Profiles >>Master Michael Bowers

 

Master Mike Bowers is a first-generation student of world-renowned Grandmaster Ernesto Presas, Sr. - the founder of Modern Arnis de Mano and Modern Mano-Mano (the combined system now known as Kombatan). He is honored to be the Chief Instructor of the United States of America for the International Philippine Martial Arts Federation (IPMAF). Master Mike Bowers has fought with, trained and instructed martial art instructors from countries around the world, including Switzerland, Germany, South Africa, Canada, Philippines, Austria, Australia, and the United States. He feels that the Kombatan style he teaches has some of the most reactive flow drills in the world. Kombatan has proven to be devastatingly effective when tested against styles and martial artists from around the world.

 

 

 

Master Mike Bowers honors include
2007 - Inducted into the Philippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Given the Chief Lapu Lapu Award (highest award of acknowledgement) and was bestowed a Kampilan sword with name engraved on the blade. He was recognized for his outstanding achievements in the art of Kombatan while producing some of the finest students in Filipino martial arts in the world. -- Philippines
2007 - Starred in the movie "Arnis, Eskrima, Kali - The Movie" (not yet released) -- Philippines
2007 - Co-produced and starred (with Grandmaster Presas) a promotional movie for Kombatan (not yet released) -- Philippines
2006 - Participated in the making of Grandmaster's current curriculum DVDs -- Philippines
2005 - Interviewed by Sports Unlimited (TV sports show that airs in the Philippines) -- Philippines
2005 - Granted 7th Dan (Lakan Pito), Sr. Master Instructor, at the World Arnis Congress and Training Camp -- Philippines
2004 - Invited to perform / demonstrate at the 100th Anniversary of the World Fair in St. Louis, MO
2003 - Granted 6th Dan (Lakan Anim) at the World Arnis Congress and Training Camp -- Philippines
2002 - His school, Kombatan Martial Arts Academy, named National Martial Arts School of the Year
2001 - Inducted into the Sokeship International Hall of Fame as Master Instructor of the Year, Kombatan Martial Arts
2000 - Inducted into the International Hall of Fame as Regional Instructor of the Millennium
1995 - 2007: Direct student of Grandmaster Ernesto Presas; achieved 2nd through 7th degree black belts directly from Grandmaster Presas; Master Bowers currently holds the rank of 7th Dan - Senior Master Instructor.
1989 - 1995: Studied Kombatan under Dave Ryker and Carl Jackly; achieved Lakan Isa (1st Dan)