Martial Arts Seminars & Special Events at NSAMA
Unique training experiences for kids, teens, and adults in Libertyville, IL
At Northshore Academy of Martial Arts, training goes far beyond weekly classes. Throughout the year, NSAMA hosts dynamic martial arts seminars and special events designed to give students unforgettable learning experiences outside the regular curriculum. From high-energy kids events like Nunchuck Seminars and Spar Wars, to Stick Fighting Olympiads (SFO), Filipino Martial Arts gatherings like Pagtitipon and guest instructor seminars with respected names such as Ron Balicki, these events expose students to new skills, new instructors and new challenges. Our seminars bring together the NSAMA community while connecting Libertyville families to the broader martial arts culture in an exciting, hands-on way.
UPCOMING EVENTS IN 2026

2026 MIDWEST PAGTITIPON IV • APRIL 17-19
A CWA FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS SEMINAR EVENT
We are excited to announce the collaborative effort between Northshore Academy of Martial Arts and Tuhon Jesse’s Combat Warrior Academy in hosting The Annual 2026 Midwest Pagtitipon IV • Filipino Martial Arts Seminar. This partnership brings together the expertise and passion of our Filipino Martial Arts backgrounds to provide an unparalleled experience. Join us for a transformative seminar celebrating the rich heritage & Combat Spirit of The Filipino Martial Arts. *All Tickets include: A Full Color Handmade Pagtitipon IV Certificate.
SPEcial guests:
GM OLIVER GARDUCE • AMA GURO RAFFY PAMBUAN
GURO MARC HALLECK • TUHON SADDIQ MUHAMMAD
TUHON JESSE CABUYADAO • KARAMBIT MAKER &
GORDIAN KEY FORGE (CUSTOM KNIFE MAKERS)
WHERE:
NORTHSHORE ACADEMY OF MARTIAL ARTS
281 Peterson Road • Libertyville, IL 60048
847.573.1672 • nsama@nsama.com
HOTEL & TRAVEL info:
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS SUITES: 3 minutes away
77 West Buckley Rd • Libertyville, IL • 60048
847.549.7878 • Holiday Inn Email • Website
WHEN:
FRIDAY, APRIL 17: 4:00PM-9:00PM
SATURDAY, APRIL 18: 10AM-4:00PM
SUNDAY, APRIL 19: 10AM-4:00PM
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW:
ALL 3 DAYS * EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: $180
EARLY BIRD ENDS MARCH 15: $199
1 DAY ONLY: $120.00
ALL 3 DAYS FOR KIDS AGES 13-17: $99
PAGTITIPON IV: MASTERS, LINEAGE & LEGACY
PAGTITIPON IV SPECIAL GUESTS • INTERVIEW WITH PTK FOUNDER GRAND TUHON LEO T. GAJE JR.
Explore the stories, lineage, and experience behind the instructors featured at Pagtitipon IV. This section highlights each special guest and includes a rare interview with Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje Jr., founder of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, offering deeper insight into the history, principles and legacy that shape the art you’ll experience at the event.
grandmaster oliver garduce
Pintados Kali, Eskrima & FMA Master
Grandmaster Oliver “Pintados” Garduce is a world-recognized Filipino Martial Arts master known for Pintados Kali/Eskrima and his deep connection to Pekiti Tirsia principles. With decades of experience, he teaches practical blade, stick and combatives rooted in Filipino warrior tradition, sharing authentic, lineage-based training through seminars and instruction worldwide.
AMA GURO RAFFY PAMBUAN
Head of the PAMBUAN ARNIS SYSTEM
Ama Guro Raffy Pambuan is a 5th-generation head of the Pambuan Arnis family system, sharing his Filipino martial art lineage from Santa Cruz, Laguna, Philippines. Known for deep tradition, practical stick and blade combat, he teaches select students, military, and law-enforcement personnel while preserving and evolving his family’s heritage.
guro marc halleck
Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do & Filipino Kali Authority
Guro Marc Halleck is a highly credentialed martial arts instructor with decades of study and teaching in Jun Fan-Jeet Kune Do and Filipino Kali under legends like Guro Dan Inosanto, Guro Ron Balicki, Grandmaster Atillo and Guro Rick Faye. He’s author of The 10 Levels of Panantukan-Silat Combatives, Hammer Defense Systems and a multiple black belt holder with competition accolades and law-enforcement training affiliations.
TUHON SADDIQ MUHAMMAD
Pekiti Tirsia Kali • Military Combatives Instructor
Tuhon Saadiq Muhammad is a high-ranking instructor in Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, directly under Grand Tuhon Leo Gaje Jr. He is a 25-year Air Force veteran, Founder of the original Mabagsik group and known for his expertise in close-quarters combat, weapon and empty-hand methods.
TUHON JESS CABUYADAO
CWA • PTK & DIR. OF KATIPUNAN NORTH AMERICA
Tuhon Jesse Cabuyadao is the owner of Combat Warrior Academy and a recognized instructor in the tenets of Pekiti Tirsia Kali (PTK) under the authority of Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr. He serves as Director at Katipunan North America and is The Head PTK Instructor, Head SFO Instructor and Head Combat Archery Instructor at NSAMA.
Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr.
FOUNDER, GM & GUARDIAN OF PEKITI TIRSIA KALI
Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr. is the foremost authority and preserver of Pekiti Tirsia Kali, a traditional Filipino blade system passed through generations. Born in the Philippines in 1938, he introduced this once private family art to the United States in 1972, earning worldwide recognition for its close-quarters combat effectiveness.

PAGTITIPON IV CERTIFICATES
PRESENTED TO ALL PARTICIPANTS
Receive a handmade Pagtitipon IV Filipino Martial Arts certificate upon completing the seminar. Display it proudly as a lasting symbol of your dedication, growing skill and commitment to preserving and practicing the rich traditions of Filipino Martial Arts within a passionate training community.

GORDIAN KEY FORGE
ONSITE CUSTOM KNIFE MAKER
All custom blades are individually handmade, ensuring no two are ever alike and every piece is truly one of a kind. Visit the home of Jon Gemzsi’s Gordian Key Forge to explore handcrafted knives built with precision, purpose and old world craftsmanship rooted in the best of functional artistry at: Gordian Key Forge Website

KARAMBIT MAKER STUDIO
ONSITE CUSTOM KNIFE MAKER
The world’s leading e-commerce destination for karambit tactical knives and specialty weapons. Visit Greg Wegrzycki’s Karambit Maker online to explore precision crafted designs trusted by martial artists and professionals seeking high-quality tools built for performance, durability and authentic craftsmanship: Karambit Maker Instagram
PAST MARTIAL ARTS SEMINARS & EVEnts
Over the years, NSAMA has welcomed a variety of special seminars, competitions, and guest instructors that have added depth and excitement to our training environment. T hese events highlight the growth, energy, and shared experiences that make our academy unique. Take a look back at some of the moments that have helped shape our martial arts community in Libertyville.

modern 6,000 sq. ft. facilty
martial arts school in libertyville
Our 6k sq. ft. Libertyville Martial Arts facility offers 30 foot ceilings, full climate control, ample private parking, and complete wheelchair accessibility. The space creates a welcoming environment for every student and family member who visits.

premium zebra pro grade mats
safe surface for bjj & kickboxing
With nearly two inches of double padding, our mats provide the perfect balance. They are dense enough for striking and kicking drills while cushioned to protect students during Brazilian Jiu Jitsu takedowns, grappling and ground based self defense practice.

safe & professional training equipment
high quality martial arts gear
Our facility includes heavy bags, focus targets, sparring gear, striking pads, shields, weights, kettlebells, and more. We also provide loaner equipment so kids, teens, and adults can train safely at every stage.

30 feet of mirrored walls
Enhancing Form, Focus & Technique
Nearly 30 feet of wall mirrors allow students to watch and refine their technique in real time. This visual feedback helps improve precision, posture, and confidence across our Martial arts, Kickboxing, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes in Libertyville.

padded training walls
Safety & Versatility in Every Drill
Our training space includes fully padded walls that add an extra layer of protection during jiu jitsu, grappling, wrestling and self defense drills. Students can safely practice takedowns, fitness drills, wall control and realistic scenarios with confidence.

dedicated training zones
striking, weapons training & bjj classes
Our facility features clearly defined training zones that separate striking, grappling, and strength conditioning areas. This layout allows students to focus on specific disciplines while ensuring safe, organized classes for martial arts kids, teens and adults.

Impeccably maintained environment
Clean martial arts facility in libertyville
We prioritize cleanliness with daily sanitizing of mats, bathrooms, and equipment supported by advanced virus killing systems. Our professional staff ensures a safe, welcoming, and well maintained environment for students and families alike.

spectator & family viewing area
comfortable seating for parents & families
Enjoy nearly 30 feet of stadium style seating designed for parents, siblings, and friends. This space is perfect for watching classes, capturing photos, or attending our special events and belt testings.

nsama merchandise & gear
martial arts Apparel & Equipment On Site
From uniforms, training weapons, and protective gear to branded NSAMA t shirts and sweatshirts, our pro shop is fully stocked with the essentials students need for martial arts, kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Have an Idea for a Seminar or Want to Host an Event at NSAMA?
We welcome instructors, students, and martial artists with great ideas
NSAMA is proud to be a gathering place for martial artists, instructors and families who want to create meaningful training experiences. If you are an instructor interested in hosting a seminar, have an idea for a special event, or would like to collaborate on bringing a unique martial arts experience to Libertyville, we would love to hear from you. Our academy regularly partners with guest instructors and community members to bring fresh, exciting opportunities to our students. Reach out to us and let’s build something great together for the martial arts community.

