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. Wes & Gerrie Akau -

    Our condolences to the Largusa ohana. We will miss uncle very much. Our prayers are with you all. God Bless.
    Wes & Gerrie (Lucaylucay) Akau

  2. Alan Soliman -

    My condolences to the Largusa family.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    The Soliman family formally from Kauai

  3. Louie D. Lindo -

    On behalf of the FMA practitioners here in Vancouver, Canada we extend our condolences to the Largusa family.

    Rest assured the legacy will be continued here in our own little way.

    Louie D. Lindo
    Ikatan Kali

  4. Lino Espejo -

    Our most heartfelt sympathies & most deepest condolences to the family & friends of GM Ben Largusa. Your wisdom will live forever in us as we continue on. May God bless you.

    With a deeply saddened heart, most respectfully yours
    Lino Espejo – Estalilla Kabaroan, Lucaylycay Kali/JKD

  5. Guro Mel Manibog -

    On behalf of the Mel Manibog School of Kali, my wife Kim and children, we would like to express our condolences and to thank our Grandmaster Ben T. Largusa for showing his knowledge, teachings and many stories. I truly appreciate and will miss those great times, they will never be forgotten. Special blessing to our Grandmaster Ben T. Largusa, may you rest in peace. Special blessings to the Largusa family as well as the Kali Association of America and our members.

    Peace Be With You All,
    Guro Mel Manibog

  6. Sean Lontayao -

    On behalf of Professor Greg Lontayao and family, we offer our deepest condolences in the passing of Grandmaster Ben Largusa. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Largusa Family. Nenong, you will be missed.

    Sean Lontayao
    Lontayao Martial Arts Organization

  7. Cissy Rojas -

    My sincere apologies for your loss. Uncle Ben will be missed . He has left a legacy for the future generation of Kali students. It will be hard to replace another individual that was so special to the martial arts world.

    Cissy Rojas

  8. Catherine Kitty Canete-Knight -

    My father SGM Cacoy Canete and the rest of us in the family are sending our sincerest condolences to the late GM Ben Largusa’s family. We are deeply saddened to hear about his passing.

    Respectfully yours,
    Master Catherine Kitty Canete-Knight
    Cacoy Doce Pares World Federation

  9. Thomas Edejer -

    My deepest condolences to the Largusa family. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Grandmaster Ben truly inspired many people through his skills and knowledge of Kali. I will cherish the moments of learning the theories and techniques he showed us over the many years. He will be greatly missed.

    Peace be with you,
    Professor Tom Edejer

  10. Jos Villabrille -

    I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Ben Largusa’s families and friends.I was very sorry to hear about his passing away. I had the greatest respect for Ben, My Uncle Floro Villabrille told me a lot of good things about him when I used to live on Kauai. He was a great man and surely will be remember for many years to come. My deep condolence with all my heart.

  11. Guro Alberto Ganir -

    Peace be with you and GOD Bless you Grandmaster Ben Largusa. Many blessings and prayers to the Largusa family and our KAA family. We will all miss you but we will never forget a very special person in our lives, Grandmaster Ben Largusa. Bert Ganir and family

  12. Rick Reyes -

    Far beyond the world of martial arts – Manoi Ben and I shared deeper interests that engulfed our lives. We shared a common bond in philosophy, music and priorities. Our families were similar, with 3 boys and a daughter. Long before the days he decided to teach Kali and organize – we spent hours sharing our every thughts about life and music. Our common bond was our families. His wife Fely and my wife Elene would talk relentlessly even during their working hours. We often had dinner together over the years and celebrated together as a family during many holidays. We became familiar with each other, including the idiosyncrasies of our families. Along with Tony Lamadora (Possibly the truest martial artists along with Bruce Lee) and I spent numerous times throughout the years, learning to respect and care for each other as friends.

    When I learned of his passing, I felt a deep sense of loss. All of my truest men friends have since passed. I have a volume, which I’ve kept for over 53 yrs. In it, included original writings in hand written by Ben. I read theories and diagrams he drew on Napkins from lounges and restaurants over the years. I also read the articles and photostats Tony Lamadora constructed. (Tony died March 1984) It brought back good memories of young minds.

    I will always remember the man, the person and his family. Kali is but a part of his many accomplishments. His work ethics and incredibly neat detailed writings are incomparable. His sense of humor was reserved and somewhat subdued. The prayers we shared together alone. All the thoughts and sorrows only friends could share. His incredible and completely devoted wife Fely who supported him throughout their lives. The extreme pain and suffering in the lost of his eldest son Layne. Lindsay and Jerry who are left to continue his legacy. Lois, their beautiful daughter who has been such a blessing in their lives. “Aunty Connie” who has been a complete part of their lives….and still is. May the true creator of existence look upon you as an accomplishment. Rick Reyes

  13. Rick Tucci -

    I send my condolences to his family and close friends. I never had the opportunity to work with him personally but I know that I have reaped the benefits of his teachings through Guro Dan Inosanto who thought so highly of him. His Kali teachings will live on through the many he has touched.
    Rick Tucci

  14. Chris Lamadora -

    We will deeply miss you Uncle Ben. Words cannot explain my sincere love and respect for you. I was at Kualua Beach Park honoring my brother King October 3, as I was walking back from the beach I got the call from your son, Lindsey that you had entered the gates of heaven. I was sad of course but relieved that the pain and anguish was over. And peace and happiness in the next life had begun. The thought of you with father, my brother and all you loved ones put a smile on my face and in my heart. Uncle Ben, I love, adore and cherish everything about you.

    Aloha and love from the Lamadora clan to you, Uncle Ben and the entire Largusa family.

  15. Alan M.Reyes -

    In the earlier years when we first came to CA., I was just a kid, I knew him as my Uncle Ben, together with my Uncle Tony Lamadora, visits to the SF area was always interesting because of the knowledge that was displayed, there is another loss, of great men. I will remember him as serious, loving of his family and the art, and time loss that can never be regained. If there is anything that I can do, please call 707-446-0249, My family sends their love and prayers,and above all heart felt condolences. Love to the family..
    GrandMaster Alan M. Reyes and family.

  16. Tony Menendez -

    My deepest condolences and prayers go to the Largusa family , I’m a student of Guro Gerald Toki , never had the pleasure of meeting Grand Master Ben T Largusa , last time Guro Gerald saw Grandmaster was in Las Vegas and he asked Grand Master Largusa to Sign a couple of Sticks and a picture of him i will Cherish that Forever.
    May you Rest in Peace forever Grand Master Ben T Largusa you will always be Remembered , we Miss you , God Bless.

  17. Oscar Penaranda -

    Not just one man but a whole era has gone right before our eyes. With Grandmaster Ben Largusa’s passing, we have probably witnessed the last eskrimador par excellence, virtuous, humble yet with confidence, and with the integrity that befits his mentor Floro Villabrille and masters like him, of an era of Filipino martial arts that had ushered into the globe and into the coming centuries the systematic, disciplined, and principled fighting arts of the Philippines. I take your hand and humbly place it on my forehead for a last blessing, Manoy Ben.

  18. Paige Nelson -

    It was my privilege to be able to train under Grandmaster Ben at the 2008 Redwood City Kali workshop. What a gentleman! He embodied the spirit of a true Grandmaster and Kali warrior. To the Largusa family: You will continue to be in my prayers daily as will our beloved Grandmaster.
    Until we all meet again, peace be with you.
    Paige Nelson

  19. Stickgrappler -

    I have never had the honor of meeting nor training with Manong Largusa, but his influence is evident in the FMA system I practice.

    My sincerest condolences to the Largusa family as well as to the Villabrille-Largusa Kali family.

    ~sg

  20. Richard Kanseah Rodriguez -

    Uncle Ben was a great man, aside from the obvious and previous noted achievements, Uncle loved his Ohana without question. Even as an adult, I enjoyed and miss hearing Uncle Ben playin music with all the equally talented Largusa Ohana during times of celebration and gathering. My condolences to Aunty Philomena, Lois, Lindsey, Jerry and of course the entire Largusa Ohana, my love and respect for you all will never lessen or waiver.
    Aloha Uncle Ben, Mahalo’s for all the love and respect that you bestowed upon the Ohana

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