About Kalis Ilustrisimo Repeticion Orihinal

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Kalis Ilustrisimo Repeticion Orihinal (KIRO) is a distinguished Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) organization committed to preserving and propagating the authentic bladed combat system developed by the legendary Grandmaster Antonio "Tatang" Ilustrisimo and passed on to his heir, Master Tony Diego.

KIRO is currently led by Chief Instructor Coach Arnold Narzo, a direct disciple of both Tatang Ilustrisimo and Master Tony Diego. With decades of experience, Coach Narzo has been instrumental in teaching and promoting KIRO both in the Philippines and internationally.

The Key Principles of
Kalis Ilustrisimo Repeticion Orihinal

Simplicity and Economy

Movements are straightforward, avoiding flashy or unnecessary techniques. The art values killing efficiency, honed by decades of street‑fight experience.

Rigid Practice of Fundamentals

The “Repeticion” name highlights the insistence on drilling original core drills and counters until they are instinctive. This preserves the system’s traditional form.

Blade Centric Combat

Training centers on edged weapons (sword, knife); even when sticks or empty hands are used for practice, they represent blades

KIRO honors the Filipino warrior ethos (discipline, respect, humility) while also adapting lessons to modern self‑defense needs. It is taught respectfully as a living tradition of Philippine martial culture

Cultural Heritage and Adaptability

an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background

KIRO remains relevant today as both a practical fighting art and a cultural legacy. Chief Instructor Coach Arnold Narzo and other Guro (teachers) lead classes and seminars to introduce students worldwide to the KIRO blade curriculum.

By practicing together, modern students help keep this blade tradition alive, one with roots that go back five generations on Bantayan Island in Cebu.

In this way, KIRO links today’s martial artists with a storied Filipino heritage of swordsmanship.

Coach Arnold Narzo

Arnold Narzo is the current Chief Instructor of Kalis Ilustrisimo Repeticion Orihinal. He was born on June 22, 1970, in Manila, Philippines. In 1993 (at age 23), Narzo began training under Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo. This made him one of Tatang’s last students. After Tatang’s death, Narzo continued studying with Master "Mang Tony" Diego, and through years of intensive practice, he eventually became Mang Tony's top student.

In 2012, Master Tony Diego officially appointed Arnold Narzo as the Chief Instructor of KIRO in the famous Luneta Park. Since then, Narzo has led the KIRO curriculum in Manila.

He has a strong background in both weapons tournaments and teaching. He was also later recognized as one of the top ten Filipino martial artists in the first Philippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Known for his dedication and expertise with blades, Coach Narzo continues to teach local classes and international seminars. He upholds the Ilustrisimo tradition by passing on Tatang’s and Mang Tony’s original blade techniques to a new generation of students, always with respect for Filipino martial heritage.

Chief Instructor, Kalis Ilustrisimo Repeticion Orihinal

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Join Us at Luneta Grandstand

Time: 9:00 AM onwards
Location: Luneta Grandstand, Rizal Park, Manila
When: Every Sunday (weather permitting)
Who Can Join: Open to beginners, seasoned martial artists, and curious visitors alike

Train Where Tradition Lives

Every Sunday, the KIRO community comes together at the historic Luneta Grandstand in Manila, the same open-air setting where countless Filipino martial artists have sharpened their skills for generations.

Whether you're taking your first step into Filipino Martial Arts or deepening your existing practice, you're welcome to observe, ask questions, or start training with Chief Instructor Coach Arnold Narzo, KIRO Guros, and members.