RENE CORNEL SENSEI, 54, PASSES AWAY

Rene Fujiwara Cornel Sensei passed away last November 11, 2005 in Bacolod City due to a kidney ailment and complications resulting from the illness. He was 54.

Born on May 21, 1951, Cornel Sensei graduated from La Consolacion College-Bacolod and was later employed at the City Engineer’s Office in Brgy. Taculing, Bacolod City. He held the position of Architect IV and served as OIC for Building Officials in 2000 to 2002.

Cornel Sensei was a dedicated martial artist who studied and taught different Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino styles and systems. He was a 1st dan black belt in karate under Mike Vasquez Sensei of the Vasquez Martial Arts Center (VMAC). He also held a 1st dan black belt in judo under the sanction of the Philippine Amateur Judo Association (PAJA). He was a 2nd generation judoka at the Paglaum Judo Club and later taught at the Shinsei Judo Club (St. Joseph High School), the YMCA Judo and Sports Club (Burgos St.), and the USLS Judo Club (University of St. La Salle). He learned his judo and aikido from Bacolod judo and aikido pioneer Patricio “Pat” P. Prologo Sensei.

He went on to register as a member of the Ki Society of the Philippines (KISOPHIL) under Philippine aikido pioneer and Chief Instructor Ernesto “Enie” Talag Sensei and became his representative for Bacolod City.

He was also a practitioner of the Chinese internal arts of tai chi chuan, pa kua chuan, and hsing I chuan as well as the healing arts of acupuncture, accupressure, pranic healing, and herbal medicine.

Cornel Sensei is one of the first four individuals to be promoted by the founder of original Filipino tapado to the rank of master in 1986. He once served as the chairman for the Membership Committee of the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (Bago City). He had also studied various Filipino martial arts, among them yaming under Grandmaster Fortunato “Atong” Garcia.

Cornel sensei is survived by his wife Demetria J. Cornel, their children Paul Shoji and Mary Ann Cornel, Adrian and Irene Arellano, and fritz and Elizabeth Villanueva, and their grandchildren Diana and Marcus Arellano.

His remains now lies in state at Chapel G, 2nd Floor of Rolling Hills Memorial, Lacson St., Mandalagan, Bacolod City. Internment will be on November 19, 2005, 9:00 A.M., at the Rolling Hills Memorial Park.

2ND BATCH OF LAPU-LAPU VIÑAS ARNIS STANDARDIZED RANK PROMOTIONS SET

Senior Instructor Dante L. Robles uses a no. 2 block to defend against the no. 2 strike of Instructor Joeffrey S. Deriada.

Headmaster Wilson “Nonong” E. Viñas, the 1st generation inheritor of the Lapu-Lapu Viñas arnis system and the son of the late founder Great Grandmaster Jose “Joe” L. Viñas, is set to conduct the 2nd Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis Aficionados Association Standardized Rank Promotions this coming December 30, 2005 during the association’s annual Grand Assembly in Bacolod City.

Instructors from the Conceptual Martial Arts Society will be recommending new candidates for instructorship in the art.

Headmaster Viñas made the first promotions on September 9, 2003 but the formal announcement was only made on December 30, 2003 during the annual Christmas Party of the association at the Viñas Residence, 65 Lacson St., Bacolod City.

The first batch of promotions under the then newly implemented Standardized Ranking System developed by the association’s Systematization Team were GM Dominador “Doming” D. Ferrer (10th degree grandmaster), Irving P. Elefante (7th degree senior master), Ferdinand Emmanuel “Bobot” Y. Gayoles (5th degree master), Servando “Diotay” P. Largo Jr. (4th degree master instructor), Dante L. Robles (3rd degree senior instructor), James U. Sy Jr., John Owen F. Ong, and Joeffrey S. Deriada (2nd degree instructor), and Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado (1st degree instructor).

The candidates’ certifications were publicly awarded by Headmaster Viñas during the 1st Gaisano-BOMB Mixed Martial Arts Eliminations and Expo held on February 1, 2004 at the Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Brgy. Singcang, Araneta St., Bacolod City.

About 7 candidates are expected to take the examinations for the 2nd ranking promotions.

CMAS-MAIN VISITS YASAY SABLE GM

Seated from left: Master Ferdiand Emmanuel "Bobot" Y. Gayoles and Grandmaster Paterno "Pater" V. Yasay. Standing from left: Dante L. Robles, Narciso "Hansy" L. Alojado, James U. Sy Jr., Wilson A. Alvarado, and Moises "Jung-Jung" G. Nifras Jr.

This article appeared in the November 20, 2005 issue of Sun Star Weekend.

Grandmaster Paterno "Pater" Yasay, the current Grand Patriarch of Yasay sable, hosted 5 members of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS) on October 29, 2005 in Bago City. The 5 members were all students of GM Yasay’s nephew, Master Ferdinand Emmanuel "Bobot" Gayoles. The visitors were Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado, Wilson A. Alvarado, Moises “Jung-Jung” G. Nifras Jr., Dante L. Robles, and James U. Sy Jr.

GM Yasay gave the group some demonstrations and taught the finer points of his family’s art, Yasay sable, which specializes in the Filipino adoption/evolution of saber and foil fighting. He also showed the espada y daga (sword and dagger) and pangamut (empty hands) section of the art.

The most verifiable researched information traces Yasay sable to GM Pater Yasay’s grandfather, Great Grandmaster Paterno Yasay, who hailed from the Panay Island, and who passed the art to his son, Great Grandmaster Guillermo “Guimoy” Yasay. GGM Guimoy Yasay then passed on the art to his sons Grandmasters Guillermo Yasay Jr. and Paterno “Pater” Yasay. The art can be as old as a century, perhaps starting sometime in 1900, the earliest.

Several members of the Yasay family and their extended families like the Alvarez and the Suarez Clans helped in one way or the other in the evolution and development of Yasay sable. Sable was the original generic term to refer to the art. Sometime in 2004, Sy, who researches and writes on Filipino martial arts, started calling it Yasay sable to distinguish it from other forms and interpretations of saber and foil fighting prevalent in the Occidental side of Negros.

Yasay sable was informally introduced by Master Gayoles in 2002 in Bacolod at the University of St. La Salle, La Salle Avenue, Bacolod City. Since then he had developed and refined over the years an academically acceptable methodology and system of teaching Yasay sable. Master Gayoles used his academic teaching credentials and MBA studies to derive a progressive and systematic syllabus of the art. Master Gayoles first implemented the systemized Yasay sable on February 7, 2005 when he formally introduced Yasay sable in Bacolod, at the University of St. La Salle.

After the training given by GM Pater Yasay, a photo session followed. The pictorialw as for the upcoming cover story on Yasay sable in Rapid Jounral, the only martial arts resource in the Philippines today.

FIGHT CLUB TO ROCK NEGROS MMA ANEW WITH "BRAWL"

The official logo of The Fight Club B.R.A.W.L. (Bacolod City Reality Amateur Warrior's League)

This article appeared in the October 21, 2005 issue of Negros Daily Bulletin.

Word recently went out that the Fight Club Combat and Streetfighting Center will make good its promise to host a follow up to its highly successful Fight Club Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Challenge 1 "Animosity in Bacolod City" held last September 24, 2005 at the Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Brgy. Singcang, Araneta St., Bacolod City.

The follow up event will be entitled The Fight Club B.R.A.W.L. (Bacolod City Reality Amateur Warrior's League) and will include two divisions: mixed martial arts (MMA) and purely grappling.

However, the event will be held at the Riverside Medical College Quadrangle. Previously the planned venue was Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall. With this development, the upcoming event will earn the distinction as the first MMA event in the Negros Island to be held in a school.

The Fight Club B.R.A.W.L. (Bacolod City Reality Amateur Warrior's League) is scheduled for December 10, 2005. Ineterested parties may drop a line at the chatbox here at FMA Circle of Negros Island.

TAPONDO DEMO AT GAISANO SAN CARLOS

Members of Tapondo International Federation Inc. demonstrate self defense against multiple attackers in a file photo taken during the 1st Pr. Macanpiña Martial Arts Expo last August 28, 2004 at the Prk. Macanpiña Basketball Court, Prk. Macanpiña, Brgy. 6, Bacolod City.

This article appeared in the October 17, 2005 issue of Negros Daily Bulletin.

Tapondo International Federation Inc. (TIFI)-San Carlos Chapter of instructors Danny Lopez Sensei and Florencio Yap sensei presented a tapondod emonstration last November 6, 2005, 3:00-5:00 P.M., at the Gaisano City San Carlos Supermall, San Carlos City.

Invited TIFI chapters were Bacolod under Negros Chief Instructor Roy R. Flores Sr. Sensei, Calatrava Chapter under Danny Lopez Sensei, and Toboso Chapter under Basilio de la Torre Sensei.

Non-black belt TIFI members demonstrated the standard tapondo breakfalling techniques, women's and children's practical self defense, and defense against multiple attackers. Black belt members performed knife defense and knife fighting using live blades.

Flores sensei explained the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of the amrtial arts, of which tapondo is one. He narrated the principles and body dynamics behind the different tapondo techniques. Then he showed various defenses against gun threats and some grappling techniques.

Flores Sensei is ranked 4th degree black belt with the Tapondo International Federation Inc. under Master Ambrosio "Monching" Gabileño, the founder of tapondo (a.k.a. combat aikido).

UNIGAMES TKD RESULTS

This article appeared in the October 17, 2005 issue of Negros Daily Bulletin and November 16, 2005 issue of Sun Star Bacolod

Results for the National University Games (UNIGAMES) held last October 26-27, 2005 at the Riverside Medical College, Bacolod City:

TEAM STANDING. University of the East, NCR (champion, 3-2-4); Far Eastern University, NCR (2nd place, 3-2-1); Ateneo de Manila University, NCR (3rd place, 2-0-2); St. Louise University, Baguio (4th place, 1-4-1); University of St. La Salle, Bacolod City (5th place, 1-1-3); Angles University Foundation, Pampanga and Central Philippine University, Iloilo City (6th place, 1-0-0 each); Holy Name University, Bohol (7th place, 0-1-4); Riverside Medical College, Bacolod City and La Consolacion College-Bacolod (8th place, 0-1-1); Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion, Capiz (9th place, 0-0-5); and University of Cordillera, Baguio and Negros Oriental State University, Dumaguete City (10th place, 0-0-1).

WOMEN’S FINWEIGHT. Pauline Angeles of Ateneo de Manila University (gold), Donavel Potingan of St. Louise University (silver), and Miguiriza Dalida of Holy Name University and Rosele Lavalan of University of the East (bronze).

WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHT. Ana Dianelo of Angles University Foundation (gold), Jessica Ballesteros of University of the East (silver), and April Joy Baladjay of Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion and Rosetel De La Rama of University of St. La Salle (bronze).

WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHT. Jeselle Dimson of University of the East (gold), Marell Dommleg of St. Louise University (silver), and Wemelyn Bialen of Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion and Kemberly Menchavez of Ateneo de Manila University (bronze).

WOMEN’S FEATHERWEIGHT. Lilac Mangondili of University of the East (gold), Ma. Josefa Ramirez of University of St. La Salle (silver), and Catherine Samonte of Riverside Medical College and Maricar Vacaro of Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion (bronze).

WOMEN’S LIGHT/WELTERWEIGHT. J. Ann Ermeo of University of St. La Salle (gold), Dyan Guedes of Holy Name University (silver), and April Balones of La Consolacion College-Bacolod and Mary Rose Balatayo of Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion (bronze).

WOMEN’S MID/HEAVYWEIGHT. Sanita Gill of St. Louise University (gold), Jennelyn Gapaya of La Consolacion College-Bacolod (silver), and Krystelle Gansita of University of St. La Salle and Hyacinth Ortiz of Holy Name University (bronze).

MEN’S FINWEIGHT. Gabriel Arnigo of Central Philippine University (gold), Jarreh Mojica of Far Eastern University (silver), and Jeron Jaluag of Holy Name University and Vic John Tianchon of Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion (bronze).

MEN’S FLYWEIGHT. Jhunreb Allas of Far Eastern University (gold), Michael Lemon of St. Louise University (silver), and Alfritz Unson of Ateneo de Manila University and Tristan Tiozon of University of the East (bronze).

MEN’S BANTAMWEIGHT. Romele Roa of Far Eastern University (gold), Zaldy Bautista of University of the East (silver), and Michael Velo of St. Louise University and Mark Rico of University of Cordillera (bronze).

MEN’S FEATHERWEIGHT. Brix Ramos of University of the East (gold), Jacob Baroga of Far Eastern University (silver), and Carlo Pangon of Holy Name University and Homer Alivio of Negros Oriental State University (bronze).

MEN’S LIGHT/WELTERWEIGHT. Paulo Saludsa of Ateneo de Manila University (gold), Jonas Dicang of St. Louise University (silver), and Alden Aranda of University of the East and Rene Ng of Far Eastern University (bronze).

MEN’S MID/HEAVYWEIGHT. John Hernandez of Far Eastern University (gold), Paul Medes of Riverside Medical College (silver), and John Mark Ricamata of University of the East and Mark Lee of University of St. La Salle (bronze).

JOHN BAYLON: JUDO PRIDE OF BINALBAGAN

Born: 1966
Birth Place: Binalbagan, Negros Occidental (now represents Zamboanga)
Rank: 6th dan black belt judo (the only Philippine judo player to receive all grades in Kodokan in Japan)
Achievements:
Current Philippine judo and BJJ Absolute champion
8 times Philippine National Individual Judo openweight champion (including 1990 and 2005)
6 times Southeast Asian (SEA) Games judo gold medallist (including 1991)
6 times Southeast Asian judo champion in 4 different weight divisions
2 times Olympian (1988 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games)
2004 Philippine National Individual Judo half-middleweight champion
Bronze Medallist, 2003 World Masters Judo Championship
Veteran of 2 World Judo Championships in Canada and Japan

2 NEGROS BOXERS WIN IN ELORDE CARD

World Boxing Organization (WBO) Rated No. 4 and Asia Pacific flyweight champion Rexon Flores of Cadiz City, 22, dominated Acasio Simbajon of Leyte with punches to the head and body in 5 rounds last October 30, 2005 at the Grand Flash Ballroom, Elorde Sports Center, Sucat, Parañaque City and snatched the win when his opponent was not able to answer the bell for the 6th round of their scheduled 10-round bout.

The Flores-Simbajon card was a rematch of their August 27 skirmish which was adjudged a 2nd round technical draw because of a 2-inch cut in the head of Simbajon from an accidental headbutt. Flores improved to 14-2-4 8 KOs.

Meanwhile, Ronilo Sermona of Negros Occidental defeated Marlon Malacao of Tondo, Manila at 48 seconds of the 3rd round of a flyweight undercard bout. Sermona rose to 3-1-0 3 KO.

The boxing card was promoted by Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr.

NEGROS ISLAND’S PROFESSIONAL BOXING HEROES

Joma Gamboa
Hometown: Bacolod City
Achievements:
World Boxing Association (WBA) interim minimumweight champion (won December 4, 1999)
World Boxing Association (WBA) minimumweight champion (won December 6, 2000)

Francisco "Pancho Villa" Guilledo
Birthrate: August 1, 1901
Birth Place: Ilog
Achievements:
Greatest flyweight in the Philippines (Associated Press)
First world boxing champion from Asia
World flyweight champion (May 18, 1923-July 4, 1925)
One of only four Asians enshrined into the International Boxing Hall of Fame (New York) in 1994
Inducted to the World Boxing Hall of Fame

Eric Jamili
Birthrate: May 20, 1977
Birth Place: Silay City
Hometown: Silay City
Achievements:
World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimumweight champion (December 19, 1997-May 30, 1998)
World Boxing Organization (WBO) intercontinental minimumweight champion (April 30, 1997-
December 19, 1997)

Diosdado “Dodie Boy" Peñalosa
Birthrate: November 19, 1962
Birth Place: San Carlos City
Achievements:
International Boxing Federation (IBF) flyweight champion (February 22, 1987-September 5, 1987)
International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight champion (December 10, 1983-October 12, 1985)
Orient Pacific Boxing Federation OPBF) light flyweight champion (March 18, 1983-October 12, 1985)
First Filipino 2 time world boxing champion

Gerry Peñalosa
Birth Place: Cebu (but people of San Carlos City consider him as one of them)
World Boxing Council (WBC) super flyweight Champion (February 20, 1997-August 29, 1998)
World Boxing Association (WBA) North American junior bantamweight champion (won June 1999)

WFP-NEG. OCC. PERFECT MEDAL HAUL AT REG’L WUSHU SANSHOU CUP

Wushu Federation of the Philippines-Negros Occidental (WFP-Neg. Occ.), the foremost propagator of wushu sanshou in the Negros Island, sent only 3 players in the 3rd Cong. Raul Gonzalez Jr. Wushu Sanshou Cup last October 16, 2005 at the De Paul College Covered Court, Iloilo City and went home with 3 gold medals. Wushu sanshou artists from Bacolod, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, Passi, and Sta. Barbara figured in 31 hard hitting wushu sanshou bouts.

2005 USLS Martial Arts Tournament wushu sanshou champion Janry Amante defeated Anthony Bigsat of Barotac Nuevo in the juniors 48 kg. division. Former Philippine Team trainee Jet Lumawag beat Jordan Viscala Jr. of Philippine Tiger Martial Arts in the seniors 52 kg. category. 2004 BOMB MMA champion Andres Villarmia bested Enrique Natonton, also of Philippine Tiger Martial Arts.

All 3 players are trained personally by Wushu Federation of the Philippines-Negros Occidental Coordinator and Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main Chief Instructor Joery C. Amante of bacolod City.

The tournament was held by the Iloilo Tinagan Martial Arts Club Inc. (ITMACI) of WFP Region 6 Head coach Arnold S. Tinagan of Iloilo City. Tinagan disclosed that winners will qualify for a national invitational wushu sanshou competition to be held this December, also in Iloilo City.

BACOLOD AIKIDO-PNRC CPR SEMINAR HELD

The CPR Seminar for Martial Artists and Fellowship almost did not push through last November 12, 2005 because of heavy rain but in the end, Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) volunteer instructor Teodoro Arellano made it to the Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE) Dojo, Banava Rd., Villa Angela Subd., Bacolod City to teach basic cardio pulmonary resuscitation to 5 martial arts instructors, 12 students, and some observers.

The seminar was conducted with the sponsorship of Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts Founder/Chief Instructor Maxwell “Max” J. Maun Sensei.

The fellowship practice was held before the CPR seminar. The various instructors gave demonstrations and insights on the various martial arts including aikido, Filipino saber and foil, Guarra style modern arnis, Lapu-Lapu Viñas arnis, mixed martial arts, Togle style modern arnis, and wild judo.

Instructors present were Maun Sensei (BAE), Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra (Guarra Style Modern Arnis and Self Defense Association), James U. Sy Jr. (Conceptual Martial Arts Society), Edwil J. Tusil (Fight Club Combat and Streetfighting Center), and Francis Stephen A. Diaz (CMAS/GSMASDA).

FRANCO SHIHAN CONDUCTS A.S.K.-BACOLOD PROMOTIONAL EXAMS

Members of the Bertar Karate Kan pratices a Shotokan karate kata in their dojo.

Philippine Karate-do Federation (PKF) National Referee Council Chairman Ramon S. Franco Shihan of Tacloban City, 6th dan black belt, conducted an All A.S.K. Kyu Ranks Examination and Referee Seminar under the auspices of the Advocacy for the Strengthening of Karate-do (A.S.K.) last November 4-6, 2005 in Bacolod City. Host was A.S.K.-Bacolod Head Instructor Edilberto “Bert” A. Arcositas Sensei, Founder/Chief Instructor of Bertar Karate Kan.

Kyu rank promotion candidates who took and passed the examinations were Chomin Aberasturri, Maryver Cordova, Dominique Mijares, and Marianne Sioson (yellow belt), Charity Salario (green belt), Helen Cañete, John David and Michael Robin Lizares, and Stephanie Uberas (blue belt).

Bertar Karate Kan is the official representative of the Advocacy for the Strengthening of Karate-do (A.S.K.) in Bacolod City and is a registered member of the Philippine Karate-do Federation (PKF).

PHOTO GALLERY: 1ST FIGHT CLUB AMATEUR MIXED MARTIAL ARTS CHALLENGE "ANIMOSITY IN BACOLOD CITY"

Rolando Tabano of Tumbatsu (bottom) places John Perry Cesar of Fight Club in his guard.


Head Coach Gilton Solis of Tumbatsu (top) attempts to mount eventual champion Head Coach Milo Abelido of Submission Sport Philippines-Bacolod Team in the main event.


Adrian Hillana of Submission Sport Philippines-Bacolod Team and Jason Liansing of Fight Club squared off in the 84-90 kg. category.


The visiting team of Tumbatsu from Iloilo City who clashed with the Bacolod based mixed martial artists.


Fight Club Combat and Streetfighting Center Founder/Chief Instructor Edwin J. Tusil (left) and Event Muse Ms. Jimenez prepares to award the prices to the winners.

Date: September 24, 2005
Venue: Atrium Area, Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City
Orgamizer: Fight Club Combat and Streetfighting Center
Sanction: Brotherhood of Mixed Martial Artists of Bacolod (BOMB)
Champion: Submission Sports Philippines-Bacolod Team
2nd Place: Tumbatsu (Iloilo)

2ND MAYOR’S CUP “BEST OF MARTIAL ARTS” SET

Master Elmer V. Montoyo, Founder/President of the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association.

The Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA) is set to host the 2nd Mayor’s Cup “The Best of the Martial Arts” on December 17, 2005 tentatively at the Bacolod Arts and Youth (BAY) Center. San Juan St., Bacolod City.

PIMAA-FTSDA Founder/President Master Elmer V. Montoyo, formerly chief instructor of the Philippine Moo Duk Kwan Inc.-Korea Tang Soo Do Association, will be bringing in 44 years of martial arts experience in organizing the event. During his stint in the PMDI-KTSDA, he organized several professionally run tournaments, including national-level competitions.

Like its 1st installment, the upcoming competition is planned to have several different martial arts tournament divisions. The line up of the divisions are yet to be finalized but definitely there will be Filipino Tang soo do, wushu sanshou, and kickboxing.

Master Montoyo will be supported by his allied organizations, among them
Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main (BFMAA-Main) of Wushu Federation of the Philippines-Negros Occidental Coordinator Joery C. Amante Sensei, Conceptual Martial Arts Society of Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) Negros Occidental Coordinator James U. Sy Jr. Sensei and All Philippine Sipa-Sumbag Martial Arts Federation Secretary Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado Sensei, Fight Club Combat and Streetfighting Center (FC) of Brotherhood of Mixed Martial Artists of Bacolod (BOMB) General Management Chairman Edwin J. Tusil Sensei, Philippine Tapado Association (PTA) of Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” Mamar Lobredo, and United Negros Fighting Arts Academy (UNFAA) of Founder Renante de la Cruz.

In the 1st Mayor’s Cup, 32 martial artists representing 7 organizations from Bacolod, Bago, and San Carlos Cities battled in 24 bouts in the men’s juniors and seniors divisions in 4 martial arts disciplines: Filipino Tang soo do, grappling, pencak silat olahraga, and wushu sanshou.

Assisting Master Montoyo in organizing the event is his son PIMAA-FTSDA Chief Instructor and Philippine Pencak Silat Negros Occidental Vice Coordinator Elmer “Don-Don” P. Montoyo Jr.

PIMAA-FTSDA is affiliated with the United Fighting Arts Federation (UFAF) of Grandmaster Chuck Norris in the USA and is recognized by the Muay Association of the Philippines, Philippine Pencak Silat, Wushu Federation of the Philippines, Rossi Kuntao International, and Intercontinental Federation of Martial Arts Schools.

VERSION 2 OF BOMB M.M.A. RULES SOON TO BE OUT

Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE) Founder/Chief Instructor and Brotherhood of Mixed Martial Artists of Bacolod (BOMB) Chief referee Maxwell “Big Max” J. Maun Sensei with members of BAE who performed in the 1st Fight Club Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Challenge "Animosity in Bacolod City" last September 24, 2005 at the Gaisano City Supermall.

Version 2 of the Official Brotherhood of Mixed Martial Artists of Bacolod (BOMB) Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Rules has just been drafted by Maxwell “Max” J. Maun Sensei, founder/chief instructor of the Bacolod Aikido Enthusiasts (BAE), and is being prepared for approval to the board of BOMB.

Version 1 of the rules was drafted by BOMB Marketing Management Chairman James Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS) as the first ever amateur MMA rules in the Philippines (all the other existing rules at that time were for professional MMA). Version 1 then went on to be used for the first 3 amateur MMA tournaments in Bacolod City, the Negros Island, and the Philippines: the 1st and 2nd Gaisano-BOMB Mixed Martial Arts Eliminations and Expo (February 1 and April 18, 2005) and the 1st Fight Club Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Challenge “Animosity in Bacolod City.”

Maun Sensei made additions and revisions on the original rules based on his experience as a PAJA-sanctioned judoka and former Arnis Philippines commissioner for negros Occidental. Maun Sensei designed Version 2 in alignment to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) standards.

The priority on the safety of the players has been specified in more detail. Standard protective gear include mouthpiece, grappling gloves, groin protector, and other safety gears as determined.

The functions of the tournament officials are specified in more detail. Additions to the original rules include protests/complaints and disqualification of players.

BOMB General Management Chairman Edwin J. Tusil had earlier announced that his school is planning to host a follow up MMA event tentatively set on December 10, 2005, still at Gaisano City. Head Coach Jek Ferrer, whose Submission Sport Philippines-Bacolod Team was crowned overall champion in the last event, expressed their support for the upcoming event.

An organizational meeting will soon be called by Tusil. Interested parties may contact him at 0926-8038172.

ARNISADORS RETURN LOST 3210

Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra of the Guarra Style Modern Arnis & Self Defense Association (left) and Victorio C. Perez of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society in afile photo.

This article appeared in the November 3, 2005 issue of the Negros Daily Bulletin.

About 2 weeks ago Peter Lanistosa lost his cellphone. Today he is reunited with his phone, thanks to 2 arnisadors who exerted efforts to trace the owner and return the unit.

Last October 9, 2005, after teaching an arnis class for the Javellanas at Crossing Bago, retired P/Sgt. Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra of the Guarra Style Modern Arnis & Self Defense Association (GSMASDA) and James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS) boarded a tricycle. GM Guarra noticed a Nokia 3210 lying on the seat. He asked the driver if he knew the owner of the unit. When the driver could not pinpoint a particular person, the duo proceeded to the Bago City Police station and endorsed the unit PO1 Napoleon Espinosa and PO1 Coly Dionela, who were on duty at the Complainst and action desk at that time.

Using phone numbers derived from the address book of the lost cellphone, Sy traced the unidentified owner of the cellphone. He contacted Kristine Braga, who revealed that the owner was Peter Lanistosa, a grade 6 section 3 pupil of the Bago Elementary School-1 under Ms. Ma. Theresa Gallego. Then Sy went to the school and talked with Principal Victorino Pailano and Ms. Gallego.

Ms. Gallego informed Lanistosa, who claimed the cellphone at the police station during the highlights week of the Masskara Festival celebration in Bacolod City.

GM Guarra is the president of GSMASDA based in Bago City and is vice president of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF). He is a retired multi-awarded policeman who had taught more than 10,000 policemen, barangay tanods, security guards, and civilians. He presently serves as a kagawad of Brgy. Lag-asan.

Sy is founder, president, and head instructor of CMAS and holds officership positions in several martial arts organizations. He is certified in several arts, among them Lapu-Lapu Viñas arnis, Togle style modern arnis, Yasay sable, aikido, and Kimdo. He is a former banker and is now employed as an auditor in a private company.

WILD JUDO TO BE ORGANIZED

Master Joselito R. Tomulto applies a variation of knife defense no. 1 on Instructor Robennie “Nene” A. Rocillo in Bayawan City.

Masters Joselito R. Tomulto and Ronnie “Nonoy” A. Rocillo, and Instructor Robennie “Nene” A. Rocillo, all of Bayawan City, had recently announced plans to organize and formalize wild judo, the empty handed art of locking and throwing, as founded and taught by Grandmaster Norberto “Norbing” A. Mamar.

This came about after GM Mamar had been staying in the mountains for several months now. They believe that for wild judo to grow it has to be formalized and made more accessible to the general public.

The initial plan is the certification of licensed instructors of the art. The logo has already been designed while the constitution and by-laws are currently being drafted. A syllabus will soon be drafted.

Wild judo was founded by GM Mamar, who taught it to the Rocillo’s father, the late Master Paquito “Pacquit” Rocillo, who then taught it to the above mentioned instructors. The trio always had studied under GM Mamar.

Wild judo is an empty handed fighting method which borrowed the widely popular Japanese term judo in reference to its use of various indigenous throwing, jointlocking, and other grappling techniques. Wild signifies that the art developed freely like the wild plants that grew in the forest.

ANDREW G. PEREZ SENSEI: GUIHULNGAN KARATE PIONEER

Guihulngan karate pioneer Andrew G. Perez Sensei (left) and martial arts researcher/writer James U. Sy Jr. of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society.

Reprinted with permission from Western Visayas Journal. Article written by James U. Sy Jr.

Most younger martial artists of the current generation often do not know the pioneers who established their arts for them in the past. In this issue, we will introduce you to a karate pioneer in Guihulngan.

Andrew G. Perez was born on September 25, 1941 to Jose Vergara Perez and Inocencia G. Gonzales in Guihulngan. He was the eldest of 5 male and 1 female siblings and became the only one to be involved in the martial arts.

In the 1950s, the young Perez began the study of judo under Cacoy Ledrit, Achilles Mirasol, and another instructor when he was still in high school. The lessons also included some escrima (Doce Pares style). He learned for 3 months. Then he traveled to Cebu to pursue a college degree.

In 1963, Andrew G. Perez was married to Trifona L. Legaspi. The following year, Latino Gonzales Sensei of the Philippine Karate Association (the recognized national governing body for karate during that time) sent 2 instructors to Guihulngan to establish karate there. Those instructors were Aguinaldo Lexican Sensei of Dumaguete, who was taking up criminology in Manila during that time, and Johnny Caranza Sensei (real name: Johnny Galanza) of Tanjay. Perez became a scholar under these 2 instructors with the sponsorship of Atty. Jose Estacion.

Later on, Caranza Sensei broke off from Gonzales Sensei, who went on to propagate and become the Father of Shorin-ryu karate in the Philippines. Caranza Sensei founded the Siete Pares Karate Association which at one point had presence in a total of 160 districts all over the Philippines. The Siete Pares Karate Association taught Okinawan style karate. (One of the products of the SPKA in Negros Occidental was Efraim Beatingo Sr. Sensei of the Undo-kan Martial Arts Association who got his 3rd degree from the association).

In 1965, Perez Sensei was appointed as Region 7 director for the Siete Pares Karate Association. In 1971, he was employed as a municipal policeman. In 1974, Perez Sensei was officially awarded his 3rd degree black belt in karate under the sanction of the Siete Pares Karate Association.

By 1975, Perez sensei had developed his group that he had 5 clubs with a membership of 150 under him. That same year, he held a tournament during the annual fiesta of Guihulngan. Karatekas from Bayawan, Bais, Dumaguete, Guihulngan, and San Carlos competed in the tournament.

During the time Perez Sensei was active in karate, no other karateka was successful in starting a group in Guihulngan. He would challenge anyone attempting to teach karate in Guihulngan. During those times, dojo wars/club raiding was the norm.

In 1995, Perez Sensei retired from active duty as a policeman. Today, he has also retired from teaching karate and spends his time enjoying life at his home in Guihulngan.

Perez Sensei told me that karate, for him, was more than just fighting. It was a way of life, a way of seeing things in their positive side, and a way of enjoying life. Experience and karate had made him a fuller, happier and more contented person.

And before I finally left, he asked me, “what is your rank?” I replied, “2nd degree in Kimdo, 1st degree in karate (honorary). How did you know Sir I’m also practicing?” The reply was quick, “you won’t be writing this if you don’t know and understand.” What wisdom in those words.