In the early 1980s, within the hallowed halls of the old Kali Academy, a martial arts revolution was quietly taking shape. Situ Paul Vunak, an esteemed instructor, found himself surrounded by a growing wave of eager students, particularly those drawn to the raw and practical aspects of street fighting. Little did they know that during the wee hours of the morning, Progressive Fighting Systems (PFS) was about to be born.
Guro Dan Inosanto, the guiding force behind the academy, imparted his teachings in two distinct ways: self-preservation and self-perfection. While self-perfection delved into the art form, emphasizing grace and refinement, Situ Paul Vunak found himself inclined towards the gritty and primitive world of self-preservation. This inclination laid the foundation for what would become the nucleus of PFS.
The camaraderie that emerged within this group of like-minded individuals was palpable. They were drawn not only by a shared passion for martial arts but by a deep respect and loyalty to Guro Dan Inosanto. The bond forged during those years would be the driving force behind the birth of Progressive Fighting Systems.
As the group expanded and honed their skills under Situ Paul Vunak's watchful eye, a sad event occurred—the closure of the Kali Academy. This forced a split, leading Guro Dan to open a new school, and simultaneously, the IMB was created. However, the political climate did not align with Situ Paul's vision, causing a divergence in interests.
During the late-night hours, in a moment of determination, Situ Paul expressed to his friend Tom, "We are going to form our own group, with our own name, and have a very simple agenda." The agenda was clear:
Perpetuate Bruce Lee's concepts of Jeet Kune Do.
Maintain undying loyalty to Guru Dan Inosanto.
And thus, Progressive Fighting Systems officially came into existence. For the next decade, Situ Paul Vunak tirelessly traveled the world with a mission—to liberate martial artists from rigid stances, instill effective footwork, and introduce unconventional training methods.
The evolution of PFS continued with phases dedicated to boxing, leg kicking, close-quarter trapping, and dealing with the clinch. The emphasis was on creating complete fighters capable of adapting to various ranges of combat. Throughout this journey, Situ Paul echoed Guro Dan's teachings, emphasizing the importance of being a perpetual student and always exploring new avenues.
In 1987, a groundbreaking revelation occurred when Situ Paul introduced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the martial arts world. Despite initial skepticism, he persistently promoted ground fighting, anticipating its transformative impact on the entire fighting landscape.
The year 1993 marked a significant milestone with UFC #1 in Denver, where Situ Paul, chosen as Helio Gracie's bodyguard, predicted the paradigm shift in martial arts. The once-segregated disciplines of kickboxing, karate, and jiu-jitsu were converging, ushering in a new era of comprehensive martial arts training.
Progressive Fighting Systems, a testament to the dedication and vision of Situ Paul Vunak, stands as a living legacy—a system that transcends traditional boundaries and continues to evolve, inspired by the principles laid down by Bruce Lee and Guru Dan Inosanto.
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