Founder
Guro Arnel Mendoza
Kajukenbo Fi Kuen - 6th Degree Black Belt
Villebrille-Largusa Kali - 4th Degree Black Belt, Lakang Opat
Inayan Eskrima - I.T.O. Instructor
SDI Taekwondo - 2nd Degree Black Belt
A distinguished figure who weaves together the rich tapestry of Filipino Martial Arts. Guro Arnel, a US Army veteran, stands as a testament to unwavering dedication and mastery in various disciplines. With black belt status in Kajukenbo Fi Kuen, Villebrille-Largusa Kali, Inayan Eskrima, and Taekwondo, his prowess is defined by the guidance of legendary figures such as Senior Grandmaster Ted Sotelo, Grandmaster Mel Lopez, and Suro Mike Inay.
The foundation of Dragon Sticks rests upon the amalgamation of Guro Arnel's extensive studies in the Filipino Martial Arts. Embracing influences from Cabales Serrada, Balintawak, Cacoy Doce Pares, and his aforementioned accolades, Guro Arnel crafted an eclectic and potent system.
In 2003, Guro Arnel embarked on an extraordinary journey as he established Dragon Sticks FMA. For the subsequent 20 years, his dedication and fervor has illuminated countless paths as he shared his profound passion for self-expression through martial arts training.
Guro Adrian Hipolito
Head Instructor
Mendoza Eskrima - Black Belt
Macalolooy Kajukenbo - Green Belt
Taekwondo - 1st Degree Black Belt
Guro Adrian’s journey through the world of martial arts has been a testament to unwavering dedication and ceaseless exploration. From his earliest days, he immersed himself in a multitude of disciplines, delving into Taekwondo, Boxing, Jeet Kune Do, and Kenpo-Jujitsu. However, it was the discovery of Kajukenbo that sparked a paradigm shift in his martial arts odyssey. Under the guidance of Professor Jeff Macalolooy, Guro Adrian's fate interwove with Guro Arnel Mendoza. Engaging in one-on-one training sessions over a number of years, Guro Arnel imbued Adrian with the wisdom and prowess befitting Guro status. After spending years stitching together lessons learned in the gritty landscapes of trailer parks and parking lots and the sanctified halls of combat academies, it was Guro Arnel's fusion of reverence for tradition and proclivity for self-expression that resonated harmoniously with Adrian's martial ethos. With Guro Arnel’s sharing a Kajukenbo heritage and Professor Jeff's own mastery in Cacoy Doce Pares, the convergence of arts became an organic symphony of knowledge and technique. Ascending to the mantle of head instructor at Dragon Sticks FMA, nestled within the halls of Dragons Den MMA, Guro Adrian pledged to propagate the artistry that had indelibly reshaped his life and perception of martial arts. Through the melding of his eclectic experiences, Guro Adrian charts a path that blends deep respect for tradition with a forward-thinking approach to martial arts education.