Louie Lindo: A Filipino Martial Arts Instructor Embodying Tradition and Progress
Introduction
Sir Louie Lindo, a certified Magtutudlo of De Campo 1-2-3 Original, is a highly regarded Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) instructor. With decades of experience across multiple disciplines, he now dedicates his later years to promoting De Campo and Baraw Sugbo / Arnes Diablo. His journey as a martial artist is a testament to his commitment to learning and teaching, making him a respected figure in the FMA community.
A Humble Practitioner with a Rich Martial Background
Louie Lindo began his martial arts journey in 1973 in the Philippines. He focused on karate and taekwondo during his teenage years. His dedication to taekwondo led him to try out for the Republic of the Philippines (RP) National Team. While he didn’t make the final cut, he became a founding member of the Taekwondo Blackbelt Brotherhood (TBB Batch 1) in 1980, an influential organization within the taekwondo community.
Despite his early achievements, Sir Louie remains humble. When he sought training in De Campo 1-2-3 Original from Maestro Paolo, he valued the knowledge of the instructor, regardless of age or rank. This attitude earned him respect as both a student and instructor.
A Lifelong Martial Arts Journey
Though Sir Louie is now dedicated to De Campo and Baraw Sugbo, his martial arts experience spans decades of training. After relocating to Los Angeles in 1984, he immersed himself in Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) under renowned instructors such as Dan Inosanto, Edgar Sulite, Richard Bustillo, and others. He also trained in Indonesian Silat with Herman Suwanda. His exposure to these diverse systems continues to inform his teaching and enrich his current practice.
Balintawak and Villabrille-Largusa Kali Influence
Sir Louie’s exploration of Filipino Martial Arts also led him to study Balintawak under Grandmaster Bobby Taboada. He became a member of GM Bobby’s organization and was certified as a Basic Instructor in the early 1990s. This training sharpened his skills in close-range combat, especially weapon disarms and body positioning.
In Villabrille-Largusa Kali, Sir Louie trained under the late Professor Graciano “Greg” Lontayao in Ewa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii. The lessons from both Balintawak and Villabrille-Largusa Kali continue to enrich his knowledge of blocking, blade work, and footwork.
Ilustrisimo Influence
Ilustrisimo also plays a crucial role in Sir Louie’s martial arts journey. Under the guidance of esteemed teachers like Antonio Diego, Yuli Romo, Rey Galang, Edgar Sulite, Christopher Ricketts, and Norman Suanico, Sir Louie learned the nuances of this bladed art. His training in Ilustrisimo, combined with his practice of De Campo and Baraw Sugbo, allows him to offer his students a comprehensive understanding of Filipino Martial Arts.
De Campo 1-2-3 Original and Baraw Sugbo
Today, Sir Louie primarily practices De Campo 1-2-3 Original and Baraw Sugbo / Arnes Diablo. These systems align with his belief in practical, no-nonsense combat. As a certified instructor in De Campo, he teaches the entire curriculum, from Group 1 Abecedario to advanced College Combinations. His Baraw Sugbo training complements his De Campo practice, offering a robust system for both armed and unarmed combat. He shares his expertise with students across Vancouver, the Philippines, and beyond.
A Lifelong Teacher and Learner
Sir Louie embodies the spirit of a lifelong learner. His deep background in multiple martial arts systems enhances his current teaching in De Campo and Baraw Sugbo. Sir Louie’s calm demeanor and mastery of core principles make him a beloved instructor. His students benefit from the wealth of knowledge he has gathered over the decades.
De Campo for All Learners
Sir Louie recommends De Campo 1-2-3 Original for its practicality and effectiveness. He especially advocates for those seeking a straightforward system to explore the structured online course offered by De Campo 1-2-3 Original. This resource is a valuable option for those unable to attend in-person training. If you want to learn online, you can start with the Original De Campo 123 Curriculum and then if you are near Sir Louie or wanted to get lessons from him to polish your De Campo, just send him a message or contact us so we can connect you to him.
Final Thoughts
Sir Louie Lindo’s dedication to Filipino Martial Arts is reflected in his teaching, practice, and promotion of De Campo 1-2-3 Original and Baraw Sugbo / Arnes Diablo. His lifelong martial arts journey, combined with his humility and passion for learning, make him an invaluable asset to the FMA community.
