Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Teopaco.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Ever since I was young, I’ve been a big fan of martial arts. I remember being drawn to watching Bruce Lee’s movies along with a wide range of ninja films which were popular in the early 80’s. Among my favorites was “The Karate Kid,” which I got to see on VHS when I was about four years old. I identified with Daniel LaRusso, since I was always classified as the skinny kid, and the thought of martial arts empowering anyone of all sizes greatly resonated with me.
It wasn’t until I was about ten years old when I caught my first glimpse of Filipino martial arts when I saw a scene from “The Perfect Weapon,” which my older cousin, Joel, was watching at the time. The main character fought with two sticks, to which Joel pointed out that this style of fighting came from the Philippines. As a Filipino-American, the thought of having our own martial culture was the coolest thing ever. Unfortunately, Filipino martial arts classes were nearly impossible to find, so my journey began when I took up Tae Kwon Do next to a local grocery store. I remained committed through the night of my Black Belt test when I suddenly found exactly what I was looking for.
No one was available to witness my test, so my sister suggested that her boyfriend, (now brother-in-law) Ron, to be there. She said, “Hey, Ron does martial arts stuff too, I’m sure he’d want to go.” By the way, Ron is hands down the funniest person I’ve ever met in my life, so picturing him in any sort of aggressive way came as a surprise. So I asked, “Seriously?! What does he do?” “The thing with the sticks,” she replied. “No, way! I gotta check this out!”
By my next birthday, Ron handed me a pair of sticks and gave me my first lesson. It was a simple drill based on a block and counter strike. The difference was the way Ron explained the concept of the movement, which he then simulated without the weapon, using only his empty hands. I was instantly blown away and reminded of the same level of expression I would see in Bruce Lee’s movies when I was a kid. I needed to learn more, so the next Saturday Ron and my sister took me to his best friend Albert’s house where the two trained.
I remember first stepping into that garage like it was yesterday. It had all the elements of a fighter’s training cave complete with a worn down punching bag, weathered JKD sparring gear, a homemade Wing Chun dummy, and a stack of tires mounted on a wooden platform. Just then, Albert entered from inside the house in a strong posture, sporting a grin as he analyzed my presence while greeting us. It felt like waiting in an exam room when the Doctor suddenly enters unannounced, ready to give you a shot. The difference was that this doctor had a record of beating up guys in the front yard and he was about to put you through a “sparring” clinic.
We did just that. After demonstrating my understanding of what Ron taught me, Albert asked if I wanted to put the gear for some full contact stick sparring. I was nervous as hell, but I agreed, not wanting to look like a wimp before the fighter across from me. Within the first second, Albert smacked my thumb and I could barely hold the stick or the tears back from the pain. “You ok? Wanna stop?” My voice shaken from the assault, I say, “Nah, let’s keep goin.” Shortly after that humbling session, I dialed Albert with my working thumb and asked when’s the next class. 20 years later, that garage, unchanged even down to the Sega Genesis box on the shelf, remains to be the headquarters of our Filipino Martial Arts club, with me as Albert and Ron’s first full-time student.
Please tell us about your art.
I currently teach FMA (Filipino Martial Arts, aka: Eskrima, Kali, Arnis de Mano) in our newly opened South San Diego branch in Bonita, CA. In addition, we support our San Diego cultural events such as: FilAm Fest, Philippine Culture Arts Festival, Samahan, PCN, etc.
Our San Diego group, led by Master Albert Mendoza is an authentic martial arts club which strives to maintain and preserve the legacy of Filipino martial arts by teaching the Doce Pares Original “Multi-Style” System of its headquarters founded in Cebu City, Philippines in 1932. Our goal is to promote and propagate the beauty of Filipino martial culture while providing education on concept of self-defense, self-awareness, and the preservation of life.
Eskrima is a weapon-based training system used to develop proper body mechanics, awareness, and combative skills, in which the weapon becomes the extension of the hand. This discipline translates through the various ranges of combat, and ultimately into empty hand application by leveraging the methods and principles taught through effective manipulation of such tools.
In addition to its people, I believe that the martial arts of the Philippines is one of its greatest exports. Unknown to many, the methods and techniques of FMA have been used throughout Hollywood films, law enforcement/military of various countries, and even incorporated to other martial arts systems as well. Often, the credit to FMA is overlooked. Through the teachings and promotion of this art, my hope is that people will recognize FMA when they see it and tell someone about it who doesn’t know. Then just maybe, the next generation’s big cousin Joel tell his little cousin that his favorite Marvel movie character got his skills from the teachings of our Filipino grandmasters who started it all.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Start anywhere and continue to develop your craft. Many great success stories begin in a garage or a friend’s backyard. When not working on your craft, network with people to find community that values the art you provide. A single lifetime supporter is more valuable than a hundred passerby’s.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I’d welcome those who are interested to visit and participate. We like to offer the first two classes for free just so that folks can experience the value that this type of training provides. My classes are held at the Good Vibe Tribe Studios in Bonita located at 4228 Bonita Rd, Bonita, CA 91902.
Kids: Tues/Thurs 5-6pm
Adults: Wednesdays 8-9:30pm
Additional locations and times of our Doce Pares San Diego group:
Mira Mesa:
Tues/Thurs Adults 7:30-9:30pm
Temecula:
Wednesday Adults 8-10pm
Contact Info:
- Address: Good Vibe Tribe Studios
4228 Bonita Road
Bonita, CA 91902 - Website: https://www.doceparessd.com/
- Email: jteopaco@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doceparessandiego
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doceparesfma/
Image Credit:
Profile and action shots by my wife Diana Teopaco.
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