Arnis Phils. Officiating Seminar Slated by: James U. Sy Jr., PIO, Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Chapter

The Arnis Philippines Bacolod/Negros Occidental Chapter under Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo L. Cardinal will be organizing a 2-day program of International Sports Arnis seminar for Referees and Judges on August 7-8, 2010, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, at the Universal Care Center of Excellence, #83A Cor. Rosario-Locsin Sts.,, Bacolod City.

The purpose of the seminar is to standardize all Arnis rules, promote and include Arnis in all activities in each locality in the province, license and classify R/J based on their capabilities and create a pool of capable instructors.

Arnis Philippines is the sole government recognized National Sport Association (NSA) for Arnis in the Philippines. Arnis Philippines rules had been adopted by the Department of Education (DepEd).

The seminar is open to all school teachers, coaches, trainors, instructors, club heads, and Arnis masters and grandmasters.

The seminar will cover both the Labanan and Anyo events, drills of calls, hand signals and gestures, and hands on officiating.

A registration fee of P200 will be collected. Participants wiull receive a certificate of participation.

Interested parties may contact Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo L. Cardinal at 0906-657-2944.

Mayor Bing Leonardia Arnis Cup on the Works by: James U. Sy Jr.

The Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) of Founder/Chairman Abraham "Abe" G. Ganzon Jr. is currently busy with the paperworks and preparation for their planned 2nd UDTA-Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia Arnis Cup 2010 this coming October 2-3, 2010, Saturday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM, at the Atrium Area, Gaisano Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Brgy. Singcang, Bacolod City,

The event is being held in cooperation with the Arnis Philippines Bacolod/Negros Chapter under Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo L. Cardinal and with the Bacolod City Government under Hon. Bacolod City Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia.

Immediate past Arnis Philippines Bacolod/Negros Commissioner Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., Founder/President of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), is expected to grace the event.

This year's competition is expected to attract players from the Visayas-Mindanao areas, namely Bacolod, Bago, Cauayan, Davao, Escalante, Iloilo City, and Roxas (Capiz). But unlike last year's tournament, only the Labanan divisions will be contested.

It still has be seen if last year's overall champion, the Hon. Mayor Ramon D. Torres-sponsored Bago City Arnis Team, will defend their title this year. The Boagueños took home a 33-4-4 medal tally to take the top spot of the competition. Second placer was the Hon. Victor A. Tanco-sponsored Capiz Arnis Team which was a composite of the Arnis Philippines-Capiz Chapter/Lightning Scientific Arnis International (LSAI)-Capiz Chapter (4-10-1), Capiz Arnis Federation (3-6-4), and LSAI-Dumarao Chapter (2-0-1).

Interested parties may contact Tournament Director Abraham "Abe" G. Ganzon Jr. at 0922-830-0432.

3rd Death Anniversary of GM Doming Ferrer (1920-2007) Remembered by: James U. Sy Jr.

July 17, 2010 marked the 3rd year death anniversary of Grandmaster Dominador “Doming” D. Ferrer of Bacolod City (1921-2007). This piece is in memory of his legacy in the world of Arnis.

GM Ferrer was well respected by the martial arts community and the public not just because of his skills but more importantly because of his personality as a compassionate husband, father, friend, and teacher. He exemplified the ideal martial artist. He was a deeply religious man, always humble, respected all arts and practitioners, and always gave credit to his teachers.

Ferrer started his martial arts studies with Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis under its Founder, the late Grandmaster Jose “Joe” L. Viñas (1906-1991) in October 1959 and was awarded his mastership on April 20, 1979, only after 20 years of continuous practice. Master Ferrer was recognized as a Grandmaster by the Negros Occidental Arnis Federation (NOAF) during the 4th National Arnis Tournament and Festival on July 26-27, 1986 at the West Negros College Gym in Bacolod City.

On December 30, 2003, the son of the Founder, 1st Generation Inheritor/Headmaster Wilson “Nonong” E. Viñas, conferred to GM Ferrer a 10th Degree Grandmaster ranking in Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis, making him the first to be promoted to such high rank by a lineage holder. GM Ferrer’s rank is recognized by the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) of Founder/President Atty. Col. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., and the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) under its President Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo. He holds the distinction as the oldest living grandmaster of the Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis System in the world before he dies at age 86.

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

GM Ferrer founded his won school, the Kalantiaw Defense Society (KDS), only after GM Viñas passed away in 1991. 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. 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 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 was a Board Director for NOBF and Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc.

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

Greenvillian Martial Arts Organized by: James U. Sy Jr.

The Greenvillian Martial Arts Club (GMAC) was formally organzied last July 17, 2010 at the Greenville Elementary School in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

The Greenvillian Martial Arts Club (GMAC) is the 7th chapter school of San Carlos Jungle Fighters Martial Arts Club (SACA JUFIMAC) of Founder/Chief Instructor Diomedes N. Mamugay, 3rd degree Black Belt.

The charter elected officers were Reynilda Rebido (President), Abegail Ilustre (Vice President), Antonette Tanso (Secretary), Dave Joseph P. Oquia (Treasurer), Carla Vergara (Auditor), Shyarra Garganera (PIO), Catherine Tubilla and Flora Mae Gumila (Sgt. at Arms), Aprilyn Bartulio (Muse), John Rupert Martinez (Prince), and Gerry Apostol, Kimberly Bejoco, Angel Lyka Bolo, Natasha Mae Cañete, Phil Andre Dalluay, Kirk Lawrence Ponce, Radel Samsom, Sugar Ace Sumaling, and Enadelle Villarosa (Members).

Mrs. Dianne Zuniega is the group's Coach/Adviser. Principal Rogelio Dolocanog approved the status of Greenvillian Martial Arts Club (GMAC) as a non-academic club of the school.

F/CI Mamugay designated Instructor Trainees Rene Rebido and Joemarie Manguilimot as assigned instructors for the Greenvillian Martial Arts Club (GMAC).

Arnis Tilt at Gaisano Mulled This Aug. by: James U. Sy Jr.

CLASSIC ARNIS. P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao "Eslao" T. Guarra, Founder of Guarra Style Modern Arnis, and master James U. Sy Jr., Founder of Conceptual Martial Arts, demonstrate the classic back thrust of Saber Foil and Espada y Daga respectively (James U. sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

The 1st GSMASDA-Arjuka-CMAS Arnis Expo & Tournament is currently under works and when approved by Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, will be held this coming August 1, 2010, 2:00-6:00 PM.

Organizers are Guarra Style Modern Arnis & Self defense association (GSMASDA) of P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, Arjuka-Malingin of Grandmaster Isaac “Isaac” T. Guarra, and Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders/Masters James U. Sy Jr. in cooperation with the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. under President Eslao Guarra and Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Chapter under Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal.

Arnis demonstrations before the tournament are planned. The participating groups are still to be finalized but as early as of press time the Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) of Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, Tribu Hangaway Philippines of Master Roy R. Flores, and Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc. of 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido had expressed their willingness to give exhibitions along with the three host organizations.

The proposed tournament will be using Arnis Philippines and the International Arnis Federation rules and only Labanan (Sparring) will be contested.

The event is being organized as a tune up for the upcoming 2nd UDTA Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia Arnis Cup to be held by the Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) of Founder/Chairman Abraham “Abe” Ganzon Jr. on October 2-3, 2010, also at Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall.

Furthermore, the event will serve as a practicum for official-trainees from Arjuka-Malingin, who participated in the Arnis Philippines Referee and Judges Officiating Echo Seminar last July 3-4, 2010 and a follow up hands on review last July 18, 2010, both in Bago City.

1st Arjuka Promotion Made by: James U. Sy Jr.

BAGO ARNISADORS (from left): P/Sgt. (Ret.) Founder/Grandmaster Estanislao "Eslao" T. Guarra of Guarra Style Modern Arnis, newly promoted Master Dexter F. Guarra, and his father Founder/Grandmaster Isaac "Saac" T. Guarra of Arjuka (James U. sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Master Dexter F. Guarra of Bago City performs a Sinawali (Double Stick) routine from his father's Arjuka system (James U. sy Jr./CMAS Photo).
Founder/Grandmaster Isaac “Saac” T. Guarra recognized his son Dexter F. Guarra as a master of his style, Arjuka, with the affirmation of his elder brother, P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, Founder of the Guarra Style Modern Arnis, last July 18, 2010 at Brgy. Malingin, Bago City. It was the first formal rank promotion to be awarded in GM Guarra’s Arjuka style.

This came after a day long activity which involved a despidida gathering for the new master who is a seaman by profession, a review of Arnis Philippines International Rules for trainee referee and judges for the younger ranks of the Guarra Clan with actual bouts played, Arnis exhibitions by host Arjuka-Malingin, and exchange of ideas and instructions by both hosts and guests of the event.

During the exhibitions, youngster members of the Guarra Clan performed Sinawali two man drills, disarming techniques, and empty handed combat with the use of throws and close in striking.

Master Dexter Guarra demonstrated the nunchaku and then the solo Sinawali of Arjuka. Lastly, GM Isaac Guarra attacked him with strikes which he defended using his Solo Baston.

GM Isaac Guarra is the only arnisador to have been recorded to demonstrate the nunchaku in public during the first decade of the 2000’s.

Dexter Guarra started training under his father in 1979, when he was 5 years old. All seven siblings were trained by GM Isaac Guarra in his Arjuka style, which he founded back in 1972.

Arjuka is the contraction of Arnis, Judo, and Karate. During the 1960s and early 1970s, Karate peaked in popularity in the Philippines with many Filipinos practicing the art. Karatekas the likes of Roberto Gonzales, Johnny Caranza, and Tony Ferrer smashed the cinema box office during those times.

GM Isaac Guarra learned his techniques from a friend and later he developed it into his own style which blended aspects of the three aforementioned arts. Just like other Arnis systems, Arjuka fundamentals start with triangle footwork and the Abecedario or the 12 basic strikes. The 12 basic strikes of Arjuka traces its roots from the Herada Redoble, an Espada y Daga style, which GM Guarra learned from his late father Grandmaster Cornelio “Kune” Guarra.

Arjuka emphasizes training methods which develop the grip strength such as raising a steel bar holding it at only one end and twirling a heavy piece of metal in one hand and not dropping it. Other training practices include piercing a banana tree with a kick.

Dexter Guarra, a product of the Visayan Maritime Academy, was doing demonstrations with his father and siblings at a very young age, from Bago to the Bacolod Arts and Youth Sports (BAYS) Center and La Salle in Bacolod. His promotion to master by his father is long overdue, only after 31 years of training.

Arnis Philippines Officiating Review Held in Bago by: James U. Sy Jr.

Members of the Guarra Style Modern Arnis and Arjuka-Malingin pose with host and guest masters and grandmasters during the despidida gathering for Master Dexter F. Guarra last July 18, 2010 at Brgy. malingin, Bago City (James U. sy Jr./CMAS Photo).

Actual hands on training for Arnis Philippines official-trainees under the supervision of Bacolod/Negros Occidental CommissionerGrandmaster Danilo "Danny" L. Cardinal held last July 18, 2010 at Brgy. malingin, Bago City (James U. sy Jr./CMAS Photo).
After a successful Arnis Philippines Referee and Judges Officiating Echo Seminar on July 3-4, 2010 at Brgy. Lag-asan, Arjuka-Malingin of Founder/Grandmaster Isaac “Saac” T. Guarra hosted his brother P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, Founder of the Guarra Style Modern Arnis and current President of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), and officials from Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Chapter headed by Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal for a review of sport Arnis officiating last July 18, 2010 at Brgy. Malingin, Bago City.

Other guests include Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr., Master Joeffrey S. Deriada, and Instructor Moises “Jung-Jung” Nifras Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., Founder/Chairman Abraham “Abe” Ganzon Jr. of Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA), and Master Guilberto Dajao of KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA).

GM Isaac Guarra and his family treated the guests to a filling breakfast and lunch, which was a despidida get together for his son, Master Dexter F. Guarra, a seaman, who is set to leave for Manila this coming July 25, 2010.

Six teenage members of the Guarra Clan, who are all Arnis practitioners, participated in the review. They were Filton O. Bernadas, Jonar D. Guarra, John Rey C. Montes, Ceasar Ian G. Poral, Windy Lou G. Poral, and Louie A. Terante.

GM Cardinal led the officials-trainee in going through the various commands, hand signals, and gestures for referees and scoring method of judges as used by Arnis Philippines and the International Arnis Federation, the world governing body for sport Arnis.

The second half of the review involved four actual bouts of three rounds each where the trainees were given hands on practicum on refereeing the bouts. The other trainees were either assigned as judges or timers. Dajao and Ganzon guided the judges in keeping track of the scores and the proper use of the red and blue flags for announcing the winner. Members of the Guarra Clan in the compound gathered and cheered the fighters.

The review is a preparation for the upcoming event, the 1st GSMASDA-Arjuka-CMAS Arnis Expo & Tournament, mulled for August 1, 2010 at the Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall.