Head Instructor

Guro Ernest E. Laberge

Ernest E. Laberge has studied martial arts for most of his life, beginning his training at an early age. He now owns and operates Kicks and Sticks Filipino Martial Arts Studio, where he is the head instructor. training at Laberge's school includes but is not limited to Espada y Daga (sword & dagger)., Baston (single stick), Sinawali (double stick), and empty hand, including punches, kicks, blocks, trapping hands, throwing and ground fighting techniques. Laberge has studied numerous styles of martial arts, including Modern Arnis, Pekiti Tirsia Kali, Dog Brothers Inc., Real Contact stick Fighting, Silat, JuJitsu, Judo and  Escrima.

Mr. Laberge has studied under prestigious martial artists, including Remy A. Presas, Bill McGrath, and Marc Deny. In addition, Laberge has trained in seminars with such martial artists as Dan Inosanto, Bobby Taboada, Michael DePesquale, Jr., and Michael DePasquale, Sr. Also included in this list are Professor Wally Jay, Joe Lewis, Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, Florendo Visitacion.

Laberge’s philosophy of the martial arts is to develop oneself in a positive manner, physically, mentally, and morally. He believes that this total integration helps to create a person who is free from inner conflict and who can deal with the outside world in a mature, intelligent manner. Laberge also credits the martial arts with providing physical benefits, including fitness, flexibility, muscle tone, and increased stamina. He also believes there are mental benefits to martial arts, including self-discipline, confidence, improved concentration, increased awareness, and stress control. As well, Laberge maintains that there are numerous skills associated with martial arts training, including self-defense, coordination, balance, and recreation.

Ernest Laberge’s instructors are certified with the Zen-Do Kai Martial Arts Association. These instructors train several times a year with Tuhon Bill McGrath and other martial artists.

Mr. Laberge has received recognition for his accomplishments in the martial arts. On September 15, 1997, Laberge received the teaching level of Guro from Remy A. Presas. He has received a Filipino Arts Instructor Certificate from the Cantin School of Karate and Arnis in September of 1994. Since 1995, Laberge has participated in grade school awareness programs and has run a special program for training security officers. Laberge has appeared in parts I, II, and IV of the public television documentary series entitled, Martial Arts of the World, which first aired in 1998.

In addition to the previous cited recognitions, Ernest Laberge has also received awards and honors for his participation in the martial arts. He has received three awards from Kick Drugs Out of America and the Zen-Do Kai Martial Arts Association for fund raising and supporting their programs. Laberge received awards from the Zen-Do Kai Martial Arts Association for school achievement and on March 30, 1996, he was honored by the International Bladefighter’s Guild for supporting research and development of the art.

• Sixth degree Black Belt
2004 USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame Arnis Instructor of the year. 

Lakan Dalawa Buddy Reed           Lakan Dennis Lawrence  

 

Assistant Instructors

 

         

         Lakan Dylan Thomas               Likah Randall Bissette        

 

 

 

 

Likah Alyson Turschman

 

Teaching Assistants

             

      
                

         Kevin Rocha            Sam Robinson