Yaw-Yan marks 41st anniversary today

CEBU, Philippines - The Yaw-Yan ArDigma Martial Arts Federation, Inc. will celebrate its 41st founding anniversary with another night of fun and fellowship at the Yaw-Yan Ardigma Headquarters along Sanciangko Street, this city. The event promptly starts with a holy mass at 5 pm.

International martial arts and fitness instructor Leonardo Jun-Su Shin is the honored guest speaker of the nationwide celebration of Philippine Yaw-Yan Martial Arts that coincides with the 88th birthday of Yaw-Yan founder Grand Master Napoleon Fernandez.

Yaw-Yan was first recognized in 1972 in Sta. Cruz, Manila by Grandmaster Fernandez, the originator of what is considered as the deadliest form of martial arts in the archeplago.

Yaw-Yan may sound Chinese, but the word is coined from the last two syllables of Filipino words “Sayaw ng Kamatayan” or “Dance of Death.”

“This is a chance for the new members to get to know their old brothers and sisters and also to strengthen the bond of camaraderie and brotherhood here in Yaw-Yan,” said Yaw-Yan Cebu ArDigma CEO/Founder and Vis-Min director Master Benigno “Ekin” R. Caniga, Jr.

Aside from the traditional baptismal rites, some other activities have been lined up to spice up the gathering including a series of demonstrations and sparring of selected kickboxing and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters. (FREEMAN)