About Master Burford

Master Reginald Burford instructs the club. He has over 45 years experience in the martial arts and has taught Eskrima since 1987. He has been a part of the growing history of Eskrima in California and thoughout the World.

Master Burford's interest in martial arts began at the age of 5, when he attended boxing training sessions with his father. At the age of 11, his family moved to Washington DC where he was introduced to Chinese boxing. It was at this point that Master Burford developed an interest in the Asian martial arts.

Upon joining the US Army in 1976, Master Burford was assigned to Special Weapons, 2nd Division, stationed in Wejanbu, Korea. Master Burford served a 2-year assignment in Korea. During this time, he earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do and Hap Ki Do under the instruction of Master Cho.

In 1979, while still in the Army, Master Burford received reassignment to San Francisco, California as an Army military policeman at the Presidio. During this assignment, Master Burford honed his skills, developing combat techniques for real-life situations. This began his focus toward simple, realistic fighting techniques in combat and for self-defense.

Master Burford was discharged from the army in 1979. Looking for excitement and new challenges, he opted for enlistment into the US Navy. During his time at sea, Master Burford toured the world, boxed for the Navy, and taught Tae Kwon Do to his shipmates.

Upon his discharge from the navy in 1983, Master Burford settled in Oakland, California. He studied Tai Chi under Master Huey in Oakland's Chinatown for five years and took over Master Huey's class upon the latter's retirement, teaching for six years.

In 1985, Master Burford was introduced to the Filipino martial arts as he began to study Modern Arnis with Clem Wings at the Hand-to-Hand Martial Arts Studio in Oakland, California. During this time, he trained with both Remy and Ernesto Presas. He continued his study of Modern Arnis for several more years.

In 1986, Master Burford joined the Berkeley Eskrima Club with Master Ed Abinsay and Guro Leo Fernandez. Master Burford quickly adapted his extensive martial arts background, utilizing his previous knowledge of edged weapons from Hap Ki Do, and recently acquired understanding of balance, movement, and energy from Tai Chi, blending these techniques to form a unique interpretation of Eskrima.

Master Ed Abinsay, Leo Fernandez, and Alfredo Bandalan were instrumental in their efforts to organize national Eskrima tournaments in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Berkeley Eskrima Club sent several competitors to local and national tournaments, as well as the first and second World Eskrima Kalin Arnis Federation (WEKAF) World Championships held in the Philippines. Master Burford's list of competitions during this time period are listed below.

During the world WEKAF tournament held in 1989, Master Burford was introduced to Great Grandmaster Cacoy Canete and Doce Pares Eskrima. Over the years, Master Burford has trained with and assisted Great Grandmaster Cacoy at numerous tournaments and seminars. Additionally, during his time in the Philippines, Master Burford had the fortunate opportunity to train with several other Filipino masters. These included Grandmaster Dionisio Canete, Grandmaster Filemon "Momoy" Canete, and Master Abner Pasa.

In 1990, Master Ed Abinsay turned over instruction of the Berkeley Eskrima Club to Master Burford. He continued instruction at the Berkeley Eskrima Club until 1995 when it was renamed the Oakland Eskrima Club. From this time onward, Master Burford has focused instruction on Doce Pares Eskrima. However, he continues to inject his unique background to create his own formidable style of Doce Pares Eskrima.

In the summer of 2003, Master Burford was recognized for his unique adaptation of Doce Pares Eskrima when he received the high honor of Master of Doce Pares from Grand Master Dionisio Canete.

Master Burford continues to train interested students in his unique style of Doce Pares Eskrima. Master Burford comments, "I am a traditionalist. My martial arts roots are steeped in tradition. I teach my students the basics and they adapt my teachings to what works for each individual. My general philosophy is, learn the techniques and make your mistakes in class, not on the street. Keep it simple: 'simple' works. And above all, train within the realm of reality."