The name changed to Combat Escrima in 1982 as the system became influenced by the concepts of using power and combat reality. The PMAS produced many excellent fighters and world champions but failed to produce well-rounded instructors. Realizing this flaw, Rene developed training methods that are now used to help the student understand the reasoning behind the techniques and the concepts of Escrima. For example, a technique cannot exploit its full potential unless combined with the concepts of balance, power, speed, focus, and attitude. When combined, these elements cause the outcome or whole to be more effective then the sum of the parts.
Techniques are merely practiced movements until combined with the proper fighting concepts.
The Latosa Escrima goal is to develop a quality Escrimador who can think creatively and react instinctively. As a young boy of seven years, Juan Latosa, Rene's father, was the only person his outlaw grandfather Esteben would allow near him. Esteben saw a future Escrimador in the brave eyes of his young grandson Juan. One day as Esteben lay sick in bed dying, he asked his grandson to take the Anting-Anting protruding from his mouth. Even as a young boy, Juan sensed that this object had evil attached to it and refused to take it.