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The FMA world lost one of its great ones with the passing of maestro Sonny Umpad this past Thursday, just two months after his 58th birthday. Though he was a private person, preferring to work on his art at home rather than in the limelight, Sonny attracted the attention of some of the leading lights in the martial arts community such as Wally Jay and Jesse Glover. A native of Cebu, he trained with people like Cacoy Canete and Raymond Tobosa in his youth.
Sonny's great contribution to the art was his amazing creativity. He studied and analyzed everything that crossed his path, always figuring out ways to improve and integrate new ideas into his art. A master of double sticks, his centerline roll and understanding of leverage revolutionized sinawalli for those who experienced his technique, and his interpretation of sikaran raised the combative efficacy of kicking in weapons-based arts. In later years Sonny focused on edged weapons, teaching both long and short blades with the respect of one who understands the reality of such.
Besides his gifted movement, Sonny was also a prolific master craftsman. He could make a weapon out of anything, and each piece he designed was a unique and individual work of art, above and beyond mere utilitarian function. He was a true renaissance man in the art who created a unique legacy for his students and friends. He will be sorely missed.
Jeff "Stickman" Finder
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