Gatdula’s Fighting Cobras Philippine Fighting Arts School was founded in 1993. We offer quality instruction in the Philippine Fighting Arts Gatdula style Kuntaw, and our own style of Arnis-Eskrima (Kali). We emphasize the application of the Philippine Fighting Arts and development of the body and its natural weapons for combat, rather than the emphasis on theory and drills (simulated combat) approach that other schools use. Our curriculum requires a commitment of at least 3 to 5 years to complete, and includes all of the techniques of the Gatdula system of Kuntaw fighting.

Our students do not wear belts other than for Karate competition, and competition is mandatory for all students who wish to progress. Competition fighting is a major part of Kuntaw training, and may take place within our walls or in open events. Breaking technique is also mandatory, as it is necessary to gauge the ability to demonstrate power as you increase your strength. Self confidence, humility and loyalty are also tenets students must display in order to progress in the GFC, as each student is an ambassador of the GFC. However, the ultimate factors that determine mobility in the GFC ranks are physical ability and growth.

Our Instructor, Mustafa (Maurice) Gatdula, has been training for 21 years. He has been competing at the Black Belt level in point, continuous point, and full contact fighting for 14 of those years. He has studied Chinese Kung Fu and Korean Tae Kwon Do, as well as several Philippine Arnis and Eskrima styles, and has coached competition sparring teams for 5 years.

Our philosophy about martial arts knowledge is that it must be earned; and once learned, the knowledge must be protected like a valuable treasure. For this reason, we do not participate in the bastardizing and cheap business of the seminar industry. The knowledge which was for generations passed on as a family heirloom is today sold to anyone (as is teaching credentials) who waves the dollar bill in front of once picky teachers. As a result, the Philippine Martial Arts community is now represented by many weak non-philosophic men whose ability and understanding of the art barely exceeds the rote memory of swinging around their arms in rhythm. This foolishness will never occur within the Gatdula family.

Fighting prowess cannot be argued, discussed or demonstrated; only proven.