Truly Pinoy: Grand Master Modesto Llanera 
A Filipino martial arts expert has created his own fighting style in Ireland.
Grand Master Modesto Llanera established the Llanera Fighting System after mastering other forms of martial arts.
"Nung dumating ako sa point na umabot ako sa 7th degree sa Shorin Ryu, umabot na din ako sa 7th degree sa Arnis or Eskrima, at yung napag-aralan ko na ibang style, parang nakita ko na merong kulang. So na-create ko muna yung Eskrima, o Llanera eskrima and combat martial arts," Llanera said.
Llanera’s interest in martial arts started when he was young.
Chinese action superstar Bruce Lee played an instrumental role in his being encouraged to further master his craft.
"Nagsimula ako actually noong 7 years old palang ako. Ang unang napag-aralan ko is actually boxing, kasi ang father ko, amateur boxer yan eh. Pero nung panahong yun medyo kasikatan ni Bruce Lee kaya sinabi ko sa father ko baka pwede niyang bigyan ako ng instructor sa ginagawa ni Bruce Lee. So dinalhan niya ako ng dalawang instructors, one is an Aikido instructor, pangalawa yung Karate instructor," Llanera said.
He also said although the Irish are much heftier and taller than Filipinos, the Llanera Fighting System works against them.
"Ang aking mga estudyante nakita nila iyong superioriority in terms of speed, at saka yung power ng, lalo na at meron kang weapon or stick. so meron tayong extension ng kamay which is advantage 'yan kung kamay lang o open hand ka lang or kicking lang," Llanera said.
All proof that no matter in what arena, the Filipino ends up supreme.
images and article courtesy of abs-cbnNEWS.com.
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