Berdugo Martial Arts Center Introduce
For residents across the Portland metropolitan area, and specifically in the Clackamas and Happy Valley regions of Oregon, finding a martial arts school that offers a unique and comprehensive curriculum can be an exciting journey. Berdugo Martial Arts Center is not just any martial arts school; it is the North American Headquarters for Kombatan (Presas Style), a prestigious and highly effective form of Filipino Martial Arts. This institution provides a direct connection to the art's founder, Great Grandmaster Ernesto A. Presas Sr., ensuring that students receive authentic, high-quality instruction. For those interested in a martial art that is both rich in tradition and highly practical for modern self-defense, this is a local treasure that truly stands out.
The school is dedicated to the growth and promotion of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), a system renowned for its versatile use of both weapons and empty-hand techniques. The environment at Berdugo Martial Arts Center is known for being relaxed, welcoming, and supportive, fostering a true sense of community among its students. As one of the provided customer reviews highlights, it is a place where you don’t have to worry about "egotistical maniacs" and instead can feel at home as part of a martial arts family. This emphasis on a positive, inclusive atmosphere makes it an ideal place for individuals of all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners, to learn and grow without fear of judgment.
Berdugo Martial Arts Center serves as a vehicle for FMA, ensuring that the art is taught with integrity and authenticity. The chief instructor for North America and Senior Instructor for the center, Grandmaster Michael Bowers, is a direct student of Great Grandmaster Presas himself, and his dedication to the art is evident. The school's mission is to provide students with the complete system of Kombatan, just as it would be taught in the Philippines. This means that students get to learn the full spectrum of the art, covering all ranges of fighting and a wide variety of techniques. It's a rare opportunity to train in a complete system that covers so much ground, from weapon work to grappling, all in one place.
Berdugo Martial Arts Center is conveniently located at 15875 SE 114th Ave suite c, Clackamas, OR 97015, USA. This location makes it highly accessible for people living in Clackamas and the surrounding communities, including Oregon City and Gresham. The school is situated in a commercial area with easy access from major roadways, ensuring a smooth and straightforward commute for students from various parts of the Portland metro region.
Accessibility is a key priority for the center. The facility features a wheelchair accessible entrance and a wheelchair accessible parking lot. This thoughtful design ensures that the school is welcoming and inclusive to all members of our community, regardless of their physical abilities. This commitment to making martial arts training available to a wider audience is a significant highlight and speaks volumes about the school's values. The presence of these amenities makes it easier for students and their families to visit and train without facing unnecessary barriers.
The ease of access and convenient location contribute to the overall positive experience of training at Berdugo Martial Arts Center. Students don't have to worry about the logistics of getting to class, which allows them to focus entirely on their training and personal development. The accessible parking lot is a particular benefit in a busy area, providing peace of mind and convenience for those who need it.
Berdugo Martial Arts Center specializes in Kombatan (Presas Style), but the curriculum is incredibly broad, covering a complete system of Filipino Martial Arts. The services offered include training in the following areas:
Doble Baston (Double Stick): Master the use of two sticks for offense and defense.
Solo Baston (Single Stick): Learn the core techniques of single stick fighting.
Espada y Daga (Sword and Knife): Train with a combination of a long blade and a short blade.
Bolo Classical: Instruction in the use of the traditional Filipino Bolo machete.
Sipa-An (Kicking): Develop powerful and effective kicking techniques.
Mano-Mano (Hand to Hand): Focus on empty-hand combat and striking.
Dumog (Ground Fighting): Learn grappling and ground techniques to control a situation from the ground.
Bankaw (6-foot staff): Master the use of a long staff for long-range engagements.
Dulo-Dulo (Double tipped short stick): Training with a small, close-quarters weapon.
Locking, Trapping, Takedowns, & Throwing: Comprehensive grappling techniques.
Paliton (Give n Take) Sparring: Realistic and dynamic sparring drills.
Police Techniques: Specialized training for law enforcement applications.
Sinawali's: Fluid, weaving patterns used for stick fighting drills.
Daga sa Daga (Knife to Knife): Specific training for knife combat.
Anyo's (weapons form): Learn traditional weapon forms for skill development.
“Street Defense” (Modern applications): Practical, real-world self-defense skills.
Berdugo Martial Arts Center has several key features and highlights that make it a top choice for martial arts training in the Oregon area.
North American Headquarters for Kombatan: This is not a franchise, but the primary location for a respected and authentic martial arts system in North America.
Direct Lineage to the Founder: The school is a direct school from the Philippines, ensuring a high degree of authenticity and quality in its teaching.
Comprehensive Curriculum: The art covers all ranges of fighting, from projectiles and weapons to empty-hand and ground fighting, providing a complete system of self-defense.
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance and Parking Lot: A strong commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all members of the community.
Welcoming Family Atmosphere: The school prides itself on a supportive and friendly environment, as highlighted by a customer review that calls it a "family."
Flexible Payment Options: Accepts credit cards and debit cards, making it easy and convenient to pay for classes.
For more information about classes, schedule, or to connect with the team, you can contact Berdugo Martial Arts Center directly.
Address: 15875 SE 114th Ave suite c, Clackamas, OR 97015, USA
Phone: (503) 657-3408
Choosing a martial arts school is a big decision, and Berdugo Martial Arts Center provides a compelling case for being the right choice for you and your family in the Clackamas, OR, area. What truly makes this school worth choosing is its unparalleled authenticity and comprehensive approach. Unlike many other schools that might offer a limited or watered-down version of an art, Berdugo Martial Arts Center provides direct access to the full, complete system of Kombatan. The fact that all black belt rankings are sanctioned by the founder himself speaks to the high standards and integrity of the instruction. You are not just learning a few moves; you are being taught an entire, functional combat system that is applicable in a variety of situations.
The friendly and welcoming atmosphere is another key factor. As echoed in the customer testimonials, the school has successfully created a "family" where new and experienced students alike feel comfortable and supported. This is particularly important for beginners who might feel intimidated by the idea of starting a martial art. The focus is on learning and growth, not on ego, which makes for a much more enjoyable and effective training experience. Additionally, the school's commitment to accessibility, including a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking, demonstrates a dedication to serving the entire community, making it an inclusive and thoughtful choice.
The curriculum itself is a massive selling point. The ability to learn both armed and unarmed combat techniques, from stick fighting to ground grappling, means you are getting a well-rounded education in self-defense. This comprehensive training prepares students for any situation and provides a level of versatility that is hard to find elsewhere. Ultimately, choosing Berdugo Martial Arts Center means choosing an authentic, comprehensive, and genuinely welcoming place to learn martial arts from a world-class system with a deep and respected lineage.
Berdugo Martial Arts Center Details
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Amenities
- Restroom
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Berdugo Martial Arts Center Photos
Berdugo Martial Arts Center Location
Berdugo Martial Arts Center
15875 SE 114th Ave suite c, Clackamas, OR 97015, USA
Berdugo Martial Arts Center Reviews
I've been practicing here for about 6 months and it's been amazing! Grand Master Bowers' Kombatan curriculum is complete with weapon, empty hand and grappling techniques. GM Bowers and his students provide a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where I don't have to worry about egotistical maniacs pummeling me into the ground just because I'm new. I definitely recommend this school to anyone looking to expand their self defense and martial art capabilities!
July 23 · Todd FinemanI have been a student at a variety of different Martial Arts schools and this is by far the best. We learn combat skills for any situation. The instructor is awesome and the other students are friendly and welcoming. We truly are a family here. Come join us!
October 01 · Martin Storlie
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