Master Joe Napial trained in various styles of Martial Arts starting at the age of 12 inckuding Paa Mano Eskrima, Baha La Na, Lameco, Balintiwak, Lapunti Abinico and Modern Arnis.  He learned Lameco Eskrima under Head Instructor, Guro Roland Ferrer and Punong Guro Edgar Sulite and obtained his Red belt with black strip in the Kadan Paa Mano system.

 

In 1996, he was introduced to Grandmaster Bandalan by his big brother, Sonny.  As Chief Instructor, he then established the BDP – Southern California School.  Later, Master Joe also went on to establish the BDP – Illinois School in Chicago and with his brother, helped establish the BDP – Hawaii School.

 

He also was actively involved in WEKAF and provided support in various leadership roles from 1998 to 2004.  This included terms as Director of Southern California; Internationally certified tournament judge and coach; as well as Arbitrator Director.

 

He held a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Bandalan Doce Pares and was certified Master in Filipino Martial Arts – Doce Pares Philippines by Grandmaster Dionisio Canete and Grandmaster Alfredo Bandalan Sr. 

 

Unfortunately, on September 6, 2004, Master Joe passed away while surfing at Huntington Beach, California.  He was one of BDP’s most loved and admired instructors, both innovative and charismatic.  In his short lifetime, he made a significant contribution to the Eskrima world.  His love for the Filipino Martial Arts and his devotion to Doce Pares and the BDP School has left a legacy that will always be remembered by the lucky students who had the opportunity to have trained under Master Joe.  His spirit of Aloha was always his trademark.  Master Joe was only 46 years old.

 

At one point, Master Joe started a martial arts supply company that he named Visayan Legacy and it was in Joe’s memory that Master Sonny chose Visayan Legacy as the name of his school.