Kailukuan School of indigenous science

Kailukuan School of Indigenous Science promotes a holistic approach to the preservation and propagation of our Philippine cultural traditions. Two unique programs are offered: (1) the Ablon Therapy Practitioner Certification, and (2) the Kailukuan Combat Program. The ablon program is based on the transmission of knowledge from Filipino traditional healers. The combat program is based on the teachings from Northern Luzon weapons experts, and is inclusive of the healing arts for a well-rounded way of life. These programs are based on over 35 years of practice, research, and development. Our school/retail shop is located in Walnut (East LA County). Daily classes include Didya Mudgara Warrior Club Calisthenics, which is a dynamic form of exercise, not only for improving one’s health and wellbeing, but also one that serves as a foundational groundwork for intuitively understanding the science of movement, whether from a healer, combatant, sports, dance, or physical rehab point of view. Teachings are presented through a scientific and indigenous lens. We conduct seminars and participate in speaking engagements, and we also feature adjunct instructors that specialize in their respective fields.

4 levels to mastery

Kailukuan: Combat and Healing Arts of Northern Luzon (KCHA) was conceptualized in 2020, followed by the physical school that was established in 2021 in Walnut, California. The school offers a full curriculum consisting of 11 levels of instruction, namely:  

  • Rugi a Tukad (Beginner Levels 1-3) 

  • Tengnga a Tukad (Intermediate Levels 4-6) 

  • Sakbay a Tukad (Advanced Levels 7-9) 

  • Didyo/Panagsanay Manursuro (Practitioner/Teacher Training) 

  • Sangkabagi (Mastery Level) 


The curriculum is based on varying levels following, which lead to the mastery of the entire system as a whole: 

1) Didya Mudgara Warrior Club Calisthenics, 

2) Didya ‘Kabarwanan, and 

3) Ablon Manual Medicine

Didya Mudgara Warrior Club Calisthenics 

Didya Mudgara is the art of swinging wooden clubs for calisthenic purposes, in order to uplift the physical wellbeing of each practitioner who learn the interrelation between the combat and healing arts. A pair of Indian clubs are used as the tools that are held in Dumadangadang (warrior) postures and swung in a similar manner when handling weapons in the art of Didya ‘Kabarwanan (escrima of Northern Luzon). These clubs are also used in physical rehabilitation to help patients increase flexibility and range of motion, develop eye-hand coordination, and to encourage the balancing of the left and right hemispheres of the brain.  

 

Didya ‘Kabarwanan 

The combat art of Didya ’Kabarwanan is based on various escrima weapon styles from the Kailukuan region of Northern Luzon. Emphasis is placed on unique body mechanics for power development, thus giving practitioners the capability to manipulate long and heavy wooden sticks, bolos, and balila (sword clubs). The movements learned also act as a foundational structure for Ablon manual medicine and Didya Mudgara. 

 

Ablon Manual Medicine 

Ablon (known as Hilot by other ethnolinguistic groups) is a traditional Iluko hands-on form of healing used by folk healers and expert practitioners of the combat arts. It includes the evaluation, treatment, and care for clients dealing with issues on physical, mental, and spiritual planes. It is based on natural laws governing the human body by using spiritual, physiological, psychological, and mechanical methods. Ablon is a healing methodology that is holistic, taking into account distinguishable human qualities or characteristics that have an influence on each other. In a clinical setting, Ablon is applicable in physical rehabilitation or for general maintenance.