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 2nd AZ FMA Friendship Gathering was held on October 19, 2008 at Papago Park in Phoenix, AZ. Headlining instructors were Mike Giron and June Gotico of Bahala Na Multi-style, Sam Buot of Balintawak and Jeff Latorre of Direct Torres Eskrima. Special thanks to Mike Giron, June Gotico, Terry Joven and Gene Inis for coming to Phoenix, AZ from Stockton, CA at their own expense to attend the event. Special thanks also to Sifu Scott Abbott for sponsoring the Papago Park location.