Floro Fighting Systems

Floro Fighting Systems (FFS) is a system of Edged Weapon Combat and Defence that is not only simple to learn, but is one of the most effective systems of self defence available today. FFS was developed by Raymond Floro, a fencing champion and martial artist. Ray developed his system based on extensive training in European and Filipino methods of Edged Weapon Combat.

Efficient, direct and immediate, FFS is one of the very few styles that is still based on the blade, and is used by civilians and members of the military, and law enforcement agencies worldwide.

With over 30 years of experience, Raymond has instructed internationally: Australian Defence Force, US Special Forces, Korean Special Forces, various SWAT teams, and the New Zealand Police, and nationally members of the Australian Federal Police and Military have individually sought private instruction.

In 2003 Raymond was engaged formally by Major Travis Faure to update and develop the ' Edged Weapon Awareness' (EWA) package for the Military Self Defence (MSD) program. Since then Raymond has annually presented this package at the Australian Defence Force Academy and other individual Army units. Raymond is utilised as an impact/edged weapon Subject Matter Expert and is currently working with the instructors of the newly established Army Military Unarmed Combat (MUC) Cell. Raymond is also currently working with the NSW Police to introduce a new "Edged Weapons Defence" program into the Force.

Features of Floro Fighting Systems include:

#1) FFS is a ‘point driven’ method that relies heavily on thrusting strikess.

#2) Distancing - FFS practitioners are either at long range or extremely close, they rarely fight in medium range because we found that there is a high probability of "double kills". Utilizing fencing footwork, the FFS practitioner can close the distance quickly

#3) FFS - Uses "Linear Motion" as its basis for footwork, which is taken directly from fencing. We find this faster and it doesn't require much room to move (a good point to remember when attacking in crowded places like bars or trains etc.)

#4) FFS executes their techniques in tight motions.

#5) FFS - only uses the alive hand (non-weapon hand) at extremely close range. We found that especially in weapon sparring, the non-weapon hand gets hit often if it tries to get involved in distances greater than extreme close range.

#6) FFS have done away with traditional Filipino terms.

#7) FFS is focused on knife

FFS is drawn from not only Ray's experiences in Fencing but also those of training in Kalis Ilustrisimo, which is the system of combat practised by the family of the very great master fighter, Grandmaster Antonio 'Tatang' Ilustrisimo for centuries.

The Ilustrisimo clan has a long history as warriors and "men of power" (mystics or medicine men if you like) that continues unbroken to this day. Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo was the head of the style. The previous head was his uncle, the great Melecio Ilustrisimo who was famous and dominant in northern Cebu (north coast, Bantayan and Bohol islands)in the early 20th Century. Another famous relative was the great mystic Agapito Ilustrisimo (grand uncle?) who was active as a fighter in the revolutionary Katipunan.

The system is full of strategies to set up an opponent, counter his counters, beat him to the punch, etc. Footwork is simple but effective. As long as one can walk forward, backward and sideward, then one has basically mastered the footwork.

Millennia Academy Head Instructor Ash Sinclair with Ray Floro and FFS instructor Jim Seckold