About Us

Glenn C. Abrescy

On January 7, 1943, Glenn Canonigo Abrescy was born in the heart of the Delta in Isleton, California. An area surrounded by miles of intertwining rivers and sloughs, would serve as an ideal home for many Filipinos coming from a country made up of some 7000 islands.

Sifu Glenn Abrescy, the youngest of seven children, was raised in the town of Isleton under the watchful eye of his father Theodorico Kimar Abrescy, and his mother Paula Canonigo Abrescy.

Fabian Damian Canalita, referred to as "Uncle Damian" was both Sifu Abrescy's uncle and first Escrima instructor. By today's standards, what was taught would be considered tribal, as it lacked terminology. However, it was based on structure, fundamentals, and effectiveness.

After graduating from Rio Vista High School, Sifu Abrescy would enter the engineering and design industry serving as a professional draftsman. This would later be reflected in the Martial Arts for both his attention to detail and numerous artwork that serve as Kemscrima-Doh's logos.

In the late 1980's Sifu Abrescy would elect to leave the design industry to serve as a full-time Martial Arts instructor. After establishing Kemscrima-Doh in 1985, he would go on to open the Eastwind Martial Arts Academy in Merced, CA in 1987. 

If you would like to contact Sifu Glenn Abrescy directly, he can be reached at 1.209.723.1358 or you can email him at sifu@kemscrimadoh.com

About The Founder

In 1956, at age 13, he stumbled upon two brothers practicing martial arts, and what ensued was his first formal Kempo class under the tutelage of Sensei Don Cadiente in Tekenjitsu-Kai, a style featuring Karate, Kempo, and Jujitsu. Later on, he would go on to train under Don's brother, Sensei Roy Cadiente in Goju-Ryu Karate.

Upon graduating from high school and moving about the country, he continued training under many styles and systems. To name a few, he continued practicing Kempo under Dan Guzman of Glendale, CA; one of Ed Parker's top students. In a move back to Northern California, he became a part of the Kajukenbo system under the tutelage of Sifu Albert J. Dacascos. He would go on to earn the rank of 3rd degree Black Belt and earn his Instructor's Certificate under Kajukenbo founder Adriano Emperado in 1968.

Friends of Sifu Abrescy

In the late 1970's, he would refine his Escrima under Great Grandmaster Remy A. Presas, the father of Modern Arnis. Brother to Remy, Great Grandmaster Ernesto Presas and founder of Combatan Escrima, would also serve as a well-respected Escrima influence. You can also explore a comprehensive diagram of Sifu Abrescy's Circle of Influence.

In 1968, Sifu Abrescy would form "Chi-Fi Kempo Karate" serving as the first prototype system. The first two Blackbelts produced were Cesario Roquetta and Sifu Abrescy's nephew John Valdez. They would go on to form their own organization's and produce Blackbelts such as Ray Lopez, Liz Lopez, Gene Weber, and Frank Rillamas. Many of these "descendants of descendants" still pay homage to Sifu Abrescy, as they he serves as a "Grandfather" to their instructors and respective systems such as Lopez Kajukenbo, Bojitsu-Kai, and Chi-Fi Serrada.

At the turn of the decade in 1970, Sifu Abrescy formed the second prototype entitled "Tamaraw: Kempo Kuntao Escrima," named after the Tamaraw water buffalo found in a remote island of the Philippines. This nearly extinct species has been known to cut paths of destruction through the thickest of jungles once provoked. As this wild animal embodied the strength, spirit, and demeanor of the art, it has been a part of the coat of arms and centerpiece of all emblems.

In 1985, Sifu Abrescy would blend three arts to develop the art of Kemscrima-Doh, featuring the eclectic blend of Chinese Kempo, Filipino Escrima, and Indonesian Kuntao. Key role players included long time student and protege Pete Padron, along with Manuel O. Canalita who coined the term "Kemscrima-Doh." Translated, Kemscrima-Doh is "The Way of the Stick and Fist." Over the past 25 years, he has spread the art of Kemscrima-Doh in both principle, theory, and art form.

In 2006, marking 50 years in the Martial Arts, Sifu Glenn Abrescy celebrated with current students, affiliates, and old Kemscrima-Doh practicioners alike. While he had trained with many styles, instructors, and systems, many came to pay homage to him for passing knowledge to them over the years as well.

Today, Sifu Abrescy resides in Merced, CA with his wife Philomena Abrescy, overseeing both the Headquarters and an extension program, "Livingston Kempo Karate" located in Livingston, CA. In addition to instructing a Martial Arts Physical Education Course at the local Merced Junior College, he occasionally travels to affiliate and associate schools to oversee seminars, rank testings, and tournaments. Although he has many achievements and has earned the respect of many over the past 50 years, his continued goal is to share knowledge, pass on traditions, and spread the art of Kemscrima-Doh.