Reviews of Kapatiran Mandirigma Arnis Escrima

I have rarely (in over 20 years of training) known a teacher more worthy of praise then Shelley Millspaugh. His understanding of the arts he practices (from techniques to history and application) is unrivaled. He ensures competence in the traditions and standards which make his arts unique, but still allows for a degree of personal growth and interpretation within the art as the student progresses. This kind of balance is rare to find in the modern martial landscape. Fair warning though: If you want something from Shelley, i.e. respect or certification, you're gonna have to earn it. If you aren't cutting it he'll let you know, but he'll also help you fix it.

You are not likely to find such a high quality instructor of this caliber for such a reasonable price anywhere in Colorado.

Guro Shelley is a well seasoned teacher who genuinely cares about the development of his students.

A no BS approach to the arts, Instructor's credentials are solid and his abilities are astonishing.

Finding true Martial is always a challenge these days. I have found a place to learn everything I ever wanted to learn and more!

Thank you GM Shelley!

If you are looking for authentic Filipino Martial Arts come visit Kapatiran Mandirigma. GM Shelley Millspaugh is a true master of the art of Eskrima. His lineage is verifiable unlike some of the other FMA teachers in the Northern Colorado area.

Excellent instructor, awesome students and overall just a fun environment to take classes. Highly recommended.

Shelley is awesome! I have been training under him for over 10 years.

I have been in the martial arts for many years and I know a good instructor when I see one. Shelley is an amazing instructor full of knowledge. You could spend a very long time training with him and never learn all he has to offer.

Kapatiran Mandirigma is an ideal school for the student wanting the learn real Filipino arts as they are trained in the Philippines. The instructors have a wealth of experience in both training and teaching. The environment is friendly yet serious. Kapatiran Mandirigma is an organization with connections to several styles of both Filipino and Indonesian arts. It is an organization of inclusivity not exclusivity. The mentality is one that fosters development of the student as a "martial artist" emphasizing BOTH the martial and the art components. It is not a school for the gungho doofus looking for some sort of ego satisfaction. Here you will learn to defend yourself and perfect your art while fostering fraternity amongst your fellow students. While some students choose to compete, they do so with dignity and sportsmanship. Students who come here learn to defend themselves with weapons or empty handed but also gain a deeper understanding of the art, its origins, the philosophy, and how to make the it their own.