Balintawak Greater Philadelphia Area
Grandmaster Crispulo Atillo
By Michael T. Bates

     Grandmaster Ising Atillo conducted a series of seminars in the greater Philadelphia area March 8th-11th. Thursday evening at Joe Briedensteins American Karate studio in Ardmore, PA., saw 20 students train for 3 hrs. It was Grandmasters 3rd visit to American Kenpo.
     Friday was afternoon private training with Dennis Tosten owner of Amerikick, a 14 school system in the tri-state area. Dennis hosted a fabulous lunch at a nearby restaurant. Michael bates was over heard saying" I should of had the lobster..."

Tom Bolden

     Saturday at Irv Gills Kamp Karate in Souderton, PA., was a reunion of sorts. Dr. Jerome Barber along with several students made the trip from western New York to train. One of his students came up from Baltimore. Joining them was Tom Bolden and Pete Vargas long time practitioners as well. Rounding out the New York contingent was Bill Pavlik who was promoted to Lakan Dalawa in arnis by Michael T. Bates for his long time association to the late Professor Remy Presas.
     Sunday’s finale was at another Amerikick school in N.E. Philadelphia. 35 students turned out to work for 3 hrs, the group lost count of the disarming drills when they reached 16 or so. Plans were made for return seriesJuly 12th-15th. Since an important part of training is eating, all adjourned to "Manila Bay" a popular Filipino restaurant. Grandmaster slept soundly Sunday evening and had a stress free trip back to L.A.