2ND M.A.P. NEGROS OCCIDENTAL MUAY THAI SEMINAR SUCCESS

Muay Association of the Philippines (M.A.P.) Visayas and Region 7 Head Kru Ike Xavier Villaflores of Dumaguete City conducted 2nd Negros Occidental M.A.P. Muay Boran Instructors Course “Muay Referee Course” to train and certify regional level Muay Thai judges and referees on February 18-19, 2006 at the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA) Gym, Group K Complex, Brgy. Tangub.

Kru Villaflores was hosted by the Muay Association of the Philippines-Negros Occidental Chapter. Kru Villaflores was assisted by 2005 Visayas champion and National Grand Prix bronze medalist Romnick R. Pabalate of Mabinay and John Rey Dumagat of Kabankalan City.

Kru Villaflores, fresh from a technical training in Bangkok, Thailand last October 2005 together with M.A.P. President Kru Roberto B. Valdez and other National Technical Officials, explained to 20 martial artists the International Federation of MuayThai Amateur (IFMA) Rules for Amateur Muay Thai Competition and its corresponding tournament officiating procedures.

The International Federation of MuayThai Amateur (IFMA) is the only recognized and authorized world governing body for amateur Muay Thai by the Olympic Committee of Thailand (OCT) and the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT). Muay Association of the Philippines (MAP) is the official National Sport Association (NSA) for Muay Thai in the Philippines as recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and is the sole representative in the country for IFMA and the World MuayThai Council (WMC). The World MuayThai Council (WMC) is the world governing body for professional Muay Thai incorporated by the Royal Thai Government and sanctioned by the Sports Authority of Thailand.

After the discussion of the rules, a film viewing followed. Participants watched a number of bouts fought in the World Cup and World Women’s Championships. Participants were then asked to undergo a “practicum” or hand on training on officiating.

Instructors who were in attendance and completed the course include Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado of Conceptual Martial Arts Society, Joery C. Amante of Black Falcon Martial Arts Association-Main, Dr. Raymund Antonio A. Maguad of CMAS, Diomedes N. Mamugay of San Carlos Jungle Fighters Martial Arts Club, Master Elmer V. Montoyo and his son Elmer P. Montoyo Jr. of PIMAA-FTSDA, James U. Sy Jr. of CMAS, Ma. Lorema H. Tacsagon of CMAS, and Hieroteo “Didoy” Villarosa of PIMAA-FTSDA.

Kru Villaflores will be issuing the regional level licenses for above mentioned instructors after the necessary paper works are done. The course was in preparation for the expected public introduction of Muay Thai under the banner of the Muay Association of the Philippines here in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City anytime this year. A Basic Muay Boran Instructor’s Course is also being scheduled sometime May in San Carlos City to be hosted by the San Carlos Jungle Fighters Martial Arts Club.