Thursday, February 7, 2008

BEST OF FMA THUNDERING SUCCESS PART 1 SHINING MOMENT OF NEGRENSE FMA By: James U. Sy Jr.

In yet another golden moment in the continuing Martial Arts Renaissance in Negros, The Best of Filipino Martial Arts Exposition was successfully presented to the public by the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. of Master Elmer V. Montoyo in cooperation with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) of Negros Occidental, Inc. of President Ernesto Pama Jr. and the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) last October 6, 2007 at the Negros Occidental Multi Purpose Activity Center (NOMPAC), Aguinaldo St., Bacolod City as part of the 2007 Masskara Festival Celebration.

17 martial arts organizations from Bacolod , Bago, Escalante, Iloilo , Murcia , and Victorias were in attendance to support the event, give demonstrations, officiate, and compete in the 4-format divisions each one representing a different form of martial art.

The tournament was historic in that it was the first multi-style/format martial arts tournament to be fought at the NOMPAC. Divisions contested include Filipino Tang Soo Do, Sipa Sumbag, Arnis de Mano, and Original Filipino Tapado (demonstration sport format).

Special Asst. for Special Concerns of the Governor’s Office and Former Board Member Hon. Atty. Ike Barredo represented Gov. Joseph G. Marañon as the program’s Special Guest Speaker. Special guests were Hon. Mayor Esteban “Sonny” H. Coscolluela of Murcia and YMCA Negros Occidental 1st VP Mr. Fidel B. Garbanzos. Councilor Hon. Jopcelle Batapa-Sigue and Silver Masskara Festival Organization, Inc. Festival Director Mr. Eli Francis J. Tajanlangit were the other guests who could not make it to the event.



The Best of Filipino Martial Arts Exposition is the long overdue sequel to the highly successful 1st Mayor’s Cup “The Best of Martial Arts” Exposition last December 2004 held in Brgy. Sum-ag. This tournament was held with the support and blessings of the Provincial Government under Gov. Marañon. Master Montoyo and fellow Headmasters gave a courtesy call to the governor last September 24, 2007 at the Governor’s Office.

Master Montoyo, who also serves a YMCA Business Manager, conceptualized the tournament to help educate the public of the inherent benefits of martial arts training to the physical, mental, and sspiritual development of individual citizens and to assist the YMCA in conbstructing a semi-permanent structure where the youth can engage in sportive and cultural activities.

DEMONSTRATIONS. Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo and 2006 NOBF-GKAKEA Bacolod Negros Arnis Showdown champion Joselito Guzon of Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) demonstrated the trademark classical Espada y Daga style of Trese Grabes Piga-Piga System which was founded by GM Guinabo based on the teachings of the late Grandmaster Bernandino Tanique of the Tanique Arnis and Combat Club (TACC).

Founder/Grandmaster Rogelio H. Galvarole led his Lightning Scientific Arnis International-Philippine Dynamic Arnis (LSAI-PDA), an affiliate of the Lightning Scientific Arnis International-Capiz Chapter of Arnis Commissioner Grandmaster Carlito Ondillo, in giving various Likha Anyo (Creative Forms)

demonstrations from the Panaynon style of Galvarole Style Dynamic Arnis which he founded. Others in the demo team were Arnis medallists Noe Baldevarona, Nerma Destacamento, Kenneth Gabriel, and Alfonso Lahaylahay.

The Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. was led by 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido in demonstrating the basic strokes and advanced direct hitting techniques of the indigenous Bagoueño long stickfighting art founded by his late uncle Founder/Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar in 1960 in Brgy. Taloc. Assisting GM Lobrido were OFT Senior Instructors James U. Sy Jr. and Joefrrey S. Deriada and Member Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon.

Murcia Martial Arts Center (MMAC) of Master “Nick” Montoya demonstrated the classical empty handed forms of Sip Soo and Naihanchin III as well as an assortment of kicks, Tang Soo Do self defense techniques and knifefighting.

Master Ritchie S. Piodena and Joeffrey S. Deriada of the Bacolod Oido de Caburata Arnis Society (BAODCAS) under Grand Patriarch Grandmaster Jose D. Aguilar demonstrated the indigenous Murciahanon stickfighting art Oido de Caburata founded by the late Founder/Grandmaster Antonio “Toñing” Tolosa in 1936/1937 in Brgy. Minoyan.



Riverside Nursing student Glenn Logroño represented the Kalantiaw Defense Society (KDS) of his late Grand Uncle Founder/Grandmaster Dominador “Doming” D. Ferrer with a presentation of Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis Ferrer Style disarming techniques. He was assisted by KDS Master James U. Sy Jr.

Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. and LVA Instructors Lafayette A. Diamante and Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. demonstrated the basic pang-igo (striking), panagang (deflections/blocks), pang-agaw (disarming), and gapungko nga defensa (seated defense) of the indigenous Bacoleño art of Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis founded by late Founder/Grandmaster Jose “Joe” L. Viñas in 1932.

The Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. of Founder/Master Elmer V. Montoyo was led by his sons and heirs-apparent Masters Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo Jr. and Ernest Christian P. Montoyo in a a showcase of a basic FTSD Wushu form, FTSD Combat Karate one on one and multiple attackers self defense, knife neutralization, and Ryuhai form with actual breaking of bricks and boards.



FILIPINO TANG SOO DO. “The Filipino Way of the Chinese Hand” Filipino Tang Soo Do is a Filipinized adoption of Korean Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan founded by Master Elmer V. Montoyo, 6th dan UFAF, by modifying the art to suit the culture, psyche, temperament, morphology, and hoplology of the Filipino people by synthesizing Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, and other Southeast Asian martial traditions. Filipino Tang Soo Do reflects the Filipino culture which is actually an amalgation of various civilizations (i.e. Malay, Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, Spanish, American, etc.)

Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. of Master Elmer V. Montoyo was champion in the Filipino Tang Soo Do Division with 4-1 win-loss streak followed by the Murcia Martial Arts Center (MMAC) of Master “Nick” Montoya with a 3-2 mark. The NOHS Screamring Eagles and Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main) Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante tied at 3rd place with a 0-2 mark.

BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL. Joner Cortez of MMAC over Ken Donque of NOHSSE by unanimous decision (Flyweight Bout#1).

MEN’S COLLEGE. 2003 Mayor’s Cup Murcia Taekwondo silver medallist Jan Michael Vincent Montoya of MMAC over 2007 Brgy. Taloc Kickboxing silver medallist Michael Judes of PIMAA-FTSDA (Bantamweight Bout#4). Reynold Baylon of PIMAA-FTSDA over Ryan Mitoda of BFMAA-Main (Flyweight Bout#7).

Remello Tayactac of MMAC over 2 times BRAWL MMA champion Janry Amante of BFMAA-Main (Flyweight Bout#11). Tayactac hit Amante with a picture perfect turning side kick. Kevin James Roberts of PIMAA-FTSDA over Tommey Cortes of MMAC (Featherweight Bout#13). Roberts knocked down Cortez with a frontal kick.

2004 Bacolod Mayor’s Cup Pencak Silat silver medallist Chester Esmalla of PIMAA-FTSDA over Larry Benedicto of MMAC (Lightweight Bout#15) and another victory against Roper Iwayan NOHSSE (Lightweight Bout#21). Esmalla was the only competitor to have fought in two fights in the FTSD Division.

SIPA SUMBAG (KICKBOXING). Sipa Sumbag is the Ilonggos’ synthesis of Karate and Western Boxing, having been evolved continuously since the 1970s by different Karate and Kickboxing groups and prominent pioneers, champions and promoters.

Murcia Martial Arts Center (MMAC) of Master “Nick” Montoya was champion in the Sipa Sumbag Division with a perfect 6 win streak followed by the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. of Master Elmer V. Montoyo with a similar perfect 2 win streak. Black Falcon Martial Arts Association- Main (BFMAA-Main) of Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante (1-6), Tribu Hangaway (TH) of Master/Founder Roy R. Flores Sr. (1-3), and Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA) of Grandmaster Jose “Joe” Mancesa (0-1) were 3rd to 5th places respectively.

BOYS HIGH SCHOOL. Joner Cortez of MMAC over 2007 SLRV Kickboxing champion Jay R Simpron of BFMAA-Main (Flyweight Bout#12). Cortez knocked down Simpron two times. Joveril Gomeza of MMAC over Edgardo Doctora of NUFAA via disqualification by foul (Flyweight Bout#14). Doctora was pressing the action when an accidental low blow dropped Gomeza.

MEN’S COLLEGE. 2007 Prk. Bulak Kickboxing champion Reynold Baylon of PIMAA-FTSDA over 2007 SLRV Kickboxing silver medallist Iron Homer Castaño of TH via unanimous decision (Flyweight Bout#3). 2007 Tribe W.A.R. Wushu Sanshou silver medallist Ryan Mitoda of BFMAA-Main over Jayniel Ossorio of TH (Flyweight Bout#16). Jeffrey Mañale of MMAC over 2005 Dancalan Kickboxing champion Julius Dohinog of BFMAA-Main (Flyweight Bout#17). 2007 Prk. Bulak Kickboxing champion Michael “Mic-Mic” Gurrea of PIMAA-FTSDA over 2007 LGDC Regional Wushu sanshou silver medallist Kent Esleyer of TH (Bantamweight Bout#18).

2003 Mayor’s Cup Taekwondo silver medallist Jan Michael Vincent Montoya of MMAC over 2007 Tribe W.A.R. Wushu Sanshou champion Joselito Bianan of BFMAA-Main (Bantamweight Bout#19). Articulo Alon of MMAC over 2003 BOMB MMA champion Andres Villarmia of BFMAA-Main (Bout#20). Villarmia was given a standing 8 count.

WOMEN’S. Sheila Asdolo of TH and Cristina Bianan of BFMAA-Main, both 2007 LGDC Regional Wushu Sanshou silver medallists, met for a rematch in the lone bout for the Women’s Kickboxing category (Bout#10). Asdolo and Bianan fought each other at the 7th Prk. Bulak/SLRV Consolidated Martial Arts Showdown last May 27, 2007. Asdolo had knocked down Bianan and defeated her for the second time.

CHILDREN’S. Edmar Ccortez of MMAC over 2004 Bacolod Mayor’s Cup Wushu Sanshou champion Joery “Jun-Jun” Amante Jr. of BFMAA-Main (Bout#6).

ARNIS DE MANO. “Harness of the Hand” Generic term for all Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), whether Eskrima (armed) or Pangamut (empty handed), as recognized by the Philippine Government. There are not less than 150 existing (i.e. not extinct) styles of Arnis recorded and definitely more that doesn’t have a specific style name scattered all over the archepilago. Arnis/Eskrima figured prominently in the warrior traditions of the Philippines in in the Filipinos’ fight for freedom and survival.

IFFMAS RULES - SOLO BASTON. Lightning Scientific Arnis International-Philippine Dynamic Arnis (LSAI-PDA) of Founder/Grandmaster Rogelio H. Galvarole was champion in the Arnis de Mano Division with a 2-1 win-loss streak. Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA) of Founder/Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA) and Tribu Hangaway (TH) of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr. tied at 2nd place with a 1-1 mark each. Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) of Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo was 3rd place with 0-1.

2007 Philippine Olympic Festival (POF) Arnis forms champion Alfonso Lahayhay of LSAI-PDA over Yvonny de la Cruz of NUFAA (45-51 kg. Bout#2). 2007 Western Visayas Sport Arnis silver medallist Rodrigo Cuambot of TH over 2006 NOBF-GKAKEA Bacolod Negros Arnis Showdown champion Joselito Guzon of GACS (54-55 kg. Bout#5).

2007 Brgy. Taloc Arnis silver medallist Stevie John Doctora of NUFAA over Kenneth Gabriel of LSAI-PDA (58-68 kg. Bout#8). Philippine Olympic Festival (POF) Arnis silver medallist Noe Valdevarona of LSAI-PDA over 2007 Western Visayas Sport Arnis silver medallist Jake Bugna of TH (Openweight Bout#9).

PDA RULES - DOBLE BASTON (Exhibition Bout Male VS Female, Controlled Contact). 2007 Philippine Olympic Festival (POF) full Contact Half middleweight champion Nerma Destacamento of LSAI-PDA over 2007 POF Arnis forms champion Alfonso Lahayhay of LSAI-PDA.

TAPADO. The Tapado Long Stick Division was converted into a demonstration sport when the Kalupaan Tapado Association (KATA), inc. of Grandmaster Welbor “Kickok” Presno failed to arrive to the tournament. 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido led members of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. in demonstrating the basic strokes and advanced direct hitting techniques of the indigenous Bagoueño long stickfighting art founded by his late uncle Founder/Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar in 1960 in Brgy. Taloc.

PROMOTIONS. Founder/Master Elmer V. Montoyo, 6th dan black belt, under the sanction of the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA) awarded rank promotions in Filipino Tang Soo Do to his students during the formal ceremonies of tournament.

Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo Kyosanim, Mater Elmer’s eldest son, was awarded his 5th dan black belt (Master). Master Don-Don had served/serves as Asst. Chief Instructor and Chief Instructor and VP-Internal Affairs of PIMAA-FTSDA. He was a prolific tournament competitor in his younger days in both Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo.

Ernest Christian “Chen-Chen” P. Montoyo Kyosanim, Mater Elmer’s second son, was awarded his 4th dan black belt (Master). Master Chen-Chen had serves as Board Director and Asst. Spiritual Adviser of PIMAA-FTSDA and formerly its Head Instructor for the CARAGA Region.

Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. Founders Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado and James U. Sy Jr., students of Master Elmer, were awarded honorary degrees, 4th dan black belts (Masters), for their contributions to the PIMAA-FTSDA. They serve as Secretary General and Asst. Secretary respectively to the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) to which Master Elmer is President to.

Gilbert U. Go, a long time student of Master Elmer, was awarded his 1st dan black belt. Go represented and won medals for PIMAA-FTSDA during the 1st Gov. Tupaz Vis-Min Pencak Silat Tournament (gold and bronze) and the 1st Mayor’s Cup Tournament (Gold for Pencak Silat and Filipino Tang Soo Do).

Meanwhile, Grandmaster Rogelio H. Galvarole, Founder/President of the Lightning Scientific Arnis International-Philippine Dynamic Arnis (LSAI-PDA), honored Tournament Director Master Elmer V. Montoyo as “Best Promoter of the Year 2007 in Negros” for a professionally run tournament. GM Galvarole also extended the same award to Master Sy for helping out Master Montoyo.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE TOURNAMENT. Officials were Master Elmer V. Montoyo of Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (Tournament Director/Chief Jury), Master Jose V. Montoyo of PIMAA-FTSDA (Head Referee-Pangamut), Founder/Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” Cardinal of KaliSilat Arnis Association (Head Referee-Hinganiban), Grandmaster Rogelio H. Galvarole of Lightning Scientific Arnis International-Philippine Dynamic Arnis and Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido of Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (Referees-Exhibition Bout), Gerry De Castro, Timujin Jumlani, Jimmy T. Lee, and Architect Edwin Solas of PIMAA-FTSDA, Founder/Chief Instructor Edwin J. Tusil of Fight Club, and GM Lobrido of OFTLSFA (Judges-Pangamut), Master Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado of conceptual Martial Arts, Master Nelson Carmona of OTFLSFA, and Master Luciano Montoya of Murcia Martial Arts center (Judges-Hinganiban), George arca, Joeniel Campomanes Sensei of USLS Karate-do, and Pastor Romeo N. Gumban of PIMAA-FTSDA (Judges- Pangamut and Hinganiban), Master James U. Sy Jr. of CMAS (emcee/Record Keeper), Pierre Angelo Montoyo, Steven Mark Gumban, Peter James Gumban of PIMAA-FTSDA (Timers), Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad and Dra. Saja Marie B. Maguad of CMAS (Tournament Physicians), and Hon. Judge Remegio Rojo and Atty. John Mark Tamayo of PIMAA-FTSDA (Legal).

Tournament Staff were YMCA Gen, sec. Elizabeth B. Balingan (Awards), Murcia Martial Arts Center members (Security), Gilbert U. Go (Souvenier), Master Ernest Christian “Chen-Chen” P. Montoyo, Manuel G. Lansar of YMCA, and Church of Christ Young People members (Gym Arrangements), Theresa Libo-on, Catherine J. Montoyo, Michelle and Miriam Paglomutan, and Beverly Alson (Refreshments), Jane, Jeanny, and Joanne Moran (Ushereettes), and Angelo Yulo, and crestita Montoyo (Gate).

Major sponsors were EZ Shirts of Glenn Dexter Yee, Starlaser of Jimmy T. Lee Kyosanim, and Hanz George G. Lopez Vito. Minor sponsors were Rexona Men Power, GMYXX Digital Photo Studio, El Sol Press of Architect Edwin S. Solas, PD 888 Distributors, Inc. (Colgate-Palmolive), Robinson’s Place Bacolod for the medals, Philippine National Red Cross-Bacolod/Negros Chapter, Xpress Com (The Official Coverage Team), Hon. Councilor Joceelle Batapa-Sigue, Mang Inasal, Water Glow, CM Lobrido Rice Wholesaler and Retailer, and Panorama Mktg., Inc.

Donors were Zotub Internet Café, Son-Mar Cycle Parts, Mazelle L. Infante, Vinzon, Timbrevilla, and Libo-on Families, Country Feed Supply, Ortega Tailoring and Dress Shop, Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado of CMAS, Roger Chua, Mary Saleve L. Pe of RCBC, PO1 Wilmar Villaruz, and Pepsi.

Master Al Concepcion, a Saraviahanon who is now based in the USA , also graced the event. He had student under various Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) professors, among them the late Grandmasters Angel Cabales (Cabales Serrada Escrima), GM John Lacoste (Kuntao/Silat/Escrima), and Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar, Grandmasters Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido (Original Filipino Tapado), and Abraham and Sabas Gubaton (Oido de Caburata).

Mastre Efraim T. Beatingo of Undokan Martial Arts Association (UMAA) and Founder/Chief Instructor Jess “Jesus” Flores of thunder Kicks Martial Arts Club-Escalante Chapter (TKMAC-EC) were also present to support the event.

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