Punong Guro Tony Marcial: Founder & Head Instructor
Punong Guro Tony Marcial, born in Quezon City, Philippines in June of 1954, boasts over 30 years of diverse martial arts experience. His extensive expertise spans various disciplines including Filipino Martial Arts such as Kali, Arnis, and Eskrima, as well as Shaolin Gung Fu, White Crane, and Shotokan Style Karate.
At the tender age of 7, Guro Tony commenced his martial arts journey under the tutelage of his father, immersing himself in Shotokan Karate. By the age of 8, he had the privilege of studying Kali in the Philippines under Punong Guro Roberto Sarmiento. Even upon relocating to the US in 1969, Guro Tony remained faithful to the Filipino tradition, clandestinely teaching Kali. In 1990, he took the pivotal step of sharing his wealth of knowledge by establishing his inaugural Kali school, introducing the art of Marcial Tirada to the public. His dedication and skill earned him induction into the Philippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame in Ohio & Texas in 1998.
Guro Jerry Veneskey
With over 30 years of martial arts training, Guro Jerry Veneskey holds the esteemed rank of Yon-Dan (4th degree black belt) in Okinawan Isshin-Ryu Karate and a 5th level black sash in Kali. Beyond his mastery in traditional martial arts, Guro Jerry possesses a high level of proficiency in a diverse array of small arms, from black powder firearms to modern semi-automatic weapons. Renowned for his prowess in combat knife throwing and unarmed self-defense, he has ingeniously fused the arts of Isshin-Ryu and Kali to develop his unique system. In addition to his martial pursuits, Guro Jerry serves as a licensed private investigator with The Ohio Department of Safety (Division of Homeland Security).
Guro Mark Ullman
Guro Mark Ullman embarked on his Kali journey under Punong Guro Tony Marcial’s guidance in 1995. Despite facing adversity in the form of viral meningitis and resultant nerve damage, Guro Mark’s dedication to Kali served as therapeutic rehabilitation, ultimately restoring full mobility and strength. Currently balancing his role as a high school educator and tennis instructor, Guro Mark continues to explore and expand his knowledge of traditional Filipino martial arts, finding synergy between Kali and his other pursuits.
Guro Michael Kisielewski
Guro Michael Kisielewski’s martial arts journey encompasses a Black Belt ranking in Kajukenbo, acquired under Sigung Ray Anderson since February 1995. Transitioning to Arnis training under Punong Guro Tony Marcial in March 2001, Guro Mike achieved the esteemed rank of Black Sash in July 2006. His diverse exposure includes previous study in Isshin-Ryu Karate, Kempo, and Wushu, reflecting his commitment to mastering various martial disciplines.
Guro Matt Zanoskar
With a martial arts tenure spanning over 25 years, Guro Matt Zanoskar boasts a multifaceted background encompassing Seito-Shorei, Shotokan, Wu Style Tai Chi Chuan, and Northern Shaolin Kung Fu. Holding the rank of 6th dan in Shuri-ryu Karate-do, Guro Matt has garnered numerous accolades in tournament competitions, including multiple championships. Under the mentorship of Guro Tony for 13 years, Guro Matt was honored with his black sash on June 14, 2003.