Wednesday, June 29, 2011
SJADA AL KHOBAR TRAINING SCHEDULE
As of July 2011
Sunday - 8:30PM - 10:30PM - SIKARAN TRAINING
Tuesday - 8:30PM - 10:30PM - ARNIS LAPUNTI TRAINING
Friday - 2:30PM - 4:30PM - SIKARAN/ARNIS/TECHNIQUES TRAINING
Venue:
View Larger Map
CALL: MAESTRO JETHROGIL
0502.827.428 or 0536.671.773
Sunday - 8:30PM - 10:30PM - SIKARAN TRAINING
Tuesday - 8:30PM - 10:30PM - ARNIS LAPUNTI TRAINING
Friday - 2:30PM - 4:30PM - SIKARAN/ARNIS/TECHNIQUES TRAINING
Venue:
View Larger Map
CALL: MAESTRO JETHROGIL
0502.827.428 or 0536.671.773
Sikaran Creed
| 1. Sasanayin ko ang aking damdamin at isipan tungo sa isang matatag at hindi matitinag na paninindigan. |
| 2. Sisikapin kong makamit ang tunay na kahilugan ng pagiging handa sa lahat ng pook, sa lahat ng sandali at sa ano mang pagkakataon. |
| 3. Sa pagkakaroon ng tunay na lakas, pagsisikapan kong pagyamanin ang tunay na kahulugan ng sariling disiplina. |
| 4. Aking pag-aaralan ang mga alituntunin ng kagandahang asal. Paggalang sa nakakataas ang iwasang gawin ang mga bagay na hindi karapatdapat. |
| 5. Susundin ko ang mga alituntunin ng wastong pag-uugali at hindi kailanman kalilimutan ang tunay na kahulugan ng pagtitimpi sa sarili. |
| 6. Tutuklasin ko sa hinaharap ang karunungan at lakas. |
7. Sa buong buhay ko, sa pamamagitan ng disiplinang ipinagkaloob sa akin ng KAPATIRAN SIKARAN NG PILIPINAS ako ay magsisikap na isakatuparan ang tunay na kahulugan ng mga layunin nito. |
Sikaran's Only Supremo
Someone else claims to be the "Grandmaster" of Sikaran. But there is only one Redbelt in the School, and that is Master, Col. Meliton C. Geronimo the only Filipino Redbelt awarded by the Asian Martial Art authorities and renowned masters of their art, for the propagation of Sikaran - a distinct style and ancient origin; being the organizer, founder of Sikaran, which he gained from his father, Cipriano Geronimo, the last "Hari" of the Ancient Sikaran.
THE FIGHTING RED BELT
Meliton C. Geronimo was born on March 10, 1927 in Baras, Rizal. At the early age of eight, his father, Cipriano Geronimo (1892-1993) started teaching him Sikaran. In this town, many people believed Sikaran actually originated in Baras, from the Geronimo lineage. His grandfather, Bonifacio Geronimo, during the Spanish regime while the Cabeza de Barangay (Village Chief) in Baras, was renowned for his Sikaran and Arnis prowess when he was attacked by five bandits armed with machetes and spears. He singlehandedly fought and killed them. This event inspired the young Geronimo to learn Sikaranand Arnis.
During the World War II, when the Japanese soldiers occupied the province of Rizal, Meliton, at 17, joined the guerilla forces under the General Marking Unit. He was assigned to the “F” Company. Driven by his patriotism and the atrocities of the Japanese soldiers against the townspeople of Baras, especially the women, Meliton participated in several guerilla warfare operations against the invaders.
When the war ended in 1945, Meliton continued his mastery inSikaran, while pursuing his academic education. His accomplishment in the war earned him the privilege of joining the regular forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In 1947, he was enlisted into the Philippines Air Force (PAF). In light of his exceptional performance in the PAF, he was among those commissioned by then President Ramon Magsaysay as a Second Lieutenant to join the elite unit tasked to fight the communist insurgency in Central Luzon.
Years later, his unit in the PAF was detailed in Japan to oversee the smooth transport of some aircrafts and other military hardware to the Philippines as part of Japan’s war reparation program. While in Japan, he studied Karate. Many Japanese karatekas were amazed by his kicking skill, especially the biakid. He joined and won in several karate tournaments in Japan.
When Meliton returned to the Philippines after one year and eight months in Japan, he transformedSikaran from a family tradition of self-defense and street fighting into modern martial arts as a sport and as a self-defense, with a combined concept of Sikaran and that of Karate.
On March 10, 1958, he formally opened the Karate Brotherhood of the Philippines (KBP), with a subtitle Kapatirang Sikaran ng Pilipinas (KSP) and subsequently registered it with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A great number of karate associations in the Philippines joined the KBP(SKP) and embraced the concept of Sikaran. The KBP(KSP) joined the Asian Karate Association (AKA) and the World Karate-Do (WKD), along with Japan and South Korea. This was the beginning of the propagation of Sikaran in the Philippines and ultimately around the world. Eventually, with Arnisas part of the curriculum, he renamed the association into Pandaigdigang Kapatirang Sikaran-Arnis(PKSA) (World Sikaran-Arnis Brotherhood), with membership expanding in other parts of the world such as Australia, Canada, the Middle East, Germany and the United States.
During the First Asian Karate Tournament held in Japan in March 1964, the Philippines sent a delegation led by Geronimo, with Rodolfo Cagawan and GregorioAgaloos. Geronimo was adjudged as the best fighter in the event.
In 1965, during the Second Asian Karate Tourney held in Seoul, South Korea, Geronimo headed the Philippine delegation for the second time, with Tony Ferrer as Team Manager, where Bernard Belleza and Emilio Galicinao won the gold medals in their respective divisions.
In the Third Asian Karate Tournament held in Manila, Philippines in November 1966, Jimmy Magbanua and Ariston Baustista won gold medals. On that event, Geronimo was bestowed upon the 10th Degree Redbelt by the Asian Karate Association composed of Susakiti Kobayashi and Kyojiro Furusawa of Japan, and Dr. Y. Beung Leung and Hwang Kee of South Korea. The Tenth Degree Redbelt, per AKA and WKD regulations, is the highest rank attained by a martial art expert who, as such, should possess a distinct style and origin. At present, he is the only recognized Sikaran Master 10th Degree Red Belt worldwide.
In the 1967 Asian Karate Tournament, Amando Diaz won a gold medal and in the same tournament in 1968, Diaz won another gold along with Tony Gamiela, while Jimmy Geronimo, Sikaran Master Meliton Geronimo’s younger brother, was adjudged as the Most Courageous Fighter.
In 1969, Manila hosted another Asian Karate Tournament where Malaysia, for the first time, participated with a team headed by Emmanuel Querubin, a Filipino KBP(SKP) instructor sent by Geronimo to teach Filipino martial arts in Malaysia. Patrick Lim, a Malaysian delegate from this team won a gold medal.
To authenticate the identity of Sikaran as an indigenous Philippine martial art, Geronimo, assisted by Emmanuel Querubin, coined its Tagalog commands and terminologies and declared that all members of the KBP (SKP) shall use them in their teaching and practice. The coinage of the word “Sikaran” as a martial art and the use of Filipino commands and terminologies earned Geronimo a recognition and award from the Philippine Institute of National Language.
Geronimo retired from the military in 1977 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Upon the insistence of the citizens of Baras, he was persuaded to run for mayor to unseat the incumbent. He won a big margin in the ensuing election. However, the losing opponent, an administration candidate belonging to the ruling Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) or the “new society movement” headed by then Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, charged him with “Political Turncoatism.” Under the Philippine election law at that time, turncoatism is an act of switching political party affiliation six months immediately preceding or following the election.
Despite his innocence since he did not officially join any political party before, the Commission on Election found him guilty and ordered his removal from office he had held for two years. With the overwhelming support of the people, he resisted and refused to vacate the office pending final determination by the Supreme Court. He was arrested and imprisoned for 14 days. The Supreme Court finally handed down its ruling against him. Sensing he could not fight against the system of the Marcos government, he decided to give up his office.
In the proceeding election, again, he ran for mayor. This time, he handily won without any obstacle. He served as the mayor of Baras, with dedication and distinction, for 14 years. He was credited for his successful fight against corruption in the local government, drug dealing and other forms of criminality. Due to his unique habit of carrying and using a whip in his drive against illegal drug and other criminalities in the streets of Baras, his critics as well as his supporters gave him a moniker “Mayor Latigo.” Latigo means whip in Tagalog.
On account of his colorful career as a Sikaran Master, as a soldier and as a dauntless mayor, Octo Arts, a well-known Philippine film maker, produced a movie “Mayor Latigo” based on Geronimo’s true-to-life story, portrayed by one of the country’s leading veteran actors, Eddie Garcia. The movie became a blockbuster.
While mayor of Baras, he continued practicing the Sikaran and still in control of the KSP/PKS/WSAB. At times that he was preoccupied with the multi-tasks in the mayor’s office, he would designate his brother, Jimmy Geronimo, a Ninth Degree Sikaran Blackbelt, in oversee the organization.
In 2004, the municipal government of Baras, being the “Home of Sikaran,” passed a resolution declaring the last Saturday of January of each year a “Sikaran Day.” Under the over-all supervision of Geronimo, a Sikaran National Tournament is held annually in Baras, coinciding this occasion. Likewise, the province of Rizal’s Education District, incorporated in their curriculum the Sikaran as part of their Physical Education.
Currently, aside from his travel to the different Sikaran chapters and supervising the annual tournament, Geronimo is working with some members of the Philippine Congress to pass a law declaring Sikaran as an official national sport and be included in the Philippine Olympic being an indigenous Philippine martial art. Similarly, his son and his grandson, Meliton Geronimo Jr. and Meliton Geronimo III, respectively, both based in Vallejo, California, USA, are continuously carrying out the task of propagating Sikaran as a legacy from their ancestors.
Cast of the movie: Mayor Latigo: Eddie Garcia, Mayor Latigo, Lani Lobangco, and Jess Lapid Jr.
Reference: Seletaria Sikaran Arnis Homepage
Monday, June 27, 2011
HISTORY OF SIKARAN AND LAPUNTI ARNIS
The History Of Sikaran
SIKARAN is a form of Philippine Martial Arts whose history dates back to the early 1500's before the Spaniards came, It is the art of foot-fighting where the farmers use their strong legs to drive the partners outside the designated line (pitak). Rice fields about 25 sq. ft.
Sikaran is just a pastime of the Baras Rizal farmers who gathered during the festival after a good harvest season. Doing it constantly made them develop skills that would eventually be marked by effectiveness such that other martial arts could hardly compare, or so claims its most ardent exponent. Of the practitioners, some went on to discover certain skills in combat that made them deserve the honor of being called "Hari"(champion). These are no longer around. As most of them have succumbed, their secrets interred with their remains and never imparted, having chosen to keep it to themselves and not to teach it to anyone else. Indeed, secrecy is essence of martial arts and this is true in any system.
The early Sikaranista (farmers) session commences with the drawing of a circle on the ground. The acknowledged talent of the lot, by reason of his superior skill is often obliged to concede a handicap, thus he positions himself inside the circle and trade kicking talents with one who stays at the circle's rim. The objective is for the combatant outside to dislodge the contestant within. The rules are really that simple. In the case of vein, he would agree to a number of opponents who form a circle. Should the man within be driven out of the circle, it signifies defeat and, correspondingly, humiliation. If the game's continuation be opted, another pretender takes the place of the dislodge practitioner and the same procedure is repeated.
Once in a while, and this seems unavoidable, a session witness a mischief-prone contestant who makes it a point to step on a carabao waste (buffalo) dung prior to a competition, if only to dirty and to defeat the opponent.
The Baras-originated method of foot-fighting in its original form No time limit is observed. Combatants call for time out if they became so exhausted as to be unable to go on some more or when troubled enough. No discrimination regarding sex. Both male and female may indulge in it, should they so wish.
They have a vernacular name for a Hari. He was awarded Ias Agila (for his impressive agility), acknowledged as the foremost padamba (jumping front kick) exponent. That he could leap as high as six feet is definitely a testimony to an awesome power.
So also was awarded classified as Hari, a fellow reputed to crack husked coconuts with his steel-like shins. On the other hand a Hari also boasts of the singular reputation of knocking out (T.K.O) a carabao with a single hammer biakid.
SIKARAN and Sipa are both Tagalog terms for "kick" but with a notable difference: the former is a noun, while the latter is a verb. Deriving from sikad, Sikaran like the biakid, pilatik and damba. And came to be known as an indigenous martial sport in the tradition of arnis, kali, dicho, buno etc.
Sikaran utilizes only the feet as a rule for sport and for combat, self-defense and this is what makes it distinct, the hands are never availed of in the sikaran. If they utilized at all, it's only for defense, the player uses his legs 90% of the time and his hands 10% only for blocking or parrying blows. Violation of this injunction, especially in tournaments, is ground for disqualification.
The rationale behind this has something to do with the role of the feet whose significance has yet to be fully appreciated. It is the largest part of the body, aside from the fact that it nurtures the largest bone as well as the most massive muscle.
Sikaran have its own share of kicking styles. The "Biakid" the classic kick is executed by pivoting to the back in a full or complete turn about manner. The degree of effectiveness subscribes to two classifications: "panghilo" (paralyzing blow) and "pamatay" or lethal kick. Obviously the first aimed at less vital parts of the physique, while the target of the second includes the heart, neck, head, groin, and spine, all highly vulnerable parts.
The entry of Sikaran in tournaments, particularly those of international caliber, presaged certain modifications, if innovations, of its original rules. Like the setting of a time limit, widening of the fighting area into twice the size required of the original arena.
Sikaran finds a no more vigorous exponent than the last descendant Col. Meliton C. Geronimo (ret. PAF) and ex-mayor of Baras Rizal. Who conducted a research and perfected on the art and to the extent of organizing clubs for the purpose of teaching the art to anybody, who would care to learn it, as well as to spread its popularity. His attachment to sikaran is understandable and was awarded as Martial arts masters' pioneer and legend hall of fame. Baras is the venue of his childhood and Cipriano Geronimo. Geronimo's father, past 100 years old and known as the "LAST KING or HARI of the past century", handed down the game to Meliton, To ensure that Sikaran would not fade into oblivion. The younger Geronimo founded the Kapatiran Sikaran Ng Pilipinas in 1958 now named as WORLD SIKARAN BROTHERHOOD OF THE PHILIPPINES.
In Korea, Master Hwong Kee of Muduckwan, Master Doctor KaiByeong Yun, Master Koichi Kondo of Japan Karate Association, Kung-fu Chinese Group and Master Meliton C. Geronimo, organized the Asian Karate Association in year 1961. Sikaran made an international debut and it was made possible when the organization committed to its promotion and propagation, Kapatiran Sikaran, got affiliated with the aforementioned Asian Karate Association, under the banner of Karate Brotherhood of the Philippines. SIKARAN has been "Battled-Tested" in the most Asian Tournaments. Meliton C. Geronimo won as individual champion in 1964 Utsunimiya Tochegeken, Japan and also awarded by the Eagle award during the first Asian Tournament. Thereafter he headed, coached and became the Chief Instructor and the head of the Philippine Teams that participated in the succeeding Asian Karate Tilts. Among the champions who used the Sikaran Style were the late Bernard Belleza, 1965, Emelio Galiciano 1965, Ariston Bautista 1968, Amado Diaz 1967, Jaime Geronimo 1965, Antonio Ganiela 1968, and Herminia Agapito was the lone female participant in the First World Karate Tournament in 1970 in Tokyo, Japan. In 1972 Paris, France participated by Marlyn Compuesto and Militon C. Geronimo.
Under Geronimo's Tutelage, the RP Team introduced the Sikaran Style in the Six Asian Karate Tournaments. The Philippine contingents to these tilts received awards for being "BEST FIGHTING TEAM" for this feat. Geronimo was awarded the REDBELT 10th Degree by the Asian Karate Association in 1966. The award was for Developing a "DISTINCT STYLE OF ORIGIN." he was further cited for introducing into the world a new style of an ancient Art in the light of the modern sport of Sikaran and proves its effectiveness as a fighting method.
The REDBELT signifies that he was the originator and Master of distinct Style of Martial Art and there can never be another Redbelt holder in the same school.
Master Geronimo explained that he used the word Karate (KARATE BROTHERHOOD OF THE PHILIPPINES) to indicate his school/Style (Sikaran) and to affiliate with the Asian Karate Association and the World Union Karatedo Organization. Which were the first and the only affiliated martial arts school in the WUKO. "But I was inactive in Karate because Sikaran is really a different form of Pilipino Martial Art" Says Master Geronimo. Sikaran uses the feet in offense and Defense. The hands are used only for parrying and balancing.
Today, Forty two years after the WORLD SIKARAN ARNIS BROTHERHOOD OF THE PHILIPPINES was founded, SIKARAN had already taken roots in Canada, United States, England, Australia, Saudi Arabia, West Germany, Qatar, Palestine and New Zealand. Program reports are sent by WSABP instructors, from those countries to Manila Headquarters.
History of La Punti
Lapunti Arnis de Abanico's evolutionary history begins with Arsenio "Seniong" Caburnay (b-Circa1882-d1962). Seniong was a blacksmith who traveled throughout the Visayas to Negros, Bohol, Leyte and Samar. He also visited the cities of Cagayan De Oro, Illigan and Ozamis in Mindinao, plying his craft. In particular his main love in blacksmithing was to produce quality bolos for the many people he met and Seniong was a welcome guest in the homes of these people during his travels. Seniong's clients used these bolos for both farming and sometimes for self-defense. Seniong himself having an interest in martial arts and self-defense in general, learned many of the fighting methods of these different people during his travels. In 1927 at the age of 12 his brother Felimon "Mooney" Caburnay (b1915-d1991) began to learn the arts of blacksmithing and traveled the Visayas and Mindinao with his brother. Felimon now learnt many different fighting styles of Arnis/Escrima from both Seniong and from the people they met.
The Caburnays' base before WW2 was in southern Cebu City and a group comprising Seniong, Filemon, Juan Abella, Antonio Alingasan, Concordio Encabo, Ramon Fernandez and Lauriano Sanchez practiced their martial arts within their small circle. This circle of friends decided to call their style "Arnis de Abanico" or "Arnis Fan Stick style".
In 1957 Master Filemon was invited to the Cebu Doce Pares school/club both as a teacher to others but also as the sparring partner of Master Filemon Canete. His love of martial arts and his desire to learn led to his meeting and later collaboration with the Filipino-Chinese Kung Fu Master John Chiuten. Master Filemon Caburnay's fighting style was now evolving further, particularly his belief in the effectiveness of Abanico strikes combined with the cross legged fighting footwork of Master Chiuten. Evasion techniques, locks and takedown moves learned from other masters were also incorporated in Master Filemon's fighting and teaching style.
Prudencio "Undo" or "Ondo" Caburnay (b-April 28th, 1943) the son of Filemon Caburnay, the heir and current Grandmaster of the style, began his training in 1960 in the Arnis de Abanico circle. Undo during the 60's, began to research, develop and modified his own style within the Arnis de Abanico group. He states "My father designed the abanico style to fight bigger men, so being small myself I had to make do and improvise for my lack of size". Undo stands 5 foot 2 inches. It was during this time that Undo began to perfect the union of all the styles taught to him by his father and friends.
Master Filemon found that he was frustrated within the confines of the Doce Pares especially with regards to tournaments and tournament rules. So he decided to break his links with the Doce Pares and fully teach his style to the public under his old styles name. In December the 30th 1972 Filemon and Prudencio officially founded the school "Lapunti Arnis de Abanico". The styles/schools name "Lapunti" comes from the 3 surrounding barangays or barrios of their base in southern Cebu City where the Caburnays lived. These were Labangon, Punta Princessa and Tisa* barangays.
Labangon- Labang means to "step" or "to bridge running water or a creek".
Punta Princessa- Punta means "to go to" and Princessa is a term that means "beautiful woman".
Tisa- Tisa is a term that means "brick" or "brick wall".
Simple terms to denote different early suburbs of Cebu.
With the death of Grandmaster Arsenio in 1962 and then later the death of Grandmaster Filemon in 1991 Prudencio inherited the title of Grandmaster of Lapunti Arnis de Abanico both by family lineage and by fighting skill. He has and is still constantly refining his style taught to him by his forbears.
The school, since 1987, goes by the formal name of: "Lapunti Arnis de Abanico International".
Undo during his life has been a Cebu City health officer, a mining employee at the Atlas mines and spent several years as a bouncer at a local beer hall. He is now a Barangay councilor at Barangay Tisa, often putting his life on the line as a local "Tanud" or policeman.
Characteristics of Lapunti Arnis de Abanico
Lapunti is characterised first of all by the fast "fan" like moves or "abanico" moves of its primary teaching tool, the stick. Other aspects similar to other styles of Arnis/Escrima are also given equal importance. The dagger, stick and dagger, double stick and Combatto unarmed fighting are taught as well.
The footwork is a combination of classical Arnis/Escrima forward-backward movements, a triangle system of offence and defence and the cross-legged and twisting style learnt from Kung Fu.
The main emphasis in Lapunti is on long range but with the combination of the tight footwork the fighter has excellent mobility and with the speed of the strikes the encounter can be at close range as well. The style is based on body dynamics, not strength, in combination with the footwork.
Basic System of instruction:
The fundamentals are 12 basic Lapunti strikes. The 12 counterstrikes. Attack and retreat. Basic defence and disarming and multiple strikes.
SIKARAN is a form of Philippine Martial Arts whose history dates back to the early 1500's before the Spaniards came, It is the art of foot-fighting where the farmers use their strong legs to drive the partners outside the designated line (pitak). Rice fields about 25 sq. ft.
Sikaran is just a pastime of the Baras Rizal farmers who gathered during the festival after a good harvest season. Doing it constantly made them develop skills that would eventually be marked by effectiveness such that other martial arts could hardly compare, or so claims its most ardent exponent. Of the practitioners, some went on to discover certain skills in combat that made them deserve the honor of being called "Hari"(champion). These are no longer around. As most of them have succumbed, their secrets interred with their remains and never imparted, having chosen to keep it to themselves and not to teach it to anyone else. Indeed, secrecy is essence of martial arts and this is true in any system.
The early Sikaranista (farmers) session commences with the drawing of a circle on the ground. The acknowledged talent of the lot, by reason of his superior skill is often obliged to concede a handicap, thus he positions himself inside the circle and trade kicking talents with one who stays at the circle's rim. The objective is for the combatant outside to dislodge the contestant within. The rules are really that simple. In the case of vein, he would agree to a number of opponents who form a circle. Should the man within be driven out of the circle, it signifies defeat and, correspondingly, humiliation. If the game's continuation be opted, another pretender takes the place of the dislodge practitioner and the same procedure is repeated.
Once in a while, and this seems unavoidable, a session witness a mischief-prone contestant who makes it a point to step on a carabao waste (buffalo) dung prior to a competition, if only to dirty and to defeat the opponent.
The Baras-originated method of foot-fighting in its original form No time limit is observed. Combatants call for time out if they became so exhausted as to be unable to go on some more or when troubled enough. No discrimination regarding sex. Both male and female may indulge in it, should they so wish.
They have a vernacular name for a Hari. He was awarded Ias Agila (for his impressive agility), acknowledged as the foremost padamba (jumping front kick) exponent. That he could leap as high as six feet is definitely a testimony to an awesome power.
So also was awarded classified as Hari, a fellow reputed to crack husked coconuts with his steel-like shins. On the other hand a Hari also boasts of the singular reputation of knocking out (T.K.O) a carabao with a single hammer biakid.
SIKARAN and Sipa are both Tagalog terms for "kick" but with a notable difference: the former is a noun, while the latter is a verb. Deriving from sikad, Sikaran like the biakid, pilatik and damba. And came to be known as an indigenous martial sport in the tradition of arnis, kali, dicho, buno etc.
Sikaran utilizes only the feet as a rule for sport and for combat, self-defense and this is what makes it distinct, the hands are never availed of in the sikaran. If they utilized at all, it's only for defense, the player uses his legs 90% of the time and his hands 10% only for blocking or parrying blows. Violation of this injunction, especially in tournaments, is ground for disqualification.
The rationale behind this has something to do with the role of the feet whose significance has yet to be fully appreciated. It is the largest part of the body, aside from the fact that it nurtures the largest bone as well as the most massive muscle.
Sikaran have its own share of kicking styles. The "Biakid" the classic kick is executed by pivoting to the back in a full or complete turn about manner. The degree of effectiveness subscribes to two classifications: "panghilo" (paralyzing blow) and "pamatay" or lethal kick. Obviously the first aimed at less vital parts of the physique, while the target of the second includes the heart, neck, head, groin, and spine, all highly vulnerable parts.
The entry of Sikaran in tournaments, particularly those of international caliber, presaged certain modifications, if innovations, of its original rules. Like the setting of a time limit, widening of the fighting area into twice the size required of the original arena.
Sikaran finds a no more vigorous exponent than the last descendant Col. Meliton C. Geronimo (ret. PAF) and ex-mayor of Baras Rizal. Who conducted a research and perfected on the art and to the extent of organizing clubs for the purpose of teaching the art to anybody, who would care to learn it, as well as to spread its popularity. His attachment to sikaran is understandable and was awarded as Martial arts masters' pioneer and legend hall of fame. Baras is the venue of his childhood and Cipriano Geronimo. Geronimo's father, past 100 years old and known as the "LAST KING or HARI of the past century", handed down the game to Meliton, To ensure that Sikaran would not fade into oblivion. The younger Geronimo founded the Kapatiran Sikaran Ng Pilipinas in 1958 now named as WORLD SIKARAN BROTHERHOOD OF THE PHILIPPINES.
In Korea, Master Hwong Kee of Muduckwan, Master Doctor KaiByeong Yun, Master Koichi Kondo of Japan Karate Association, Kung-fu Chinese Group and Master Meliton C. Geronimo, organized the Asian Karate Association in year 1961. Sikaran made an international debut and it was made possible when the organization committed to its promotion and propagation, Kapatiran Sikaran, got affiliated with the aforementioned Asian Karate Association, under the banner of Karate Brotherhood of the Philippines. SIKARAN has been "Battled-Tested" in the most Asian Tournaments. Meliton C. Geronimo won as individual champion in 1964 Utsunimiya Tochegeken, Japan and also awarded by the Eagle award during the first Asian Tournament. Thereafter he headed, coached and became the Chief Instructor and the head of the Philippine Teams that participated in the succeeding Asian Karate Tilts. Among the champions who used the Sikaran Style were the late Bernard Belleza, 1965, Emelio Galiciano 1965, Ariston Bautista 1968, Amado Diaz 1967, Jaime Geronimo 1965, Antonio Ganiela 1968, and Herminia Agapito was the lone female participant in the First World Karate Tournament in 1970 in Tokyo, Japan. In 1972 Paris, France participated by Marlyn Compuesto and Militon C. Geronimo.
Under Geronimo's Tutelage, the RP Team introduced the Sikaran Style in the Six Asian Karate Tournaments. The Philippine contingents to these tilts received awards for being "BEST FIGHTING TEAM" for this feat. Geronimo was awarded the REDBELT 10th Degree by the Asian Karate Association in 1966. The award was for Developing a "DISTINCT STYLE OF ORIGIN." he was further cited for introducing into the world a new style of an ancient Art in the light of the modern sport of Sikaran and proves its effectiveness as a fighting method.
The REDBELT signifies that he was the originator and Master of distinct Style of Martial Art and there can never be another Redbelt holder in the same school.
Master Geronimo explained that he used the word Karate (KARATE BROTHERHOOD OF THE PHILIPPINES) to indicate his school/Style (Sikaran) and to affiliate with the Asian Karate Association and the World Union Karatedo Organization. Which were the first and the only affiliated martial arts school in the WUKO. "But I was inactive in Karate because Sikaran is really a different form of Pilipino Martial Art" Says Master Geronimo. Sikaran uses the feet in offense and Defense. The hands are used only for parrying and balancing.
Today, Forty two years after the WORLD SIKARAN ARNIS BROTHERHOOD OF THE PHILIPPINES was founded, SIKARAN had already taken roots in Canada, United States, England, Australia, Saudi Arabia, West Germany, Qatar, Palestine and New Zealand. Program reports are sent by WSABP instructors, from those countries to Manila Headquarters.
History of La Punti
Lapunti Arnis de Abanico's evolutionary history begins with Arsenio "Seniong" Caburnay (b-Circa1882-d1962). Seniong was a blacksmith who traveled throughout the Visayas to Negros, Bohol, Leyte and Samar. He also visited the cities of Cagayan De Oro, Illigan and Ozamis in Mindinao, plying his craft. In particular his main love in blacksmithing was to produce quality bolos for the many people he met and Seniong was a welcome guest in the homes of these people during his travels. Seniong's clients used these bolos for both farming and sometimes for self-defense. Seniong himself having an interest in martial arts and self-defense in general, learned many of the fighting methods of these different people during his travels. In 1927 at the age of 12 his brother Felimon "Mooney" Caburnay (b1915-d1991) began to learn the arts of blacksmithing and traveled the Visayas and Mindinao with his brother. Felimon now learnt many different fighting styles of Arnis/Escrima from both Seniong and from the people they met.
The Caburnays' base before WW2 was in southern Cebu City and a group comprising Seniong, Filemon, Juan Abella, Antonio Alingasan, Concordio Encabo, Ramon Fernandez and Lauriano Sanchez practiced their martial arts within their small circle. This circle of friends decided to call their style "Arnis de Abanico" or "Arnis Fan Stick style".
In 1957 Master Filemon was invited to the Cebu Doce Pares school/club both as a teacher to others but also as the sparring partner of Master Filemon Canete. His love of martial arts and his desire to learn led to his meeting and later collaboration with the Filipino-Chinese Kung Fu Master John Chiuten. Master Filemon Caburnay's fighting style was now evolving further, particularly his belief in the effectiveness of Abanico strikes combined with the cross legged fighting footwork of Master Chiuten. Evasion techniques, locks and takedown moves learned from other masters were also incorporated in Master Filemon's fighting and teaching style.
Prudencio "Undo" or "Ondo" Caburnay (b-April 28th, 1943) the son of Filemon Caburnay, the heir and current Grandmaster of the style, began his training in 1960 in the Arnis de Abanico circle. Undo during the 60's, began to research, develop and modified his own style within the Arnis de Abanico group. He states "My father designed the abanico style to fight bigger men, so being small myself I had to make do and improvise for my lack of size". Undo stands 5 foot 2 inches. It was during this time that Undo began to perfect the union of all the styles taught to him by his father and friends.
Master Filemon found that he was frustrated within the confines of the Doce Pares especially with regards to tournaments and tournament rules. So he decided to break his links with the Doce Pares and fully teach his style to the public under his old styles name. In December the 30th 1972 Filemon and Prudencio officially founded the school "Lapunti Arnis de Abanico". The styles/schools name "Lapunti" comes from the 3 surrounding barangays or barrios of their base in southern Cebu City where the Caburnays lived. These were Labangon, Punta Princessa and Tisa* barangays.
Labangon- Labang means to "step" or "to bridge running water or a creek".
Punta Princessa- Punta means "to go to" and Princessa is a term that means "beautiful woman".
Tisa- Tisa is a term that means "brick" or "brick wall".
Simple terms to denote different early suburbs of Cebu.
With the death of Grandmaster Arsenio in 1962 and then later the death of Grandmaster Filemon in 1991 Prudencio inherited the title of Grandmaster of Lapunti Arnis de Abanico both by family lineage and by fighting skill. He has and is still constantly refining his style taught to him by his forbears.
The school, since 1987, goes by the formal name of: "Lapunti Arnis de Abanico International".
Undo during his life has been a Cebu City health officer, a mining employee at the Atlas mines and spent several years as a bouncer at a local beer hall. He is now a Barangay councilor at Barangay Tisa, often putting his life on the line as a local "Tanud" or policeman.
Characteristics of Lapunti Arnis de Abanico
Lapunti is characterised first of all by the fast "fan" like moves or "abanico" moves of its primary teaching tool, the stick. Other aspects similar to other styles of Arnis/Escrima are also given equal importance. The dagger, stick and dagger, double stick and Combatto unarmed fighting are taught as well.
The footwork is a combination of classical Arnis/Escrima forward-backward movements, a triangle system of offence and defence and the cross-legged and twisting style learnt from Kung Fu.
The main emphasis in Lapunti is on long range but with the combination of the tight footwork the fighter has excellent mobility and with the speed of the strikes the encounter can be at close range as well. The style is based on body dynamics, not strength, in combination with the footwork.
Basic System of instruction:
The fundamentals are 12 basic Lapunti strikes. The 12 counterstrikes. Attack and retreat. Basic defence and disarming and multiple strikes.
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