The Filipino Martial Arts is a highly sophisticated and comprehensive system from the Philippines.
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The areas of this program introduces students to 12 main areas, including, but not limited to single stick, double stick, stick & dagger, double dagger, Panatukan (Filipino boxing), Sikaran (Filipino kicking methods), Kuntao & Silat.
Drills and techniques are taught in a fluid, non-restrictive manner that allow students to enhance their natural attributes and improve their sense of timing, speed, awareness, balance, agility, and confidence.
The training develops and heightens student’s awareness of their surroundings and teaches them to use their environment as tools of combat. Everyday objects, such as umbrellas, books, bandannas, etc., become effective means of self-defense in the hands of a properly trained individual.
The Filipino Martial Arts taught at ICS Academy are drawn from Armas de Mano Eskrima, Inosanto-Lacoste Kali, and ComTech Eskrima.
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Head Instructor
Sifu Diem Nguyen is the founder and head instructor of Integrated Combat Systems of Northwest Arkansas. Sifu Nguyen is a Fayetteville native and is a University of Arkansas alumni.
She has over 31 years of martial arts experience and Sifu still travels the globe to further her martial arts training and education. In her last 20 years as an instructor, she has created an environment for martial development, tradition, and education. She has had the privilege of teaching hundreds of students – helping them on their path to gaining lifelong knowledge and ability in the martial arts. Her mission is to ensure that the true essence and culture of the martial arts are passed onto future generations.
SIFU NGUYEN'S BACKGROUND
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2nd Generation student of the late Bruce Lee
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Jeet Kune Do Instructor in the Jerry Poteet Jeet Kune Do Association under the legendary Sifu Fran Poteet-Joseph
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Lakan Guro under Guro Dan Inosanto in the arts of Jun Fan Gung Fu and Filipino Martial Arts
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Ranked in Savate (French Kickboxing) under Professor Nicolas Saignac, one of the highest ranking Savate instructors in the United States
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Level III Instructor in Armas de Mano Eskrima
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Associate Jeet Kune Do instructor under Sifu Ladell Elliot
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Black belt in Okinawan Kenpo
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Black belt in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu
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Experienced in Pekiti Tirsia Kali, Muay Thai, Cambodian Kickboxing (Pradal Serey), Wing Tsun, Maphalindo/Madjapahit Silat
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Former Board Member with NWA Center for Sexual Assault
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17 years as a Law Enforcement Officer
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Firearms & Defensive Tactics Instructor (to officers of her agency)
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CPR Instructor
Integrated Combat Systems Instructors
Integrated Combat Systems is proud of our talented and hard-working instructors. Scroll down to view our awesome team!
DAVID
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Lakan Guro - ICS Kali/Eskrima Level II
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Assistant Instructor - Pekiti Tirsia Kali
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Avid Full-Contact Stick Fighter
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Loves Cats​
BRADLEY
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Apprentice Instructor (Level I) Rank under the World Thai Boxing Association
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Coach - Adult & Kid's Muay Thai
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Assistant Jeet Kune Do Instructor
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Previously Trained in Ernesto Presas Kombatan
MICHAEL
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Lakan Guro - ICS Kali/Eskrima Level I Apprentice
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Jeet Kune Do Instructor
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U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
- 2016 Mortal Kombat X Video Game Championship - Ranked 52nd in the World
- Avid Weapons Competitor
SENIOR STUDENTS AND ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS
JONATHAN
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Pekiti Tirsia - Team Leader - Van Buren, Arkansas (Dreki Kali)
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Previously Trained Arnis de Mano, American Kickboxing, Goju Ryu & Kuk Sool Won
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Current ICS Kali, Maphilindo Silat, & Jeet Kune Do Student
JOEY
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Kid's Muay Thai Coach
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Current Pekiti Tirsia Student
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2nd Degree Black Belt - Songahm Taekwondo
ZACK
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Jeet Kune Do Instructor
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Current Eskrima/Kali Student
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Weapons Competitor
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Previously Trained in Tomiki Aikido
TAYLOR
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Jeet Kune Do Instructor
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Current Eskrima/Kali Student
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Weapons Competitor
COREY
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Apprentice Jeet Kune Do Instructor
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Gracie Combatives Instructor
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USAF Veteran
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Current Muay Thai & Eskrima/Kali Student
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Weapons Competitor