By: Master Sonny Napial and Francis T.B. Serrano
Cebu City, Philippines. Filipino Martial Artist (FMA) from all over the world come to this tiny island, some to see the birthplace of Modern FMA such as the DOCE PARES Headquarters, Magellan’s Cross, and of course the famous statue of Lapu Lapu, the first mandirigma (Filipino warrior) to repel the foreign invaders. But today isn’t about learning more, today is about becoming more. To see if all the countless hours of training, the buckets of sweat and tears, and the sacrifices made by their families was all worth it. The ring is set; the time is now, time to be the champ.
Ayala Center Mall located in the heart of Cebu City, the site of this year’s WEKAF (World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation) Championship. Even though people are cordial you can feel the tension in the air. As each handshake, each hug is nothing more than a façade as they size up each opponent. For the veterans, they know to reveal just enough truth to keep the opponent guessing. While the rookies are in awe as they see the largest collection of Grandmasters and World Champions in one roof. You can see the panic in their eyes, as they look for a familiar face in a sea full strangers.
Having the event at the mall, hundreds if not thousands of on lookers as their curiosity compels them to stop and see what is going on. Unfortunately the local Filipino’s don’t have any idea what they were about to see, which is nothing more than the fast action battle as champions go head to head.
With nearly 30 countries participating, the favorite is Team Philippines. Sports psychologist know that having home court advantage can make the difference as it gives each fighter a sense of pride, and as they welcome teams from other nations in their eyes they convey this single message. “Not in my house.” But they face a very tough competition as Team USA brings the largest contingent of fighters as well as being the country that dominated the gold count from the last tournament.
The matches were intense but often controversy occurred before and after the match, starting with the selections of judges and referees and ending at times with individuals questioning the decisions of the judges. For every match, even though each fighter fought with intensity and heart there is always a winner and a loser and always fans, coaches and competitors who will be disappointed. At several times during the competition, the disappointment was very evident for Team Philippines and their many fans who took the loses to heart.
In the end, WEKAF leadership was always there to ensure the tournament got back on track.
After three and half days of competition the Gold count leader was the United States with over 44 golds as compared to the Philippines 35. But as the event start to calm down, each fighter leaves with fulfillment, disappointment, or wait till next time. As for me I cannot wait for 2010, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico the site for the next WEKAF championship.
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