Guro Mukesh Pitroda – Modern Arnis Chicago (www.modernarnischicago.com)
Mukesh Pitroda’s love for the martial arts started in the remote village in India where he was born, Though he had never seen a martial arts movie, all through his youth, he heard of the great feats of Bruce Lee (some slightly exaggerated). When he finally saw Enter the Dragon in 1979, he immediately fell in love with the scene where Bruce Lee used the double sticks. Although he had a life long interest and dabbled in different martial arts for short periods of time, it wasn’t until 1996 that he finally started taking Modern Arnis under Master James Ladis. Master Ladis was one of Professor Remy Presas’s top students and one of only 7 individuals awarded the title of Master of Tapi Tapi by Professor. Guro Mukesh has been teaching Modern Arnis in the Oak Park area for the past 8 years and continues to train in various other martial arts systems to bring the best of different thoughts and practices into his classes. He is also an avid runner. Last year, he combined his love for martial arts and running into a self-defense program for runners called AssureStride (www.asssurestride.com) which focuses on awareness and prevention. Though a participant in the past, this will be Mukesh’s first time teaching at Katipunan. |
Guro Chuck Wescott
Guro Chuck Westcott – Modern Arnis Chicago (www.modernarnischicago.com & www.elmhurstmartialarts.com)
Chuck Westcott began training in the martial arts in the early 1980s. He has studied Modern Arnis with Master Jim Ladis since 1998. Although trained as an attorney, he left the practice of law and has operated a martial arts school since 2004. Today he teaches at his school in Elmhurst, Illinois. He continues his study of, and training in, Taekwondo, Modern Arnis, Tai Chi Chuan and various other styles. As a history buff, he enjoys martial arts history and exploring the impact both culture and historical events have on the development of martial traditions This will be Guro Chuck Wescott's first participation in Illinois Katipunan
Chuck Westcott began training in the martial arts in the early 1980s. He has studied Modern Arnis with Master Jim Ladis since 1998. Although trained as an attorney, he left the practice of law and has operated a martial arts school since 2004. Today he teaches at his school in Elmhurst, Illinois. He continues his study of, and training in, Taekwondo, Modern Arnis, Tai Chi Chuan and various other styles. As a history buff, he enjoys martial arts history and exploring the impact both culture and historical events have on the development of martial traditions This will be Guro Chuck Wescott's first participation in Illinois Katipunan