Sikaran Taliba Vol5 No3

Volume 5
May - June 2016
Number 3
SAMPLE LOGOS AND SEALS OF SOME MEMBERS OF THE
WORLD SIKARAN BROTHERHOOD
SIKARAN TALIBA© IS PUBLISHED BY THE SIKARAN PILIPINAS PUBLICATIONS. IT IS
THE ONLY INTERNET NEWSPAPER DEDICATED TO THE SIKARAN PRACTITIONERS
AROUND THE WORLD. THE IDEAS AND OPINIONS IN THE ARTICLES AND
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ASSUMES ANY RESPONSIBILITY IN THE MISUSE OR ABUSE OF ALL TECHNIQUES IN
THIS NEWSPAPER.
EDITORIAL OFFICE
P.O. BOX 6332
ALAMEDA, CA 94501
sikarantaliba@gmail.com
Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo
Honorary Editor Emeritus
Mantas-Marangal Emmanuel es Querubin
Editor in Chief
Mantas-Dalubhasa Elpidio Seletaria, Jr.
Managing Editor
Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.
Editor-at-Large
ERP
Art Editor
Contributors:
Mantas-Marangal Louelle Lledo, Jr.
Mantas-Marangal Andy Sanano, Jr.
Janeth Geronimo
Giner Arendain Burabod
Goldie Albino
SIKARAN PILIPINAS PUBLICATIONS
Republic of the Philippines Certificate of Copyright No. A 2009-102
Department of Trade and Industry Certificate of Registration 00706053
United States, Library of Congress Copyright Registration No. TXu 1-612-682
PRESIDENT PANTAS MELITON S. GERONIMO, JR.
World Sikaran Brotherhood
the rise – Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo’s leadership since the
birth of the World Sikaran Brotherhood……..the World Sikaran
Brotherhood became the largest sports organization in the
Philippines with members all over the country and the rest of the
world……….
– mismanagement of acting president causing the
temporary downfall in membership and depletion of the coffers of
the organization…………..
the revival – Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo issued the
order to pass on the leadership to his son Pantas Meliton S.
Geronimo, Jr. On March 7, 2015, “The Passing of the Torch” was
celebrated and thereafter Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. was
named President of the World Sikaran Brotherhood and final
authority in the promotion, propagation, and development of
Sikaran……….
the rise………..
In 1966, Sikaran, then known as Philippine Karate, was granted recognition as a distinct Filipino
Unarmed Martial Art by the Asian Karate Association. Meliton C. Geronimo was awarded the
ultimate rank in the martial arts, the 10th Degree Red Belt, and the title Grandmaster. Likewise,
the Sikaran Elders of Baras, Rizal vested on him the title Supremo (Leader).
As President and Leader of the World Sikaran Brotherhood, Supremo Meliton C.
Geronimo made Sikaran a household name in the martial arts. Membership of the World Sikaran
Brotherhood of the Philippines grew by leaps, and bounds. Sikaran crossed the seas, oceans, and
the airspace to reach the other countries. Sikaran became one of the most popular unarmed
fighting arts alongside Japan's Karate, Korea's Tae Kwon Do, and China's Wushu or Kung Fu.
It is the leadership of Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo that has kept Sikaran alive and progressive
all these years. For more than half a century Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo's capacity to lead
has been proven.
There is only one true Sikaran Grandmaster and that is Meliton Geronimo. There are
numerous self-proclaimed Sikaran Grandmasters, most of whom were his students, but only
Meliton Geronimo was granted the title Grandmaster and the rank of 10th Degree Red Belt by an
international martial art entity, the Asian Karate Association. Meliton Geronimo is also the only
person vested the appellation of dignity and honor as Sikaran Supremo (Sikaran Leader) by the
Sikaran elders of Baras, Rizal. Under the leadership of Meliton Geronimo, the Philippines
garnered seven gold medals in six Asian Karate Championships, an accomplishment that stands
unchallenged and unequalled. The World Sikaran Brotherhood, founded and headed by
Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo is the oldest and largest Filipino Martial Art association in the
Philippines. It also has affiliates all over the world. There are thousands of members of the
World Sikaran Brotherhood in the rest of Asia, in Australia, both North and South America, in
the Middle East, in Europe and in Africa. Through the efforts of Grandmaster Meliton
Geronimo, the Municipality of Baras in the Province of Rizal acknowledges Baras as the
birthplace of Sikaran and proudly displays it on the official letterhead of the Municipality with
the words “Home of Sikaran” and the seal of the World Sikaran Brotherhood. Sikaran has also
been proclaimed as Rizal’s Official Provincial Sport and designated the last Saturday of March
as Sikaran Festival Day. Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo’s influence extends outside the
Philippines. Two Malaysians who were introduced to Sikaran in the 1960’s have upwardly
evolved to create their systems. Clement Soo (Reg. No. 257) now the President of the Karate
League of Malaysia created the Malaysian Goshin Ryu Karate System, which is recognized by
the World Karate Federation. Loke Meng Kwang (Reg. No. 354) is the Grandmaster of the Ran
Yi Wu Kwan Tang Sou Dao and is a member of the British Martial Arts Commission. For all
these unequalled achievements, Meliton Geronimo is indeed the Most Distinguished Filipino
Martial Arts Grandmaster.
Born on March 10, 1927, Meliton Geronimo is the son of Cipriano Geronimo the last
Sikaran Hari (champion) of Baras, Rizal and the grandson of Bonifacio Geronimo the last and
only Hari ng mga Hari (champion of champions) of Baras, Rizal the birthplace of Sikaran. The
Geronimo Sikaran lineage is the only progenitor of this historical Filipino fighting art. Meliton
Geronimo pioneered the transformation of this 16th century art into the 20th century and now the
21st century. Through his dedication and efforts, Sikaran was introduced outside the country and
became an international martial art.
It was 1957. Sgt. Meliton C. Geronimo, of the Philippine Air Force, started teaching
Sikaran to whoever was interested. He was sent to Japan as part of the rehabilitation of the
Armed Forces. There he met several martial arts masters including Koichi Kondo of the All
Japan Karate Federation.
Kondo was intrigued by Geronimo’s ability in Sikaran. Their meeting led to several
training sessions exchanging techniques and fighting maneuvers. Even after Geronimo returned
to the Philippines their communication continued.
In 1958, Meliton C. Geronimo established the World Sikaran Brotherhood. He
envisioned a worldwide association of martial artists embracing the principles, theories, and
concepts of Sikaran as an independent and sovereign fighting art of the Philippines.
He has, since then been the head of the Sikaran movement, taking over his father
Cipriano Geronimo (the last Sikaran Hari of Baras). His leadership made the Sikaran
Brotherhood of the Philippines the largest martial arts association in the country.
When Japan, China and Korea formed the Asian Karate Association, the Philippines was
invited to join. In 1958, Meliton Geronimo founded the Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines
(then referred to as Philippine Karate for inclusion in the Asian Karate Association). Due to the
similarity of the arts, it was agreed by the member countries to refer to the art in the Japanese
generic term of Karate. Hence, Korean Tang Soo Doo was known as Korean Karate, Chinese
Kung-fu (also read as Kempo, also read as Chinese Hand, with the same characters as Empty
Hand, sometimes read as Karate) was known as Chinese Karate, and Sikaran was referred to as
Philippine Karate. In 1963, the Asian Karate Association was formed by Japan, Korea, China,
and the Philippines. In 1964, the First Asian Karate Championships was held in Tokyo, Japan
and Meliton Geronimo representing the Philippines won the Most Courageous Fighter Award.
SIKARAN INTRODUCED TO MALAYSIA, 1967
Minister of Education and President of Karate Association of Malaysia Khir Johari, welcoming
the Sikaran Instructors from The Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines: From left: Nestor
Principe, Louis dela Cruz, Khir Johari, Chew Choo Soot (Karate Association of Malaysia
Secretry-General) Emmanuel Querubin (Team Leader), and Vince Vasallo.
EXCHANGE OF COMMUNICATION LEADING TO RECOGNITION OF SIKARAN
In 1962, Master Koichi Kondo, Chief Instructor of the All Japan Karate Federation, as a
prelude for recognition of SIKARAN as a distinct sovereign Filipino empty-hand fighting art
named Meliton Geronimo, now a captain in the Philippine Air Force, Japanese Karate Grades
Commissioner for the Philippines. In recognition of his skill, Meliton Geronimo was awarded the
5th Degree black belt by Kyojiro Furusawa, president of the All Japan Karate Federation. It was
at that time, the highest grade in Karate awarded to a non-Japanese. The same reciprocal
authority was accorded to Meliton Geronimo by Korean Tang Soo Doo Grandmasters Hwang
Kee of the Moo Doo Kwan and Kwai Byung Yun of the Jee Doo Kwan. This commission
qualified that whatever grade or promotion Meliton Geronimo issues will be recognized and
honored by the All Japan Karate Federation, the Korean Karate Association and by the Asian
Karate Association.
Although it took a while, on March 6, 1963, Master Koichi Kondo confirmed his support
for Meliton Geronimo and the KARATE (SIKARAN) BROTHERHOOD OF THE
PHILIPPINES for membership in the Asian Karate Association and extended an invitation for
the Philippines to participate in the First Asian Karate Championship.
In an attempt to make it a regular part of the Asian Games, a uniform name for the sport
was necessary. All member countries agreed to use the collective name of Asian Karate
Association.
In 1964, Meliton Geronimo led a team of SIKARAN players in the First Asian Karate
Championships held in Japan. It was the first time that Japanese Karate, Chinese Karate, Korean
Tang Soo Doo, called Korean Karate and SIKARAN, referred to as Philippine Karate, competed
in an international tournament using a standard uniform rule of contest. The rules were almost
made-to-order for SIKARAN fighters. They were the matira ang matibay (knock-out-survivalof-the-fittest) kind of rules, the forte of SIKARAN.
Meliton Geronimo’s skill in SIKARAN paid off when he was named Most Courageous
Fighter. It was his first international competition and the first honor for the Philippines in the
martial art field of empty-hand fighting. It also proved the flexibility and ability of SIKARAN
practitioners to adapt to different fight situations under a different set of rules of engagement.
In subsequent Asian Karate Championships, several other honors were won under the
leadership of Meliton Geronimo.
In the Second Asian Karate Championships held in Seoul, Korea, Bernard Belleza won
the heavyweight Gold Medal, while Emilio Galicinao won the middleweight Gold Medal.
In the Third Asian Karate Championships held in Manila, Philippines, Jimmy Magbanua
won the heavyweight Gold Medal while Ariston Bautista won the lightweight Gold Medal.
In the Fourth Asian Karate Championships held in Tokyo, Japan, Amando Diaz won the
lightweight Gold Medal.
In the Fifth Asian Karate Championships held in Seoul, Korea, Antonio Ganiela won the
heavyweight Gold Medal. Amando Diaz, now a bit bigger and heavier, won the middleweight
gold medal. Jaime Geronimo, younger brother of Meliton Geronimo, won the “Most Courageous
Fighter Award.”
MELITON GERONIMO
GRANDMASTER OF SIKARAN
10TH DEGREE RED BELT
On 06 November 1966, the Asian Karate Association headed by its President Grandmaster Kwai Byeung
Yun of the Korean Soo Bak Doo, with the concurrence of
All Japan Karate Federation Grandmaster Koichi Kondo and Korean Tang Soo Doo Grandmaster Hwang
Kee, officially recognized SIKARAN as a distinct Filipino Fighting Art. Meliton Geronimo was
acknowledged as the Grandmaster of SIKARAN and was awarded the 10th Degree Red Belt.
KOICHI KONDO
GRANDMASTER
All Japan Karate Federation
KWAI BYEUNG YUN
GRANDMASTER
Korean Soo Bak Doo
HWANG KEE
GRANDMASTER
Korean Tang Soo Doo
On the Third Asian Karate Championship in 1966, SIKARAN was accepted as a distinct
sovereign Filipino style of fighting, by the Asian Karate Association headed by Korea’s Dr.
Kwai Byeung Yun, with the concurrence of Master Koichi Kondo of the All Japan Karate
Federation, Master Hwang Kee of the Korean Tang Soo Doo and China’s Master Chua Tiong Ki.
This once in a lifetime event was witnessed by Philippine Senator Ambrosio Padilla, Antonio
delas Alas, president of the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation, Colonel Jose Lukban,
president of the Philippine Amateur Judo Association and several high-ranking military officers.
Also in attendance were Cipriano Geronimo, last Hari of SIKARAN and several SIKARAN
elders from Baras and surrounding towns. In recognition of this achievement, the Philippine
Sportswriters Association vested on Meliton Geronimo the Sportsman of the Year Award.
Meliton Geronimo, who codified, organized and elevated SIKARAN from an ancient
system to a modern fighting art was awarded the title of Grandmaster of SIKARAN with the
rank of 10th Degree Red Belt. He was vested the Order of the Eagle (Agila), the highest award in
the Asian Karate Association.
Some people were insistent on calling the art Philippine Karate professing that it has been
influenced too much by Karate. Some contend that it should be called Modern SIKARAN to
differentiate it with the SIKARAN of old, because foreign but similar fighting arts have
debauched its distinctive style. Meliton Geronimo, maintaining that this is neither a new nor a
different art, but a natural evolutionary progression of the centuries-old art of SIKARAN,
resisted to use a qualifier and retained the name of the art the way it has always been since the
1800’s. It may have seemed an insignificant matter to some, but to Meliton Geronimo, it looms
large on the horizon of the future of SIKARAN. He strongly declared that the art of SIKARAN
that he is propagating is the same art his grandfather propagated in the 1800’s. He emphatically
stressed that nobody can improve on perfection of the centuries-old art of SIKARAN. He
emphasized that what he improved on is the “packaging” and “presentation” of SIKARAN.
The 1960’s also marked the first time that Sikaran was officially introduced outside the
Philippines. A group of Sikaran Instructors, composed of Emmanuel Querubin, Nestor Principe,
Vince Vasallo, and Louie dela Cruz, were commissioned to teach Sikaran in Malaysia.
Working together, Meliton Geronimo, and Emmanuel del Espiritu Santo Querubin, with
the encouragement and wisdom of SIKARAN Haris Cipriano Geronimo, Melencio Bigasin and
Manuel Ocampo and Arnis de Mano Grandmaster Daniel Rendal, formalized the syllabus of the
techniques and curriculum of SIKARAN. Likewise, terminologies were translated and other
words were coined in line with this curriculum.
In 1969, Meliton Geronimo and Emmanuel del Espiritu Santo Querubin’s Terminologies
of the Filipino Fighting Arts received the approval of the Institute of National Language and the
Department of Education, bolstering the identity of SIKARAN as an indigenous empty-hand
fighting art of the Philippines.
In the same year, Meliton Geronimo and Emmanuel Querubin published two SIKARAN
Instructional Manuals.
From 1969 to 1972, Meliton Geronimo and his senior instructors, Jaime Geronimo,
Emmanuel del Espiritu Santo Querubin, Angeles Sanchez, Rodrigo Espiritu, Ramon Valdenor,
and Serafin Pangilinan, were assigned to train Republic of the Philippines President Ferdinand
Marcos and the Presidential Security Command in SIKARAN.
In 1970, the Asian Karate Association was disbanded to give way to the creation of the
World Union of Karate-do Organizations (WUKO) the ruling body of Karate in the world. It was
unfortunate that Master Koichi Kondo was no longer around to witness the culmination of his
dream. Master Koichi Kondo passed away prematurely in 1969. The Karate Brotherhood of the
Philippines became an original signatory member while Meliton Geronimo and Emmanuel del
Espiritu Santo Querubin were designated lifetime founding signers of the WUKO charter.
Meliton Geronimo, has gained worldwide recognition as a martial arts leader and the
Philippines, through the Karate (SIKARAN) Brotherhood of the Philippines, has emerged as a
powerhouse in the international Karate scene. This personal glory was bothersome for Meliton
Geronimo. With the formation of WUKO, SIKARAN was being identified too much as Karate
instead of the distinct Filipino Fighting Art that it is. Apprehensive that SIKARAN may lose its
identity over the international acceptance of Philippine Karate, Meliton Geronimo, shortly
thereafter relinquished his position in the World Union of Karate-do Organizations (WUKO).
Energized by the enthusiasm of the SIKARAN elders, Meliton Geronimo devoted all his
time and energy in the propagation of SIKARAN. Sacrificing his personal stature as a pacesetter
in the Karate world, he dropped all reference to SIKARAN as Philippine Karate and propelled
the Filipino Fighting Art to its rightful place in the international martial arts scene. Adopting the
ancient rules of SIKARAN competition, Meliton Geronimo set tournament protocol making
SIKARAN a modern and exciting competitive sport. SIKARAN is now practiced in several
countries in at least all continents and is universally recognized as the Filipino Fighting art that it
is.
MAYOR MELITON C. GERONIMO
After retiring from the Philippine Air Force, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Meliton
Geronimo was elected Mayor of the town of Baras in the province of Rizal. His first official
action as Mayor was to acknowledge Baras as the birthplace of SIKARAN. A similar resolution
was also passed by the provincial government of the province of Rizal. Geronimo also erected a
monument of two SIKARAN fighters in a biyakid position, adjacent to the multi-purpose
gymnasium that he also constructed to be home of SIKARAN.
SIKARAN and Meliton Geronimo are synonymous and nobody can rightfully claim to
have learned the art unless they learned it from Meliton Geronimo or his disciples.
Unfortunately, unsuspecting people are being bilked by self-proclaimed “masters” and even
“grandmasters,” who after hearing about SIKARAN, cleverly put together some hand and foot
techniques and call their art SIKARAN.
Meliton Geronimo, still actively oversees the affairs of the KAPATIRANG SIKARAN
NG PILIPINAS (ruling body of SIKARAN) and the PANDAIGDIGANG KAPATIRANG
SIKARAN NG PILIPINAS (WORLD BROTHERHOOD OF SIKARAN), comprised of several
affiliates from all over the world.
With Meliton C. Geronimo at the head, his two most senior and ardent followers stand by
his side. Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. his son, a master in his own right, is now the President of the
World Sikaran Brotherhood and attends to the technical affairs of SIKARAN as an international
martial art. Emmanuel del Espiritu Santo Querubin, now based in the United States, continues to
propagate SIKARAN as a fighting art, and serve as the Executive and Technical Assistant to the
President..
There is only one recognized SIKARAN genealogy and that is the Geronimo lineage.
There is only one Grandmaster of SIKARAN accepted by the SIKARAN elders and that is
Meliton Geronimo. There is only one Filipino Grandmaster sanctioned and recognized by the
Asian Karate Association to hold the rank of 10 th Degree Red Belt in SIKARAN and that is
Meliton Geronimo.
Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo, now 89 years old and suffering the effects of several
bouts with stroke, is looking forward to the future of SIKARAN. He is now guiding his son
Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. in the latter’s journey over as Administrative Head of the World
Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines.
Mayor KC Robles presenting Certificate of Recognition to Grandmaster and
Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo.
the fall…………………….
In 2010, Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo, succumbed to stroke, the
vice-president acted independently without basis of the by-laws and
the good management skills that Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo
displayed in all the years that he actively pursued the president’s
office. If there is anything that demonstrates the failure of the
leadership of the Acting President, it is the failure of the World
Sikaran Brotherhood to send a team to compete at the World
Sikaran Tournament in Canada.
Since 1964, the World Sikaran Brotherhood has successfully
sent teams for competition in Japan, Korea, Canada, and the United
States. Instructional teams were also sent to Malaysia, Singapore,
Hong Kong, the Middle East, Australia, and some parts of Europe.
Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo’s leadership, made Sikaran a
household name in the martial arts.
Unfortunately, the acting president who took over slowly
“killed” Sikaran.
There were members who changed loyalty. There were
members who gave up martial arts training altogether. The worst
are members who………………………
the revival…………………….
On March 7, 2015, the presidency of the World Sikaran Brotherhood and leadership of
the Sikaran movement was transferred to Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. Pantas Meliton S.
Geronimo, Jr. requested Emmanuel Querubin, the only person still active in Sikaran since its
inception to give the welcome speech.
PASSING OF THE TORCH SPEECH
“Magandang hapon po sa lahat ng mga binbini at ginoo at lahat ng ating mga
kaibigan at panauhin. Isang malaking karangalan para sa akin ang pasamalatan
lahat ng mga dumalo sa ating pagtitipon na ito sa pangunguna na kagalang-galang
Kathrine Robles, ang maganda at nutihing alkalde ng bayan ng Baras;
ang kagalang-galang na kinatawn ng ating butihing gobernadora na si
Binibing Rebecca Ynares;
Si binibing Lucila dela Vega, kagalang-galang na katiwala ng
panglalawigang aklatan;
ang mga kinatawan ng iba at ibang alkalde ng mg munisipyo ng Rizal, mga
miyhembro ng sangguniang bayan, at ang mga Barangay captain at kagawad ng
bayan ng Baras at mga karatig bayan.
Isa ring malaking karangalan para sa akin ang pasalamatan ang ating mga
bisitang galing pa sa Phoenix Arizona at nagsadya dito sa Baras upang masaksihan
ang napahalagang pagkakataon na ito.
Sina Ginoong Steven Dowd, tagapaglathala ng FMA Informative at Sikaran
Taliba at ang kanyang butihing ginang sa si Vicky Dowd. Si Ginoong Steven
Dowd ay Punong-Guro at tagapagmana ng Arnis Balite, isang uri ng arnis na
pinasimulan ni Pundador Manuel Molina Aguillon, Sr. ng Zambales.
Mayroon din tayong mga Sikaranista na galing sa ibang bansa na dumalo sa
mahalagang pagdiriwang na ito, tulad ni Mantas-Marangal Andy Sanano, jr. ang
Country Director ng United States at ang State Director ng Florida. Kasama niya
ang kanyang pamangkin na si Mike Balabat. Si Mantas Marangal Andy Sananno.
Jr. and tagapagmana ng Trese Hampas Arnis ng kanilang pamilya.
Mula naman sa Australia, narito si Mantas-Marangal Jose Marie Diestro at si
Darren Lea, kasama ang ilang estudyante.
Ang ating kasapi na si GinoongMartin Lindgreen na galing sa New
Zealand Sikaran ay narito rin para makiisa sa ating lahat sa pagsasalin ng
pamunoan ng Sikaran mula kay Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo tungo kay Pantas
Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.
Mula rin sa United States narito si Mantas Dalubhasa Elpidio Seletaria, Jr
ang International Coordinator ng Pandaigdigang Kapatirang Sikaran. Kasama niya
ang kayang ginang na si MaryJane Presas. Kung ang apelyidong Presas ay
pamilyar sa inyo, ito ay dahil siya ay anak ni Professor Remy Presas na siyang nag
pasimula at nagpasikat ng Modern Arnis.
Isa pang galing sa United States ay si Erwin Lamanero, Southern California
District Coordinator na ngayon ay nagbabakasyon sa kanyang bayan sa General
Santos.
Dahil sa hindi maiwasang kadalihanan ang mga sumusunod ay hindi
nakarating kahit nuong una ay balak dumalo: mula sa Canada, si Mantas Marangal
Dante Alambra, ang Country Director ng Canada; si Dastin Alambra ang
Provincial Director ng Manitoba; si Vic Ferrer, ang Provincial Director ng
Saskatchewan; mula sa United States, si Mantas Marangal Louelle Lledo, State
Director ng New Jersey; si Mantas Balubhasa Danny Chu, State Director ng
California; si Jojo Villaneuva, District Director ng Northern California at si Romy
Lladone District Director ng Central California. Mula sa Italy, and Country
Director na si Armie Esparcia. Mula sa Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ay ang Country
Director na si George Salomon. At mula naman sa Ireland ay ang Country Director
na si Arnold Turla.
Subalit dapat naman nating pasalamatan ang mga miyembro nating sina
Pantas Jaime Geronimo ang Country Director ng Pilipinas, ang mga regional
director na sina Ernesto Millanes ng NCR, si Ruel Zuniega ng region 4-B; si Joel
Kiblasan ng CAR; si Stephen Oli ng Region 5; Ven Segui ng region …si Freddie
Jizmundo ng Aklan at ang miyembro na galing sa iba at ibang mga regions.
Pasamalatan din natin ang mga opisyal at miyembro ng ating kapatiran.
Napakarami nating dapat pasalamatan at kung aking iisahin mauubusan tayo ng
oras. Subalit kung hindi sa mga sumusunod, ang pagtitipon na ito ay hindi
matutuloy at hindi magiging matagumpay. Sila ay sina Mantas Marangal Roberto
Pamilar, ang Presidential Assistant for Operations and Logistics; Binbining Janet
Geronimo, Presidential Assistant for Events and Programs; si ginoong Giner
Burabod, Presidential Assistant for Junior Black Belts Council; si Mantas Emily
Samillano, Presidential Assistant for Liaison, si Mantas-Dalubhasa Ramon
Valdenor at ang kanyang maybahay na si Jocelyn Valdenor ang ating mga liaison
officers sa malakanyang at sa senado.
Nararapat din nating pasalamatan ang lahat ng mga Sikaranista sa buong mundo.
Isang napalaking karangalan ko ang tumayo sa harap ninyo ngayon upang
makiisa sa minsan sa buhay nating pagdiriwang. Ako ang nahilingang magpakilala
sa bagong pamunoan ng Sikaran dahil sa dalawang rason. Ang unang dahilan ay
sapagkat kasama ako ni Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo noong kanyang itinatag
ang Kapatirang Sikaran ng Pilipinas noong 1958. Ang pangalawang dahilan ay
sapagkat noong 1959 nang ipinanganak si Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. inialay siya ni
Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo at sinabi na ang kanyang anak ang hahalili sa
kanya bilang pinuno ng Sikaran pagdating ng takdang araw. Inahabilin sa akin ni
Supremo ang pagtuturo kay Junior, hindi lamang ng pisikal na Sikaran, kundi sa
pamumuno din.
Si Meliton Junior ay kasama naming pangeensayo ng Sikaran sa Baras at sa
Pasay, sa headquarters ng Sikaran. Ako ang naging gabay ni Junior sa Sikaran,
hanggang dumating and panahon na ang pamilya nina Meliton Junior ay
nagmigrate sa Amerika. Noong 1975 ako ay nagmigrate din sa Amerika at muli
kaming nagpatuloy sa pageensayo ni Meliton Junior.
Noong 2009 habang nagpupulong kami sa bahay ni Supremo sa Antipolo,
muling ipinaalala sa akin ni Supremo na ang kanyang anak na si Meliton Junior
ang hahalili sa kanya bilang bagong pinuno ng Sikaran pagdating ng takdang araw.
Ang takdang araw na iyan ay dumating na. Dahilan sa kanyang kapansanan,
itinakda na ni Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo ang pagdiriwang ng kanyang 88
birthday bilang araw ng paglilipat ng pamunoan ng Sikaran kay Meliton Junior. Sa
sandaling ito habang isinasalin ni Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo kay Meliton
Geronimo, Jr. ang aklat na nagsasaad ng buong kasaysayan ng Pandaigdigang
Kapatirang Sikaran ng Pilipinas aking tinatawagan lahat ng mga Sikaranista na
magpugay bilang pasasalamat kay Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo sa kanyang
ipinamana sa ating lahat at bilang pagsalubong sa bagong pamunoan ni Pantas
Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.
Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. (kneeling) receives Complete History and
Membership Book of Sikaran from Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo, assisted
by Emmanuel Querubin (holding microphone), Roberto Pamilar, Ernesto
Millanes and Janeth Gronimo.
The New World Sikaran Brotherhood President Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. bestows award on
Honorable Governor Nini Ynares, for her support of Sikaran.
My warmest greetings to the successor of Sikaran, Master Meliton S, Geronimo, Jr. This is an
opportunity to acknowledge your leadership and it is my pride and honor to welcome you as you
continue the legacy your Great grandfather, your Grandfather and your father Grandmaster
Meliton C. Geronimo brought into existence when he established the Sikaran Brotherhood of the
Philippines. They have shown as the path, now let us all join hands so together we may reach the
destination they plotted for Sikaran.
I encourage all Sikaranistas around the globe to help Master Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.
continue what we all are striving for. Through willingness and hard work I reached my goal in
the martial arts and I was able to produce several champions.
In behalf of Sikaran-Arnis International Australia, I pledge our loyalty and support to
Master Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., as we have remained loyal and always supported Grandmaster /
Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo.
MESSAGE
Pugay to all sikaranistas!
First and foremost I would like to thank Grandmaster / Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo, for all his
efforts (no need to elaborate as it is already documented) in making Sikaran a a worldwide art of
fighting of Filipino origin. The legacy he instilled in all of us Sikaranistas will forever be in our
minds and our hearts. I am proud to be a part of Sikaran and I am grateful to have received
training from him. God bless you sir...Mabuhay po kayo...Mabuhay ang buong World Sikaran
Brotherhood of the Philippines...Mabuhay ang Sikaran!!!
Second I would like also to congratulate everybody behind this big event, "The passing of
Torch." I am enjoining every member to help our new President, Master Meliton S. Geronimo,
Jr. in bringing every Sikaranista in the world under the roof of the World Sikaran Brotherhood.
Let us help him succeed and continue the vision his father set when he established the World
Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines in 1958.
Mabuhay po tayong lahat!!!
Nagpupugay,
Armie Esparcia
Italy Country Director
Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr’s first Presidential action was to hold a seminar and
assigned the duties of the officials.
The first seminar he held was an Instructor’s Seminar to upgrade the skill of the
instructors in teaching the finer points of Sikaran. Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. emphasized
that the first lesson that members have to teach to new students is the correct history of Sikaran.
There are false teachers who do not know the true history and try “connect” themselves to
Sikaran, trying to impress people of their importance and to give legitimacy to their selfproclaimed title of “grandmaster,” and or “hari.” People who call themselves “Hari” (champion)
are not aware that the title must be bestowed by a board after winning in a recognized contest.
The next seminar Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. held was to set a standard of
tournament officiating and promote the officials appropriately.
President Meliton S. Geronimo. Jr. proposed upgrading clinics to all Sikaran members.
Some members who are based in Australia timed their vacation to the Philippines with an
upgrading clinic and took advantage of the event to get promoted.
Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. also instructed Mantas-Marangal Andy Sanano, Jr.
Country Director for the United States to hold upgrading clinics, especially in the East Coast.
Him, Mantas-Marangal Louelle Lledo, Jr. State Director for New Jersey, Mantas
Dalubhasa Rommel Guiveses, State Director for New York, and Bantas Richard Lundy,
Coordinator for Nebraska, got together to host an East Coast Filipino Martial Arts Seminar for
Sikaran and Arnis de Mano. +
ROMMEL GUIVESES, STATE
DIRECTOR OF NEW YORK
SHOWS PROPER SIKARAN
ROUNDHOUSE KICK.
MANTAS MARANGAL LOUELLE LLEDO, JR. AND
MANTAS DALUBHASA ROMMEL GUIVESES EXCHANGE
STRIKES DURING SEMINAR.
MANTAS MARANGAL ANDY SANANO, JR. AND BANTAS RICHARD LUNDY
DISPLAY THEIRT SKILL IN ARNIS DE MANO.
TWO FORMER STUDENTS OF ERNESTO MILLANES HAVE MOVED
TO FLORIDA AND ARE NOW ASSISTANT INSTRUCTORS AT THE
SANANO SIKARAN SCHOOL
Martial Arts Resume
Evangeline Daquigan Erikkson Black Belt Reg.#927
Sanano Sikaran/Arnis Gavle, Sweden Chapter
1969-1970
1973
973
1974
1973-1974
2015-2016
2016
Brown Belt and Assistant Instructor to
Enrique Sanglap, KBP, Reg.#922
President Claro Erolfo, Jr. 1st Dan, Lucena City
C.E. Squadron - Shurin-Ryu
1st Dan Black Belt, January 20, 1973
Promoted by Major Meliton C. Geronimo
Enrique Sanglap established the “Avengers Club as President
Lucban Street, Lucena City
Under Major Meliton Geronimo, President of Karate
Brotherhood of the Philippines
Team Champion Tournament Experience, April, 1973
Loyola Heights, Q.C. sponsored by Karate Brotherhood of the
Nursing Intern Quezon City
Assistant Instructor to Ernesto Millanes
The Luzon University Foundation, Physical Education
Sanano Martial Arts System Sikaran-Arnis
Intensive Training
Mantas Andy Sanano, Tampa, Florida
President, Sanano Martial Arts System Sikaran-Arnis
Bothoan Galve, Sweden
Martial Arts Resume
Guillermo L. Bugia Black Belt Reg.# 995
Instructor: Sanano Sikaran Arnis Tampa, Florida
1971-1980
1972-1973
1973
1973
1973
1973
1975
1984
1996
2015
Martial Arts Training Began
Instructor Ernesto “Estong” Millianes
Luzonian University
Avengers Self-Defense Karate Club
Chief Instructor Enrique Sanglap
Team Championship - April 15, 1973
B.A.K.A. – Loyola Tournament
1st Degree Black Belt
April 15, 1973
Club Exhibition
May, 1973
Tongho Institute, Lucena City
Opened Avengers Self-Defense Karate Club
July, 1973
Chapter XI affiliated with the Karate Brotherhood of the Philippines
Black Belts from the Mother Club assisted in promotional exhibitions
-student numbers included their children2nd Degree Black Belt
January 1, 1975
Mother Club Closure led to loss of affiliation – continued to teach
Moved to the USA – little access to good training
9th Degree Red and White Belt Andy Sanano
Assistant Instructor Sanano Martial Arts – Arnis-Sikaran- Bothoan
BALANGKAS
PATTERN OR FORMAL EXERCISE
To understand the role of balangkas in Sikaran, it is important that one first understand
the difference between Filipino Sikaran and Japanese Karate.
Historically, Sikaran is a Filipino homegrown art and sport developed by farmers of
Baras, Rizal. Originally, practitioners start with free-style fighting without any ceremonials. All
that was needed was to say; "magsikaran tayo" (let us play Sikaran). The practitioners exchange
blows until one is forced out of the arena or gives up. It is mainly a sport but also doubles as a
fighting system and winning is the ultimate goal. For all intents and purpose, Sikaran is what is
now referred to as "full contact fighting."
Initially, Sikaran is not classified as a self-defense art or even a martial art. Sikaran was
developed as a sport of the proletariat that doubled as a system of fighting. The Filipinos' martial
art and "first line of defense" is the tabak (large blade similar to a machete) and the balaraw
(smaller fixed blade knife). With the advent of Arnis de Mano, the baston (cane or stick) became
the weapon not only of choice but of consequence. Interestingly "spiritualism" is also an
important component of the Filipino martial art of the blade.
Sikaran has a history that is centuries older than present-day Japanese Karate. There were
no drills or pre-arranged techniques in Sikaran.
Sikaran techniques are based on animal moves common in the Philippines, notably the
kabayo (horse), the kalabaw (carabao), the unggoy (monkey), the agila (eagle), the labuyo (wild
rooster descendant of the jungle fowl), the panabong (cockfight) the tagak (crane) and others.
Karate on the other hand is a martial art developed for physical and mental growth, which
later on became a sport. Balangkas or kata, in Japanese Karate, was the only means a practitioner
trains in the fighting sequences prior to the introduction of free-style fighting, which was not
until the 1930's. The practitioners face each other and in a pre-arranged manner, exchange blows
in bunkai (structured fighting based on the sequence of the kata). Karate is a Japanese "import."
According to written accounts, Karate originated from India, transported to China, then to
Okinawa, and brought to mainland Japan in the 1920's.
Both arts, however, are an effective means of fighting, using the bare hands and the feet.
The training of the Balangkas (Formal Exercises or Formal Patterns) in Sikaran is an
innovation of Meliton Geronimo. He introduced the training of Balangkas for two reasons: first;
to comply with the requirements of the Asian Karate Association to train the selected and
compulsory formal exercises as part of the Asian Karate Championships, and second to give the
Sikaran practitioner a means to practice the basic techniques in a pre-arranged choreographed
manner.
The balangkas presented in this book were developed in the late 1950's to the 1960's and
were originally intended to be presented one at a time in an Instructional Training Manual
format. Due to unforeseen circumstances only two such manuals were published (Instructor's
Manual Series I and Series II). Other manuals never saw publication. Fortunately I was able to
keep the only copy of the original balangkas illustrations and layouts.
Instructor's Manual Series I & II, the only Sikaran Manuals
published.
Some original illustrations of some Sikaran Instructor's Manuals that were not published.
These original, unmodified balangkas (except for the Sikaran training uniform)
developed by Meliton Geronimo and approved by the Sikaran elders of Baras, are now presented
in this book form. Even the starting and ending techniques, which are considered part of the
balangkas are presented as they were originally developed.
There are balangkas that were developed in the 1970's, and although they are legitimate
and considered offical Sikaran balangkas they are not included in this book. Moreover, there are
balangkas na banyaga (foreign forms given Filipino names popular during the Asian Karate
Association period) that are still being practiced but not included in this book
Some of the marked differences in the balangkas developed in the 1960's compared to the
balangkas developed in the 1970's are the hand techniques and the execution of the kicks. In the
1960's balangkas, open hand deflections are more prevalent than the 1970's balangkas which
utilize more closed fist "power blocks." Punching techniques are different. Sikaran punching
techniques normally start from the chest and delivered with the fist vertical at the point of
impact, as opposed to the corkscrew punch that comes from the hips with the fist in a horizontal
position as practiced in Karate. Sikaran kicks are also classified as "thrusting penetrating kicks"
using the ball of the feet for siparap (front kick) the shin bone for sipakot (roundhouse kick), the
edge of the feet for sipalid (side kick) and the back of the heel for biyakid (spinning heel kick),
unlike the"snapping slapping" kicks using the instep or the sole of the foot.
In the early stages of the Asian Karate Championships, Balangkas (Kata in Japanese,
Kuen in Chinese, Hyong in Korean) was a demonstration event but not a medal-competition
event. It was, necessary, however, to have formal exercises or patterns to classify as a physical
art. Moreover, at that period, all empty-hand fighting arts were referred to by the Japanese
generic term Karate. Hence, Sikaran was known as Philippine Karate, Tang Soo Doo as Korean
Karate, etc.
Balangkas (or fomal exercises) is a logical arrangement of defensive and offensive
maneuvers in a particular sequence. Techniques of Sikaran Balangkas were designed for actual
combat, although some may be applicable for tournaments or contests. Training in balangkas is
both mental and physical. Boldness and aggressiveness must be exhibited in performing any
balangkas. However, respect and decorum must also be practiced. The pugay (salutation), before
and after the performance of the balangkas, integrates mental and physical in a single discipline.
The 1950's to the 1970's marked the period when the practice of balangkas was at its
highest point. The knowledge of balangkas, was considered a basis of skill in Sikaran. This was a
carry-over of the ancient practice prior to the introduction of free-style sparring in Japanese
Karate. Balangkas competition eventually became a medal event. Influenced by this Japanese
trend, balangkas training became an important part, of Sikaran (then referred to as Philippine
Karate).
THE DECLINE OF BALANGKAS TRAINING
In the mid-1970's and early 1980's, training of the balangkas in Sikaran took a downward
spin.
Some Sikaranistas who were ignorant of the real purpose of balangkas training "decided"
that balangkas was after all, not as "important to be a good fighter. The decline of balangkas
training, may be attributed to two factors; first is the growing popularity of the so-called "mixed
martial arts." In this type of activity, the main goal is to defeat the opponent in any which way,
one can, just like in old Sikaran. In essence mixed martial arts is "glorified street fighting." More
often than not, size and brute force were the determining factors, with technique and strategy a
secondary consideration: second is the similarly growing popularity of the Filipino Art of Stickfighting or Arnis de Mano.
In both mixed martial arts and Arnis de Mano, there were no balangkas training or
structured drills. Only fighting maneuvers were being developed and trained. More and more
Sikaranistas, were being influenced by both arts.
In both mixed martial arts and Arnis de Mano contests, the main purpose is to knockout
the opponent, like in street fighting. The downside is too much emphasis on winning, neglecting
practice of fundamental techniques and placing too much emphasis on fighting maneuvers at the
earliest opportunity forgetting the aspect of mental development. This type of training becomes
simply a matter of "haste makes waste." There is no alternative to learning and practicing. There
are no structured drills to learn the underlying physical principles involved to maximize
effectiveness of each technique and each movement, in a step by step and stage by stage manner.
More important, the idea of the martial arts as a means of mental and spiritual development is
completely forgotten.
Since balangkas competition also was "not considered" a basis of being a good fighter,
balangkas training lost favor among Sikaranistas. They also claimed, and rigthly so, that
balangkas training was not really a part of Sikaran, rather an influence of Japanese Karate. Since
Sikaran is an independent art, even dropping the reference as Philippine Karate, it should have its
own separate and independent training personality.
Since the 1980's, only about 50% of all Sikaranistas train in the balangkas. Unfortunately,
even some seniors in Sikaran have also followed this practice.
"RE-BIRTH" OF BALANGKAS TRAINING
By and large, most seniors who made at least 5th Degree Black Belt before 1975 retained
the practice of balangkas. To this date, all original members of Sikaran Pilipinas (SIKAP) are
still actively training in the balangkas
An American "invention," mixed martial arts," caused the "decline" of balangkas
training, and an American "invention" also caused the resurgence of balangkas training.
Enterprising exercise gurus "discovered" the benefits of the martial arts balangkas as a
physical art, without the risk of injury or the necessity of exchanging blows with an opponent.
They saw in balangkas, the defensive and offensive techniques and maneuvers that are not only
practical, but also effective. Martial arts balangkas, were incorporated in aerobic exercises. Some
balangkas, with minor to major modifications, were adopted as the exercise itself. The wisdom
of the ancient masters who systematically developed the balangkas seemed to have rubbed off on
these exercise gurus. Realizing the coherent and methodical organization of the techniques and
the formulation of the ideas, procedures, and transition from one maneuver to the other, which
offer maximum benefit, martial arts balangkas were seen and accepted as the ultimate in physical
exercise. Even new terms were coined such as "Karate-robics," "cardio-karate" and locally,
"Sika-robics." More and more people are joining schools and gymnasia to learn and train the
balangkas, without engaging in actual exchange of blows but still benefit through the physical
exercises.
"Cardio-karate" and "Sikara-robics" which once more popularized the martial arts, has
one big drawback. People who were training in so-called "cardio-karate" and "Sika-robics,"
falsely believe that they are training to be fighters. The few motion of kicks, and strikes,
incorporated in calisthenics and gymnastics, give a false confidence of training in the fighting
maneuvers.
Nevertheless, balangkas training is on the rise and all indications are it is here to stay.
In the late 1950's to the 1960's, Meliton Geronimo introduced the practice of Balangkas
in Sikaran. He developed 10 Pani-langkas (elementary patterns), 10 Mau-langkas (progressive
patterns) and adopted 2 balangkas na banyaga (foreign patterns) with modifications for Sikaran
training. These two foreign balangkas, one he learned from Chinese Grandmaster Chua Tiong Ki
and one from Japanese Grandmaster Koichi Kondo (both of the Asian Karate Association), are
breathing exercises which he found will be a great addition to Sikaran training. Further, he gave
Balangkas na Banyaga (foreign patterns) Filipino names and adopted some for Sikaran training.
The 10 Pani-langkas (panimulang balangkas) composed of basic blocks and kicks were
the first to be introduced. The Pani-langkas were influenced by Japanese Karate's closed fist
blocks and corkscrew punch that comes from the hips. To present Sikaran techniques in their
original form, the Pani-langkas were later on simplified to the 5 Batayang Balangkas (Basic
Pattern) and the 5 Balangkas ng Kampana (4 Directional Pattern). With these simplified
patterns, the 10 Pani-langkas are slowly losing favor among "traditionalist" Siakaranistas. The
Batayang Balangkas and the Balangkas ng Kampana utilize the open-hand blocks and the
vertical punch of Sikaran. Presented in this book are the modified abbreviated forms of the Panilangkas. The five Batayang Balangkas and the five Balangkas ng Kampana are now the
accepted official patterns. Moreover, there are schools that teach all these balangkas with various
different variations and modifications.
Presently, there are four classifications of Balangkas (patterns) in SIKARAN. The first is
the Batayang Balangkas (Basic Pattern). The second is the Balangkas ng Kampana (Pattern of
the Bell or 4-directions pattern). The third is the progressive pattern or Mau-langkas more
popularly known as Mga Balangkas ng SIKARAN. The last is the Balangkas na Banyaga
(foreign forms).
The Balangkas na Banyaga are forms or patterns of foreign origin, given Filipino names.
They are now optional, but were practiced at the time when SIKARAN was still referred to as
Philippine Karate, for acceptance in the Asian Karate Association. Interestingly, several Sikaran
schools train more on the Balangkas na Banyaga (foreign forms, learned through films, books
and videos) than the Balangkas ng Sikaran. This is due largely to the fact that Sikaran balangkas
developed by Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo were not readily available to all Sikaran
practitioners. The lack of visual aid, written and illustrated balangkas, except the pictures and
illustrations I managed to save with the layout and dummy pages of the proposed manuals, also
did not help. Unlike Japanese Karate, there also are no videos or visual aid in Sikaran from
where practitioners can learn the balangkas. This book is the first and only illustrated version of
the original balangkas as developed by Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo with the assistance and
sanction of the Sikaran elders. This lack of visual reference also caused a lot of modifications,
variations and "creation" of their own balangkas by some practitioners and instructors.
The batayang balangkas are composed of five basic patterns, all involving the practice of
the kicks in their basic form. The pattern is executed on a straight line, 3 steps forward, turn
around and another 3 steps forward going the opposite direction, then turn around to assume
original position. Open-hand blocks, crescent kicks and other hand techniques are involved in the
basic patterns.
The Balangkas ng Kampana (Pattern of the Bell), derived its name for the 4-directions of
attack, which like the bell will ring no matter what part you hit. Another reason that is known
only to those who are close to Meliton Geronimo, Kampana (Bell) is the nickname given to him
by his SIKARAN masters on his birth, which was heralded by the ringing of the bells in Baras.
When Balangkas ng Kampana were first adopted the only techniques were the five basic
kicks, the SIPARAP (front kick), the SIPAKOT (roundhouse kick), the SIPALID (side kick), the
SIPANG KABAYO (back kick) and the BIYAKID (spinning heel kick). Incorporated in the
balangkas are open hand blocks and other hand techniques. A kicking block SIPAKAN (crescent
kick) is also incorporated. There are five Balangkas ng Kampana , which are performed from a
right-handed fighter orientation and from a left-handed fighter orientation.
For variation, some enterprising instructors incorporated various hand and leg techniques
in different sequences but still called it Balangkas ng Kampana.
The balangkas, were designed to develop both the “strong side” and “weak side” of the
practitioner. They create “muscle memory” and develop the motor nerves to act, react and proact in the same manner with the same power and energy.
The mau-langkas or Balangkas ng SIKARAN, are more complex in arrangement than the
batayang balangkas and the balangkas ng kampana. However, compared to balangkas of other
arts, Sikaran balangkas are simpler and shorter. Some techniques in Sikaran Balangkas may be
applicable for tournaments or contests. However, the balangkas were developed with combative
and defensive applications as the primary purpose.
The twelve Maulangkas developed in the 1960's and were initially intended as a
requirement for antas (degree) promotion to the Sagisag na Itim (Black Belt) are:
1. Balangkas ng Unang Sikaran
2. Balangkas ng Ikalawang Sikaran
3. Balangkas ng Baras (Originally conceived as Ikatlong Sikaran)
4. Balangkas ng Rumagit
5. Balangkas ng Tagak
6. Balangkas ng Tungkong-bato
7. Balangkas ng Gapasin
8. Balangkas ng Kalasin
9. Balangkas ng Buhawi
10. Balangkas ng Hagibis
11. Balangkas ng Bagwis ng Haribon
12. Balangkas ng Pagaspas ng Labuyo
All the above progressive balangkas utilize the original open-hand blocks of Sikaran.
Fore-fist punches in the progressive balangkas are based on Sikaran punching, where the vertical
punch is delivered from the chest, not like the corkscrew punch, also called Karate punch, where
the fist comes from the hips .
The Balangkas ng Bagwis ng Haribon (Haring Ibon or Philippine Eagle) is performed
slowly with marked muscle contraction that is based on an original Chinese Kuen Grandmaster
Meliton Geronimo learned from Chinese Grandmaster Chua Tiong Ki, with slight modifications
to suit his physical capability. There are no kicks in these balangkas. They utilize open hand
techniques on hour-glass stance and the dynamic breathing is designed to clear the mind and
toughen the body, and strengthen the internal organs especially those involved in the respiratory
system. All the movements in the Balangkas ng Bagwis ng Haribon are executed slowly.
However, the movements in the Balangkas ng Pagaspas ng Labuyo, which he learned from
Japanese Grandmaster Koichi Kondo, are combination slow and fast techniques.
All Balangkas (Formal Exercises) have the following in common:





All Balangkas start and end at the same place because they have a definite pattern and
every stance has a definite distance.
All Balangkas are designed as an organized set of techniques against an individual
and sometimes multiple imaginary opponents.
Proper breathing is an important part of every Balangkas technique. Some techniques
are performed with silent inhalation and exhalation. Some techniques are performed
with silent inhalation and loud guttural exhalation. As a sign of the culmination of a
particular set of techniques, exhalation is performed in the manner of BUNYAW
(concentrated forceful and vocalized exhalation).
All Balangkas techniques have a practical defensive or offensive application or both
at the same time.
Timing and paslik (focus) also known in its Filipino spelling of pokus, are very
important components of all Balangkas. There are techniques executed fast, there are
techniques executed slow with dynamic tension or muscle contraction and there are
techniques that are delivered continuously without hesitation. Twisting of the hips
and locking the whole body as one unit with every technique, are important to proper
focus.
BOOK TWO
COMING SOON
RELEASED IN 2011….
SIKARAN INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO VOLUME 1
WRITTEN, PRODUCED, AND DIRECTED BY:
ELPIDIO SELETARIA JR.
8th DEGREE BLACK BELT (#1487)
Hercules, California, USA
www.sikaranarnis.com
COMING SOON…!!!
SIKARAN INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO VOLUME 2
(ADVANCED SIKARAN WITH DEFENSIVE TACTICS, ETC…)
To Order Contact:
ELPIDIO SELETARIA - jseletaria1542@yahoo.com
ARNIS BOOKS BY LOUELLE LLEDO, JR., 9th Degree Red and White Belt #326
To Order Contact: matawgurolou@yahoo.com
ARNIS DE MANO FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS EDUCATION
TEACHER'S TRAINING HANDBOOK
By: TWO SIKARAN MANTAS
LOUELLE LLEDO, Jr. (# 326) and ANDY SANANO, Jr. (# 844)
TO ORDER CONTACT:
Louelle Lledo, Jr. - matawgurolou@yahoo.com
Andy Sanano, Jr. - matawgurosanano@gmail.com
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SIKARAN builds fitness
fitness builds confidence
confidence builds productivity
productivity builds a better citizen
a better citizen builds a better country
a better country builds a better and peaceful world
SIKARAN builds a fit, confident, productive, and better citizen
who builds a better country and more peaceful world
SIKARAN WORDS OF WISDOM
"skill in the martial arts does not make one invincible"