Sal Todaro is the head instructor of the Cebu West Martial Arts Club and the co-founder of SMP Arnis. He holds the rank of Lakan Siyam (9th-degree black belt) within the SMP Arnis Group, where he serves as Senior Master. Sal also earned an advanced instructor’s certificate from the International Modern Arnis Association of the Philippines under Professor Remy Amador Presas. In addition, he is a member of the International Philippine Martial Arts Federation (IPMAF), Kombatan, and holds the rank of Lakan Lima (5th-degree black belt) awarded by Grandmaster Ernesto A. Presas.
Sal’s martial arts background is enriched by training in several other disciplines, including:
- Tae Kwon Do (full-contact, no-pad fighting style) under Sensei Richard Sand and the World Tae Kwon Do Association
- Taika Oyata’s Okinawan Ryū Te
- Professor Wally Jay’s Small Circle Jujitsu
- Sayoc Kali
- Balintawak Eskrima
- Sabre and Épée fencing under Master Pixie Roane (Wallingford-Swarthmore Panther Fencing)
Sal is known for a direct, practical teaching style that emphasizes clear breakdowns of techniques, ensuring students fully understand the material rather than simply repeating motions. He remains a dedicated lifelong learner—always open to new ideas and committed to evolving as both a martial artist and instructor.
Sal is a master locksmith and has owned and operated his own shop in South Philadelphia for thirty years. He now resides in Bradenton, FL.
