Wednesday, March 26, 2008

TRIBE W.A.R. II EXLODES @ GAISANO

Part I: Negros Grapplers’ Challenge
By: James U. Sy Jr.
The martial arts renaissance in Negros continues with the explosive presentation of Tribe W.A.R. (Warriors Art Rumble) II by the Tribu Hangaway (TH) of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr., 6th Degree Black Belt, in cooperation with the Tapondo International Federation Inc.-Bacolod (TIFI-Bacolod) and Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) of Master Elmer V. Montoyo last March 23, 2008, Easter Sunday, at the Food Court Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Brgy. Singcang, Bacolod City .

A total of 12 martial arts organizations from Bacolod , Dumaguete, and Himamaylan Cities supported the event. The audience numbered to about 300.

The event made its historical mark as the first Submission Grappling tournament to be held in a mall in Bacolod and Negros Occidental.

The first recorded Submission Grappling tournament in Western Visayan, Negros Occidental, and Bacolod City was the Grappling Division of the 1st Mayor’s Cup “The Best of Martial Arts” organized by the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. last December 18, 2004 in Bacolod City. The first documented Submission Grappling competition in Iloilo was the 1st Paraw Regatta Grappling Tournament organized by the H.A.L.I.G.I. Foundation, Inc. of Founding Chairman Hon. Jed Mabilog on February 18, 2005 at SM City Iloilo.

Succeeding Submission Grappling tournaments included the Grappling Division of the Fight Club BRAWL I on December 10, 2005 at the Riverside Medical College and Tribe W.A.R. I on September 8, 2007 at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R).

Demonstrations: Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” Cardinal and Master Berting Dajao of the KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA) showed some trapping/tapi-tapi drills and disarming techniques. Founder James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society, Inc. demonstrated the Kokusun Kata from Filipino Tang Soo Do and the 7-Steps Jo Kata of Nishio-Ryu Aikido.

Overall Champion: Fight Club Combat and Streetfighting Center (FC) of Founder/Chief Instructor Edwin J. Tusil (5-5). 2nd Place : Tribu Hangaway (TH) of Founder/Chief Instructor Roy R. Flores Sr. (3-2). 3rd Place : Negros Top Ten ( Dumaguete City ) of Hon. Cong. Henry Teves (2-1). 4th Place : Submission Sports Philippines-Bacolod Team (SSP-BT) of Coach Jek Ferrer (1-1). 5th Place : Octagon Martial Arts (OMA) of Founder/Chief Instructor Carmelino “Jun” Rojo Jr. (0-2).

120 Lbs.: 2 times BRAWL MMA champion and URCC Cebu II winner Jet Lumawag of FC forced a tapout from BRAWL IV MMA veteran Joseph Fabrigas of OMA with a rear naked choke at 3:36 of the 1st round. Lumawag is now 1-0 1 Tapout in Submission Grappling (MMA record: 3-2 2 KO). Fabrigas fell to 0-1 (MMA: 0-1).

Lumawag is fresh from his Referee Stopped Contest (RSC) MMA victory against Geronimo Etac in URCC Cebu II “Visayan Pride” last February 28, 2008 at the Pacific Grand Ballroom, Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Lahug, Cebu City. Prior to that, he lost his URCC debut on October 27, 2007 in Dumaguete City .

120 Lbs. Women’s Division: LGDC Negros Regional Wushu Sanshou IV silver medallist Sheila Asdolo of TH over Abigail Uychiat of FC via tapout from a Kimura lock at 2.03 of the 1st round, the fastest of only 4 submission victories of the 11 bouts fought, with a fight time of only 2.03 in the 1st round.

The Asdolo-Uychiat match was the first women’s Submission Grappling bout to be held in Bacolod , Negros Occidental, and Western Visayas . The bout was also the only one in the event fought with a gi (traditional Japanese Martial Arts uniform). Asdolo is now 1-0 in Submission Grappling; Uychiat 0-1.

125 Lbs.: Miguel Gonzales of Negros Top Team over 4 times BRAWL champion Eugene Yunque of FC via judges’ decision. Gonzales brought his technical know-how of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to the mat to take the victory for his Submission Grappling debut. Yunque’s Submission Grappling mark is now 0-1 (MMA: 5-1). Yunque lost his last MMA match at URCC Cebu II against Maxlito Yong.

Grappling Sensations Chester Laquian (on top) and Milo Abelido demonstrating the rules and techniques allowed of the highly explosive Tribe W.A.R. (Warriors Art Rumble) II by the Tribu Hangaway (TH) of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr.in cooperation with the Tapondo International Federation Inc.-Bacolod (TIFI-Bacolod) and Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) of Master Elmer V. Montoyo last March 23, 2008, Easter Sunday, at the Food Court Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Brgy. Singcang, Bacolod City (JAMES U. SY JR./CMAS PHOTO) .


Part II: Grapple Battle at the Mall

130 Lbs.: 2 times BRAWL MMA champion Jessie Fuentes of FC over BRAWL IV MMA veteran Romeo Solano of OMA via 2nd round disqualification, the only bout with such an ending. Fuentes is now 1-1 in Submission Grappling (MMA: 2-2); Solano 0-1 (MMA: 0-1).

Debuting Jasper Vedad of TH over BRAWL I champion Mark Lusabia of FC via judges’ decision. Vedad is now 1-0 in Submission Grappling; Lusabia 0-1 (MMA: 2-0). Jan Silayro of FC over Danny Lopez of TH via judges’ decision. Silayro is now 1-0 in Submission Grappling; Lopez 0-1.

155 Lbs.: Joel Trinidad of TH over Rancy Zabellero of FC via judges’ decision. Trinidad is now 1-0 in Submission Grappling; Zabellero 0-1. 180 Lbs.: Leandro V. Torre of FC over Luke Moleño of SSP-BT via judges’ decision.

Openweight: Jose Salus Populi Gutieres of Negros Top Team over BRAWL IV winner Ace Tupaz of FC via tapout from a Kimura at 3.30 of the 1st round. Gutieres displayed a very technical fight, being accurate in his takedowns and smooth in his transitions. The Gutieres-Tupaz bout was the fastest for the men’s division.

Juan Miguel Mosquera of SSP-BT over Tribe W.A.R. I Grappling champion Richard Dulaca of TH via judges’ decision.

James Infante of FC over Jose Salus Populi Gutieres of Negros Top Team via tapout from a guillotine choke at 0.36 of the 2nd round. The smaller Gutieres, the only fighter in the tournament to have fought twice, was ahead on points with three smooth takedowns in the 1st round. Gutieres opened up the 2nd round with another successful takedown but made the mistake of exposing his neck to Infante who instinctively snapped a choke and goes into the guard preventing Gutieres from switching positions.

Submission Sports Philippines-Bacolod Team (SSP-BT), last year’s Tribe W.A.R. overall Grappling champion with 4 crowned titlists, wasn’t able to successfully defend their crown because they only had two entries for the second installment of Tribe W.A.R. Milo Abelido and Chester “The Grappling Sensation” Laquian, two of SSP-BT’s crowned champions last year, served as coach for this edition of Tribe W.A.R.

Tumbatsu Strikes and Submissions International ( Iloilo City ) was not able to join the competition because they did not beat the deadline for submission of entries.

Majority of the bouts ended in a judges’ decision (6 out of 11). There were 4 submissions (2 Kimura and 2 chokes) and the remaining bout was ended with a disqualification.

(Organizers, offciails, participants, and supporters of the highly successful Tribe W.A.R. (Warriors Art Rumble) II by the Tribu Hangaway (TH) of Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr.in cooperation with the Tapondo International Federation Inc.-Bacolod (TIFI-Bacolod) and Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) of Master Elmer V. Montoyo last March 23, 2008, Easter Sunday, at the Food Court Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Brgy. Singcang, Bacolod City (JAMES U. SY JR./CMAS PHOTO) )



Officials: Founder/Chief Instructor Roy R. Flores Sr. of Tapondo International Federation Inc.-Negros/Tribu Hangaway (Tournament Director), Founder/Chief Instructor Maxwell J. Maun of the Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts and 2007 POF Visayas Judo champion and Tribe W.A.R. I Grappling champion Mohammad El Hello of TIFI/TH (Referees), Master Elmer V. Montoyo of the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association, Founder/Chief Instructor Russell Mohametano of the Musubi Dojo-Himamaylan Chapter, and Henried Lamayo Sensei of Atleta Judo Club (Judges), Founder Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado of Conceptual Martial Arts Society, Inc. (Scorekeeper/Event Coverage), Jake A. Bugna of TIFI/TH (Timer), Founder James U. Sy Jr. of CMAS (Emcee/Recordkeeper/Event Coverage), and West Negros Rescue Team headed by Lt. Ernan Ercarnado of the Philippine Army Reservist (Medical Team).

Guests: Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” Cardinal and Master Berting Dajao of the KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA), Milo Abelido and Chester Laquian of Submission Sports Philippines-Bacolod Team, Lafayette A. Diamante and Lorema H. Tacsagon of CMAS, Peter John L. Yap, Humberto Lim, and Pepe Chiu of Tai Chi Circle of Bacolod, and President Abraham Ganzon of the Filipino Integrated Guerilla Hand to Hand Tactics.

Sponsors: Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall , Nature’s Spring Mineral Water, CDO Bacolod Branch, and Coca Cola Philippines Bacolod Branch.

IFFMAS JOINS SAN SEBASTIAN DIOCESE CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL by James U. Sy, Jr.


Mr. James U. Sy, Jr. interviewing Mr. Serge Tan, in charge of the festival celebration.

The Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) of Master Elmer V. Montoyo sent a 4-man demo team to give a presentation during the San Sebastian Diocese Diamond Jubilee Celebration Children’s Festival last Easter Sunday March 23, 2008 at the Bacolod Lagoon, Bacolod City .

The San Sebastian Diocese 75th Year Jubilee Celebration, organized by the San Sebastian Diocese under the leadership of the event’s overall Chairman, Mon. Rev. Victorino Rivas, is ongoing and will close in October 2008. Various activities were lined up, the Children’s Festival being one of them.

The Children’s Festival started with a mass by Mon. Rev. Victorino Rivas at the San Sebastian Cathedral along Rizal St . Then a parade heading to the Bacolod Lagoon, Bacolod City followed.

Several schools offered cultural presentations such as dances, songs, field demonstrations, bands, etc. Among the schools in attendance were Education Training Center School (ETCS) 1, 2, and 3, Domingo Lacson National High School , the University of St. La Salle , and the San Sebastian Children’s Choir. There were also visiting performers from abroad, like the San Diego Learning School .

Several tents were erected within the immediate area of the stage where the audience and the performers stayed. There were resource guests who taught dancing, breakdancing, etc.

Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) was one of the invited performers and was represented by Founder/Masters Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado and James U. Sy Jr. and USLS student Fritz K. Fernandez of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. and Tapondo Black Belt Jake A. Bugna of Tapondo International Federation Inc.-Bacolod (TIFI-Bacolod)/Tribu Hangaway (TH). The IFFMAS Demo Team showed 6 forms of Filipino, Chinese, and Japanese Martial Arts.

Alojado and Sy went through the single and double touch 2-man form from the Long Quan (Dragon Fist). Bugna and Fernandez demonstrated Aikido and Tapondo irimi nage (entering throw), shiho nage (4 corner throw), and kote gaeshi (wrist turn out) against shomen uchi (overhead strike), yokomen uchi (scapular cut), and mune tsuki (chest strike).

Sy did a short sinawali free form from Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis. Alojado fed Bugna for the basic uno and dos and higher striking forms of Original Filipino Tapado. Fernandez concluded the presentation with the 8-steps Tai Chi Chuan form.

After the IFFMAS demo, the delegation taught three basic self defense techniques from Aikido and Tai Chi Chuan to about 25 interested teens and children in one of the tents. Older teens, among them practicing martial artists as well, later asked questions about knife defenses and other aspects of self defense. The group tried to answer their queries the best they can.

The group wrapped up the short workshop with a lecture on the philosophy of the martial arts as applied to real life. They corrected the mistaken notion of having to kill somebody when defending oneself. Instead they advocated the total control/neutralization of an aggressor with the minimal injury possible for humanistic reasons. They pointed out how violence would adversely affect one’s future, school, work, family, and life.

One of the audiences approached the group to ask about Original Filipino Tapado, he being a resident of Brgy. Taloc, Bago City , the birthplace of the art. The group referred him to the 1st Generation Inheritor of the art, Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, the nephew of the late Founder grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar.

Alojado, who was first contacted by Serge Tan of the Office of the Event Secretariat, said, “we are happy that in our own little way we had helped the youth see the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of the martial arts and educate them in the pacifist and philosophical foundation of the arts that center on respect, discipline, righteousness, and good living.”

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

ORIGINAL TAPADO REUNION Part 2: The New Generation By: James U. Sy Jr.

Not less than 40 members of the Mamar and Lobrido Clans, association officers and members, old and new masters, instructors, and practitioners of the art, and special guests from Bacolod, Bago, Cadiz, Hinigaran, and Iloilo converged at the Lobrido Residence, Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City last February 24, 2008 for the 2008 Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. General Reunion.

Special guests Grandmaster Jose Mancesa and Ramon Torres National High School teacher Wilson A. Alvarado of the Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA), OFTLSFA old timers Masters Jose “Joe” A. Pamilangco and Elmer V. Montoyo, Board Director/Senior Instructor Jinny Mamar, and OFTLSFA New Generation Pastor Romeo N. Gumban gave their respective messages to the body.

1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, assisted by Masters Jose “Joe” A. Pamilangco and Elmer V. Montoyo, VP John “Jun-Jun” Maravilla, and Board Director/Senior Instructor Jinny Mamar, awarded rank promotions to Junior Instructor in Original Filipino Tapado to Jake A. Bugna of Tapondo International Federation Inc.-Bacolod and Lafayette A. Diamante and Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.

With the promotion, Tacsagon earned the distinction as the first woman in the world to be so certified as an instructor in Tapado. Last year, Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad, also of CMAS, earned the distinction as the first medical doctor in the world to be certified as an instructor in Tapado.

Since 2005, when GM Lobrido was designated as the 1st Generation Inheritor of the late Founder Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar by the Mamar Clan, only 4 Masters, 13 Senior Instructors, and 3 Junior Instructors were certified to teach Original Filipino Tapado.

Recognized Masters by OFTLSFA are Jose “Joe” Pamilangco, Nelson G. Carmona, Clodualdo “Budoy” M. Lobrido, and Elmer V. Montoyo, each one having decades of experience before becoming masters.

Recognized Senior Instructors are Narciso "Hansy" L. Alojado, Joeffrey S. Deriada, Wilson Cejas, Rufino Fernandez, Pastor Romeo N. Gumban, Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad, Jinny J. Mamar, Romeo “Tokong” Mamar Jr., John “Jun-Jun” Maravilla, Dr. Rey Mollenido, Dr. Jason Rojas, Rolito A. Ruelan, and James U. Sy Jr.

The last part of the reunion was the exhibition of various forms of the martial arts from the allied groups of Original Filipino Tapado. Members of the Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA) of Grandmaster Jose Mancesa showed the whipping techniques and different methodos of the Alasabate Sciencia style of Arnis.

Host Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. was led by 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido in demonstrating the basics, advanced direct hitting, and short stick techniques of Original Filipino Tapado. Assisting GM lobrido were SI John “Jun-Jun” Maravilla, James U. Sy Jr., and Joeffrey S. Deriada, and JI Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon.

Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. of Founder/Master Elmer V. Montoyo was represented by twin sisters Joan and Jenny Moran with a sinawali babaw-dalum 2-man flow form and Pastor Romeo N. Gumban showing various throwing and locking techniques from Antiqueño Dumog.

Tapondo International Federation Inc.-Negros of Negros Island Chief Instructor Roy R. Flores Sr. was represented by Tapondo black belts Jake A. Bugna and Fred Sumugat with a demonstration of various techniques against hold up situations.

Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. and Chapter Head Lafayette A. Diamante presented various knife defense and disarming methods from Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis and Togle Style Modern Arnis.

ORIGINAL TAPADO REUNION Part I: The Gathering By: James U. Sy Jr.

Not less than 40 members of the Mamar and Lobrido Clans, association officers and members, old and new masters, instructors, and practitioners of the art, and special guests from Bacolod, Bago, Cadiz, Hinigaran, and Iloilo converged at the Lobrido Residence, Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City last February 24, 2008 for the 2008 Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. General Reunion.

The Reunion, the third to be held under the leadership of Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, was officially started with a pilgrimage to the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Brgy. Pta. Taytay, Bacolod City , where the late Founder of Original Filipino Tapado, Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar, was laid to rest. The group offered flowers and prayers for the deceased.

The late Founder/Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar founded the indigenous long stick fighting art Original Filipino Tapado in 1960 in Brgy. Taloc, Bago City after studying Lagas, Oido, Layaw, and Sinamak from 4 grandmasters.

Tapado derives from the Hiligaynon term Tapat, which in turn comes from Tapos “Finish, End.” Contracting Tapat with the suffix do, one gets a descriptive term for the degree or gravity of being finished or put to an end. Thus, Tapado is an art designed to finish a conflict the soonest.

Lunch followed at the Lobrido Residence. The reunion proper began with a prayer by Pastor Romeo N. Gumban. Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido, the late Founder’s nephew and the 1st Generation Inheritor of his long stick fighting art, welcomed and thanked all who were in attendance for continuously supporting and upholding the tradition and ideals of Original Filipino Tapado.

The art of Original Filipino Tapado was founded way before its official governing body, the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. (SEC registration No. CN200530787), was established in 1984, when the art was taught to the public. Prior to that, Original Filipino Tapado was only practiced among family members of the Mamar and Lobrido Clans.

“Bebing” Lobrido (B: 1950) was among those very first to study the art directly from the Founder, in 1960, when he was just 10 years old. From then on he became the assistant of his uncle and ultimately, the Chief Instructor of all Tapado practitioners, second only to GM Mamar. He had fought a number of challenge matches in defense of the reputation of Original Filipino Tapado in place of his uncle. GM Lobrido has a total of 48 years of experience in Original Filipino Tapado. Many renowned martial artists, both in Arnis and empty handed arts, can trace their OFT knowledge from GM Lobrido.

The Mamar Clan formally turned over the headmastership of Original Filipino Tapado to GM Lobrido, during a simple ceremony at the funeral rites of the late Founder in February 2005 (see turnover pictures at http://oftlsfai.blogspot.com).

OFTLSFA, Inc. Secretary General James U. Sy Jr. gave the body a review of the group’s activities and achievements during the past year. It was noted that Original Filipino Tapado was presented in Bacolod , Bago, Himamaylan, Iloilo , Sagay, and San Carlos , among others and 7 promotions to Senior Instructor were made by GM Lobrido for members from Bacolod , Bago, Iloilo , and Murcia . Other developments were also reported to the body.

During the Word from the GM, GM Lobrido reported to the body that his daughter, Rubie, met up with Jojo Apelyedo, a balikbayan from Chicago, USA last February 3. Apelyedo informed Rubie that rumor in their place had it that Tapado is already dead because the Founder is already dead. Rubie invited Apelyedo to talk with his dad. Inspite of the body laughing at the revelation, GM lobrido enjoined everybody to not be affected by sucvh rumors and just continue the legacy the Founder left. He assured the body that with him around Original Filipino Tapado will never be dead. The body affirmed their support for the art’s 1st Generation Inheritor.

The body unanimously agreed to retain the same set of officers as elected in 2007. Those serving for another term are GM Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido (President), John “Jun-Jun” Maravilla (VP), James U. Sy Jr. (Secretary General), Alfredo M. Lobrido (Asst. Secretary), Michael Rosquillo (Treasurer), Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado (Auditor), Dr. Raymund Antoinio A. Maguad (Business Manager), Master Joe A. Pamilangco and Wilson M. Cejas (PIO), and Master Nelson G. Carmona, Joeffrey S. Deriada, Lafayette A. Diamante, Pastor Romeo N. Gumban, Master Clodualdo “Budoy” M. Lobrido, Jevenio T. Magbanua, Hernando T. Mamar, Jinny Mamar, Romeo “Tokong” Mamnar Jr., Rodolfo P. Mayordomo, Master Elmer V. Montoyo, Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo, Ronie P. Ngalongalay, Rolito A. Ruelan, Erodgie O. Sepe, Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon, and Rodolfo N. Zambales.

GM Lobrido is the 4th president of OFTLSFAI, having served since 2005 up to the present. GM Mamar, was the 3rd president, serving from 1989 to 2005.

KICKBOXING GOODWILL SPARRING & PROMOTIONS HELD By: James U. Sy Jr.

The Octagon Martial Arts of Founder/Chief Instructor Carmelino “Jun” Rojo Jr. hosted a Goodwill Kickboxing Sparring Match Ups and Rank Promotions last February 24, 2008 at Had Zaragosa, Central Ma-ao, Bago City , Negros Occidental.

10 Kickboxing bouts were fought between the Bacolod and Ma-ao Chapters of the Octagon Martial Arts as well as invited female Kickboxers from the Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main) of Chief Instructor and Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) Negros Occidental Coordinator Joery C. Amante, 4th Degree Black Belt.

Supporting the activity were Founder/Chief Instructor Sonny Villagonzalo of the Scorpion Friendship Athletic Group (SFAG), 2nd Degree Black Belt, who served as referee for the matches, and Founder/Chief Instructor Edson Daut of Pentagon Martial Arts, 5th Degree Black Belt, who was one of the Rank Preomotion Panel.

Results: Reynalyn “Ren-Ren” Jacob of BFMAA-Main and Frias Ann Catanyag of OMA fought to a draw. Ma. Kristina Bianan of BFMAA-Main and Rose Ann Sidorio of OMA fought to a draw. Jerlyn Anulo of BFMAA-Main and Kriselle Malate of OMA fought to a draw. Arnel Pabon of OMA-Ma-ao over Maru Jhan Brady of OMA-Bacolod by retirement. AJ Mondejar of OMA-Bacolod and Billy Rojo of OMA-Ma-ao fought to a draw.

Ildefonso Camelo of OMA-Bacolod over Jonvi Sidorio of OMA-Ma-ao by retirement at 56 seconds of the 2nd round. Joel Dacomos of OMA-Ma-ao over Bon candelario of OMA-Bacolod/Ma-ao by TKO at 43 seconds of the 2nd round. Larry Laurencio of OMA-Ma-ao over Israel Joqueno of OMA-Bacolod by points. Jimboy Lagman of OMA-Bacolod and Frederick Catanyag of OMA-Ma-ao fought to a draw due to RSC injury. Jonard Amparado of OMA-Ma-ao and Virgilio Rojo of OMA-Bacolod fought to a draw.

Rank promotions to 1st and 2nd class green belt were also awarded to Melbert Andrisio, Lorna Esmeralda, Mhil Guardiano, Joebert Lachica, Christopher Maglina, Sheen Muyco, Ariel Pabon, and Romeo Solano.

Master Rojo (Born: 1958) is one of the old timers who up to now continues the practice and instruction of the martial arts. He began martial arts training at 7 years old under his uncle Carlito Rojo of Vilcat Karate, then a student of Crimonology at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R), in 1965. In 1968, the young Rojo learned from another uncle, Abraham de la Cruz, who was a Western Boxing champion in Japan .

Rojo earned his brown belt in Karate under Founder/Club Head Willy Luberesco, 3rd Degree Black Belt, at the Negros Karate Center of the Philippines where he trained from 1975 to 1979. He also studied Judo with Artagman Artus, 1st Degree Black Belt, President of the Crime buster at UNO-R from 1986 to 1992 and earned his brown belt 1st class in Judo. Rojo also learned the basics of Taekwondo from Mario Montano, 1st Degree Black Belt, from 1986 to 1988.

Today, Master Rojo is ranked 4th Degree Black Belt in both TRACMA (Trovador Ramos Consolidated Asian Martial Arts) and Kickboxing (Pentagon Martial Arts), 3rd Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan (under Grandmaster Casimiro Grandeza, promoted 1990), and 2nd Degree Black Belt in Karate (under the Masthodon Karate Club of the late Master Roberto “Berting” Garde, promoted 1987) and Arnis (under Grandmaster Jerson “Nene” Tortal, 1979).

Fighters donning the Octagon Martial Arts banner had fought in Karate, Kickboxing, and lately, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competitions. OMA MMA fighters who had fought in the Octagon and/or Ring include Luis Bascarpa, Ramil Delgado, Joseph Fabrigar, 4 times BRAWL veteran Ravelo Guavez, Alvin Libo-on, BRAWL II champion and 2003 La Carlota Kickboxing champion Mark Rojo, and Romeo Solano.

ORIGINAL TAPADO REUNION SUNDAY By: James U. Sy Jr.

The 2008 OFTLSFAI General Reunion will be held by the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. this Sunday, February 24, 2008 at the Lobrido Residence, Prk. Langka, Brgy. Taloc, Bago City .

To preside over the annual gathering will be the late Founder’s nephew, 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster/President Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido with the support of the Mamar and Lobrido Clans, association officers and old and new masters, instructors, and practitioners of the art. It will be the 3rd OFTLSFAI Reunion to be held under GM. Lobrido’s leadership.

2008 marks the 24th Founding Anniversary of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc., which was founded as the first and official governing body for Original Filipino Tapado (OFT) in 1984 in Bago City with the blessings of the late Founder/Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar. However, the indigenous long stick fighting art Original Filipino Tapado was founded earlier, in 1960 in Brgy. Taloc, Bago City

GM Mamar developed Original Filipino Tapado after a long search for years of study and non-padded personal combat against other styles of Arnis. Before that, he studied Lagas, Oido, Layaw, and Sinamak from 4 grandmasters.

Tapado differs from other native or eclectic Negrense long stick fighting arts in that it only uses two kinds of strikes, albeit each one having its own hierarchical linya (line) from within characterizing dalum (depth) of technique. It is a single ended, stick-based, two handed grip art.

Tapado derives from the Hiligaynon term Tapat, which in turn comes from Tapos “Finish, End.” Contracting Tapat with the suffix do, one gets a descriptive term for the degree or gravity of being finished or put to an end. Thus, Tapado is an art designed to finish a conflict the soonest, 3 strikes maximum ideally.

One of the agendas is the election of the new set of association officers. GM Lobrido is the 4th president of OFTLSFAI, having served since 2005 up to the present. His uncle, GM Mamar, was the 3rd president, serving from 1989 to 2005.

The Mamar Clan formally turned over the headmastership of Original Filipino Tapado to GM Mamar’s nephew, GM Lobrido, during a simple ceremony at the funeral rites of the late Founder in February 2005 (see turnover pictures at http://oftlsfai.blogspot.com).

GM Lobrido (B: 1950) started his studies of Lagas/Oido and then Original Filipino Tapado under his uncle GM Mamar in 1960, the year when OFT was perfected. For the next four decades, GM Lobrido became GM Mamar’s assistant and ultimately was designated as Chief Instructor when an organization was set up to govern the activities of the art. GM Lobrido personally handled instructions, especially when the Founder retired from teaching. Many renowned martial artists owe their OFT knowledge from GM Lobrido. To date, GM Lobrido has a total of 48 years experience in Tapado.

The most important achievement of the association under the leadership of GM Lobrido is the registration of the association with the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) last December 16, 2005 (SEC registration No. CN200530787).

GM Lobrido tirelessly works hard to preserve the combative essence of the art his uncle had perfected only through personal combat. He passes on what has been proven in Juego Todo (Anything Goes) fights, where GM Mamar was undefeated. He hopes to pass on the same effective art to the next generation, especially to those from Taloc, the birthplace of Original Filipino Tapado.

To date, two schools are affiliated with OFTLSFAI, namely the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA) of Master Elmer V. Montoyo and the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. It also has individual members in Bacolod , Bago , California , Cebu City , Iloilo City , Kingston ( Canada ), Louisiana , San Carlos City , Talisay City , and Texas .

LIZARES CROWNED OKAZAKI KARATE CHAMP By: James U. Sy Jr.

Bacolod sent a lone entry at the 1st Okazaki Cup Karate Tournament last Feb. 17, 2008 at the Emilio Aguinaldo Sports Complex, General Luna St., Manila and he snatched the gold for Bacolod in the Men’s Advance Kumite 18 Years Old Above category.

That lone entry was Jon David A. Lizares (B: 1989) of the Advocacy for the Strengthening of Karate-do (ASK)-Bacolod/Bertar Karate Kan (BKK). Lizares, a product of the University of St. La Salle and now studying at De La Salle University-Dasmarinas (Cavite), had to fight his way against 5 matches leading to the championship bout. Not less 30 Karatekas competed in his category.

Because of the volume of the competitors, the category was divided into two groups to expedite the elimination round. Lizares went through 4 matches in his playing area and fought against the best from the other playing area being the 5th and final match.

Lizares is currently a 1st Dan Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. He started training in Karate under Philippine Karatedo Federation (PKF) Bacolod Director, ASK-Bacolod Head Instructor, and BKK Founder/Chief Instructor Edilberto “Bert” A. Arcositas in 2003.

ASK-Bacolod is an affiliate of ASK, a Tacloban City based member of the PKF founded and chaired by Ramon Franco Shihan, Chairman of the PKF Referee Council, 6th Dan Black Belt.

Lizares had competed in and had won medals in several tournaments, one of which was a Karate tournament organized by the Philippine Karate traditional Association (PKTA) last December 2007 where he was crowned champion in his category.

The tournament was organized by the International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) with the participation of Philippine Karate-Do Federation (PKF) accredited clubs.
The tournament was well attended and graced by Okazaki Shihan.

The ISKF is a non-profit traditional Shotokan Karate organization founded by Okazaki, Teruyuki Shihan, a student of Funakoshi, Gichin Sensei, “The father of Modern karate-Do” and the Founder of Shotokan Karate. The PKF is the sole National Sport Association (NSA) for Karate-do recognized by the Philippine Government, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).



John David A. Lizares (right), the Men’s Advance Kumite 18 Years Old Above Champion at the 1st Okazaki Cup Karate Tournament, together with Ramon Franco Shihan, Chairman of the PKF Referee Council, 6th Dan Black Belt.

ARPI OFFICIATING PRACTICE HELD By: James U. Sy Jr.

Staying true to its commitment to bring Sport Arnis closer to the general public, Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Chapter under City/Provincial Commissioner and President Col. Atty. Grandmaster Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., thru the efforts of Secretary Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” Cardinal of KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA), held an Arnis Competition Officiating Practice last February 3, 2008, at the Danzline Studio, 3F Centroplex Bldg., Locsin St., Bacolod City.

The Officiating Practice was meant to familiarize Member Organizations with Arnis Philippines rules in preparationm for the proposed seminar to be conducted by Arnis Philippines-Manila officials this coming March 28-30, 2008 at proposed venues Casino Filpino and SM Bacolod.

Those in attendance were Grandmaster Danny Cardinal, Elezalde Aspan, Renante Deferia, Jose Mars Gamboa, Riza Gargaceran, Marcial Israel, Climaco Lumanog, Alan Pacheco, and Clemen Tipdas of KAA and Grandmaster Jose Mancesa, Wilson Alvarado, Evonie de la Cruz, and Stevie John Doctora of Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA).

Arnis Philippines is the National Sport Association (NSA) for Sport Arnis and the sole governing body for the Filipino Martial Art (FMA) recognized by the Philippine government, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Its Bacolod/Negros Chapter was revived and reorganized last September 1, 2008.

1ST NUFAA-SK ARNIS TILT A SUCCESS By: James U. Sy Jr.

The Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA) of Founder/Grandmaster Jose “Joe” Mancesa and President Eliseo T. Yanong Sr. in cooperation with the SK Federation-Bago City under President Eliseo T. Yanong Jr. and the Bago City Government under Hon. Mayor Ramon D. Torres successfully held the 1st NUFAA-SK Bago City Invitational Arnis Tournament last February 17, 2008 at the Bago City Community Center, Bago City as part of the 42nd Charter Day Anniversary Celebration of Bago City.

9 Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) organizations from Bago and Bacolod Cities converged at the event to give demonstrations and compete in 6 Arnis bouts. The tournament was sanctioned by Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Chapter under City/Provincial Commissioner Col. Atty. Grandmaster Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., and with the blessings of Arnis Philippines President Raymond S. Velayo. Arnis Philippines rules were put into full effect during the competition.

NUFAA members were led by Instructor Stevie John Doctora in showing the basic whipping techniques, sinawali, offensa defensa, disarming, and the various methodos of Alasabate Sciencia. Founder/Grandmaster Jose “Joe” Mancesa also demonstrated the straight forward infighting signature moves he learned from the late Grandmaster Dominador Recto and his two other late Arnis professors.

Members of KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA) under Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Chapter and Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) Secretary Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” Cardinal and his assistant Master Elizalde Aspan performed the Kankudai kata of Shotokan Karate, solo baston, doble baston, and synchorized likha anyo, attack and defense, various forms of agaw-agaw, tapi-tapi, knife defense, etc.

Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) was led by former world champion Founder/Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo in showing the different aspects of the Trese Grabes Piga-Piga System which he founded, including solo baston defenses and counters (Junior Instructor Kenneth Guinabo), knife defense (Senior Instructors Rodel Guinabo and Julius Valdez), Espada y Daga (GM Guinabo and SI Rodel Guinabo), and defensa ofensiva (GM Guinabo and Junior Master Joselito Guzon). Senior Master Dionesio Guinabo was also present to support the group.

Sikaran Garrote Arnis Society (founded 1990, Bacolod City) Founder/Grandmaster Romeo “Roming” Postrano and his son Mandala Jeremiah Postrano went through the various striking and blocking techniques of his traditional style of Arnis, Juego Todo.

The combined delegation of Guarra Style Modern Arnis of P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra and the Arjuka-Malingin of Grandmaster Isaac “Saac” T. Guarra gave an exhaustive demonstration of their respective styles from solo baston, doble baston, pangamut Arjuka style, disarming and restraining holds, takedowns, etc. Members of the demo team included the Guarra Grandmasters, Junior Masters Ceasar Ian Poral, Ryan Trayco, and Rodolfo Vilchez, and pewee Wendy Lou Poral.

The Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. was represented by the late Founder’s nephew 1st Generatiopn Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido and OFT Senior Instructor James U. Sy Jr. GM Lobrido demonstrated the higher forms of direct hitting one-movement linyada of this unique Negrense long stick fighting art.

Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. and LVA Instructor Lafayette A. Diamante showed Conceptual Martial Arts solo baston ofensa defensa and Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis seated defense against a knife and grabbing. CMAS Secretary Lorema “Bing” H. Tacsagon performed the basic uno, dos, and doble dos strokes of Original Filipino Tapado.

Overall Champion: Negros United Fighting Arts Academy (NUFAA) of Grandmaster Jose “Joe” Mancesa (3 wins). 2nd Placers were Arjuka-Malingin of Grandmaster Isaac “Saac” T. Guarra, Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) of Founder/Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, and Sikaran Garrote Arnis Society of Founder/Grandmaster Romeo “Roming” Postrano.

Jester Ploteña of Arjuka over Julius Valdez of GACS. Joselito Guzon of GACS over Filton Bernadas of Arjuka. Stevie John Doctora of NUFAA over Jeremiah Postrano of SGAS. Senior Mandatus Mark Anthony Magbanua of SGAS over Renante Deferia of KAA. John Carlo Bagatela of NUFAA over Gary Cabatuan of KAA. Ivonie de la Cruz of NUFAA over Edgardo Doctora of NUFAA. Junrey Montes of Arjuka had no opponent.

Officials were Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” Cardinal (Referee), Grandmaster Romeo “Roming” Postrano, Master Elizalde Aspan, and Master Instructor Berting Dajao (Judges), Wilson Alvarado of NUFAA (emcee), and Pastor Raymund Legaspi (spiritual adviser).

NUFAA is a member of Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Chapter under City/Provincial Commissioner Col. Atty. Grandmaster Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., thru the IFFMAS Arnis group.

SELF DEFENSE SYMPOSIUM @ BCC By: James U. Sy Jr.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Civil Relation Service (CSR) under SSGt. Deo Daun, SSgt. Jerry Abu, and SSgt. Lito Sarmiento presented a self defense symposium last February 8, 2008 at the Bacolod Christian Center (BCC), Luzuriaga St. , Bacolod City.

Resource persons were Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr., 6th degree Tapondo, of Tribu Hangaway (TH) and his assitant Ricardo Sorillo. The duo gave a short lecture and demonstration on dealing/coping with criminal acts.


Flores explained some basic principles of crime prevention and neutralization to the students present and demonstrated various methods of defending against a hold up situation and a knife stabbing attack. Flores used a mixture of Tapondo, Arnis, Wushu Sanshou, and Grappling in dealing with these threats.

The symposium was organized to give students some basic idea on what to expect and what to do and not to do during an attack in the streets. Students as of late had become victims of street crimes simply because they lack awareness in their surroundings and are often seen as ideal targets. The AFP CSR is trying to change this by educating students and hopefully parents and schools will also take a pro-active stand on this matter.

Flores ’ Tribu Hangaway (TH) previously presented an arnis demonstration during a CRS Symposium and Feeding Program last September 23, 2007 at Brgy. 4 in Bacolod City .

Flores is the Negros Island Chief Instructor for Tapondo International Federation Inc. (TIFI), the
Oriental Negros Provincial Coordinator for Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP), Asst. Treasurer for Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS), Board Director for Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Chapter (ArPi-Bac/Neg), International Modern Arnis Federation Philippines (IMAFP), and Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Health Management Chairman of the now inactive Brotherhood of Mixed Martial Artists of Bacolod (BOMB), and member of the Muay Association of the Philippines-Negros Occidental (MAP-Neg. Occ.).