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. Brent Cash -

    Brent Cash BDP
    On behalf of Bandalan Doce Pares we send our heart felt condolences to the Gm Largusa family. You are in our prays.
    Brent Cash Bandalan Doce Pares

  2. Guro Joe Walls -

    On behalf of all of us here at Three Rivers Eskrima Concepts, I offer our deepest sympathy and condolensces to the family, friends, and students of GM Largusa. May he rest in peace.

  3. Gabe Rafael -

    Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and friends of GM Ben Largusa, rest in peace our brother in Filipino Martial Arts.

    Sincerely Yours,

    Gabe Rafael

    Upakan Bara-Bara
    Martial Arts Academy

    Tabimina Balintawak

    WEKAF USA

  4. Guro Orlando -

    My condolences and heartfelt prayers to Grandmaster Ben and the Largusa family. Thank you for all that you have shared. Rest in peace Grandmaster.

    Peace be with you always,

    Guro Orlando

  5. Jaime and Mita Delmundo -

    Our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Largusa and family. We’re for certain that our Lord has his arms wrapped around you to protect and comfort you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  6. Burton Richardson -

    My condolences to the family of Tuhan Largusa and to all of his students. My students and I offer our sincere gratitude for all of your efforts to perpetuate the art of Kali.
    Maraming salamat po

  7. Guro Jim Steaveson & Ohana -

    As a member of the KAA, to train and teach the Villabrille-Largusa System of Kali is an honor and pleasure. To have its impact felt in my life every day is what I have been blessed with. To have met and spent time with Grand Master Largusa was truly an awesome experience, on each and every occasion, and my life would not be what it is today had I not. I am forever grateful for all that you gave and shared. Your wisdom, your music, your laughter and your way…

    Prayers to the Largusa Ohana, friends and associates from the Steaveson Ohana and School.

  8. Sifu/Guro Bud Thompsob -

    To The Largusa Family,
    As to let you know who I am , I am Dan Inosanto’s oldest student. I met Tuhan Ben Largusa in 1974 at Dan Insanto’s Kali Academy in Torrance, California. I was in Kauai in 1981 as a part of the Los Angeles Demo Team to perform at the passing of the Grandmastership from Floro Villabrille to Ben Largusa. I have always been an admirer of Ben Largusa for the what he represented and the man he was, I wish to send my deepest and sincerest condolences for the loss of your loved one.

    From the students and staff of the:
    Kali Academy Mixed Martial Arts – Whittier, CA
    Sifu/Guro
    Bud Thompson
    Head Instructor

  9. Johnny Williams Jr. -

    I didn’t know GrandMaster Largusa, but I knew of his work. He truly was one of The Giants! The martial arts world will be the poorer for his passing. On behalf of myself, and my group, THE CHINA HAND GUNG-FU CLUB, we extend our condolances to his family, students, friends and all who’s lives he touched and impacted.

    Johnny Williams Jr.

    THE CHINA HAND GUNG-FU CLUB
    “Gung-Fu is Gung-Fu. It’s not child’s play.”
    -Bruce Lee as Kato

  10. Marc "Crafty Dog" Denny -

    On behalf of the Dog Brothers and Dog Brothers Martial Arts, I offer our condolences and prayers to the Largusa family and our gratitude for the lasting influence of GM Largusa’s teachings.

    “The Wood is consumed, but the fire burns on.”

  11. Carrie -

    The Filipino martial arts community suffered a great loss. I’m sorry for the loss of someone who invested so much of himself for family, for the art and for FMA students and practitioners everywhere. Condolences to Grandmaster Largusa’s family and strength for the difficult days ahead.

    Saludos, Carrie
    IMPACT Athletes, Virginia Beach, VA

  12. Guro Bernie Bernal -

    Grandmaster Ben will be deeply missed, our condolences to the Largusa family. He now rests with many a great, but lived during a great time in contemporary martial arts, and contributed so much to many in that life.

    Peace be with you,

    Guro Bernie Bernal & Family

  13. Jaime Berdal Jr. and Ohana/Maui Kali -

    Apohang Tuhan Ben Largusa shared his Oracion to give us guidance and strength in life. His Kali flows in our bodies by way (oath). He played music that would harmonize our soul. A great man will be missed by all . His MANA is strong and he is with us always. Manang Philomena and Largusa family, our Oracion are with you. Mahalo Lois and Henry.

  14. Prof Darrell Sarjeant -

    On behalf of the Silent Warrior Arts Family:

    We pray that GM Largusa’s transition was peaceful and that his spirit is at rest.

    May the Creator and Ancestors Bless his family and students with peace and comfort through this time.

    GOD’s perfect will has been done.

    Ashe! Ashe! Ashe!

  15. Antonio E. Somera -

    Bahala Na Martial Arts Association would like to express its deepest sympathy and heart felt condolences to the Largusa Family and the Villabrille-Largusa Kali System and Kali Association of America. I have had the honor of assisting Grand Master Leo M. Giron as we attended many of the Kali Association functions as guests. I know that GM Leo Giron and GM Largusa were very dear friends and we the Bahala Na Martial Arts Association in honor of GM Largusa will show our respect and honor, as we will observe a moment of silence before our normal class time throughout this month in our schools both in America and Europe. We feel that our lasting friendship for both of our Associations will serve as our tribute to GM Largusa and GM Leo Giron memories forever. May God Bless GM Largusa and the Villabrille-Largusa Kail System and Kali Association of America.

    With great sadness,

    Antonio E. Somera
    Grand Master
    Bahala Na ® Martial Arts Association
    Giron ® Arnis Escrima
    http://www.bahalana.org/

  16. Ramon Rubia -

    Our sincere condolences to the family of the late GM Ben Largusa on behalf of the San Miguel Eskrima, NMODE–DSG AND Decampo 123 Orihinal Eskrima.

  17. Ervin Quintin -

    His memory will live on in our hearts. I am honored and privileged to have had his influence reach me through teachings. My thoughts and prayers for the family.

    Ervin Quintin

  18. Daniel Mendoza -

    My sincere condolences to the family of this wonderful man and Great teacher.Though I never met this man, I feel very sadden by his passing.My prayers are with those who knew and loved him. Though GM has gone on, his legacy will be here. God bless.

  19. David Hines -

    To the Largusa family and the entire Villabrille-Largusa Kali family, I extend my heartfelt sympathy and deep regret upon hearing of your (and our) loss. It was through the gift of many years with Lucky and Ted Lucaylucay, Leo Giron and Raymond Tobosa that I had the privilege of meeting and visiting with both G.M. Floro Villabrille in Kauaii and, later, in California and also (then) Tuhan Ben Largusa. These two gentlemen have been a primary inspiration in my life and I pray that their spirit will continue to live and thrive among their successors.

    Sincerely, David G. Hines, Guro/Head Instructor,
    Bahala Na Club – Monterey Bay, K.S.E.A Monterey Bay.

  20. Max M. Pallen -

    To the Largusa Family:
    With Deepest Sympathy from All of Us, The Pallens family and on behalf of the Pallens Martial arts, Senkotiros Inc. UFMAC Organization with our Prayers. May it help to know that we’re thinking of the closes family, friends, members of the Kali Villabrille System with the deepest sympathy and heartfelt understanding. I for one a kali practitioner (Villabrille System) many years back will miss the Great Grandmaster Ben Largusa, a humple man, Grandmaster, Great leader and an Ambassador of PEACE. A great loss to the Filipino Martial art World and will be remembered forever.

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