Filipino Martial Arts
16 years of practice and 11 years of teaching the art of Lapunti Arnis De Abanico
The Art
Lapunti Arnis
De Abanico
A classic Cebuano system engineered for rapid-fire execution. Lapunti pairs intricate abanico (fan) strikes with a signature cross-legged stance and footwork, maximizing torque, structural stability, and deceptive angles of attack.
Abanico Strikes
Rapid fan-like combinations that go around conventional blocks and defenses, striking at unexpected angles in swift succession. Honed through decades of experimentation and actual combat.
Cross-Legged Footwork
The only style of arnis that uses cross-legged stance and footwork. Enables swift gap-closing, angling against opponents, effective multi-opponent movement, and combat in tight spaces.
Developed by the Caburnay family: Arsenio Caburnay, GM Felimon Caburnay, and SGM Prudencio 'Undo' Caburnay, with significant contributions from GM Johnny Chiuten, a master of Choy Li Fut Kung Fu and other arnis styles. Officially founded in Cebu, 1972.
LAPUNTI: The 3 barangays in Cebu where the Caburnay family practiced and developed the art; and the core ideals every practitioner strives to embody:
Instructor Profile
Guro
Alvin Penaflor
Practiced and dabbled in other forms of martial arts from an early age before finding Lapunti. From Karate, Judo, Aikido, Tai Chi, Jeet Kune Do, Krav Maga to lesser known arts like Zeta Zen Aikido and Wonwhado.
Co-founded Lapunti Arnis De Abanico UP Diliman Training Group in 2010. Now known as Lapunti Karilyon.
Guro (Lakan Apat - Instructor)
Lineage
-
Arsenio Caburnay
Main developer & originator of the Caburnay family art. A 'panday' or blacksmith by trade who went around the Visayas and Mindanao to ply his trade and learn from different masters of the area.
-
GM Felimon Caburnay
Grand Master. Established the early Escrima de Abanico group, later became the Lapunti Arnis De Abanico school or style
-
SGM Prudencio 'Undo' Caburnay
Supreme Grandmaster of Lapunti Arnis De Abanico
-
GM Crisanto 'Cris' Ampit
Grandmaster. Direct student of GM Felimon and SGM Undo Caburnay. Brought the art of Lapunti Arnis De Abanico to Luzon.
-
SM Danilo 'Buboy' Ador Jr. & SM Edwin 'Nonoy' Doncillo
Senior Masters. First cousins and students of GM Cris Ampit from an early age. The most senior practitioners of Lapunti in Luzon.
-
Guro Alvin Penaflor
Lakan Apat or Guro (teacher/instructor). Direct student of both SM Buboy Ador and SM Nonoy Doncillo.
Timeline
-
Pre-2010
Training in various martial arts
-
2010
Began training in Lapunti Arnis De Abanico; co-founded the UP Diliman training group
-
2011
Group officially recognized as a Lapunti chapter by SGM Undo Caburnay and LADAI Headquarters
-
2015
Promoted to Guro (Lakan Apat) by SGM Undo Caburnay during the annual club seminar and promotions
-
Present
Active instructor at Lapunti Karilyon, University of the Philippines, Diliman campus and teaching a few private students on spare time.
Philosophy
How I Teach
Principles Over Techniques
Understanding the 'why' behind every movement. A principle applies everywhere. Across weapons, ranges, and scenarios. A technique is situational. Master the principle and the techniques follow.
Own It
Adapt, personalize, make it yours. You don't imitate your teacher forever. You internalize until the art becomes your own expression. The goal is finding your own Lapunti.
Traditional Knowledge, Modern Methods
Respecting the art's roots and lineage while structuring training for progressive learning, measurable growth, and easier absorption. Old wisdom delivered through modern methodology.
Learn, Test, Refine, Repeat
Every skill is drilled, then pressure-tested under resistance, then refined based on what worked and what didn't. The cycle never ends. Rank is a responsibility, not a finish line. The instructor is always a student.
Training
What You'll
Learn
Full Curriculum
Rank EligibleThe traditional route. A progressive structure with eligibility for rank promotions. Following the Lapunti Karilyon official curriculum. A curriculum that I helped to develop, based on traditional Lapunti lessons but structured and supplemented for progressive learning and easier absorption.
Focused Sessions
FlexibleModular training. Designed for those who want to learn basic self-defense or focus on particular aspects of the art. For those with limited time or who cannot commit to the full curriculum path. Can later serve as a basis for additional or supplementary lessons for rank eligibility.
Subdisciplines
Solo Baston
Single stick or long blade
Daga
Knife or dagger
Espada y Daga
Stick/blade and dagger
Doble Baston
Double sticks or blades
Mano-Mano
Empty hand combat
Traditional Forms & Drills
Classical drilling patterns
The School
Lapunti
Karilyon
The University of the Philippines Diliman chapter of Lapunti Arnis De Abanico International (LADAI). A family and community for learning, practice, and advancement in and of the Filipino martial art of Lapunti Arnis De Abanico.
Co-founded in 2010, officially recognized as a Lapunti chapter in 2011 with the personal blessings of SGM Undo Caburnay.
Named after the iconic UP Carillon Tower. Our meeting place, training ground, and symbol of tradition and community.
Open to beginners and seasoned practitioners from all backgrounds.
Regular Training
- Schedule
- Every Sunday, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
- Venue
- UP Theater (Villamor Hall) entrance, beside the UP Carillon Tower
- Location
- University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Gallery
In Practice
Training photos coming soon.
Training Arrangements
Ways to
Train With Me
Private Coaching
Tailored one-on-one or small-group instruction. Scheduling and rates vary depending on your location and travel requirements.
Regular Group Classes
Join the Lapunti Karilyon community for our regular Sunday sessions at UP Diliman. Features a beginner-friendly, progressive curriculum.
Seminars & Workshops
Intensive group training for clubs, martial arts schools, or organizations (minimum 10 participants). Custom rates plus travel and lodging apply. Please provide adequate lead time for scheduling and curriculum preparation.
Distance Mentorship / Affiliate Track
Designed for dedicated practitioners outside our regular training area. This track combines remote coaching with flexible, custom-negotiated travel arrangements for intensive in-person training, offering a pathway to establish an official local study group or branch under the Lapunti Karilyon umbrella.
To maintain a safe, respectful, and high-quality training environment, all prospective students undergo an initial intake assessment. I reserve the right to select students and manage enrollment to ensure the best fit for our community.
Get in Touch