Today we’d like to introduce you to Phillip Palmejar
Hi Phillip, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a business, P5 Academy opened in 2011 in downtown, San Diego. After 5 years of fighting the traffic and parking, we relocated to Bay Park and have been here since 2016.
As an individual, I have been a martial artist since I was 8 years old, culminating in over 35 years of experience. The easy answer to how I got here is I did not quit. Dedication to the path is the key to success. There is no need to be special, strong, big or fast, just showing up over and over for decades can make anyone an expert.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not. As a business, all the same struggles as any other business are present: costs, rent, insurance, marketing, covid, a saturated market, etc.
But as a martial artist many more struggles are also present. These include things like injury, depression and substance addiction. Fighting is extremely intense and that intensity leads many down paths of darkness, violence and regret. It is a hard path to walk as a fighter, constantly needing to portray strength and confidence when in reality, we are the same as everyone else with the same weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a martial artist, I have followed a similar path to many, winning title and ranks to solidify my place in the hierarchy.
However, one thing that sets me apart is my connection to native and indigenous cultures. I’m currently working on a book connecting the martial cultures of the Philippines with that of the Apache Tribes of North America. As an expert and instructor of both cultures systems, I’m excited to bring a new point of view to the world of martial arts.
I am also a devout Buddhist practitioner and am regularly involved in the local community. For example, I have worked for the last 14 years at the federal prison running the Buddhist religious services for the inmates.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My Apache Knife Combat instructor and mentor: Chief Robert Red feather
My Filipina sword instructor: GM Peachie Baron Saguin
My Arnis instructor: GM Jonathan Makiling Abaya
My BJJ instructor: GM Joe Moreira
My JKD instructor: Sifu Fran Poteet-Joseph
My students Chris McVeagh, Judge Wegin, Alex Shore, Matt Franco and Mark Lathom.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://P5Academy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p5_academy/profilecard/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/P5Academy?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bjjsunshine?si=Lup-qX7x-B2nxnPL
