Academy of Eskrima first batch of trainees to graduate December 30

CEBU – After three months of extensive training, the first batch of trainees of the Academy of Eskrima will be graduating this December 30.

The academy, which started operating last September 8 at the Doce Pares International Headquarters on Eagle Street in Sto.Niño Village, Banilad, Cebu, will be awarding 14 students who completed the training and final assessment.

Guests from the United States, Europe and Australia who are members of the eskrima organization will be arriving to grace the affair which is in conjunction with the organization’s 76th founding anniversary.

 The Academy of Eskrima is the first ever school of the Filipino martial arts registered and accredited by TESDA. It approved the curriculum of the academy to teach all phases of eskrima like single stick, double stick, espada y daga, long stick, knife and long blade.

Eskrima became widely known as the most well-rounded and comprehensive martial arts and has grown all around the world immensely throughout the years. The Academy of Eskrima was established to cater the growing interest of Filipinos. This was made to professionalize the practice and promote the art.

Atty. Dionisio “Dionnie” Cañete, president and founder of the academy, stated that their students have done well during the training. Three of their students are contracted to teach in Europe and USA and two other students are to teach in Hungary, Norway and Germany by January.

Some of their students joined the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) Championships last July at Ayala Center Cebu where they bagged 44 medals.

In July next year, Cañete said they would again be sending participants for another competition in Mexico.

The Academy is now accepting students for its next classes which will start on January 19, 2009. (THE FREEMAN)