Only train what works.
Seattle Escrima was founded in 2009 as a separate path from the commercial and organizational structures of the martial arts communities of the time, focusing on optimal training, learning, and development. Both of the founders, Eric Artzt and Andrew Somlyo, long time students of Rene Latosa, had experience running martial arts schools and participating in martial arts communities, and wanted to create a lasting community, accessible to people of all experience levels, and encouraging all to develop themselves to the fullest extent of their skills and desire without the interference of an emphasis on hierarchy and rigid curriculum. From its inception in 2009, Rene Latosa came to Seattle 3-4 times a year, teaching club members directly in open seminars and private lessons.
2010-2015
The club initially met at several public parks and Yesler Community Center, and was rapidly joined by another long time student of Rene’s from his 1980s Golden Gate Park group, Armen George. In late 2010, Eric and Andrew connected with a local group studying Western Martial Arts, Lonin, and began training with them and exploring Historic European Martial Arts through the lens of Latosa Escrima. Members of Seattle Escrima took Latosa Escrima training and concepts into HEMA and buhurt (armored sport combat), and a number of HEMA and buhurt practitioners began to train with the club, winning accolades in individual and team competition.
2015-2020
Seattle Escrima moved from Yesler Community Center in 2015 to share space with Lonin at Seattle Acrobatics and Circus Arts. Flourishing, the club celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2019, hosting Rene Latosa, Cedric Concon (present leader of the system), and a number of senior international practitioners. At the anniversary, a number of club members were awarded formal recognition of achievement in the system for their contributions.
2020-2025
in-person training was suspended due to the pandemic, and practice continued over Zoom until conditions improved, and in person training resumed at Lonin’s new location at Lander. Sadly, 2022 was a year of loss and set backs, with Rene Latosa’s untimely passing, and loss of Seattle Escrima member Lola. The club endured, strengthening bonds with the original Bay Area friends and students of Rene, as well as his many students world-wide, and continues to move forward, doing its best to pass on and build on what he taught and the values he embodied
2025-present
Seattle Escrima maintains its open Saturday practice at the Lonin League training space.
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