In Memoriam – Ben T. Largusa [1926 – 2010]


It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Grandmaster Ben Largusa.

Grandmaster Ben Largusa entered into eternal rest on October 3, 2010.  We will remember him fondly, not only as a great martial artist but also as a great friend, husband, father and grandfather.  He is preceded in death by his son, Lane and is survived by his wife, Philomena, daughter, Lois and sons, Jerry and Lindsey.

139 comments

  1. Arnel & Cynthia Mendoza -

    My prayers go out to the Largusa Family and to my brothers and sisters in the K.A.A Family. Grand Master Ben is a Great Man who has touched and inspired countless sprits. He is truly a Legend. You will be greatly missed,
    Rest In Peace Grandmaster Ben.

    Guro Arnel & Cynthia Mendoza

  2. Guro Kim Satterfield -

    The Midwest School of Eskrima mourns the passing of one of the greatest Filipino martial arts masters of this, or any, time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to GM Largusa’s family and students. May his art live on, and the Villibrille/Largusa Kali family ever grow.

  3. Angela Rodriguez -

    I was one of the lucky ones to have Ben Largusa as my Uncle.I am sad and Uncle’s passing is a loss to our family and all those who loved him. However, it is time that we share him with God and our late Largusa family. Uncle was not only a Grand Master of Kali but also a unique and talanted musician playing his guitar and ukele til the very end. Most of all, Uncle Ben was an exemplary family man! Uncle Ben will always be in my heart and remembered at every family gathering. This man that I call “Uncle Ben” is now an icon and a legend. Our family get togethers won’t be the same. I will deeply miss him. My heart and prayer for Uncle and his family. Uncle Ben was a blessing in our lives.

  4. Jack A. Latorre -

    Heartfelt condolences to the Largusa family and all of his loved ones. He will be remembered by many for the huge impact he left on this earth.

    Peace and comfort,

    Jack A. Latorre
    Pekiti-Tirsia

  5. Guro Gerald Toki -

    To the LARGUSA family:
    I am deeply saddened by your loss, I will ALWAYS cherish the great memories with Grandmaster Ben through Kali as well as in Music. I am with you during this time of Grief.
    I will miss you Grandmaster Ben!
    Peace, Prayers & Blessings,
    Guro Gerald Toki

  6. Lloyd Bumanglag -

    To The Largusa Family,
    It is with deep sadness to hear of the passing of Grandmaster Ben Largusa. He has been one of the great martial artist in our time to proliferate the Filipino arts. He will be missed dearly.

    “What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget”

    My thoughts are with you and your family

  7. Victor Gemora -

    Thank you for spreading the gift of Kali, your memory will live on in what you’ve created for us, to share our culture with the world.

    With deep respect,
    Victor Gemora and Family

  8. Wes Bennett -

    SALUTE’! Much respect from the Lucaylucay Ohana in the MidWest. Grandmaster Largusa was very kind to me as I came up..under Guro Ted and Guro Lucky Lucaylucay. He took my phone calls and even sent me a few treasured letters, when he didn’t have to. What a great man, teacher, and spirit. Fond memories and now a heavy heart. This is just a brief note of condolences to his Ohana, students, and friends. He is once again with Guro Lucky, Guro Ted, and of course Grandmaster Villabrille.
    Thank you for what you have given us and left behind for us to yet learn. God’s speed… see you again on the other side. Mahalo. ALOHA… and Salute’
    RESPECTS.
    God bless,
    -wes bennett
    Lucaylucay Kali/JKD Midwest Regional Director
    Hartsell JFJKD

  10. Morgan Mistral -

    This terrible news make me sad. we will miss him a lot.
    He was for me an inspiration that motivated me to learn Kali.
    I present my condolences to his family, his friends and students.
    RIP Grandmaster !

  11. Christopher Clarke -

    On behalf of myself and NW KALI, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Largusa Family and the members of the Kali Association of America. The Grandmasters passing is not only a loss for them but for the Filipino martial arts community as a whole. He was a man who not only mastered the physical art, but who embodied the true virtues of Kali: Love, Compassion and Humility.

  13. Guro Eric e bone -

    You will be greatly missed Grandmaster My prayers to the Largusa Family,Friends , KAA and all other martial artists who the GM touched. Blessings to all…. Guro e bone R.I.P

  14. Ben Fajardo -

    My deepest condolences to the family, my prayers go out for all who loved and cared for this great man of Kali! Sifu/Guro Ben Fajardo

  15. Chuck Canete -

    Extending our deepest sympathies to the family of GM Largusa.

    from: SGM Cacoy Canete and the Cacoy Doce Pares World Federation

  16. R. Mascarinas -

    Dearest Autie Phil and Family,

    Prayers for the late Grandmaster Ben. May God give the Largusa family strength and peace during the passing of a brilliant martial artist, father and friend. I will always remember your jokes and laughter. Thank you for taking the time to share a part of your life.

    In His Love,
    +Ramon

  17. Arlene A DeFinis (Lucaylucay) -

    Aunty Philly,
    Our love goes to you and the family. I know he is having a wonderful reunion with Dad and Mom (Lucky and Rose) and my brother Ted. All of them playing guitars, ukulele’s and my brother with his conga’s making beautiful music and making each other laugh.

    We love you,
    Sante and Arlene

  18. David Kilian -

    My name is David Kilian, my teacher is Maestro Leonard Trigg. I am very sorry for the loss of such a great man and martial artist. I am honored to carry on Kali and will do it to the best of my abilities. Please let me know if I can be of any service to your family.

  19. Laura Largusa Vialdores -

    I will miss you very much, Uncle Ben. Love & comfort to my Aunty Fely, and cousins Jerry, Lindsey, Lois and their families.

  20. Mark Harrell -

    On behalf of the Harrell Academy of Martial Arts I offer my sincere condolences and prayers to the Largusa family, friends and Kali Association of America members.

    Grandmaster Largusa will be fondly remembered and missed.

    Peace be with you,

    Sifu – Professor Mark Harrell
    Harrell Academy of Martial Arts

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