Cebu pushed as world’s arnis capital

CEBU, Philippines — Doce Pares of Supreme Grandmaster Dionisio ‘Diony’ Cañete and the Department of Tourism (DoT)-7 through its regional director Shalimar Tamano have forged an agreement with one common goal of making Cebu as the arnis capital of the world.

“This is a happy moment for us,” said Tamano.” “When we started this partnership with Doce Pares, the idea really is to institutionalize Cebu as the arnis capital of the world.”

This early, their plan got a big boost after SGM Diony announced that over 1,000 stick-fighters from more than 50 countries around the globe will take part in the 16th World Eksrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) Championships in Cebu next year.

Cañete and Tamano made known their noble endeavor during the Awarding and Fellowship Dinner the other night at Hotel Fortuna and Restaurant to fete the 19 Australians led by Master Mark Tussant who took part in the 10-day Doce Pares Training Camp at the Doce Pares Headquarters along Eagle Street in Sto. Niño Village, Barangay Banilad, Cebu City.

Also present during the event were Philippine Arnis Kali Arnis Federation (PEKAF) Executive Vice President Gerald Cañete, Cebu City Sports Commission (CCSC) Vice Chairman Lorenzo ‘Chao’ Sy, and all the Grandmasters from various Doce Pares systems who imparted their knowledge on eskrima/arnis to the Australians.

Though the training camp, which they will be holding regularly starting next year, SGM Diony said they are moving towards another direction in their dedicated and tireless efforts to promote the Filipino Martial Arts.

“We are moving towards another direction. Instead of me going abroad to conduct seminars, we are now asking them to come to Cebu if they want to learn the art of eskrima/arnis,” said SGM Cañete. “In this manner, we can also promote the Philippines especially Cebu to other countries.”

For his part, Tussant, the WEKAF country director and Doce Pares head in Australia, said he and his compatriots were deeply enamored by arnis, which they described as the most comprehensive and the most complete form of martial art.

“It’s an outstanding martial arts system. It practically covers all styles and all classes of martial arts,” said Tussant in praise of the indigenous Filipino martial art.

Meanwhile, reigning world champion Tamara Bellinger led the awardees after earning her 3rd grade black belt promotion of the Doce Pares system together with Steven Atenta. Neil Coulter and Julio Cisar, on the other hand, were elevated to 1st grade black belt. (FREEMAN)