Happy Birthday to Mary Ann M. Abriola!!!

To Mrs. Mary Ann M. Abriola who will be celebrating her 50th birthday this coming July 27, 2009, we want to wish you a very happy birthday! Wishing you Godf's infinite grace and blessings this year and always. May you continue to have happiness in life and peace of mind and heart.

From Your Daughter Jennifer June Abriola, Your family, and the websmasters of Visayan Filipino Martial Arts Blog

Pacquiao Beats MMA Stars for ESPY Award By: James U. Sy Jr.

Filipino Boxing champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao was voted “Fighter of the Year” during the 2009 ESPY (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) Awards last July 15, 2009, besting UFC champions Lyoto Machida (Karate) and Anderson Silva (Muay Thai) and fellow boxer Sugar Shane Mosley.

Pacquiao of the Philippines (B: 1978) had odds of -300 to capture the award. His sensational 2nd round KO of Richard “Ricky” John Hatton of Great Britain (B: 1978) and his 8th round stoppage of Oscar “The Golden Boy” De La Hoya of the USA (B: 1973) snatched the award for him.

2 time IBF and IBO light welterweight champion Hatton is formerly the WBA welterweight and WBU/WBA light welterweight champion as well as the former WBC/WBA/WBO intercontinental light welterweight and Ring Magazine junior welterweight champion.

Barcelona Olympic gold medalist de la Hoya has a more impressive record, having captured 10 world titles in six different weight classes.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, is the first Filipino and Asian boxer to win five world titles in five different weight divisions; he was a former world champion in the lightweight (WBC), super featherweight (WBC), super bantamweight (IBF), and flyweight (WBC) divisions and is currently the IBO and Ring Magazine light welterweight champion. He has also held the Ring Magazine crowns for featherweight, super featherweight, and light welterweight divisions. Pacquiao is rated by Ring Magazine as the No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world. He is also the first boxer to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes.

Both Machida and Silva gave sensational performances during the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) 100 to be nominated for the “Fighter of the Year.”

The nomination of Machida and Silva, however, is the first time that more than one Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters were nominated for the award. In 2008, UFC champion Georges St. Pierre (Karate) was the first ever MMA fighter to be nominated for the award.

The ESPY Awards is a yearly sports awards event organized by cable TV network ESPN. Winners are chosen exclusively through online fan voting.

Tai Chi Chuan Presented at St. Scho’s By: James U. Sy Jr.

Narciso "Hansy" L. Alojado of the Center for La Sallian Ministries (CELAM), University of St. La Salle (USLS) was invited by Grade School Physical Education (PE) Coordinator Mary Grace Villasor-Geolingo as a resource person in an introductory workshop on Tai Chi Chuan for the opening of the Nutrition Month Celebration last July 20, 2008 at the St. Scholastica’s Academy (SSA) Gymnasium, Eroreco, Bacolod City.

About 80 grade 5 students representing 2 sections joined the short workshop. Officials heading the affair were Grade School Principal Sr. Catalina Dery, OSB, Academic Coordinator Bernandita Porras, and Science Coordinator Regina Joy Lamentac.

Geolingo, the proponent of the activity, points out that health has three aspects: the physical, mental, and spiritual. Nutrition and physical exercise fall under the physical aspect. Because of Tai Chi Chuan’s low-impact, non-injurious nature it is a welcome addition to the search for optimum health.

Tai Chi Chuan (alternate Romanization: Tai Ji Quan) “Grand Ultimate Fist” is a thousands year old Chinese internal martial art that seeks balance and harmony within one’s body and the environment. It is characterized by slow, graceful movements with an emphasis on natural breathing and self healing. Medical studies, including those performed in Beijing, China, show that Tai Chi can alleviate and at times overcome a number of ailments such as tension and stress, diabetes, asthma, etc. It has also been show to cleanse the body of toxins and strengthens the immune system of the body.

Alojado, Co-Founder of the martial arts research and documentation group Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., taught the Yang Style 8 postures form. There are several versions of the Tai Chi form among them the 10, 24, 37, 42, 108, etc. but Alojado decided to focus on the 8 postures because of the limited time slot and so that the students will have a concentrated introduction to the art.

Alojado first showed the individual postures and performed them slowly so the students may catch up. He showed how the form imitates nature and get energy from it. Finally, he synthesize the 8 postures into one continuous form.

The 8 postures are beginning (fold the blanket), repulse monkey (roll the arms), brush knee twist step, part the horses mane, wave hands like clouds, stand on one leg, separate foot, grasp the sparrow's tail, and conclusion.

Alojado is also the instructor for the Arnis class at the DMA Conservatory, which is run by Geolingo for the providing opportunities that enhance creativity, aesthetic and critical thinking skills, self-discipline, leadership, teamwork and an appreciation for diversity in its students through the various cultural arts. Geolingo herself teaches the Hip Hop and Dance Aero classes while fellow St. Scholastican Therese Manaloto teaches the Voice Lessons.

The Bacolod campus of St. Scholastica's Academy (SSA) was established in 1958. St. Scholastica was the twin sister of St. Benedict. Today the school has an enrollment of 1,517.

Rapid Journal Donated to Univrsity of St. La Salle Library Part I: The Turnover by: James U. Sy Jr.

USLS Alumni James U. Sy Jr. (left) turning over the Rapid Journal donations to USLS College Librarian Henie S. Gonzales with Library Assistant for Acquisition Vivian Capanas and Narciso "Hansy" L. Alojado of the Center for La Sallian Ministriesa (CELAM) as witnesses.

The University of St. La Salle (USLS) College Library, now known as the Alfredo M. Montelibano, AFSC Library, under University Librarian Henie S. Gonzales received a donation of 40 issues of the Rapid Journal, the longest running and at present, the one and only martial arts resource in the Philippines, from its Editor/Publisher Daniel O. Go of Binondo through USLS alumni James U. Sy Jr. and Center for La Sallian Ministries’ Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado last July 21, 2009 at the 1st Floor of the USLS College Library, USLS, La Salle Ave., Bacolod City. Witnessing the turnover was Vivian Capanas, Library Assistant for Acquisition, and Mrs. Gonzales’ son.

Rapid is an acronym for Research and Propagation for Internal Development. It was originally the name of a section of the Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) which was organized by Go to systematize the study of Chinese Martial Arts (CMA), most especially the internal health art of Tai Chi Chuan, as well as research, document , propagate, and legitimize the arts and improve its teaching methods.

When the Rapid Group separated from WFP in 1996, Mr. Go, a 2 time Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Tai Chi Chuan gold medalist, started the publication of Rapid Journal, originally exclusive to Chinese Martial Arts (CMA) but later extended to cover Filipino, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Western, and other forms of martial arts (see www.rapidjournal.com).

What made Rapid Journal different from the standard martial arts magazine in the market, such as the more popular Black Belt and Inside Kung Fu, is that its articles are well researched, scholastic, and with great depth. Subjects cover the historical, cultural, linguistic, sociological, anthropological, ethnological, hoplological, economic, and political factors that have influenced the development and evolution of the various martial arts from different countries.

The public have a distorted view of the real meaning and essence of the martial arts because its practice in early modern society was mostly associated with gangsters and troublemakers. Although the media and the film industry had helped to popularize the arts, most of these exposures were centered on the fighting aspects of the martial arts and in the certain cases, exaggerated and/or distortied representation. Thus, Rapid Journal seeks to educate the public of the cultural and wellness benefit of the martial arts as well as the foundation philosophies and principles from which they were founded upon.

Many of the contributing writers for Rapid Journal have academic backgrounds which show in their works. Some professionals from the University of the Philippines (UP), University of St. La Salle (USLS), Southwestern University (Cebu) had written for the journal.

The donated materials were composed of Vol. 1 No. 1 up to Vol. 11 No. 3. Sy and Alojado, the Co-Founders of the martial arts research and documentation group Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), inc., hope that with the donation to the USLS College Library, Negros students, particularly those from the university, will have access to academically researched and documented works on the martial arts.

Previously donations were also made by Go thru Sy to the West Visayas State University (WVSU) and University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UP-V), two prominent scholastic institutions in Panay. In Negros, the University of St. La Salle was the primary pick as recipient because of its place as the city’s and province’s leading educational institution.

The University of St. La Salle (USLS) was founded as the La Salle College in 1952. The library was originally located at the ground floor of the Science Laboratory Bldg. The library’s present location was built and occupied in April 1983. At present, the library collection includes 87,281 books and 70,861 volumes of bound periodicals, pamphlets, and monographs, one of the most extensive in the province.

USLS is also a pioneer in new library technology in the province of Negros. In 1993, the library adopted the application of automation in the circulation area and the use of CDS-ISIS for its periodical index. The following year it adopted the use of CD-ROM and microfiche and in February 1995, the use of the internet.

A second set of Rapid Journal donations for Negros is planned for the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R). The date has yet to be set but it will be before the year ends. Arrangements are being made for the transport of the journals from Manila to Bacolod and the subsequent communication with university officials.

The donated Rapid Journal will be available to researchers after the uUniversity Library finished cataloging and filing them in their assigned section.

Remembering GM Dominador “Doming” D. Ferrer (19By his student, James U. Sy Jr.20-2007)

Last July 17, 2009 marked the 2nd year death anniversary of Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) Grandmaster Dominador “Doming” D. Ferrer of Bacolod City. GM Ferrer passed away at 86 due to a sudden cardiac arrest.

GM Ferrer was well loved and respected by the martial arts community because he exemplified the ideal character for a martial artist. Whereas other practitioners of the art would go around making challenges and/or preaching the superiority of their methods, GM Ferrer stayed humble, respected all arts, and always gave credit to his teachers. He taught Arnis publicly but carefully chose his students and made them vow not to use their skills for anything other than for the protection of one’s life and one’s loved ones.

GM Ferrer was always punctual and a very loving husband and father. He was a health buff, walking distances that would leave a younger but less fit man gasping for air. His grip was stronger than the average teen and he is still fast with the disarms. He advocated non-smoking, non-drinking, non-violence, and respect to one’s fellow men. He was a deeply religious man who did not fail to meet his Sabbath duty.

During World War II, he was a part of the guerilla movement in Negros under Lt. Liberato Montañes, Lt. Agustin Paraiso, and Lt. Lorenzo Dilag.

GM Ferrer is best remembered as the oldest living grandmaster of the Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis System in the world while he was alive and in a time when not many represented the art in demonstrations, he was there to continuously show the public the style his teacher, the late Grandmaster Jose “Joe” L. Viñas, founded. He studied under GM Viñas in October 1959 and was awarded his mastership on April 20, 1979. The Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis System is the oldest documented and verifiable method of Bacoleño Filipino Martial Art (FMA), having been established in 1932, the same year the famed Doce Pares was founded in Cebu. It is now headed by the Founder’s son, Headmaster Wilson “Nonong” E. Viñas.

Master Ferrer was recognized as an Arnis Grandmaster by the newly formed Negros Occidental Arnis Federation (NOAF) during the 4th National Arnis Tournament and Festival on July 26-27, 1986 at the West Negros College Gym. His certificate was signed by then NARAPHIL Visayas Region Commissioner Atty. Grandmaster Dionisio A. Cañete, NOAF President Jerson “Nene” Tortal, and Committee on Award Chairman Judge Grandmaster Demosthenes Magallanes. He also served as a judge during the tournament.

GM Ferrer may well also be the oldest instructor of Original Filipino Tapado in the world before he died. He studied the art under its Founder, the late Grandmaster Romeo “Nono C. Mamar of Taloc, Bago City, in the latter half of the 1980s. He was conferred his Junior Instructor rank in Original Filipino Tapado by GM Mamar on December 30, 1988 and his Senior Instructor degree on May 28, 1989.

GM Ferrer only established his own school, Kalantiaw Defense Society (KDS), only after GM viñas passed away. GM Ferrer taught Old Style Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis, characterized by a left side lead and a general absence of a numbered or named patterns.

On December 30, 2003, Headmaster Wilson “Nonong” E. Viñas, the son of the founder, conferred to GM Ferrer a 10th degree ranking in Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis, making him the first to be promoted to such high rank by a lineage holder. The same rank is recognized by the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) of Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo. GM Ferrer is also recognized as a Grandmaster of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) of Atty. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon.

GM Ferrer served as Arnis Training Director for Bantay Bayan under Regional Director Rudy Toledo. At a certain point in time, he had also taught hand to hand defensive tactics to the Philippine Army in Negros. He was a Council of Elders member of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., IFFMAS, and Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis Aficionados Association (LVAAA) and is a Board Director for NOBF and Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc.

Martial Arts Promotions Made By:James U. Sy Jr.

Ian B. Negrido, 5th Degree Black Belt, Founder/Chief Instructor of Bassdumas (Baston Sipa Sumbag Dumog Martial Arts Society) Combat Sports. (right) shows an umbrella block againt the attack of Mario Pasan.

12 Brgy. Public Safety Officers (Brgy. Tanod) of Brgy. Alicante were awarded belt promotions after they satisfactorily completed and graduated the Advanced Training in Survival: Defensive Tactics Agaisnt Bladed and Impact weapons and Handcuffing Procedures in Accosting and Arresting last July 12, 2009 at the Public Plaza, Brgy. Alicante, Municipality of E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental.

The training and the graduation was organized by the Brgy. Alicante Council of E.B. Magalona under the leadership of Hon. Punong Brgy. Gelita S. Parcon in cooperation with the Talisay City-based Bassdumas Combat Sports of Founder/Chief Instructor Ian B. Negrido and with the generous sponsorship of Mr. Zosimo Q. Maravilla.

The crash course started last April 26, 2009 and was held every Sunday, each session lasting two hours. The crash course included fundamentals on stances, punches, kicks, blocks, locking, throwing, and weapons for law enforcement use.

The method taught was Adino Eznite, an eclectic form of martial arts which combines the best aspects of several established systems such as Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, Arnis, etc. The style traces its roots to Grandmaster Dionision Valencia who taught it to Col. Meliton Geronimo, Julius B. Delasan, and Capt. Emma Henry way back in 1957 in UP Los Baños. Grandmaster Julius B. Delasan, 9th Degree Red Belt, Founder of Zion Original Disciples in Arnis and Combat Sports (ZODIACS) Philippines (SEC Reg. No. CN200725845), taught Adino Eznite to Master Romeo G. Banas, the instructor of Ian B. Negrido.

Those who graduated and promoted were Mario C. Pasan (Black belt) and Alex P. Bejemino, Wenifredo B. Castillo, Cristobal M. Escarilla, Benjie c. Fernandez, Rolando G. Fernandez, Jose C. Gomez, Jerry Y. Guanzon, Beinvenido B. Juanillo Jr., John O. Rafol, Melbert M. Rizalde, and Ronilo O. Robante (Green Belt).

Giving the promotion was Master Romeo G. Banas, 7th Degree Red Belt, Founder of the Victorias City-based Red Musang Self Defense Combat Sports, together with course instructor Ian B. Negrido, 5th Degree Black Belt, Founder/Chief Instructor of Bassdumas (Baston Sipa Sumbag Dumog Martial Arts Society) Combat Sports.

Guests were the training’s primary sponsor, Mr. Zosimo Q. Maravilla; Hon. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officer Cherry C. Lacida, who represented Hon. Mayor David Albert Lacson and Hon. Vice Mayor Reynaldo “Rex” Depasucat Jr.; Hon. Punong Brgy. Amalia Y. Engada of Brgy. Manta-angan; Engr. Edgar Beduyas; Brgy. Alicante Council composed of Hon. Punong Brgy. Gelita S. Parcon, Hon. Kagawad Joel B. Antonio, Hon. Kagawad Jose P. Bejemino, Hon. Kagawad Moreto S. celeste, Hon. Kagawad Samuel N. Dido Jr., Hon. Kagawad Chona B. Gatilao, Edralyn D. Negara, Hon. Kagawad Leah E. Ruiz, Hon. Kagawad Edgardo P. Zulueta, Brgy. Secretary Georgie B. Buenconsejo, and Brgy. Treasurer Johana B. lataquin; Mrs. Janet Banas; Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.; and Joseph Daquel of RMN DYHB and Bobby Samson of DYAF.

Brgy. Alicante, E.B. Magalona Tanod Grad Held By: James U. Sy Jr.

The Brgy. Alicante Council of E.B. Magalona under the leadership of Hon. Punong Brgy. Gelita S. Parcon in cooperation with the Talisay City-based Bassdumas Combat Sports of Founder/Chief Instructor Ian B. Negrido held the graduation rites for 12 Brgy. Public Safety Officers (BPSO/brgy. tanod) who completed the Advanced Training in Survival: Defensive Tactics Agaisnt Bladed and Impact weapons and Handcuffing Procedures in accosting and Arresting last July 12, 2009 at the Public Plaza, Brgy. Alicante, Municipality of E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental.

The training started last April 26, 2009 and was held every Sunday, each session lasting two hours. The crash course included fundamentals on stances, punches, kicks, blocks, locking, throwing, and weapons for law enforcement use.

Featured instructor was Ian B. Negrido, 5th Degree Black Belt, Founder/Chief Instructor of Bassdumas (Baston Sipa Sumbag Dumog Martial Arts Society) Combat Sports, under the superviusion of Master Romeo G. Banas, 7th Degree Red Belt, Founder of the Victorias City-based Red Musang Self Defense Combat Sports.

Hon. Punong Brgy. Gelita S. Parcon expressed her enthusiasm over the training of the tanods in the indigenous Filipino Martial Art (FMA) of Arnis, “I hope that with your new found skills, you can better serve your barangay in maintaining peace and order. We are enthusiastic in holding similar trainings in the near future.”

Arnis is the standard generic term for the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) as recognized by the Philippine Government. Arnis is the Filipino transmutation of the Spanish Arnes, which referred to the colorful armor/trappings worn by warrior stage actors of the friar introduced socio-religious plays such as the Komedya, Zarzuela, etc. during the Spanish Era. Eskrima is an earlier term, having been recorded in church records as early as the 1700s in Paete, Laguna. Eskrima is a corruption of the Spanish Escrima “Fencing.” Yaming is an indigenous Karay-a term used in Panay Island, the place where the folkloric 10 Bornean Datus supposedly landed in the 11th Century.

Guest of honor Mr. zosimo Q. Maravilla, in his priviledge speech, suggested to the Brgy. Alicante Council, to augment this training with a future workshop on laws applicable to law enforcement and the legalities in arresting suspects.

The method taught was Adino Eznite, an eclectic form of martial arts which combines the best aspects of several established systems such as Karate, Judo, Jujitsu, Arnis, etc. The style traces its roots to Grandmaster Dionision Valencia who taught it to Col. Meliton Geronimo, Julius B. Delasan, and Capt. Emma Henry way back in 1957 in UP Los Baños. Grandmaster Julius B. Delasan, 9th Degree Red Belt, Founder of Zion Original Disciples in Arnis and Combat Sports (ZODIACS) Philippines (SEC Reg. No. CN200725845), taught Adino Eznite to Master Romeo G. Banas, the instructor of Ian B. Negrido. Master Banas serves as Deputy National Vice President and Region 6 Training Director of ZODIACS Philippines. Master Banas was originally from Zamboanga del Norte but immigrated to Negros in 1987 where he started teaching in 1990. By 1993, he already had 5,000 students all over Negros.

The graduates were Alex P. Bejemino, Wenifredo B. Castillo, Cristobal M. Escarilla, Benjie c. Fernandez, Rolando G. Fernandez, Jose C. Gomez, Jerry Y. Guanzon, Beinvenido B. Juanillo Jr., Mario C. Pasan, John O. Rafol, Melbert M. Rizalde, and Ronilo O. Robante.
Special awards were also given for the exemplary performance of the graduates. Mario C. Pasan is the most awarded tanod, having been honored with four out of five given out. Perfect Attendance, Best in Bladed Disarming, Best in Handcuffing, and Best in Gun Disarming). John O. Rafol had two (Perfect Attendance and Best in Bladed Disarming).

Other awardees were Jerry Y. Guanzon (Perfect Attendance), Jose C. Gomez and Melbert M. Rizalde (Best in Stick Disarming) , and Rolando G. Fernandez and Beinvenido B. Juanillo Jr. (Best in Empty hand Combat).

Guests were the training’s primary sponsor, Mr. Zosimo Q. Maravilla; Hon. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officer Cherry C. Lacida, who represented Hon. Mayor David Albert Lacson and Hon. Vice Mayor Reynaldo “Rex” Depasucat Jr.; Mrs. Janet Banas; Hon. Punong Brgy. Amalia Y. Engada of Brgy. Manta-angan; Engr. Edgar Beduyas; Brgy. Alicante Council composed of Hon. Punong Brgy. Gelita S. Parcon, Hon. Kagawad Joel B. Antonio, Hon. Kagawad Jose P. Bejemino, Hon. Kagawad Moreto S. celeste, Hon. Kagawad Samuel N. Dido Jr., Hon. Kagawad Chona B. Gatilao, Edralyn D. Negara, Hon. Kagawad Leah E. Ruiz, Hon. Kagawad Edgardo P. Zulueta, Brgy. Secretary Georgie B. Buenconsejo, and Brgy. Treasurer Johana B. lataquin; Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.; and Joseph Daquel of RMN DYHB and Bobby Samson of DYAF.

A Memorial to Adriano Emperado Sijo (1926-2009) By: James U. Sy Jr.

Three months after his passing, Adriano Directo Emperado Sijo, Founder of the Kajukenbo system of Martial Arts and the Kajukenbo Self Defense Institute (KSDI), is still missed by his loyal following in the martial arts. The master passed away quietly in his sleep last April 4, 2009, 11:15 P.M., in the island of Maui, Hawaii. He was 82.

Adriano was born to Filipino-Hawaiian parents as one of seven siblings on June 16, 1926 in the small community of Kalihi, Kalihi-Palama District of the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii.

Kajukenbo, America’s first Martial Arts system, is an eclectic system of Martial Arts founded by the Black Belt Society. Its name is the contraction of the names of the arts of its founders - KA for Korean Karate from Peter Young Yil Choo (Tang Soo Do black belt and welterweight Boxing champion), JU for Jujitsu from Frank Ordonez (Se Keino Ryu black belt) and Judo from Joe Holke (8th degree Kodokan Judo), KEN for Kenpo (and Escrima) from Adriano Emperado (5th degree Kara-ho Kenpo), and BO for Chinese Boxing from Clarence Chang (Sil Lum Pai master). When the Korean War broke out, the four co-founders of Kajukenbo were drafted and Adriano was left to carry the system on. He was credited with further developing the system and propagating it.

Adriano started martial arts training under his father and uncle, who were professional boxers. At 11, he learned the 12 basic strikes of the indigenous Filipino Martial Art (FMA) Eskrima in Kauai. At 14, he studied Judo under Taneo Sensei at the Palama Settlement Gym. At 20, he learned under Prof. William K.S. Chow, a student of Kenpo Jiu-jitsu Master James Mitose, at the Catholic Youth Organization. He eventually became the Master Chow’s Chief Instructor and a 5th Degree Black Belt. Emperado started his first Kajukenbo school in 1950 at the Palama Settlement Gym. In his 30s, he continued training in Escrima under his stepfather, Alfredo Peralta, who taught a solo baston method.

Emperado studied Choy Li Fut under Prof. Lau Bun and Northern Shaolin under Prof. Wong. After years of practice, Emperado was awarded the title professor and a rank of 10th Degree by these teachers and the Hawaii Chinese Physical Culture Association, the first Chinese Kung Fu school outside of China.

Master Emperado sat on the Hawaii Karate Rules board, which established standards for tournaments used throughout Hawaii. He also promoted and officiated at many major Karate tournaments in the locality.

Master Emperado served as a harbor policeman for the Hawaii Department of Transportation for 14 years and for the Hawaii Attorney General’s Office for a year, when he also served as bodyguiard to the governor. From there, he was employed as security director for a large company. He worked in the corporate security field until a heart attack struck him in 1982.

Kajukenbo gave rise to hundreds of Kenpo offshoots although there are 4 recognized major branches: the Original Method/Kenpo Karate branch (1947-1949), Tum Pai (1959-1966), Chuan Fa (1966), and Won Hop Kuen Do “Combined Fist art”. Among the other offshoots include American Shaolin Kempo, Body Defense, CHA-3 Kenpo, Godins Chinese Kenpo, Hawaiian Kenpo, Kenka Kung Fu, Kenkabo, Karazenpo Go Shin Jitsu, Lima Lama, Nick Cerio's Kenpo, Quatekenpo, Ukidokan Karate, Universal Kenpo Schools, Won Hop Kune Do, etc.

Bacolod’s Oldest Tai Chi Group will Turn 9 This July 17 Part I: In the Beginning

The oldest existing documented group of Tai Chi Chuan practitioners in Bacolod city and perhaps, the Negros Island, the Tai Chi Circle of Bacolod (TCCB), will be celebrating its 9th year anniversary on July 17, 2009 in Bacolod City.

The schedule for the group’s assembly, however, has yet to be finalized in consideration of the availability of its members, most of whom are career entrepreneurs and professionals with some even coming from Manila.

The first introduction of Tai Chi Chuan in Bacolod and Negros has not been formally researched and recorded but it would be safe to say that the first practitioners of the art in the island were ethnic Chinese since in the early days the Chinese kept to themselves their heritage, including those of their martial and health culture.

It would also be safe to say that these Chinese practitioners came from Fujian Province, Mainland China and spoke the Hokkien dialect as with all other Chinese migrants in the Philippines.

The first known, or popularly known, person to publicly teach Tai Chi Chuan in Bacolod is Pacheco Villaluna Sifu. There were other practitioners of the art, such as Mentong Chua of Wu Style Tai Chi, who studied his craft in Hong Kong, but who didn’t teach the art.

Tai Chi Chuan “Grand Ultimate Fist” later became more popular because of its health benefits, most notably with the establishment of the Wushu Federation of the Philippines (WFP) in the mid 1990s in Binondo. Bacoleña Stella Unson, the daughter of the late Petye Unson, won a medal in the Tai Chi Chuan event in the Sea Games. She was later featured in the front cover of the inaugural issue of the Rapid Journal, the longest running martial arts resource in the Philippines, in 1996. She became the first Bacoleña/o to be given such honor.

Also during the mid 1990s Master Li Jun Feng, National Coach of the People’s Republic of China, came to Bacolod to teach Tai Chi Chuan.

Although there had been many developments in the spread of Tai Chi, there was an absence of a close knit group of practitioners that can be defined as a club, society or association. Not until, Tai Chi Circle of Bacolod (TCCB) was formed on July 17, 2000 by enthusiasts-professionals as a low profile, non-profit group dedicated to the concentrated study of the hundreds of years old Chinese Nei Jia “Internal Family” art of Tai Chi Chuan “Grand Ultimate Fist.”

True to its original objective, TCCB gives free instruction to all those who are interested in the health-based practice of the 24 simplified form, 37 Chen Man-Chin form, and the 108 Yang long form. The 24 posture form is common to all Tai Chi practitioners in Bacolod but the 37 and 108 are only practiced by members of TCCB at least up to this point.

The primary focus of TCCB is to improve one’s quality of life through cultivation of the mind and inner peace, correct breathing, non-impact/non-injurious physical exercise through Tai Chi Chuan, proper diet and health centered lifestyle. Tai Chi was originally founded for fighting and recently modified as a competitive sport but the group’s teacher, Peter John L. Yap, focuses on the health aspect of the art because it is a more pressing concern for the modern society’s stress-intensive lifestyle.

According to Yap Sifu, “I believe more important than fighting is knowing how to defend oneself against elements that will ultimately threaten our lives - illness. The enemy is not only from without but from within.”

TCCB offers Tai Chi lessons for FREE. Training is every MWF 8:00 P.M. at Oceanlight Import and Export, Magsaysay St., Bacolod City. Interested parties may contact Mr. Jose Uy Jr. at 434-7664.

Bacolod’s Oldest Tai Chi Group will Turn 9 This July 17 Part II: The Nucleus By: James U. Sy Jr.

Tai Chi, or more completely known as Tai Chi Chuan (alternate Romanization: Tai Ji Quan) “Great/Grand Ultimate/Supreme Fist/Boxing” refers to one of the three primary forms of the Internal Family of Chung Kou Chuan “Chinese Fist/Boxing” or Chung Kou Wushu “Chinese Martial Arts” (the other two being Pa Kua Chuan and Hsing I Chuan). There are several legends about its founding, the most common of which is that the legendary Taoist monk Chan Sang-Feng developed the art after he had observed a fight between a crane and a snake. According to some accounts, Chang was formerly from Shaolin Ssu “Small Forest Temple.” Using his prior knowledge of Shaolin Chuan, Chang developed a martial art which made optimum use of the circular and yielding motions he had observed from the fighitng animals.

The circle in the name of the Tai Chi Circle of Bacolod (TCCB) symbolizes a family circle structure which is customary in all traditional Chinese Martial Arts (CMA). In CMA, the instructor is called a Sifu, which is composed of the two Chinese characters for “Teacher” and “Father.” Thus, Sifu represents the head of the family who cares for and nurtures his children to growth and the right path. He transmits what hi wisdom and experience just as a father would prepare his children for life.

The circle alo represents the interconnection and harmony of all thing in nature, having no start and no end and symbolizes constant flux to maintain balance. The circle seals the union of the metaphyical forces of Yin and Yang “Negative and Positive.”

Peter Lloren Yap Yan-Lin (B: 1944), the son of Ramon Yap Kian-See of Lam Wah, Fujian, China and Narcisa Lloren of Bohol, is the Sifu of the Tai Chi Circle of Bacolod (TCCB). When asked what is martial arts to him, Yap Sifu said, “My martial art was fighting poverty.” He had to do hard labor at an early age because he was the bread winner of the family. In fact, he started Tai Chi Chuan later in his life, when he needed to rehabilitate himself from the wear and tear of hard labor. Yap learned a modified form of the 108 postures from a local master in Bacolod City way back in 1988.

In 1992, Master Li Jun Feng, Head Coach of the Beijing Wushu Team and Counsel of the Research Committee of Chinese Qigong, was sponsored by Cecille H. Magsaysay to teach Tai Chi Chuan in Bacolod. Master Li taught the 24 posture simplified form at the property owned by the prominent businessman Benjamin “Bebe” Lopue Jr. which is now known as Benjamin Hall along Lacson St.

In 1993, Master Li went back to Bacolod and taught the 42 step competition form at the Taoist temple at Kamunsil St., which is owned by another prominent businessman Kaya Uy Se Kay. It was Enrique Dy Achiaw who arranged with Mr. Uy for the use of the place. Many Bacoleños studied under Master Li, among them was Yap.

Yap Sifu narrated, “We paid P60 for each session back then. Master Li invited me to his apartment for more concentrated training. I did daily training under him instead of the three times a week mass training.”

Master Li learned Chi Kung “Energy Skill” (alternate Romanization: Qigong) from the mystic Master Gong Zhang. Master Li was one of the trainers of 5 times All China Wushu champion and now world martial arts superstar Jet Li Lian-Jie.

After Master Li left, the enthusiasts continued practicing on their own until a need was felt for a network to overee the progrte of their training and thus, Tai Chi Circle of Bacolod (TCC) was born on July 17, 2000 as a non-profit, non-competitive network of career professionals/business people dedicated to the serious study of Tai Chi Chuan.

TCCB is unqiue in at least four respects: 1) It is the oldest existing documented group of Tai Chi Chuan practitioners in Bacolod city and perhaps, the Negros Island; 2) It is focused on the study of the Beijing 24 postures, classic Cheng Man-Ching 37 postures, and the classic Yang Chen-Fu 108 postures, the last two forms being practiced in Bacolod only by TCCB at this time; 3) System of teaching and training based on scientific and natural principles as opposed to mysticism; and 4) Free instruction to all those who are interested.

Active TCCB members include Atty. Alexander Ang of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Charles Atas, Letty Chiu, Pepe Chiu, Catherine Friend, Guillermo “Bill” L. Gomez, Rey Granada, Pepito Khey, Humberto “Toti” Lim, Felipe Lio, Celedinio Perez Jr., Alex Su, Sagay Councilor James Tupas, Jose Uy Jr., and Stephen Young.

TCCB is greatly indebted to Mr. Mariano Cua who offered hi place for the group‘s training. Interested parties may contact Mr. Jose Uy Jr. at 434-7664 or visit during practice every MWF 8:00 P.M. at Oceanlight Import and Export, Magsaysay St., Bacolod City.

TCCB came to the attention of the public on March 31, 2004 when Atty. Juanito S. Amihan, himself a martial arts enthusiast, hosted Yap Sifu for his TV show Reflections over at Negros Progress Channel. The group’s first public demonstration was during the 2nd Bacolaodiat Celebration last February 27, 2007 at the Bacolod Public Plaza where Humberto “Toti” Lim and Cathy Friend performed the 37 and 27 posture Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan form.

Brgy. Tanod Training to Be Concluded By; James U. Sy Jr.

The Skills Advancement Training for the Brgy. Alicante tanods is scheduled to be concluded this coming July 12, 2009 at Brgy. Alicante, E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental.

The training was organized by the Brgy. Alicante Council and Mr. Zozimo Q. Maravilla for 12 Brgy. Public Safety Officers (BPSO). It started last April 26. Training is every Sunday, 2 hours per meeting.

Featured instructor for the training is Founder/Chief Instructor Ian Negrido of the Talisay City-based Bassdumas (Baston, Sipa Sumbag, and Dumog Martial Arts Society). Negrido is ranked 5th degree Black Belt with the Eznite Adino Combat under ZODIACS Philippines, Inc. Founder Julius P. Delasan, 9th Degree Red Belt, and its VP Romeo G. Banas, 7th Degree Red Belt.

The training included advanced survival defensive tactics and impact weapons as well as arresting and handcuffing techniques for non-lethal but effective results.

Bassdumas (Baston, Sipa Sumbag, and Dumog Martial Arts Society), a member of ZODIACS Philippines, Inc., teaches several forms of martial arts to prepare its students and members in the different ranges and aspects of fighting. The baston “Cane (Español)” in its name refers to its weapon arsenal, more commonly known as Arnis or eskrima. Sipa Sumbag “Kickboxing (Hiligaynon)” is the Ilonggo interpretation of the mixture of traditional Karate and Western Boxing. Dumog is the indigenous Visayan form of grappling that can be traced to Panay.

Some Bassdumas students had success in recent tournaments. Romnick Malam won consecutively during the "Bakbakan sa Victorias” (April 24, 2009, Victorias City) and the “Bakbakan sa E. B. Magalona” Mixed martial Arts titls (April 27, 2009, E. B. Magalona) as well as during the Tribe W.A.R. (Warrior’s Art Rumble) IV (Muay Thai division). Another Bassdumas ward, Ferdinand Garcia also won in the E.B. Magalona and the Tribe W.A.R. events.