DUGUKAN MARTIAL ARTS SYSTEM — PANGAMOT OR ESKRIMA
​What is Dugukan Martial Arts System?
The Dugukan Martial Arts System is a unique Cebuano self-defense art rooted in the ancient traditions of southern Cebu, particularly Carcar—the home of legendary Eskrimadors. Established in 2004 by Jeanephus Besira (SGMPS1---72), Dugukan draws inspiration from the four cardinal directions, the eight rays of the sun, and the circular forms of the moon and sun. It combines physical mastery with deep philosophical principles, offering a holistic path to mental and spiritual growth.
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Ancient Foundations & Philosophical Depth
1 Ancient Foundations & Philosophical Depth
Though Dugukan is a modern organization, its teachings are anchored in ancient wisdom and esoteric practices from the Mystical Order Formations. These traditions emphasize the concepts of timelessness, eternity, and the cyclical nature of existence. Lessons are encoded in mysterious patterns that serve as a guide for higher understanding and personal transformation.
2 Core Disciplines & Arts
Dugukan are composed of various traditional Filipino Martial Arts, including:
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Hilot: A natural healing art, focusing on the balance of physical and spiritual energies.
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Eskrima/Pangamot: Mastery of Arnis, knives, bladed weapons, and the art of defense and attack.
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Dumog: Filipino wrestling that emphasizes locks, counter-locks, grappling, and the effective use of the body against stronger opponents.
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Art of Life 1---72: Also known as Angels' Contacts and Connections, these teachings blend martial movements with meditative practices and spiritual insights.
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The system encompasses both armed (knife, pestle, axe) and unarmed techniques, with special emphasis on both self-defense and internal healing through the 72 and 29 Spiritual Martial arts Teachings.
3 Origins & Spiritual Legacy
The mystical roots of Dugukan trace back to David Geverola, an enigmatic master from 1930s Cebu who trained in secret caverns and was later recognized as one of the spiritual sources of the system. He was renowned for his mental discipline and connection to the spiritual dimensions, remaining a mysterious figure until his passing in 1999.
SGMPS1---72 formally introduced Dugukan in 2004, alongside a dedicated group known as the Spirit of Dugukan. Their commitment has fostered a vibrant community that preserves and shares the system’s profound teachings. A significant milestone was the public revelation of Dugukan's Spiritual Martial Arts at Sudlon Mountain on August 12, 2007, during a dawn gathering of spiritual practitioners.
4 Organizations & Continuing Legacy
The system’s development led to the formation of the Inner Core Elemental Wave Association, Inc., later renamed the Inner Core Dugukan Association, Inc. This organization now teaches the Dugukan Arts of Natural Healing, advanced Eskrima, and esoteric arts, ensuring the continued growth and preservation of Dugukan’s unique legacy.
5 Dugukan Hilot System
Hilot is an ancient Filipino healing practice centered on balancing the body’s physical and energetic elements. Dugukan Hilot System involves hands-on techniques—using the hands, elbows, and fists—as well as medicinal plants, herbs, and energy transference through touch or prayer. Practitioners view Hilot as both a profession and a way of life, dedicated to holistic health and overall well-being.
The Dugukan Hilot System is widely respected as a living tradition, and its practitioners—guided by teachings from The Book of Dugukan, Volume 4—continue to professionalize and share this healing art, often integrating it with the Art of Life 1---72 for deeper personal development.
SGMPS1---72
BANOG-BANOG PANGAMOT ESKRIMA FIGHTING
The Dugukan Martial Arts System provides a comprehensive introduction to Pangamot-Eskrima, focusing on foundational principles that enhance both technique and discipline. One of the core concepts is the snatching principle, which emphasizes speed, timing, and repetition. Practitioners begin by striking the opponent’s head, executing a snatch, and repeating the sequence to develop fluidity and effectiveness. Repetition is central to building proficiency in these movements.
The system also introduces specific strike techniques. For instance, the first strike involves delivering a blow to the opponent’s head, followed by a wrist snatch to disarm. This process is to be practiced repeatedly to achieve accuracy and timing. The second strike prepares practitioners to counter when an opponent targets the head; the correct response is to counter-strike with the right hand in a downward motion and the left hand upward, enabling an automatic snatch. Consistent practice hones timing and precision, and advanced guidance from a Dugukan instructor is strongly recommended to master these skills.
Wrist snatching is another essential technique, requiring practitioners to carefully observe their opponent. When the opponent strikes at the elbow, the practitioner should counter-strike and implement a wrist snatch, moving the left hand upward and the right hand downward simultaneously. This coordinated movement, practiced repeatedly, builds mastery over time.
The Banogbanog strikes principle is a distinctive feature of the Dugukan Martial Arts System, comprising fourteen forms of combined strikes. One example, Banogbanog Anyo Siete, uses circular strikes with both hands in coordination with body movement and proper stance. These dynamic combinations are best learned through direct instruction and live training scenarios, ensuring practitioners develop the necessary agility and flow.
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The term “Banog” refers to the serpent eagle, a symbol of agility and precision. The Banogbanog principle of stick fighting encourages practitioners to emulate the eagle’s fluid and focused movements, channeling energy efficiently during both training and real-life applications. This approach instills not only technical skill but also an appreciation for adaptability and awareness.
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In addition to snatching and striking techniques, Dugukan Martial Arts incorporates several other principles, including Tuyoktuyok (turning), knee dropping, four corners, Dumog (grappling), cross-legging, and body flexibility. These elements create a well-rounded foundation for advanced movements and adaptability in self-defense.
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The Dugukan system’s advanced lessons are based on the Art of Life 1---72, a methodology that fosters both physical ability and mental discipline. As learners progress, they are encouraged to integrate the techniques into their daily routines, promoting self-defense capability as well as personal growth. Overall, the Dugukan Pangamot Eskrima Banogbanog blends agility, precision, and repetition, supporting holistic martial arts development under the guidance of skilled instructors.
SGMPS1---72
DUGUKAN TRANGKA DUMOG
Dugukan Trangka Dumog is one of the few remaining indigenous martial arts in the Cebu Visayas region that centers on wrestling and grappling, seamlessly integrated with elements of pugilism. Rooted in the practices of ancient warriors and masters, this art was historically used to subdue opponents through skillful application of physical strength and technique.
The exact origins of Dugukan Trangka Dumog remain shrouded in mystery, with its foundations traced back to ancient times. Notable historical figures who helped preserve and spread the art include Maximino Padro in the 18th century and David Geverola in the 19th century, both from Cebu-South. In the 20th century, the tradition evolved further with the formation of the Dugukan Martial Arts System in the Cebu Visayas region. The transmission of Dumog has often been regarded as mystical, with ancient masters sharing their knowledge through both spiritual (enigmatic) and practical (non-enigmatic) methods.
Heritage and Evolution
The enduring legacy of Dumog is maintained by modern practitioners of the Dugukan Martial Arts System, who are committed to preserving and adopting these ancient techniques. Each generation interprets and teaches Dumog according to contemporary needs while upholding its core principles, ensuring its continued relevance and effectiveness. This dedication creates a strong sense of community among practitioners and attracts new students eager to learn the discipline. As its reputation grows, Dumog’s influence has begun to reach more and more numbers of martial artists, who increasingly incorporate its concepts into their training.
​What is the Dugukan Martial Arts System Dumog?
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At its core, Dugukan Dumog is an ancient form of indigenous wrestling that seamlessly blends grappling with striking, utilizing the hands, elbows, knees, and shoulders as powerful weapons. In modern times, its principles and techniques have been systematically enhanced by Dugukan originator SGMPS1---72 through the Mystical Order Formation.
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Mastery of Dugukan Dumog requires proficiency in a wide range of locks, counter-locks, and precise attacks tailored for barehanded combat. The system draws deeply from the wisdom of ancient masters, with movement patterns and techniques inspired by the esoteric Sun Logo of the Dugukan Martial Arts System.
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Central to Dugukan Dumog is the Art of Life 1---72, which comprises 72 dynamic movement exercises and 29 lessons spanning both stationary
and transitional techniques. These teachings are designed not only to enhance physical prowess but also to cultivate spiritual growth, offering practitioners a holistic path to self-mastery.
SGMPS1---72
PESTLE/ALHO FIGHTING
​Among indigenous tribes of the Visayan region, particularly in Sugbu (now Cebu), Philippines, a unique combat method using the Alho/Pestle was developed. Ancient warriors used this tool both for defense and to overcome enemies. Measuring around 50 inches long and weighing between half a kilogram to over one kilogram, the Alho/Pestle fits comfortably in the hand. Traditionally, it served as a tool for pounding rice, banana core, and ginger in carved stone mortars. However, in the hands of skilled warriors, the Alho/Pestle became a powerful weapon. Its strength and force could inflict serious injury, even against armored opponents. Alho/Pestle Fighting is recognized as one of the ancient martial arts that was both respected and feared due to its effectiveness and difficulty to counter.
Short History
History often records that Ferdinand Magellan met his end on the famed shores of Mactan Island (Opon) on March 16, 1521, slain by the sharp blade of a kampilan—a legendary Filipino sword. Yet, among locals, a richer tale endures: Magellan’s final moments were not defined by steel but by the crushing force of the alho (al-ho), a powerful, unassuming wooden pestle wielded by Lapulapu himself.
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The alho, nearly 50 inches long, is distinguished by its slender central grip. This design allows a master to strike with lethal precision from either end. Unadorned but formidable, the alho compensates for its plainness with sheer destructive power. In skilled hands, it could:
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Shatter bones—including the humerus, radius, ulna, femur, tibia, and fibula
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Crush skulls
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Dislocate joints
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Rupture vital organs
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Injure nerves and rip skin
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Tear away toenails
Pre-Hispanic Visayan warriors—notably Lapulapu and the famed Bali-alho—were celebrated for their expertise with this weapon. Legend claims these heroes could split a coconut trunk with a single mighty blow. The name Bali-alho itself carries layered meaning: “bali” can mean “fractured” or “reversed”—a nod to the weapon’s unpredictable, devastating potential.
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With the arrival of colonizers, the art of the alho nearly vanished, fading into obscurity. However, in the highlands of Cebu, a handful of guardians quietly preserved this ancient tradition, passing the knowledge from generation to generation. Today, the Dugukan Martial Arts System champions this heritage, focusing on pestle fighting—a unique martial art rooted in the wisdom of ancestral masters.
Both ends of the alho are engineered for impact:
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A thrust targets the vulnerable abdomen.
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A sweeping swing, akin to a bat, can devastate the jaw, wrists, or kidneys.
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The alho also serves as a shield, parrying blunt weapons or deflecting blades.
The revival of the alho represents more than a weapon reborn; it reconnects us to a heroic and resilient past—a living testament to the spirit of Lapulapu and his fellow warriors, still striking boldly into the future. This resurgence honors the traditions of our ancestors and empowers a new generation of practitioners. By mastering the alho, individuals cultivate strength, discipline, and a profound sense of identity that transcends time, ensuring that the legacy of these ancient techniques remains inspiring. SGMPS1--72