MINI-TIPUNAN SA WILDOMAR
By Jay de Leon

This mini-Tipunan was held in 2005 at the town of Wildomar, a couple of towns away from Murrieta, California, in Riverside County where I resided then. At that time, Filipino Fighting Arts USA actually had a dojo—very spacious, airy, with mats covering the floor. At one time, it was a private workout room for the owner.

Our stay was short-lived, probably about three months. The students consisted of the three de Leon children and a few outside students. Our stay at this dojo was bitter-sweet, as this was the last venue where we worked out together in martial arts as a family.

We actually conducted a mini-seminar one Saturday at this location. Again, the participants were very limited but the event memorable and the instruction top-rate. There were actually two guest instructors—Master Mar de Leon (no relation) who I believe lived in San Diego, California at that time and came with a student, and my Inosanto Kali and kenpo instructor Steve Aron who had his own Temple of the Garage at Glendora, California.

Long time student Sam Sadler drove from Dana Point, in Orange County, California. Michael, Mitchell and Paulina de Leon rounded out the rest of the participants of this mini-Tipunan.

After the seminar, Steve Aron, Sam Sadler, the kids and myself celebrated this joyous mini-reunion with lunch at a fast foods restaurant nearby.

Mar de Leon’s student, Michael Long, Mar de Leon, Steve Aron
and Sam Sadler, standing. Jay and Paulina de Leon, seated.
Not in picture, Mitch de Leon, who was the photographer
as well as a partipant of this event.

Master Mar de Leon (right) and student

Master Steven Aron of Parker kenpo, Inosanto Kali
and JKD (jeet kune do).

Sam Sadler, a Shaolin kempo black belt and instructor
and green belt of Filipino Fighting Arts USA.

Michael Long, a brown belt of Filipino Fighting Arts USA.

Mitchell de Leon, a brown belt of Filipino Fighting Arts USA.

Paulina de Leon, a yellow belt of Filipino Fighting Arts USA.

Photos by Mitch de Leon