MASTER JB RAMOS: FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR

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BIO

JB Ramos

I live in gratitude in Tkaronto on Turtle Island on the traditional territory of many First Nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Haudenosaunee, the Chippewa, the Huron-Wendat and home to many diverse First Nations, the Mètis and the Inuit peoples.

I honor and pay respect to the resilience and strength of Indigenous Ancestors and Elders past, present and future from all over the world whose journey is to continue sharing their sacred warrior traditions.

Master Ramos is the main instructor at Combat Science: Warrior Arts of Asia. Has been studying the martial arts for almost 20 years, has a background in Japanese and Korean martial arts, but, most specifically the Filipino Martial Arts under the tutelage of Grandmaster Laura Armstrong since 2003. In addition to studying with world recognized Masters and Grandmasters in the Philippines, JB has successfully competed in several international competitions including advanced combat (full-contact stickfighting “sport eskrima”) and fighting forms (Anyo).

JB regularly promotes the Filipino Martial Arts through demonstrations, workshops and Self-defense programs through an inclusive, community-based, and holistic approach. Asides from teaching, Master Ramos is also a certified Empowerment Self-defense and Use-of-Force instructor and a NWS (Nutrition Wellness Specialist).

FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR INTERVIEW

1. Did you encounter any struggles when you first opened Combat Science: Warrior Arts of Asia? How did you overcome them?

Our school was founded by GM Laura Armstrong in 2003, it was passed on to me in 2012 to carry-on the school’s teachings and legacy. Since then, it has been quite the learning experience in the transition from student to teacher to school owner. The greatest struggle I find is to get people interested and engaged, to want to study and learn more about the warrior arts of the Philippines. But most of all, to inspire others to be committed to the martial art journey. One way we have been able to get the word out there was through community outreach through self-defense programs, martial arts demonstrations and connecting through collaborations with various organizations.

2. How would you describe the fighting style of Filipino Martial Arts?

The Filipino Martial Arts are also commonly known as Arnis/Eskrima/Kali. It is an all-encompassing combative martial art traditional to the Philippines, where students are first trained with sticks, then blades and moving on to hand-to-hand techniques.

3. What is your favourite type of Filipino martial art and why?

I enjoy learning, training and teaching all aspects of the FMA (Arnis/Eskrima/Kali). From the traditional to the sports aspect of full-contact stickfighting (where students compete at international World Championships representing their countries).

4. Since the pandemic began, how has it affected your business?

Just as many other martial arts schools, we have had to leave our physical space, move our classes online and also have outdoor training sessions when it is safe to do so. One good thing about moving online, is that we were able to reach the greater community and now have students from all over the world participate and join our school community group.

5. What is the best advice you’ve received for running a business?

To learn from others, as everyone has something to teach you. As well, stay true to who you are, to your passion and purpose.

6. Looking back on your journey so far, was there anything that surprised you?

Change is constant, growth is consistent and learning is a life long process. The people who are meant to help you grow arrive when you least expect it.