Sikaran Taliba Issue Vol2 No8

Volume 2
2013
Number 8
Sikaran Taliba
Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo
Editor Emeritus
Emmanuel Querubin
Editor in Chief
Elpidio Seletaria
Managing Editor
Sikaran Second Annual Gathering and Workshop
Contents
Sikaran Second Annual Gathering and Workshop
United States of America Executive Council
Friday, June 21, 2013
Friday, June 28, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Photo Gallery
Comments
From The Desk of the Editor-At-Large
By: Louelle Lledo, Jr. and Andy Sanano, Jr.
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Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.
Editor-at-large
ERP
Art Editor
Contributing Editors
Louelle Lledo, Jr.
Andy Sanano, Jr.
Photo Editors
Rommel Guiveses
Elpidio Seletaria, Jr.
Gloria Querubin
Ron Parente
Editorial Office
P.O.Box 6332
Alameda, CA. 94501
sikarantaliba@gmail.com
Sikaran Taliba© is published by the World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines. It is the only internet magazine dedicated to the Sikaran practitioners
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are those of the author / contributor and not necessarily the views of the
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management reserves the right to edit contributed materials for derogatory
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misuse or abuse of all techniques in this newspaper.
On June 29-30, members
and prospective members of the
World Sikaran Brotherhood of the
Philippines gathered at Mount
Laurel in New Jersey for the
Second Annual Sikaran Gathering and Workshop in the United
States. Louelle Lledo, New Jersey
State Director and Andy Sanano
Florida State Director hosted the
event.
The second gathering is
sponsored by the United States of
America Executive Council, headed by Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.,
Chief Executive Officer and WSBP
International Vice-President, and
Jaime Geronimo, Executive VicePresident and Chief Instructor
and Examiner. The USA Executive
Council is made up of Henry Bio,
USA Regional Chapter Director;
Elpidio Seletaria, Jr. International
Coordinator; Danilo Chu, Sr., California State Director; Ricardo Fornillos, Illinois State Director; Andy
Sanano, Jr., Florida State Director;
Louelle Lledo,Jr., New Jersey State
Director; Rommel Guiveses, New
York Interim State Director; Moreno Villanueva, Northern California
Director, Romeo Lladone, Central
California Director and Emmanuel Querubin, Executive Technical
Assistant to Grandmaster Meliton
C. Geronimo.
In October last year,
the First Gathering was held in
Fresno, California, hosted by
Mantas Romeo Lladone, of the
Central California Chapter, with
the assistance of Mantas Moreno
Villanueva, of the Northern California Chapter. During this gathering, it was decided to hold the
Second Annual Gathering in the
East Coast. USA Regional Director
Henry Bio even volunteered to
fly to New Jersey and Florida to
make preparations. This however,
was not necessary thanks to the
advances in communication via
the internet.
Tentatively scheduled in
July 2013, the date was moved
3 weeks earlier to accommodate
more people. Finally, Saturday,
June 29 and Sunday, June 30,
were marked as the Second Annual Sikaran Gathering and Workshop.
Although chapters from
other countries were invited,
they decided that it might be too
costly to come to this gathering
and again go to Canada next year
for the 4th World Sikaran Tournament.
Invited to grace the gathering were Steven Dowd, publisher of the FMA Informative of
Arizona and Michael Querubin,
publisher of FMA Pulse of Chicago. However, due to prior family
commitments Steven Dowd was
not able to attend. However, the
publishers of FMAPulse, Michael
Querubin, his wife Jennifer, and
Jessie Santiago took the time to
drive from Chicago to New Jersey
to honor the World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines gathering and workshop.
Mga kamaganak: From FMA Pulse, Michael Querubin extreme
left and his wife Jennifer at extreme right. Between them are Emmanuel Querubin and his wife Gloria
Friday, June 21, 2013
United States of America Executive Council
Jaime C. Geronimo
WSBP Executive
Vice President
Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.
WSBP International
Vice President
Henry L. Bio
USA Regional Director
Danilo Chu, Sr.
CA. State Director
Louelle Lledo, Jr.
NJ. State Director
Andy Sanano, Jr.
FL. State Director
Ricardo Fornillos
IL. State Director
Rommel Guiveses
NY. State Director
Moreno Villanueva
Northern CA. Director
Romeo Lladone
Central CA. Director
Emmanuel Querubin
Executive
Technical Assistant
to Grandmaster
Elpidio Seletaria, Jr.
International Coordinator
At 9:00 in the morning of Friday, June 21, 2013, a
Delta Airline Flight from Manila
brought Master Jaime Geronimo,
9th Degree Red and White Belt,
Executive Vice-President and
Chief Instructor and Examiner of
the World Sikaran Brotherhood
of the Philippines (WSBP) to San
Francisco International Airport.
He was met by Elpidio Seletaria,
Jr., International Coordinator of
the WSBP. It was Seletaria, an 8th
Degree Black Belt based in Hercules, California who assisted Master
Jaime Geronimo in securing a
non-immigrant visa from the US
Embassy in the Philippines. With
Seletaria at the SF International
Airport was Joanna Marie Geronimo, 21-year old daughter of Jaime
Geronimo.
Showing no signs of jet
lag, Master Jaime Geronimo, and
Mantas Elpidio Seletaria, met up
with Mantas Emmanuel Querubin
and his wife Gloria for lunch at a
Chinese Buffet in the City of Alameda. After having been on his feet
for almost 48 hours without sleep,
finally Master Jaime Geronimo
went home with Mantas Emmanuel Querubin for a much-needed
rest.
When news of the arrival
of Master Jaime Geronimo broke
From Manila, to San Francisco, to Philadelphia, and then on to New Jersey.........
out his relatives called non-stop
inviting to take him to all the
regular tourist spots, such as Disneyland, Yosemite, and even Las
Vegas. He declined, however, due
to the gathering and said he will
have more time when he comes
back from New Jersey. Invitations
also came from Canada, all wanting Master Jaime Geronimo to
come.
Master Jaime Geronimo,
9th Degree Red and White Belt
WSBP Executive Vice-President
and Chief Instructor and Exam-
iner took time off from his busy
schedule in the Philippines to attend the gathering and welcome
the new members from North and
South Dakota, Idaho, Utah, Alabama, Arkansas, Nebraska, Florida
and New Jersey. He also wanted
to sit in the Black Belt Board of
Examiners and witness for himself
how far Sikaran has progressed in
the United States. Mantas Ernesto
Millanes, NCR Regional Director of
the Philippines, cancelled out due
to health concerns.
California Council members were
able to come. Danilo Chu, Sr.,
California State Director, Moreno
Villanueva, Northern California,
and Romeo Lladone, Central California Directors were not able to
attend due to work schedule. At
the last minute Regional Chapter
Director Henry Bio of the USA
Region, informed the organizers
of the event that he will not be
able to attend. However, his son
“Indian” Bio, 3rd Degree Black Belt
in SIKARAN, represented him.
Ricardo Fornillos, Illinois
State Director, was not able to se-
Friday - June 28, 2013
The Contingent from
California arrived in Mount Laurel, New Jersey on Friday, June
28, 2013, by way of Philadelphia.
Master Jaime Geronimo, who arrived from the Philippines a week
earlier, came with the California
contingent. However, not all
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Martial Arts schools affiliated with Andy Sanano’s martial arts association, from other parts of
the United States came to take the Black Belt Examination and be regular members of the World Sikaran
Brotherhood of the Philippines.
At Philadelphia Airport, Master Jimmy Geronimo, with
Emmanuel Querubin and Elpidio Seletaria, Jr.
cure a flight from the Philippines,
due to the heavy passenger traffic
caused by Independence Day on
July 4.
Rommel Guiveses, New
York State Interim Director took
the train from Brooklyn, New York
to New Jersey with his 13-year old
son King Alexander, who is also a
Sikaran practitioner. Non-Sikaran
Filipino Martial Arts practitioners
from New York and Maryland,
likewise attended, to support the
World Sikaran Brotherhood of the
Philippines’ Second Annual Gathering. Students and other martial
artists from various schools were
also on hand to witness the workshop. To help defray expenses,
non-Sikaran members volunteered their donation.
Assistant Regional Chapter Director Datuk Mohammad
Tom Hussein Sulit from Canada
came for the gathering and workshop. He assisted and helped in
When the shuttle bus from the Philadelphia Airport arrived
in New Jersey, a welcoming party composed of Mantas Tom
Sulit, and Mantas Andy Sanano, greeted Master Jimmy
Geronimo and Mantas Elpidio Seletaria, Jr.
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Mantas Tom Sulit, Mantas Elpidio Seletaria, Jr., Master Jimmy
Geronimo, and Mantas Rommel Guiveses
every way he possibly can, notwithstanding his doctor’s order
against any physical activity due
to his very recent heart surgery.
Regional Director Dante Alambra,
who initially sent his intention to
attend, cancelled out at the last
minute. Lito Jacla and Paul Villamor, prospective Provincial Directors for Ontario and Manitoba,
respectively, were also unable to
attend. Vic Ferrer of Saskatchewan
also was not able to come.
Waiting inside the Hotel Lobby were Mantas Rommel
Guiveses, with Richard Lundy of Nebraska to his right and
Dennis Feller from South Dakota and FMAPulse Publisher
Michael Querubin
From: Nebraska - Richard Lundy of the Seventh Direction School
South Dakota - Ben Geary of SD Martial Arts School
Bruce Feller of SD Martial Arts School
Florida - Lee Fjelstad of Sanano Martial Arts School
- Greg Gonzales of Sanano Martial Arts School
- Abel E. Colon of Tallahassee Martial Arts School
Utah - Bruce Kulpaca of Utah Martial Arts School
- Andrew Muxen of Utah Martial Arts School
New Jersey, members of Amara Arkanis International
- Ron Parente
- Christian Herrera
- David McMillan
- Jon Magpantay
- Linda Roach
Zikdokan Amara Arkanis Sikaran and Associated Martial Arts
- Kristine Lledo Velasquez
- Kathlou Lledo
Jackson, New Jersey- Pinoy Dragon Martial Arts
- Marlon Hudak
The sisters Kristine and Kahtlou, daughters of Louelle Lledo have to leave for the Philippines so
they submitted a DVD performing the requirements of the examination from which they will be graded.
Christian Herrera, a Security Consultant, was likewise called to duty on the day of the examination and
submitted a DVD from which he will be graded.
From left: Andrew Muxen, Abel Colon, Dennis Feller, Greg Gonzales, Andy Sanano, Jr., Lee Fjelstad, Richard Lundy,
Bruce Kulpaca, and Ben Geary
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Saturday, June 29, 2013
At around seven in the
morning, workshop participants
who were billeted at the Econo
Lodge gathered for continental
breakfast in the lobby. Those
who just met for the first time
exchange pleasantries, while
the others who knew each other
renewed old acquaintance.
At around ten in the
morning, they all motored to the
Traditional Wing Chun Training
Academy, the venue of the Second Annual SIKARAN Gathering,
which was gracefully offered by
Keith Mazza, Director, and Master
Teacher.
Gathered in the Training
Academy were participants and
From left: Jon Magpantay, David McMillan, Louelle Lledo, Jr., Linda Roach, Marlon Hudak and Ron Parente, all from, New
Jersey
Several members of the Mataw-Guro Association Filipino Martial Arts Education from other parts of the East
Coast came to attend.
Front row, from left: Emmanuel Querubin, Richard Lundy, Tom Sulit, Any Sanano,
Master Jimmy Geronimo.
Back row, from left: Greg Gonzales, Bruce Kulpaca, Elpidio Seletaria, Jr., Lee Fjelstad, and Rommel Guiveses
martial arts, who came
from other parts of New
Jersey and the surrounding areas of Philadelphia,
New York and as far as
Maryland and Virginia.
The Founding
Directors of the Swordstick Society were special guests during the
gathering. They are Sifu
Master Jimmy rubbing elbows with the new
Dr. Chris Viggiano of the
SIKARAN members
Shen Wu Dao Healing
and Martial Arts, Sifu Dr.
John Hsi Lee of the White Crane
guests. There were Sikaran PractiKung Fu Studio of New Jersey,
tioners and practitioners of other
Ed Brown with Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo,
during the latter’s 86th birthday celebration
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and Executive Director of the
United Martial Arts Fellowship of
the East Coast, Sifu Andy Capuccio of the EverSpring Healing and
Martial Arts, and Sifu Keith Mazza
of the Traditional Wing Chun
Kung-fu.
Other special guests who
came from Connecticut were Ed
Brown and his wife Lilia Brown. Ed
Brown is the founder of ChairoKan Bushi Shindo, and close
associate of Grandmaster Meliton
Geronimo and an avid supporter
of Sikaran.
Ed Brown being greeted
by Master Jimmy Geronimo
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Sifu Keith Mazza of Traditional Wing Chun Kung-Fu
with Louelle Lledo. Picture in frame shows Grandmaster William Cheung of Wing Chun Kung-Fu
with his number one student Keith Mazza
Mantas Louelle Lledo, exchanging pleasantries with
the FMA Pulse publishers, Jessie Santiago, Jennifer,
and Michael Querubin
Marc and Maia Casibang, formerly from South Dakota
and presently from Maryland drove to New Jersey when
they learned that their team from Rapid City, South Dakota would be in town to take the black belt examination
There were more guests than anticipated
resulting in the organizers running out of
SWORDSTICK SOCIETY
the printed program. Prior to the start of the
From left: Dr John Hsi Lee, White Crane Kung Fu and Executive Director program, lunch was served in order not to
of the United Martial Arts Fellowship of the East Coast; Dr. Andy Cappu- be disturbed by growling stomachs during
cio, EverSpring Healing and Martial Arts; Dr. Chris Viggiano, Shen Wu
the workshop. Flora Lledo, wife of Louelle
Dao Healing and Martial Arts
Lledo cooked pancit, lumpiang shanghai,
Food was prepared by Flora Lledo,
and another Filipino dish. Marlon Hudak also
Marlon Hudak, and Linda Roach.
brought some goodies and so with Linda
Mantas Andy Sanano made the food
Roach.
arrangement
Nick and Rick Larson also came to cheer their former team from
South Dakota. They are now residents of Woodbine, New Jersey
When everybody were
already in place, the ceremonies
started with the National Anthem
They all want to join the World SIKARAN
Brotherhood of the Philippines-USA
of the United States, followed
by the Bayang Magiliw of the
of the Philippines. Last, but not
least was the
Sikaran Hymn.
The invocation
led by Dr. Chris
Viggiano was
next, followed
by Master Jaime Geronimo,
who recited
the Filipino
version of the
Dr. Chris Viggiano, extreme right, leading the invocation. From Panata Ng
SIKARAN.
left: Mantas Rommel Guiveses, Mantas Louelle Lledo, and
Elpidio
Mantas Andy Sanano
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Seletaria, Master of Ceremonies
and World Sikaran Brotherhood of
the Philippines International Coordinator introduced the guests,
examinees, and the officials of
the World Sikaran Brotherhood of
the Philippines. This was followed
by short welcome remarks from
Master Jaime Geronimo, Executive
Vice-President, New Jersey State
Director Louelle Lledo, and Florida
State Director Andy Sanano.
Michael Querubin of FMAPulse
was next followed by Swordstick
Society Directors Chris Viggiano,
Dr. John Hsi Lee, Dr. Andy Cappucio, and Sifu Keith Mazza.
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Prayers composed by Dr. Chris Viggiano, for the Second SIKARAN Gathering and Workshop,
held in New Jersey on June 29-30, 2013
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“Indian” Bio, who represented his father USA Regional Director Henry Bio, delivers welcome address
Demonstrations by officials of the World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines followed.
Rommel Guiveses
Louelle Lledo, Jr.
Andy Sanano, Jr.
Officials of the World SIKARAN
Brotherhood of the Philippines
After all the welcome
answer to further elaborate on
esting questions raised, although
remarks and speeches, the floor
what makes Sikaran different yet
not covered in the workshop,
was turned over to Emmanuel
similar to other unarmed fighting but needed to be answered. The
Querubin to start the workshop.
arts of Asia.
answers satisfied the inquisitive
He started by passing the work
There were several interminds of the attendees.
shop material to the officers and the examinees.
Querubin started
the workshop by explaining the Sikaran standing
salutation. He then proceeded with the program,
going over the history of
Sikaran, the techniques of
Sikaran and other pertinent information about
Sikaran. It was followed by
WSBP officials line up for the workshop. From left: Mantas Louelle Lledo, Mantas Andy
Sanano, Master Jimmy Geronimo, Mantas Tom Sulit, and Mantas Elpidio Seletaria, Jr.
discussion, questions, and
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Examinees stand at attention during the workshop as they watched the demonstrations
At 8 p.m., the workshop was adjourned. Some in
the group headed back to the hotel, while some had dinner in a nearby restaurant. Discussions continued at both
the restaurant and the hotel.
The publishers of the FMA Pulse interviewed
Master Jaime Geronimo and Mantas Tom Sulit, Rommel
Guiveses and some of the examinees.
Mantas Rommel Guiveses stresses a point during
the workshop
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Sunday, June 30, 2013
At exactly nine in the
morning, the examinees were
lined up on one end of the gym
and the examiners situated in different four sides of the test area.
The examiners were made up of
Master Jaime Geronimo, Mantas Louelle Lledo, Mantas Andy
Sanano, and Mantas Emmanuel
Querubin, who conducted the examination, and Mantas Rommel
Guiveses who was on the floor
to demonstrate the techniques.
The examination consists of three
divisions: Batayang Pamamaraan
(Basic Techniques), Balangkas
(Formal Pattern), and Labanan
(Sparring).
Querubin, explained the
Batayang Pamamaraan (Basic
Techniques) which will be based
on drills derived from the Batayang Blangkas (Fundamental Pattern). The drill consists of openhand parries, hand techniques,
and kicks. The examinees will
be graded in hand techniques’
focus and balance; the leg techniques’ focus and balance; and
the transition from one maneuver
to the other. Each category will
be scored with a minimum of
5 points and a maximum of 20
points.
Next test classification
is the Balangkas (Formal Pattern). The examinees were given
the choice of performing the
balangkas of their choice, either Balangkas ng Sikaran or
Balangkas na Banyaga (Foreign
Patterns). Balangkas na Banyaga
may be balangkas from different
Japanese, Korean, or Chinese
Schools. Each examinee will be
required to perform 3 basic and
3 advance balangkas. They will
graded on: focus, timing, rhythm,
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balance, and sequence. Each category will be scored with a minimum of 5 points and a maximum
of 20 points.
The last classification is
the Labanan (Sparring) which is
divided into Palitan (Semi-free
Style Sparring), and Sabakan
(Free-style Aprring). Palitan will
be graded on: offensive techniques, defensive techniques,
counter-offensive techniques,
spirit (aggressiveness), and
sportsmanship. Each category
will be scored with a minimum
of 5 points and a maximum of 20
points. . Palitan is a more effective gauge of skill. The attacker
(examiner) will attack full speed
and power with the intention of
really hitting the defender (examinee). However, the attacker will
clearly announce the technique
he will deliver and the target.
Both the attacker and defender
will be moving trying to look for
an opening. The defender is free
to use any maneuver as defensive action. His counter-attack,
however must be controlled and
not actually hit the attacker. The
attacker will try to “kill” the defender with a kick followed by a
hand technique. A fighter always
fall back to his level of training,
and this is the best method of
determining that. In real-life situations, an attacker in the street
will attack randomly and not try
to engage another person in the
street in free-style sparring. This is
the reason this is included in the
black belt examination.
The next phase in the Labanan (Sparring) is the Sabakan
(Free-style Sparring). During
the sparring session, the use of
head and chest protection is
required in the full-contact bouts.
The examinees were given the
choice to select their three sparring partners from the assembled
high-ranking grade Sikaranistas.
The fight will be three minute
bouts simulating real fight and
not tournament-style fighting.
However, hitting the eyes, or the
groin will not be allowed. Likewise grappling and joint reversals
or submission techniques will not
be allowed. This examination will
be a pass or fail system.
Greg Gonzales from Florida
Lee Fjelstad from Florida
Richard Lundy of Nebraska
receives his Black Belt Certificate
Bruce Kulpaca from Utah
Greg Gonzales of Florida
receives his Black Belt Certificate
Marlon Hudak of Jackson, New Jersey
Abel Colon of Tallahassee,
Florida stands in attention as he
is awarded his Black Belt
Richard Lundy from Nebraska
Lee Fjelstad of Florida
receives his Black Belt Certificate
Andrew Muxen of South Dakota is congratulated by Master
Jimmy Geronimo as he receives his Black Belt Certificate
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Ben Geary of Rapid City, South Dakota
receives his Black Belt Certificate
World Sikaran Brotherhood of The Philippines
New Members From The United States of America
Bruce Kulpaca of Utah
receives his Black Belt Certificate
Dennis Feller of South Dakota
receives his Black Belt Certificate
Ron Parente of New Jersey receives his Black Belt from his teacher
The only female examinee, Linda Roach,
receives her Black Belt from her teacher
Mantas Louelle Lledo, Jr.
David McMillan
receives his Black Belt from his teacher
Left: Jon Magpantay
receiving his Black Belt from his teacher
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Marlon Hudak receives his Black Belt Certificate
New Black Belts from New Jersey: From left; Jonathan Magpantay, David McMillan, Mantas Louelle Lledo, Jr.,
Linda Roach, Marlon Hudak, and Ron Parente
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An impromptu birthday greeting was announced when
somebody advised the emcee and the hosts of the
event that it is the birthday of Emmanuel Querubin.
Mantas Andy Sanano (back partially turned) and
Mantas Louelle Lledo presents cake to Mantas Emmanuel Querubin as Master Jimmy Geronimo (partially covered) leads the singing of happy birthday
Photo Gallery of The Second Annual Sikaran Gathering and Workshop
Who is better looking the person with grey hair or the
person without hair?
Sifu Dr. John Lee of White Crane Kung Fu,
presenting Martial Arts Knife to Master Jimmy Geronimo
and Mantas Emmanuel Querubin
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Comments
“If Time is a Commodity Then This Last Weekend Was a Treasure”
By: Lee Fjelstad, Tampa, Florida
Mantas Querubin, et.al;
Mantas Andy Sanano
and his “revolving “ Balangkas
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My gratitude for your presence, your words of instruction, your kindness, and of course your sense of humor during the Gathering.
I hope to soon meet you again. I have been contacted by many of
Sanano Marital Arts students regarding how much they appreciated the
great support we all received over the weekend. I wish to also extend to
you my sincerest thanks to Rommel Guiveses for his individual attention
to me when I asked a question and a demonstration of how he executed
his biyakid kick. My additional thanks to Master Jimmy Geronimo for his
kind words of support, Mantas Tom Sulit, Mantas Elpidio Seletaria, for
their words of praise, (deserved or not) and to Mantas Louelle Lledo for
treating me as if I had been studying with him these years and not Mantas Andy Sanano. I am humbled by the experience.
This last weekend at the 2nd Annual World SIKARAN Gathering was a profoundly positive experience
and my first meeting with those who had reached the rank of Mantas with the specific exception of my own
teacher, Mantas Sanano, with whom I have had a friendship of over thirty-five years. I had come to believe
Mantas Andy Sanano was unique in the mastery of his martial career, having achieved rank, respect, and
honors while not losing himself and his out-going personality. Mantas Sanano has always gathered about
him great people, himself possessing the admirable skill of maintaining and culturing students as friends
who will still pay proper respect during training sessions. I have always considered his friendship and his
council to be valued beyond words and again, believed it to be unique. I have had the privilege of meeting
many fine martial artists while traveling my own path and have sat both witness and participant to many
high-ranking masters as they held testing. This particular event however will stand out in my memory with a
different perspective.
Often in formal testing where those who have achieved the upper tiers of their art are detached
and stoic as befits their position while they judge the skills of those who are testing. This last weekend I
witnessed something truly unparalleled in my experience as I watched and heard so many words of encouragement and support from every Mantas to every prospective Bantas. Criticism was precise and on target,
regarding corrections needed to improve our skills, yet the words were spoken with a confident tone and
followed with a smile meant to encourage and inspire, not weigh disapproval. I watched support among the
Bantas as they helped each other, regardless of school with encouraging comments between them.
I watched as every Mantas spoke to us all with kindness, guiding us toward achievement without a
trace of ego or self-importance. I believe I can speak for most, if not all the Bantas during the weekend that
we were treated with such respect that it far exceeded our expectations. Any question asked on technique,
Balangkas, or history of SIKARAN was taken not only seriously, but those asked felt more than obligation to
help us; they were interested in us as individuals. When the Mantas saw a participant struggle with doubt
they broke the tension with humor or with a nod designed to lift our spirits. I witnessed participants that
had not specifically come for rank but to show support for their individual teachers. I watched and felt the
hearts of each person whose sole desire was to never make our teachers look bad.
Perhaps I previously believed this type of connection and bond was only between a student and
teacher but found it extended to the senior ranks and on all levels. I witnessed great talent spread amongst
SIKARAN teachers believing we are all family, regardless of race or nation, united in what is truly a brotherhood (with sisters) and with something we can believe in – a brotherhood of men and women united by a
purpose where those with the heart to train are welcome. I felt refreshed that the thing I saw and treasured
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most when I first entered the martial arts and had lost had now been returned to me.
If time is a commodity, then the capital spent on us was invaluable. If time is a commodity then this
last weekend was a treasure.
By Lee Fjelstad, newly minted Bantas and member of Sanano Martial Arts Tampa, Florida school.
Greetings SIKARAN Leaders!
Master Jimmy, Mantas Emmy, Mantas Lou, Mantas Elpidio, Mantas Rommel, Mantas Tom, I wish to
thank each and every one of you for your important contributions to our SIKARAN Gathering in New Jersey. I
was honored and humbled to be part of the family of leadership with you all. My students spoke well of each
of you and the part that you contributed to our event. Your leadership, teaching, and the down-to-Earth and
warm way in which you coordinated the activities made the event a success beyond our expectations. I cannot say enough to express my !Salamat po!
I want to present some observations from my attendance and participation at our grand event. It was
great to see and visit with our many great friends in the Brotherhood. Some of us are well acquainted and
others have become new friends among us. The warmth and mutual respect among all of us was excellent
and made the Gathering great. It was an honor to sit among the elders of the Brotherhood. Some are my
teachers and others are SIKARAN students side-by-side with me. It was especially rewarding to see my own
Sanano Martial Arts System students attend and participate in good numbers. I am proud to see my students do so well. All of the students did well and provided respect and honor to all of the Mantas, the Master
and to the Grand Master. The Grand Master was ill and unable to attend. I pray that our efforts honored him.
Our students were tested and provided with new teachings in the Way of SIKARAN. Students were
awarded Black Belt Certificates, Certificates of appreciation and membership as well as SIKARAN uniform
patches they were also provided with books and a DVD as a means for further learning. These students are
becoming the third generation of the SIKARAN Lineage. They will carry on the legacy and the teachings of
our ancient SIKARAN tradition, which has been revitalized by the Grand Master, the Master, and the Mantas
before them. This second Gathering has demonstrated the beauty of our traditional art, which we are all
blessed to be a part.
I wish to thank the WSBP leadership, our host school, and those who provided great meals. Thank you
to the students; the 3rd Generation.
Maraming Salamat Po
Mantas Andy Sanano, Florida State Director
Thank you for coming to New Jersey it was an honor to finally meet you! I heard rumors about you
and it got the best of me. Thank you so much for everything. Now I know why I have the best Teacher. To be
certain about your ability you need to perform in front of perfectionists. I have met my challenge. Thank you
for helping me channel my concentration and focus. I will forever hold a higher respect for you and Mantas
Louelle Lledo.
MARAMING SALAMAT PO!! MARLON HUDAK
The Seventh Direction School of Martial Arts
At the WSB 2nd Annual Gathering
The World SIKARAN Brotherhood of the Philippines held their second Annual Gathering and Workshop on June 29 and 30, 2013. The event was held at the Wing Chun Kung Fu Studio in Mount Laurel, New
Jersey. I was honored and humbled to represent my school, The Seventh Direction School of Martial Arts
from the Omaha Indian Reservation, at the event.
The excitement of the event was highlighted with the presence of most of the key members of the
SIKARAN Lineage. We all missed the presence of the SIKARAN Mantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. We were
informed that the Grand Master Meliton C. Geronimo, Sr. was rushed in the hospital in the Philippines in
serious medical condition. We were relieved to hear that his condition is improving. The Gathering was led
by Master Jaime Geronimo, the Executive Vice President, Chief Instructor, and Chief Examiner of the WSB. He
wears the 9th Degree Red & White Belt. With Master Geronimo was Mantas Emmanuel Querubin, Executive
Technical Assistant to the Grand Master, also wearing the 9th Degree Red & White Belt. Mantas Querubin
provided detailed and important teaching to us as well as administering testing. Alongside was Mantas
Andy Sanano, State Director for Florida and Mantas Louelle Lledo, State Director for New Jersey; both wearing the 9th Degree Red & White Belt. Each of these Mantas provided important and valuable teaching for us.
Also central to the activities of the Gathering were Mantas Elpidio Seletaria, the International Coordinator,
8th Degree Black Belt, Mantas Tom Sulit, Assistant Regional Director for Canada, and Mantas Rommel Guiveses, the Interim State Director for New York, 6th Degree Black Belt. All of us who participated in the activities and the Black Belt Examinations were blessed and honored to be among such a powerful presence of
the SIKARAN Lineage.
Another factor, which made the Gathering a great event, was all of the students who participated.
Many of us were already acquainted. Others became new friends. The positive and respectful atmosphere
among us and from the leaders made it very clear why this is called the “Brotherhood.” Although the testing
was serious and at times difficult, we all came through with help of the Master and the Mantas. Of course, we
were sustained by the generous and delicious meals (on site) provided by Flora Lledo, Marlon Hudak, John
Lee and Linda from our host school.
As I returned to the Reservation and to my students, I have already begun to present SIKARAN instruction in my small school. My students responded well and with enthusiasm to SIKARAN teachings. I also
appreciate the published materials, which are essential for my further SIKARAN studies. The detailed SIKARAN history presented by Mantas Querubin at the Gathering and in his writings is highly valuable. I enjoy
and appreciate these very much.
Salamat to the Master, all the Mantas, especially my teacher Mantas Andy Sanano, the host school
and to those who fed us so well! And thank you to all the students who are now our brothers and sister.
Richard C. Lundy
Ronald J. Parente: Yes, Thank you so much Maestro! I never enjoyed a workshop or belt test so much! I
learned a great deal and thanks to you, the standard by which I hold myself accountable elevated to a new
level. Salamat Po and God bless!
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From The Desk of the Editor-At-Large
Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.
9th Degree Red and White Belt
WSBP Vice-President for International Affairs
He is the son of Grandmaster Meliton C. Geronimo and the third generation heir to the
Geronimo Sikaran lineage. He came from the line of Sikaran haris. His Grandfather,
Cipriano Geronimo was the last Hari of Baras, Rizal. His Great-grandfather Bonifacio
Geronimo, was the last Hari ng mga Hari. Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo has issued
a Legal Declaration, naming his son Administrative Head of the World Sikaran
Brotherhood of the Philippines, when he steps down as President.
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Announcing the Appointments of Two European Regional Chapter Directors
Regional Director Arnold Turla
Sikaran Regional Chapter of Ireland
Mount Charles, County of Donegal
Republic of Ireland
Regional Director Armie Esparcia
Delos Santos
Sikaran Regional Chapter of Italy
Milan, Italy
Sikaran Golden Jubilee
Independence Day 2013
On November 6. 2016, The World Sikaran
Brotherhood of the Philippines will celebrate its
golden anniversary. It was on November 6, 1966
when the Asian Karate Association, composed of
Japan, Korea, China and the Phillipines recognized
Sikaran as a distinct unarmed fighting art of Filipino
origin and named Meliton Geronimo as Grandmaster with the rank of 10th Degree Red Belt.
This jubilee will be marked by festivities worthy of this grand event. The First Sikaran Hall of Fame
will be held in conjunction with the Golden Anniversary.
In 1966, the original plan was to invite the
Grandmasters who were invovled in the recognition of Sikaran as a distinct fighting art from the
Philippines on its 50th Anniversary. But this will not
be so. Grandmasters from Japan, Kyojiro Furusawa
and Koichi Kondo have passed away. Grandmasters
Dr. Kwai Byeung Yun of Ji Do Kwan Kong Soo Doo,
and Hwang Kee of Moo Doo Kwan Tang Soo Doo of
Korea have likewise passed away. With the dissolution of the Asian Karate Association in 1970, we have
lost contact with Chinese Grandmaster Chua Tiong
Ki, but there were uncomfirmed reports that he to
passed away.
Only Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo is still
alive, albeit at 86th years old, he is suffering from the
ill effects of several bouts with stroke.
From the early beginnings of Sikaran in the
Philippines, it has now spread its wings in the four
corners of the world.
The golden jubilee is still 3 years away but
preparations are now being taken to insure that it
will be the greatest event in Sikaran until Novermber
6, 2066, when Sikaran celebrates its centennial or
diamond anniversary.
On June 12, 2016 the, the 115th anniversary
of th Philippine Independence was celebrated. In
Baras, Rizal, the World Sikaran Brotherhood of the
Philippines joined the celebration in the municipality with Sikaran demonstrations.
Officials of the WSBP
The hope of Sikaran in the 21st century
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Hot Off The Press
Sikaran Teacher’s Training Academy
Book One
Sikaran demonstration in front of the Town Plaza
Young Sikaranistas listening to the words of wisdom from Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo, flanked by Master Jaime Geronimo to
his right and Mantas Meliton Geronimo, Jr. to his left
Sikaran Academy Book Two
Coming Soon
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RELEASED IN 2011….
Sikaran Instructional Video Volume 1
Written, Produced and Directed by: Elpidio Seletaria jr.
7th 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
For the Order Form - Click Here
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Arnis de Mano Teacher’s Training Handbook Series By Two Sikaran Mantas
Subscribe To FMA Informative - Its Is Free
www.fmainformative.info
Louelle Lledo, Jr. (Reg. 326) And Andy Sanano, Jr. (Reg. 844)
FMAdigest (2004 - 2010)
Issues available with permission from Steven K. Dowd Owner and Publisher on the FMA Informative website
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 A More Peaceful World©
SIKARAN WORDS OF WISDOM
“If You Want Anything Done Right Do It Yourself”