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 a Grandmaster. 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.
