A Memorial to GM Samson C. Tendencia (1920-2010) By: James U. Sy Jr.

Grandmaster Samson "Sam" C. Tendencia, Founder of Tendencia Arnis-Hilot, passed away on May 26, 2010 in his sleep. He was 89. Samson "Sam" C. Tendencia was born on August 24, 1920 in Tigbauan, Iloilo Province, Panay Island (Western Visayas/Region 6), Philippines. Tendencia, 7, began his studies of Arnis under Ramondo Gallano of Iloilo in 1927, in a corto mano system which used 12" sticks. At about the same time, he learned hilot, the Filipino art of bone setting, nerve, muscle, and joint manipulation, and deep tissue massage, by accompanying his grandfather during hilot sessions, carrying his bag of oils. He would go on to heal people by himself after years of apprenticeship. Tendencia was already a Black Belt in Judo when he was 14, under Murakami Sensei, who would send him to Japan during summers to further studies. In 1938, at age 18, Tendencia continued his studies of Arnis, in a largo mano method using 30" sticks, with Deogracias Tipace of Manila, the official instructor of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the godfather of his son. Tendencia also learned Espada y Daga from Gallano and Tipace and studied under them for 5 years each. Tendencia is the holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from the Philippine College of Criminology (PCCr) and a Master's Degree in Physical Education from the University of Iloilo (UI). In World War II, Tendencia served under Macario Peralta's guerilla forces in Panay starting December 8, 1941, eventually was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in the Philippine Scouts, and organized the "Lancer" Division US Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE). He was honored with the Distinguished Medal of Honor, American Liberation Medal, and received the General Douglas MacArthur Medal of Bravery. Tendencia, 30, moved to Japan in 1950 to continue his Judo studies at the Kodokan, where he became a student of Mifune Kyūzō 三船 久蔵 Sensei (1883-1965), 10th Dan, for 5 years (1950-1954). Tendencia, Mifune Sensei's personal ping-pong "uke," was eventually awarded his 7th Dan in Judo. Master Tendencia also holds a 9th Dan in Jujutsu and had studied Shiatsu Massage and Swedish Massage in Tokyo, Japan. Master Tendencia later left Japan to study Shorin-ryu Karate in Naha, Okinawa for 2 years. He was awarded a 4th Dan. In 1969, Master Tendencia moved to the U.S.A. where he worked for Burn's Detective Center in Los Angeles, California. That same year, he established the A.R.N.I.S. (American Revised Native Institute of Stick-fighting) USA, which was renamed A.R.N.I.S Tendencia in 2008 by N. David Guillory with the blessing of GM Tendencia and his wife Evangelina. GM became one of the instructors of GM Daniel Inosanto. The A.R.N.I.S Tendencia website lists GM Tendencia's 7 Appointed Disciples (in order) as Master Ernesto Calvento, Master Narcisco “Chique” Calvento (Deceased), Master Alfonso Calvento (Deceased), Randy G. Pizarro, Renny L. Pizarro, Felix Perezchica, and N. David Guillory.