anniversary teaching martial arts in the Dayton, Ohio area. Taningco has also launched his Kali America program online to those who wish to participate in learning and developing their Filipino Arnis, Eskrima, Kali skills at their own scheduled time.
Release ID: 89055516