Yaw-Yan Ardigma honored in Martial Arts Hall of Fame

CEBU, Philippines - Yaw-Yan Ardigma Cebu reached another milestone in Philippine martial arts scene after it was recognized as the ‘Organization of the Year’ during the 4th Philippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame Awards the other night at the Makati Sports Club in Makati City.

Under the dynamic leadership of Master Benigno ‘Ekin’ Caniga Jr., Yaw-Yan Ardigma was feted because of its big role in developing the sport of kickboxing and mixed martial arts not only in Cebu but in entire Visayas region.

It is considered as the premier MMA promotional outfit in Region-7 with its Ground and Pound series, the region's first professional MMA tournament, and  the Cebu Extreme Fight League, an amateur MMA series.

Aside from spearheading MMA and kickboxing tournaments, Yaw-Yan Ardigma is also working hand in hand with Cebu City Sports Commission for the city’s MMA and Muay Thai grassroots program.

“We are humbled and honored by this award. I dedicated this to all of my Yaw-Yan Ardigma family,” said Master Ekin, who was also inducted into the Philippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame two years ago. “This is a team effort. I give credit to the students, instructors and all our backers who are non-stop in their support.”

  “This will serve as a big inspiration for me to strive harder to help in the advancement of martial arts not only in Cebu but in whole Visayas,” Master Ekin added.

Aside from Yaw-Yan Ardigma, three other Cebuano martial artists – all arnisadors – were also honored. Grandmaster Chuck Cañete was given the 'Grandmaster Lifetime Achievement Award', Grandmaster John Mac was named as 'Distinguished Martial Artist of the Year', while Grandmaster Panto Cañete Flores was bestowed with the 'Rubi Lifetime Achievement Award'.

  The Philippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame aims to honor individuals and organizations who made significant contribution to the development and promotion of martial arts. The awardees were nominated by their followers and were chosen based on their work ethics and dedication. (FREEMAN)