Maximo Moratillo Pallen was born and raised in the Province of Camarines Sur, located at the southern most part of Luzon in the Philippines. The third of eleven children and the eldest of the eight brothers of the family. He was first exposed to the Philippine martial arts at the tender age of six by his grandfather Luis Moratillo. He was also exposed to the art of boxing "panuntukan" by his father, Zacarias "Kid Baron" Pallen. His experiences in street fighting go back as far as his younger years in the Philippines. Max was a young Engineering student in the University of Nueva Caceres, Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines, when, in 1959, his father thought that it would help young Max develop a more prosperous future by sending him to the United States.

Max attempted to find an "Arnis" school upon his arrival in the States, but was unsuccessful. In the early 60's he met a combat Ju-Jitsu instructor who began instructing him in the combat style of self-defense. In addition, Max began, and continues to practice, his training in the style of Kenpo karate. Still looking for a stronger foundation and a cultural identity, he decided to return to his homeland to study and research more Philippine martial art styles. Max also had the opportunity to study here in the United States under several Masters in Kali, Arnis, and Eskrima. Today, his quest for Philippine martial art skills continues through his travels to Luzon, Visaya and Mindonao.

From his extensive experience, knowledge, and historical research, Max M. Pallen founded Pallen's Martial Arts Association in 1968, in Oakland, California. His many accomplishments towards the advancement of the Philippine Martial Arts include: being the Executive Producer of the 1974 Asian Martial Arts Exposition at the Kaiser Center in Oakland, California; founder of the Affiliated Martial Arts Promoters Association; founder of the Northern California Eskrima-Kali-Arnis Federation, promoting Philippine stick-fighting tournaments in Northern California; and Western Region Director of the World Eskrima-Kali-Arnis Federation. In 1997, Professor Pallen was inducted into the 1997 AMAPA Hall of Fame and, in 1998, he was inducted into the U.S. Kali Association's Hall of Fame and Filipino Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He is currently the U.S. Director of the World Eskrima-Kali-Arnis Federation.

Through his extraordinary level and skill and profound influence in the field of martial arts, Max M. Pallen, Sr. has earned the esteemed titles of grandmaster, apo, and professor by which he is widely recognized. Not only has he mastered a variety of systems in Philippine martial arts, but he has developed expertise in a diverse array of other combative methods including Kenpo karate, combat jujitsu, tai chi, judo and Western boxing.

Professor Pallen's résumé of official titles and advanced rankings includes the following highlights:

1995
Grandmaster - Senkotiros Association of America

2000
10th degree - Balintawak World Arnis Association

2002
9th Degree - Kajukenbo Association of America

Professor Pallen continues to develop Senkotiros, his system of martial arts; has worked tirelessly to perpetuate the martial heritage of the Philippines; and has established himself as a consummate instructor, competitor, coach, promoter, and official. He is also a proud instructor, coach, and trainer of several current National and World stick-fighting champions; a proud parent, his youngest son, Jordan, is one of these champions.