The Arizona Friendship FMA Gathering was originally created in an attempt to fulfill the suggestion “Hey, we should get our groups together to cross-train.” Thanks to the coordinated efforts of John Jacobo (Kali Ilustrisimo), Pietro Viteli (Bahala Na), Scott Abbott (Inayan Eskrima) and Michael Butz (Kada Anan) the idea of just getting together turned into a non-political, ego-free fostering of family and sharing. Aside from a request to contribute to a potluck lunch, the event is free for anyone, regardless of martial arts background, who wants to experience different styles of the Filipino combat arts.

The 1st AZ FMA Friendship gathering was held on April 27,2008 at Papago Park in Phoenix, AZ. Headlining instructors were Scott Abbott of Inayan Eskrima, Pietro Viteli of Bahala Na, John Jacobo of Kali Ilustrisimo and Michael Butz of Kada Anan Eskrima. Special thanks to Master Sam Buot of Balintawak for his support and attendance. Special thanks also to Master Gilbert Cordoncillo and Moses Quintero for coming to Phoneix, AZ from Salinas, CA at their own expense to attend the event.