Grandmaster Laura Armstrong
Grandmaster Laura Armstrong, the esteemed founder of Combat Science in Toronto, boasts nearly three decades of dedicated training and teaching experience. Her journey commenced with the study of Aikido, the revered Japanese art of self-defense, before branching out into the diverse realms of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), encompassing both hand-to-hand combat and weaponry.
Specializing in impact and edged weapons, Laura’s expertise extends to various hand-to-hand combat systems, including exclusive Arnis styles from the Philippines. Her exceptional skill was acknowledged with the prestigious title of Grandmaster by the Kali Arnis International Federation in July 2016. Continuously honing her craft, Laura has trained under renowned Masters and Grandmasters across the Philippines and North America, excelling in international competitions such as advanced combat and fighting forms.
With over three decades of martial arts immersion, Laura’s primary focus has been on Arnis/Kali/Escrima and Aikido, supplemented by training in Hap-ki-do, self-defense, and Shotokan karate. Beyond her personal achievements, she has contributed significantly to the martial arts community, serving on multiple Boards of Directors and fostering success through collaboration.
Possessing the esteemed rank of Grandmaster in Filipino Martial Arts and a 4th Dan in Aikido, Laura’s accolades include numerous world titles and a distinguished tenure as a National Martial Arts Coach, nurturing champions and leaders for over two decades. As the visionary Founder/CEO of Leadership with Laura and Breakthroughs with Laura, she pioneers strategy-based programs empowering individuals to achieve leadership excellence and holistic success.
Laura’s commitment to empowerment extends beyond martial arts, as she conducts Self-Defense and Empowerment courses tailored to diverse groups’ needs, from corporate professionals to marginalized communities. Her outreach extends to women’s shelters, prisons, and halfway houses, instilling confidence and resilience in others. Additionally, she is a certified Reiki Master, holistic practitioner, and Level 1 Certified in teaching Empowerment Self Defense Global curriculum, proudly affiliated with the Association of ESD Professionals.
Senior Master JB Ramos
Senior Master JB Ramos is the esteemed head instructor and owner of Combat Science: Warrior Arts of Asia in Toronto, where they specialize in teaching traditional Filipino martial arts and trauma-informed self-defense. With a martial arts journey spanning over 25 years, JB has cultivated a profound expertise in various disciplines, including Okinawan Shorin-ryu karate and Taekwondo (black belt). Since 2003, they have focused on the practice and study of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) under the guidance of Grandmaster Armstrong and numerous other masters and grandmasters in the Philippines.
JB has demonstrated exceptional skill in FMA, excelling in international tournaments featuring full-contact stick fighting and forms, earning several world titles along the way. They are also a certified trauma-informed Empowerment Self-Defense (ESD) instructor, dedicated to teaching both practical self-defense techniques and the principles of healing and empowerment for individuals recovering from trauma.
Beyond their martial arts accomplishments, JB has been an active and committed advocate for social justice, violence prevention, and community empowerment. They have over 30 years of experience supporting the LGBTQ2S+ and Filipino communities. As a passionate violence prevention advocate, JB leads workshops locally and internationally, blending social justice principles with self-defense training to support marginalized groups, including LGBTQ2S+ individuals, women, youth, and newcomers.
In addition to their work as an instructor and advocate, JB serves on several boards, including the International Association of ESD Professionals, Adhika Philippine Development, and Transwellness Ontario. Through these roles, they aim to foster transformative change, integrating Filipino warrior traditions with modern techniques to build resilience and promote community safety.
JB’s dedication to both martial arts and social impact embodies a lifelong commitment to sharing the rich traditions of Filipino martial arts while advocating for positive societal change and the empowerment of individuals worldwide.