Gilroy ' s Linda Pulido Wins 35th World Title
Starting out in Martial Arts at the age of 14 helped keep teenage Linda Pulido from going down the wrong path . She and four friends joined a Martial Arts gym to learn how to fight . Linda was the only one able to stick it out through the training , the sparring , and disciplined environment . As fortune had it , her first Sensei ( Martial Arts teacher ) was none other than Chuck Simonini .
To help get Linda on the right track after she found herself in trouble at school , Simonini drove her to her first tournament and entered her into the women ’ s black belt division . She was a gold belt — still a beginner — at the time . Much to everyone ’ s surprise , she placed second . “ It backfired on Chuck , but for me — the recognition and encouragement I received was something I had never experienced before .” She was hooked . “ It was such a great feeling ; I remember sleeping with that trophy !” She laughed .
Before long , Alfredo Bandalan visited Linda . He told her he wanted to train her to become a Champion in Eskrima — the official Filipino National Martial Arts emphasizing the use of bladed weapons , such as knives , machetes , and swords , as well as improvised weapons and empty-hand techniques . Bandalan was a Grand Master . Because she had natural ability , some TaeKwon Do training , and was fearless , she excelled right away . Linda earned the distinction of Eskrima Instructor and has been teaching Marial Arts and fitness at Pulido ’ s Pro Fitness since 2007 . Since she began competing in Eskrima , she had amassed an incredible 29 world championship titles in multiple divisions , including single stick , double stick , single padded , and padded knife as of 2023 . Then she found another gear .
2024 has been especially productive as Linda has traveled the world defending her titles and earning more . In March she and four students competed at the West Coast FMA Nationals in
Las Vegas and brought home more gold than any other club . In April she took home four gold medals at the US Nationals in Baltimore MD . As Captain of Team USA , she led the contingent to the WEKAF World Championships in the Philippines in late July , winning two gold and one bronze medal .
Heading to the airport right after the awards presentation , Linda flew through the night to arrive in Poland for the GSBA World Championships slated for August 1 . With just one day to prepare , she took six gold , one silver , and one bronze medal home . She earned six world titles , pushing her total to an astounding 35 world titles at this point in her career . She has no plans on slowing down . “ I feel stronger , tougher , and I ’ m in better shape than I have ever been .” She shared . “ I say bring it on !”
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