Paul Vunak

PFS: Where did you go after the BKF school?

PV: It was November 22, 1976 when I was first introduced to Dan lnosanto and the Filipino Kali Academy.

PFS: What was that like?

PV: I remember there were some dividers separating the classes. Most people don't know, but the old Kali Academy used to teach Kenpo Karate as well as Jeet Kune Do and Kali. I remember showing up on a Saturday afternoon during which there were no formal classes, just free workout time. I decided to spar with someone to confirm that this was indeed the school for me.

PFS: What was the result of this encounter?

PV: I picked the biggest, most serious-looking guy in the school and asked him if he would spar with me. My adrenaline was pumping and I was bent on taking this guy out. I also remember hitting this guy with a backfist...that's the last thing I remember! When I woke up there was a bunch of guys staring down at me, and I remember my first words were, "Sign me up!”

PFS: Did you ever meet up with this guy again?

Torrance Mathis

PV: (laughing) Yeah, we became friends and trained very hard together. His name was Torrance Mathis. I remember after he kicked my ass all over the gym, I had car trouble and he drove me home. I sat on my bed staring at a wall full of trophies and certificates until, in tears, I ripped every certificate off my wall. I vividly remember my Mom walking in during my adolescent emotional outburst and asking what happened to my face. When I told her she said, “So I guess those two black belts and a quarter will get you a cup of coffee.”

PFS: So where did you go from there?

PV: After about three years at the Kali Academy, I started teaching there.

PFS: What year are we in right now?

PV: I was 19, so it must have been around late '79.

PFS: What were your days like teaching at the Kali Academy?

PV: Eventually I ended up teaching several classes daily. I opened the doors at 4:00 every afternoon, and our last class ended at 10:00 PM. A handful of us would stay every night until 2:00 AM talking to Dan.

PFS: So, you spent 8-10 hours a day there, 7 days a week?

PV: No, we were closed on Sundays.