Filipino Martial Arts School

Business Details

18 Years

experience

Filipino Martial Arts School in Riverside, CA

Founded in 2008, Filipino Martial Arts School has established itself as the premier institution for Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) training in Riverside County and the Inland Empire. Our curriculum combines over 27 years of combined expertise in traditional and modern FMA techniques, emphasizing combat efficiency, cultural heritage, and philosophical understanding. We offer dynamic instruction tailored to students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced competitors, with small class sizes ensuring personalized attention. Our team, led by Chief Instructor Francis T.B.

Serrano, has mentored award-winning fighters in GSBA and WEKAF World Championships. We integrate multimedia and stress training methodologies to create an immersive learning environment that empowers students to defend themselves effectively while fostering respect for Filipino values. With both physical locations and online training options, our mission remains to propagate the world-renowned Filipino fighting systems through culturally rooted, forward-thinking instruction.

Services

Kids Martial Arts Adult Martial Arts Online Training Tournament Camps Orange County Classes Advanced Classes Weapon Training Empty Hands Techniques Cultural Education Private Appointments

Details

Year established: 2008

Highlights and features

We offer 20+ years of Filipino Martial Arts training with proven championship methodologies
Our curriculum integrates cultural heritage with modern combat effectiveness
Small class sizes ensure personalized instruction from experienced instructors
Certified instructors trained directly by Grandmasters in the Philippines
Proven track record of developing world championship competitors

What people say

Excellent martial arts school Realistic training Awesome experience Great instructor Learn a lot

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Services

Filipino Martial Arts Training

Our core program teaches traditional Filipino Martial Arts techniques using sticks, knives, and empty hands. Students develop self-defense skills while learning the historical and philosophical background of the art. Training includes weapon handling, combat drills, and cultural context, preparing practitioners for both physical and mental challenges.

Kids Martial Arts

Designed for children aged 6-12, this program builds discipline and confidence through structured FMA instruction. Students learn self-defense fundamentals while developing respect, physical coordination, and cultural awareness in a supportive environment that emphasizes character development alongside martial skills.

Tournament Training

Specialized training for competitive martial artists includes advanced technique refinement and scenario-based sparring. Our championship-winning instructors prepare students for national and international tournaments, focusing on both technical proficiency and strategic combat application in regulated competition settings.

Online Training

Remote instruction provides access to FMA techniques through digital platforms. This option maintains our core teaching principles with structured lessons covering weapon forms, empty-hand techniques, and theoretical concepts for practitioners unable to attend physical locations.

Cultural Education

Integral to our curriculum, cultural education explores Filipino history and values alongside martial techniques. Students learn traditional practices, language elements, and historical context that shape FMA's development and philosophical foundations, enhancing their martial practice.

People

Chief Francis T.B. Serrano

Chief Instructor & Owner

With 27 years of FMA experience and 17 years of teaching, Chief Serrano studied under Master Joe Napial and Master Sonny Napial. He founded the school in 2008 after being recognized as the sole instructor in Manila by SGM Dionisio Caete.

Raymond Vallido

Partner and Senior Student

A dedicated student since 2010, Raymond progressed from novice to co-owner through consistent training and competition. He assists with curriculum development and mentorship, sharing his expertise in applying FMA techniques effectively.

Questions

What martial arts styles do you teach?

We specialize in Filipino Martial Arts with comprehensive training in stick work, knife defense, sword techniques, and empty hands combat.

Do you offer children's classes?

Yes, our Little Lapulapu Club provides age-appropriate instruction for 6-12 year-olds focusing on fundamental techniques and character development.

Where are your training locations?

Current instruction occurs at Life Arts Center in Riverside and weekly Orange County sessions at outdoor locations.

Can adults start with no experience?

Absolutely, our adult classes accommodate all skill levels from complete beginners to experienced martial artists seeking new disciplines.

Do you teach cultural aspects with the martial arts?

Yes, understanding Filipino culture and philosophy is integral to mastering the martial techniques we teach.

Are online training options available?

Yes, we offer structured virtual instruction covering all core aspects of FMA techniques and theoretical concepts.

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Reviews (6)

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Stefanie Rosales

Oct 15, 2020 Report

Positive:Quality
My kids love the program and my teenager does great in the Beginner class as well. Very friendly group and very good with kids.

Kevin Rocker

Jul 16, 2017 Report

This place is very unprofessional. If I could give them a zero review I would. The staff is rude and they really don't know what they are doing. Stay clear of this place!

Francis Serrano

Nov 20, 2014 Report

Filipino Martial Arts School is a No Nonsense, No Excuses and No Apologies martial arts school. Here you will learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones in a style of fighting that is used by today's military and law enforcement. With students from all branches of the military, border patrol officers, correctional officers and Police Department. These everyday heroes, put their lives on the line everyday and the best way for them to survive is to learn this style of fighting.
Filipino Martial Arts School Battle Tested and Street Ready.

Bradley E.

Aug 10, 2014 Report

I've practiced martial arts in some form or another for well over a decade, including eight and a half years on active duty with the Marine Corps. I've studied several martial disciplines -- everything from the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and Krav Maga to Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. What I've learned as a part of this small, talented group has amounted to some of the best martial training I've ever received. Training in Krav Maga and MCMAP was a lot like "trade school." You're given a set of easily learned, very general self defense techniques and

Mark G.

Aug 04, 2014 Report

FMA School is a great place to learn everything about Filipino Martial Arts and Filipino Culture, from basic stick work, all the way to Filipino culture (including delicious Filipino food). Guro Francis is an excellent teacher. Instead of making you do a certain technique over and over again without an explanation, he actually gives you the philosophy behind the technique. I've only been with FMA School a little over a year, but I've learned so much more compared to the years I spent in Karate when I was younger. A warning though: this school is not for people who simply want a black

Freddy A.

Jul 30, 2014 Report

FMA school was an awesome experience for me, I really liked how Guro Francis would keep his classes small so he could assist you one on one. I highly recommend joining Guro Francis class you will definitely learn a lot of skills on the art but as well as the history that is behind it.