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TACTICAL FMA
Strength, Skill & Self-Defence: TACTICAL FMA is a modern martial arts academy rooted in the dynamic Filipino Martial Arts system.
Personal Empowerment
Our mission is to empower people of all ages and fitness levels with practical self-defence skills, physical fitness, and mental strength.
Supportive Community
Whether you’re training for self-defence, fitness, or personal growth, we’ll guide your journey with expert instruction and a strong community.
About Instructor Ben Wong
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Martial Arts Background
From a young age, Ben was deeply inspired by Chinese kung fu movies,
sparking a lifelong passion for martial arts. His outgoing nature and strong
social network connected him with like-minded martial artists, allowing him to exchange knowledge and explore various kung fu styles.
Throughout his early journey, Ben trained in Wing Chun, Hung Gar, and Hsing Yi, gaining a solid foundation in traditional Chinese martial arts. As his journey evolved, Ben had the opportunity to train under Malcolm Lomax, a former British SAS soldier and celebrity bodyguard, from whom he learned Tibetan Lama Pai Kung Fu (also known as Lions Roar) – a style historically associated with Hong Kong Triads in the 1970s due to its aggressive and dominating characteristics.
Ben’s exploration of martial arts led him to Southern Mantis Kung Fu under Sifu Greg Seeto, learning the Sue family lineage. Later, in search of Traditional Chow Gar Southern Mantis Kung Fu, he trained under Sifu Paul Brennan and Sifu Brett Thiedeke. His commitment led him to Hong Kong, where he further refined his skills with Sifu Li Tin Loi.
Ben expresses heartfelt gratitude to all his teachers and friends for sharing their knowledge and shaping his journey. Their guidance and teachings have been invaluable, and he acknowledges that he would not be where he is today without them.
Boxing and Muay Thai
In addition to his kung fu training, Ben frequently traveled to train and spar in Boxing and Muay Thai with his friends in the ring. His exposure to these striking arts allowed him to expand his combat skills and learn from experienced fighters. His training network included practitioners who had trained with Buakaw Banchamek, a legendary professional Muay Thai fighter in Thailand.
Filipino Martial Arts (FMA)
Ben’s exploration of Filipino Martial Arts began with a seminar led by Glenn
Zwiers—a student of Hock Hochheim from the Scientific Fighting
Congress—where he was introduced to Military Close Quarter Battle (CQB) techniques, joint manipulation, and throwing methods. At the time, Ben found these techniques vastly different from the Kung Fu styles he had previously studied. They were simplistic, efficient, and direct, focusing on practical application rather than elaborate forms.
Years later, a captivating YouTube video of Filipino martial artist Doug Marcaida performing the Karamabit reignited his interest. Determined to learn more, Ben attended Doug Marcaida’s seminar in South Korea. Doug’s refined approach to Traditional Kali, delivered through a unique clock system, left a lasting impression. Further broadening his FMA expertise, Ben also attended seminars by Guro Dan Inosanto in Australia, absorbing valuable insights from a true living legend.
Training Under Maestro Melchor William Amosco
In 2019, Ben officially began his training in Arnis under Maestro Melchor William Amosco, founder of Armado Deftac. Maestro Melchor’s system is a dynamic blend of Modern Arnis, Kalis Ilustrisimo, and Lightning Scientific Arnis, providing a comprehensive approach to Filipino weaponry and empty-hand combat. By 2022, Ben earned his Black Belt and was honored with the title “Lakan (Instructor)” in the Philippines.
Exploring Negros Occidental Stick Fighting
His continuous pursuit of excellence led him to the traditional stick-fighting arts of Negros Occidental in Bacolod, where he trained under GM Felix Guinabo of Sungkudan. Ben was captivated by the precision and power of GM Felix’s techniques whose exceptional skill and mastery of whipping power through the cane were nothing short of phenomenal. Ben acquired skills that incorporate elements from the Navales, Buenaflor, Tanique, and Gubaton systems, as well as Oido de Caburata methods. In 2024, Ben was officially certified by GM Felix Guinabo to teach and promote the Sungkudan System and Tapado Long Stick, contributing to the preservation and spread of Negros Occidental stick fighting arts.
Current Affiliations and Security Expertise
Ben is currently affiliated with Hastartes Tactical in the United States and
continues to receive mentorship in Pekiti Tirsia Kali under Guro Ferd Terado, the successor of Tuhon Tim Waid from PTK SMF. This ongoing guidance allows him to further refine his skills and further aquire knowledge of the Doce Methodos principles in the Pekiti Tirsia Kali System.
With over 25 years of experience in the security field, Ben has developed
specialist skills in threat assessment and conflict resolution, drawing on diverse experience from Pubs, Nightclubs, Corporate Environments, Hotels, and Aviation Security. With specialist training in close personal protection from the United Kingdom, he is also a member of the Professional Bodyguard Association in England. Notably, Ben served on the close protection detail for US singer Cher during her 2005 visit to Australia at the Stanford Plaza.