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Floro Villabrille

Filipino master from Cebu (1912–1992), creator of the Villabrille Kali system and, according to the source, an undefeated champion in stick duels.

Quick Facts

Date of Birth2/18/1912
Date of Death1992
Country of OriginPhilippinesPhilippines

Biography

Floro Villabrille was a Filipino master of kali, creator of the Villabrille Kali system, known today as Villabrille-Largusa Kali. He was born on February 18, 1912, on Cebu, and died in 1992 at the age of 79.

He began studying martial arts at 14: his uncles taught him eskrima, his grandfather kung fu. He also studied under Antonio Ilustrisimo. The source further states that he studied for two years under Princess Josephina of Gandara on the island of Samar, a blind warrior credited with an extraordinary "sixth sense"; we have not been able to verify this account in other sources.

He began competing around age 17. His last match in the Philippines was on July 4, 1933, against the Moro datu Elario Erano, and his final match overall took place in 1948 in Hawaii. The source describes him as an undefeated champion in stick duels. From the American Governor-General Frank Murphy he received a certificate as a Filipino grandmaster of martial arts.

He personally chose his student Ben Largusa as his successor, after whom the system carries its present dual name.

Teachers, students and family

Teacher

Associated Martial Arts

Villabrille-Largusa KaliFounder→

Filipino kali system of Floro Villabrille, which according to the school's website was organized by his successor Ben Largusa. The school lists weapons, empty-hand fighting and kicks.

Achievements and honours

  • State award