Erik Buenaflor started his journey in the martial arts in 1986 in San Diego, California.

After wrestling in High School, he then studied Tang So Do and Kenpo for a brief time before finding his permanent home studying with Supreme Grand Master Bert Labitan and learning Siete Pares Escrima. Erik trained exclusively with Supreme Grand Master Bert Labitan at his house in Imperial Beach California.

Erik has fought in numerous Stick and Knife Fighting Tournaments throughout Southern California while always promoting the Filipino Martial Arts through demonstrations within his community.

In 2005, Erik moved to San Antonio but would fly back to the West Coast often to continue his training while also fighting in the Stick and Knife Fighting Tournaments in Southern California.

In 2015 Supreme Grand Master Bert Labitan passed away. Erik decided to honor his mentor and friend by continuing the legacy of Siete Pares Escrima and teaching it to a new generation of Eskrimadors.

In addition to weekly classes, Erik and Siete Pares Escrima currently host, promote, and sponsor various Filipino Martial Arts tournaments throughout Texas.

Because of Master Erik Buenaflor's dedication to the Filipino Martial Arts, He has received several honors and awards.

USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame

"Escrima Black Belt of the Year" May 23, 2015

“Universal Martial Arts Hall of Fame”

"Master of the Year Filipino Martial Arts" August 16, 2016

“Masters Hall of Fame” July 27th 2019