Team Philippines to Regain Glory in 14th World Eskrima Tilt on July 22-24

The Team Philippines is out to regain its glory and dominance in the native art of Eskrima Kali-Arnis in the 14th World Eskrima Kali-Arnis Federation World Championships on July 22-24 at the J Center Mall in Mandaue City.

Supreme Grandmaster (SGM) Diony Cañete, who was one of the pillars in the foundation of the World Eskrima Kali-Arnis Federation which now has 41 affiliate countries, said Team Philippines will be bouncing back following a series of defeats in the hands of Team USA.

“We are pretty sure that we can regain our lost glory. We have about 200 players from Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The Philippine Army and Philippine Navy will also be participating. We have a big chance this time, we are combat-ready and we have trained hard in order to regain our lost glory,” SGM Cañete said.

The organizers held a press conference on Tuesday which was attended by Cañete’s sons — Michael, who is the president of Wekaf Philippines, and Gerald, Philippine country director and lead organizer of the world championship.

The world championship officially started Wednesday with the registration and official weigh-ins and the welcome dinner that will be hosted by the Mandaue City government at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

Among those who were present were members of the USA delegation, led by Los Angeles Doce Pares Club chief trainer Erwin Mosqueda, John Marquez, some fighters and arnis players who will join the competition and the seminar that will be conducted by eight Cebuano GMs.

The fighters are going to compete in the 174 divisions at stake, since Wekaf has added new categories, which include knife fighting, padded sticks, and long-stick (bangkaw) categories to enforce the already established single and double stick combat events, as well as the sayaw (forms) competition, which is expected to attract hugecheers.

Slated on Thursday is the much-awaited world convention where the next host of the world championships in 2018 will be known.

Hawaii is already the top favorite over Australia, which also threw its intention to host the event two years from now.

“In fact, Hawaii is very serious in its intentions to host the next world championships. And this will be the first time that a government is taking a big step in hosting the event,” SGM Cañete said. (PNA) SCS/EB/MP/EBP