Sonny Umpad’s Eskrima – Book Commentary
Words & Comments from the Martial Arts Community
“ One of the best books about a martial arts practitioner. The density of information is impressive. This book stays with the subject matter without side trips into mysticism or ego. Mr. Yore stays in the background and out of sight while writing about Sonny Umpad.” – S.K. Magness
“A brilliant glimpse at genius.” – J. I.
“This book is a must-read for those who seek a well-written insight on a man whose untimely passing left the martial arts world without ample opportunity to witness this extraordinarily gifted master. Each contributor to this book was informative, articulate and spoke from the heart. In reading this book, one will learn about a man who sacrificed everything, in conventional terms, for his art. For Master Umpad, however, it was never a sacrifice, it was more about passion. Author George Yore did a fine job in piecing together the story of a man, his art and legacy.” – G. Cagaanan
“Interesting and worth reading for FMA practitioners. This book was very helpful to me…and gave me what I wanted. Although it was clearly written as a tribute to one man…it answered many questions and did so without making extravagant claims. In conclusion, if you want to understand the FMA, this is a great book to read. A fine book in my humble opinion.” – P. Huston
“The book is top notch. As a long time Filipino martial arts practitioner, it is always a privilege to read about senior instructors from different systems.” – W. T. Anderson
“I thought it was very well written. This book was easy to read and understand. It was obvious to me that this author has a lot of passion and respect for this subject and his mentor. I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in any types of martial arts.” – D. Abu
“It was an excellent visit in the life of a great martial artist. Too bad more martial arts books couldn’t be written like this. Well done.” – G. M. Bowers
“This book is a fascinating and valuable book about a most reclusive man.” – M. S.
“Read this book…even if you know nothing, even care little, about the art form of martial arts. As told by his core of dedicated top students, this story of Mr. Umpad’s life shows the incredible character of what I gather was a kind, respectful, but no-nonsense mentor and teacher who wanted to keep his students teaching, and preserve and sustain the art of eskrima.” – Bernadette S.
“An interesting fellow for martial arts instructors to study. That said, the book is worth buying and reading…in my opinion.” – C. Cat
“This book is a “must have” for any martial arts library. One of the best writings chronicling the life and teachings of a martial arts great I have ever read. What a testament. This book and Maestro Umpad’s story is laid out well. Bravo! to Mr. Yore for his successful effort.” – Yoshio
“Very good book…the account of his childhood sparring session with a kid from the South, alone, is worth the price.” – B. D.
“If you are familiar with the Bay Area, you will understand this book…and if you appreciate all of the martial arts this will complement your knowledge!” – R. H. Olsen
“I would highly recommend this book. Maestro Umpad was a remarkable teacher, the loyalty and respect he engendered from his students is a testament to his character and skill.” – E. B.
“Insight into a remarkable individual. This book really evoked the spirit, scope, depth, and breadth of training in this circle of martial artists. Sonny, I feel, taught not only how to learn his material, but, to learn and recognize truth and merit in all. This book helps give insight into a true Grandmaster and his vehicle for discovery.” – J. D. Owens
“The book is awesome. “Like a Priest” is my favorite chapter…Maestro Sonny Umpad is right there with Angel, Anciong, Tatang and all the great Filipino fighting men.” – K. B.
Thank you for your interest regarding the literature on the late, enigmatic Visayan eskrimador, Santiago “Sonny” Umpad, entitled, “Sonny Umpad’s Eskrima: The Life and Teachings of a Filipino Martial Arts Master”, Berkeley: Blue Snake Books, 2012. This work is the most comprehensive book written about Grandmaster Umpad and his eskrima system – answers to your questions may be found within its pages. This martial arts gem has garnered 5 stars from customer reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Treat yourself to a copy, by visiting www.bluesnakebooks.com or www.amazon.com or www.northatlanticbooks.com. The book is available in both print and electronic formats.
Copyright © 2014 by George M. Yore & The Visayan Eskrima Guild, All Rights Reserved.
“ One of the best books about a martial arts practitioner. The density of information is impressive. This book stays with the subject matter without side trips into mysticism or ego. Mr. Yore stays in the background and out of sight while writing about Sonny Umpad.” – S.K. Magness
“A brilliant glimpse at genius.” – J. I.
“This book is a must-read for those who seek a well-written insight on a man whose untimely passing left the martial arts world without ample opportunity to witness this extraordinarily gifted master. Each contributor to this book was informative, articulate and spoke from the heart. In reading this book, one will learn about a man who sacrificed everything, in conventional terms, for his art. For Master Umpad, however, it was never a sacrifice, it was more about passion. Author George Yore did a fine job in piecing together the story of a man, his art and legacy.” – G. Cagaanan
“Interesting and worth reading for FMA practitioners. This book was very helpful to me…and gave me what I wanted. Although it was clearly written as a tribute to one man…it answered many questions and did so without making extravagant claims. In conclusion, if you want to understand the FMA, this is a great book to read. A fine book in my humble opinion.” – P. Huston
“The book is top notch. As a long time Filipino martial arts practitioner, it is always a privilege to read about senior instructors from different systems.” – W. T. Anderson
“I thought it was very well written. This book was easy to read and understand. It was obvious to me that this author has a lot of passion and respect for this subject and his mentor. I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in any types of martial arts.” – D. Abu
“It was an excellent visit in the life of a great martial artist. Too bad more martial arts books couldn’t be written like this. Well done.” – G. M. Bowers
“This book is a fascinating and valuable book about a most reclusive man.” – M. S.
“Read this book…even if you know nothing, even care little, about the art form of martial arts. As told by his core of dedicated top students, this story of Mr. Umpad’s life shows the incredible character of what I gather was a kind, respectful, but no-nonsense mentor and teacher who wanted to keep his students teaching, and preserve and sustain the art of eskrima.” – Bernadette S.
“An interesting fellow for martial arts instructors to study. That said, the book is worth buying and reading…in my opinion.” – C. Cat
“This book is a “must have” for any martial arts library. One of the best writings chronicling the life and teachings of a martial arts great I have ever read. What a testament. This book and Maestro Umpad’s story is laid out well. Bravo! to Mr. Yore for his successful effort.” – Yoshio
“Very good book…the account of his childhood sparring session with a kid from the South, alone, is worth the price.” – B. D.
“If you are familiar with the Bay Area, you will understand this book…and if you appreciate all of the martial arts this will complement your knowledge!” – R. H. Olsen
“I would highly recommend this book. Maestro Umpad was a remarkable teacher, the loyalty and respect he engendered from his students is a testament to his character and skill.” – E. B.
“Insight into a remarkable individual. This book really evoked the spirit, scope, depth, and breadth of training in this circle of martial artists. Sonny, I feel, taught not only how to learn his material, but, to learn and recognize truth and merit in all. This book helps give insight into a true Grandmaster and his vehicle for discovery.” – J. D. Owens
“The book is awesome. “Like a Priest” is my favorite chapter…Maestro Sonny Umpad is right there with Angel, Anciong, Tatang and all the great Filipino fighting men.” – K. B.
Thank you for your interest regarding the literature on the late, enigmatic Visayan eskrimador, Santiago “Sonny” Umpad, entitled, “Sonny Umpad’s Eskrima: The Life and Teachings of a Filipino Martial Arts Master”, Berkeley: Blue Snake Books, 2012. This work is the most comprehensive book written about Grandmaster Umpad and his eskrima system – answers to your questions may be found within its pages. This martial arts gem has garnered 5 stars from customer reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. Treat yourself to a copy, by visiting www.bluesnakebooks.com or www.amazon.com or www.northatlanticbooks.com. The book is available in both print and electronic formats.
Copyright © 2014 by George M. Yore & The Visayan Eskrima Guild, All Rights Reserved.