He was famed for winning countless duels and street encounters, as well as taking up arms as a guerrilla fighter against the invading Japanese forces during World War II.
Ilustrisimo was never defeated in combat, and earned great respect as a result of his brave exploits against the Japanese.
Other notable students include Rey Galang, Christopher Ricketts, Romeo Macapagal, Henry Espera and Norman Suanico.
His life and art were featured in the book titled Filipino Martial Culture by Mark Wiley.
Two of his most prominent students, Antonio Diego and Christopher Ricketts, published The Secrets of Kalis Ilustrisimo in the United States, with a foreword by Wiley.