Getz Pharma Brings Arnis to Iloilo Doctors

Master James U. Sy Jr., Founder of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (left), leads doctors in basic striking drills during the FMA in Action organized by Getz Pharma (Phils.), Inc. in cooperation with the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS)-Panay Chapter last July 31, 2010 at the Golden Salakot Hall, Hotel Del Rio, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City (Getz Pharma photo).



Organizers and Resource Instructors for FMA in Action last July 31, 2010 at the Hotel Del Rio, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City (from left): District Sales Manager J. Angelo H. Lee and PMR Elaine Louise Edulag of Getz Pharma (Phils.), Inc. and Iloilo Chapter Head Dr. Rey Mollenido, Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr., and Core Group/Master Joeffrey S. Deriada of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (Getz Pharma photo).

Getz Pharma (Phils.), Inc. in cooperation with the Philippine College of Surgeons (PCS)-Panay Chapter under its President Dr. Demy Tidon successfully held the FMA in Action as a part of its Family Day for doctors and their families last July 31, 2010 at the Golden Salakot Hall, Hotel Del Rio, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City. A total of 45 doctors (orthopedics, obegyne, surgeons, EENT, internal medicine, family medicine, etc.) and their families actively participated.

The Filipino Martial Art (FMA) ICOX activity was hosted by Celcoxx Product Manager Marie Yumul-Aranas, Regional Sales Manager Iris Gesta, District Sales Manager J. Angelo H. Lee, Marketing Specialist Emelyn Tuvida, and PMR Elaine Louise Edulag.

FMA in Action is a nationwide project of Getz Pharma (Phils.), Inc. where the history and fundamentals of the indigenous Filipino Martial Art (FMA) of Arnis/Eskrima are introduced to doctors by leading authorities of this art. Resource Instructors previously tapped for Manila and Cebu were University of the Philippines anthropology Professor Master Felipe “Bot” P. Jocano Jr. of Lightning Scientific Arnis International (LSAI)-Sangkil Karasak and masters from the famed Doce Pares respectively.

Resource Instructors for the Iloilo event were Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr., Core Group/Master Joeffrey S. Deriada, and Iloilo Chapter Head Dr. Rey Mollenido of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc.

The Bacolod-based Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. is a non-profit network of professionals dedicated to the research, study, documentation, systematization, establishment, stimulation of interest in, promotion, and propagation of the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), especially those from the Negros Island, as well as other Asian and Occidental martial arts in Bacolod City and the rest of the world.

The event started with a film showing about Getz Pharma (Phils.), Inc. and its commitment to the medical field. Then Celcoxx Product Manager Marie Yumul-Aranas gave an introduction of the Filipino Martial Art (FMA) of Arnis/Eskrima, which was then followed by another film showing about the intricacies and movements of the Filipino warrior arts with narrations by Master Jocano.
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The seminar proper was divided into lecture, demonstrations, and the hands on training. Master Sy gave the historical and cultural foundation of the Filipino Martial Art (FMA) of Arnis/Eskrima as well as the Filipino psychological mindset in conflict neutralization. Psychiatrist Dr. Mollenido, who is a Senior Instructor in Original Filipino Tapado, talked about his experience and study of the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) and its benefits to the younger generation.

Sy, Deriada, and Dr. Mollenido took turns in demonstrating the various aspects of the Filipino Martial Art (FMA) of Arnis/Eskrima. Demonstrations were given for the following: Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis basic panagang and pang-igo, Yasay Sable defense ofensa, Galvarole Dynamic Arnis striking, Guarra Style paired Sinawali, Aguilar Style Espada y Daga, Conceptual Arnis Daga y Daga, Daga y Mano, and Mano y Mano, Original Filipino Tapado long stick, and Conceptual Arnis hold up defense and seated defense.

During the hands on training, Getz Pharma (Phils.), Inc. provided doctors with Arnis sticks. Master Sy led doctors in doing the 8 Directions footwork and taught them the defensive application of said steps while Deriada and Dr. Mollenido went around to help participants with their form. Then Otso-otso (Figure 8) was taught as an offensive and defensive technique against any attacks directed to the four quadrants of the body.

The activity was concluded with a hearty buffet luncheon with hosts, instructors, and participants sharing light moments.

Arnis Expo @ Gaisano Showcased Different Systems/Styles Part II: The Legacy Continues by: James U. Sy Jr.

The father and son tandem of Jerry P. Divinagracia (right) and Jio C. Divinagracia represented the Bago City-based Oido de Caburata Arnis Group (ODCA) during the 1st GSMASDA-Arjuka-CMAS Arnis Expo last August 1, 2010 at Gaisano Bacolod Supermall, Bacolod City.


Arnis Philippines Bacolod/Negros Occidental Commissioner Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal and Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo (2nd and 3rd from left) giving out the awards during the closing ceremonies of the 1st GSMASDA-Arjuka-CMAS Arnis Expo last August 1, 2010 at Gaisano Bacolod Supermall, Bacolod City.

The exhibition of the Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) started with Grandmaster Abelardo Jagocoy Sr., 81, performing the Oido he learned from Grandmaster Federico “Peding” Abendan and Joe Mamar with his grandson Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo giving the attacks. Then GM Guinabo and Senior Instructor Joselito Guzon showed different aspects of GM Guinabo’s Trese Grabes Piga-Piga System.

Grandmaster Sotero Tario of Bago City, 79, demonstrated his own style, Oido Fencing, with a solo free form. Oido Fencing derives its power strikes from Oido de Caburata and adds to its repertoire thrusting techniques from Negrensanon Saber/Foil

The Bacolod Negros Arnis Federation International, (BNAFI), Inc. of Grandmaster Hortencio “Horten” M. Navales was represented by his sons Masters Prince and Cane Navales. The duo demonstrated abecedario, Balintawak, Batangueña, sinawali, Espada y Daga, and empty hands vs weapons.

1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” Mamar Lobrido, 60, President of the Bago City-based Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association, demonstrated the higher floating direct hitting techniques of his late uncle Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar’s Original Filipino Tapado with Master Joeffrey S. Deriada of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. feeding the attacks.

Pastor Romeo N. Gumban, 56, representing the Philippine Integrated Martial Arts Academy-Filipino Tang Soo Do Association (PIMAA-FTSDA), Inc. of Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo, demonstrated his combative system of Dumog with roots from Antique. Pastor Gumban, with the help of Founder/Masters James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., showed defenses against grabs, locks, takedowns, punches, and kicks using leverage throws, body locks, and jointlocks.

The Bago City-based Oido de Caburata Arnis Group (ODCA) came in full force with Patriarch Grandmaster Abraham T. Gubaton, 82, Chief Instructor Grandmaster Sabas T. Gubaton, 72, Masters Jonathan Gubaton and Jose “Joe” Salanap, Mary Camille and Joshelle Gubaton, and father and son Jerry P. and Jio C. Divinagracia. The Divinagracias demonstrated the basics of Oido de Caburata Arnis.

Host Guarra Style Modern Arnis of P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra and Arjuka-Malingin of Grandmaster Isaac “Saac T. Guarra started their exhibition with Real Dennis Guarra, 8 years old, and Richard Guarra, 10 years old, doing the Arjuka-style sinawali. Filton O. Bernadas, Nevelie Flores, John Rey C. Montes, and Ceasar Ian G. Poral demonstrated the 6 stages fundamental with empty hand disarming then proceeded to two-man interactive counter-for-counter form combining strikes, locks, and throws.

Founder/Master Roy R. Flores Sr. and Senior Instructor Jussel Torres of Tribu Hangaway Philippines (THP) performed their own version of the crisscross patterns of the doble baston as well as disarmings.

Host Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders/Masters James U. Sy Jr. and Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado demonstrated the integrated fundamentals of the Conceptual Arnis System which is a fusion of several Negrosanon systems of Arnis/Eskrima. Master Sy and Manunuon Giovanni S. Mendoza of Pennsylvania showed defensive footwork with the hands tied/sticking, basic parries and defenses and counter strikes, and disarms. Dr. Master Raymund A. Maguad, PTRP, of Murcia and Montano Mondia performed the different ofensa, defense, pangagaw, lubad, and trangkada.

ARNIS PHILS. TOURNAMENT. The Tournament section of the 1st GSMASDA-Arjuka-CMAS Arnis Expo served as a practicum for official-trainees from Arjuka-Malingin and Guarra Style Modern Arnis, who participated in the Arnis Philippines Referee and Judges Officiating Echo Seminar last July 3-4, 2010 and the follow up review last July 18, 2010, both in Bago City, as well as a tune up for the upcoming 2nd UDTA Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia Arnis Cup to be held by the Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) of Founder/Chairman Abraham “Abe” Ganzon Jr. on October 2-3, 2010, also at Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall.

Four bouts were contested under the supervision of Arnis Philippines Bacolod/Negros Occidental Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” l. Cardinal.

All competitors were from the KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA) of GM Cardinal except for one. Referee/Judges from Arjuka-Malingin/GSMASDA were Jonar “Open” D. Guarra, Ceasar Ian G. Poral, Windy Lou G. Poral, and Louie A. Terante.

Kei A. Gracias over Kyrle Patrick Gile. Jason Jocson over King joseph Cabiles of Tribu Hangaway. Gorge Estoque over Darwin Dajao. Jefe Pasco over Eugene Pilar.

Abelardo Jagocoy Sr.: An Arnis Old Timer by: James U. Sy Jr.

Grandmaster Abelardo Jagocoy Sr. (right) demonstrates his technique to his grandson, Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo (James U. Sy Jr./CMAS photo).

The research by the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. in the past few years showed that many old timer arnisadors of Negros Occidental had already passed away. Nevertheless, the CMAS Documentation Team had successfully recorded the lives of several of those who are still with us, with the hopes that the new generation will take an interest in our own indigenous Filipino Martial Art (FMA) of Arnis/Eskrima and maybe, maybe, learn it from the old men who had immersed themselves in the life long practice of this Filipino martial tradition.

One of these old timers is Abelardo Baga Jagocoy Sr. At age 79, he made his first public demonstration together with his grandson, Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, during the 1st GSMASDA-Arjuka-CMAS Arnis Expo last August 1, 2010 at Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall in Bacolod City at the invitation of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders/Masters James U. Sy Jr. and Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado. The event attracted more than 60 arnisadors/eskrimadors from Bacolod City, Bago City, Iloilo City, Murcia, and Pennsylvania, USA representing not less than 19 systems of Western Visayan Arnis/Eskrima.

Abelardo Baga Jagocoy was born to Gervacio Claridad Jagocoy of Sum-ag and Herenia Baga of Bohol on March 31, 1931 in Cansilayan, Murcia. He was the youngest among six siblings which included (in this order) Jose, Perfecto, Marianing, Maming Jagocoy-Cadigal, Petra, and him.

Jagocoy had relatives who were arnisadors, among them Francisco Salanap and Buenaventura “Tora” Salanap. Jagocoy started his studies of Arnis in 1950 under Grandmaster Federico “Peding” Abendan, a student of Grandmaster Abraham T. Gubaton, who is in turn a student of the Founder of Oido de Caburata, the late Grandmaster Antonio “Toñing” Tolosa of Minoyan, and his student, Grandmaster Jose D. Aguilar.

According to Jagocoy, GM Abendan taught him the short stick and called his art Oido. GM Abendan founded the long stickfighting art of Backhand but only did so after studying Oido under GM Gubaton. GM Abendan did not charge Jagocoy for the lessons because they were neighbors and relatives.

The art taught to Jagocoy must have been an earlier version of Oido de Caburata since GM Tolosa was continuously evolving his system up to the 1960’s. Oido de Caburata was founded in 1936.

The next teacher of Jagocoy was Jose “Joe” Mamar, who taught him the two handed stick. According to Jagocoy, Mamar was a student of GM Aguilar. It is not clear whether the long stick art taught to him was Backhand or methodo but it could not have been Original Filipino Tapado since it was only founded by the late Grandmaster Romeo “Nono” C. Mamar in 1960.

Jagocoy later exchanged ideas with other eskrimadors to gain more experience. He never taught because his purpose in studying Arnis was only for self protection. After years of silence, he started teaching his grandson, Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, the Founder of Trese Grabes Piga-Piga System.

Jagocoy was among those recognized and honored as Grandmaster of Arnis by the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. and Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall during the Arnis Expo since he holds the link to an earlier version of Oido which helps show how the art had developed through the years when viewed side by side with the Oido that is practiced today.

Arnis Expo @ Gaisano Showcased Different Systems/Styles Part I: Western Visayan Arnis at Its Best by: James U. Sy Jr.

Some of the masters who graced the 1st GSMASDA-Arjuka-CMAS Arnis Expo last August 1, 2010 at Gaisano Bacolod Supermall, Bacolod City (from left): Engr. Niel T. Javellana (Uno Blanco Eskrima, Iloilo City), GM Isaac T. Guarra (Arjuka), GM Benefredo "Bebing" M. Lobrdio (Original Filipino Tapado), GM Sotero Tario (Oido Fencing), Pastor Romeo N. Gumban (Dumog), GM Abraham T. Gubaton (Oido de Caburata), Master Jose "Joe" Salanap (Oido de Caburata), GM Sabas T. Gubaton (Oido de Caburata), and Master James U. Sy Jr. (Conceptual Arnis) (CMAS Photo).


Engr. Niel T. Javellana of Iloilo City (right) demonstrating the powerful strikes of the Uno Blanco System of Eskrima from Panay with the assistance of Master Joeffrey S. Deriada of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (CMAS Photo).


Grandmaster Frank Abalajon, 72, demonstrating sinawali from his Abalajon Classical Arnis (CMAS Photo).

The 1st GSMASDA-Arjuka-CMAS Arnis Expo brought together 17 Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) organizations from Western Visayas and gave them a chance to exhibit their particular systems of Arnis last August 1, 2010, 3:00-5:30 PM, at the Atrium Area, Gaisano Bacolod Supermall, Araneta St., Bacolod City.

The event was hosted by Guarra Style Modern Arnis & Self Defense Association (GSMASDA) of P/Sgt. (Ret.) Founder/Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, Arjuka-Malingin of Founder/Grandmaster Isaac “Saac T. Guarra, and Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. of Founders/Masters James U. Sy Jr. and Narciso “Hansy” L. Alojado in cooperation with the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc., and Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Chapter, and Gaisano City Bacolod Supermall represented by Advertising Officer Nomer Q. Lobaton.

More than 60 arnisadors/eskrimadors, aged 6 to 82 years old, from Bacolod City, Bago City, Iloilo City, Murcia, and Pennsylvania, USA gave demonstrations of not less than 19 systems of Western Visayan Arnis/Eskrima as well as compete in four Labanan bouts using Arnis Philippine (ArPi), Inc. rules. Arnisadors from Cebu, Silay, and Talisay Cities were also invited but did not make it to the exposition.

Master Sy, who wrote “100 FMA Systems Practiced in Negros” for Rapid Journal, together with his group mates at Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., has always worked hard to bring together martial artists from different disciplines in harmony and to grow together. The event best exemplified this higher philosophy in the martial arts.

Mayor Evelio “Bing” R. Leonardia was invited as the Guest of Honor but was not able to come because of a prior commitment. Grandmaster Col. Atty. Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., the Founder and retired President of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc., gave the inspirational speech. Other grandmasters were also given the chance to speak.

Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. was the Event Director and did the legwork and paperwork to help GM Eslao Guarra jumpstart the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), Inc. under his administration as president. The Arnis Expo was the first major event held since the retirement of Founder/Grandmaster Col. Atty. Marcelo “Pope” C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., as President of the NOBF and during GM Guarra’s term.

DEMONSTRATIONS. The exposition started off with Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Eskrima Association (GKAKEA), Inc. of P/CInsp. (Ret.) Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez, showcasing their Pekiti Tirsia style of anyo, abecedario, blocking, disarming, and sinawali. The demo team was composed of Grandmaster Alejandro “Alex” S. Doza, Rey T. Destriza, and August Zzar L. Lopez.

Engr. Niel Javellana traveled all the way from Iloilo City to represent the Karay-a Uno Blanco Eskrima System of Engr. Grandmaster Devaney “Van” T. Fuentes. He was assisted by Master Joeffrey S. Deriada of the Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. in demonstrating the unique defenses and attacks, disarming, jointlocks, and counters fused from three Panaynon systems of Arnis with roots from Antique.

The KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA) exhibition started with Danny John “Jan-Jan” Cardinal performing a solo baston anyo. Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal and Master Guilberto C. Dajao then went through tapi-tapi, depensa ofensiva, contra baston, and daga contra daga from GM Cardinal’s Cargada Pigar Arnis System.

The UNO-R Martial Arts Society of Master Ferdinand Emmanuel Y. Gayoles, which was founded in June 2010, was represented by University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos Criminology students Aber Yamar M. Azuelo, Gerald June Daclan, and Carlos Trunio II. The trio, which composes the Core Group, integrated the various footwork, defenses, strikes, and disarms from the Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis System into a series of forms and paired one-step demonstrations.

Herada Pigada, the Cadiznon system of Arnis that descended from Grandmaster Benito Agui, was represented by Master Maxwell “Max” J. Maun, the nephew of the Doromal brothers and one of the few remaining practitioners of the art, with Gelkoff Calmerin, RN, Co-Founder of the Riverside Do Club. The duo went through the applications of the defenses, strikes, locks, throws, and counters of the system.

The demonstration of the Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) began with Alrehs Carrie “Uni” V. Ganzon, 6 years old, the youngest among the performers of the event, showing various empty hand strikes with his father Founder/Chairman Abraham “Abe” Ganzon Jr. holding the punch mitts for her. The little girl also showed a few self defense techniques from the UDTA System. Founder/Chairman Ganzon demonstrated the 8 striking method combination of Ragas and Oido from the Mancesa Style of Arnis with and Rey A. Cartella.

Grandmaster Frank Abalajon, 72, demonstrated a sinawali free form which combined the 24 methodos which he teaches in his Abalajon Classical Arnis. The various striking patterns GM Abalajon showed were an amalgation of the techniques he had learned from his seven Arnis professors.

GM Guinabo Conducts Arnis & Knife Seminar for Guards by: James U. Sy Jr.

Grandmaster Felix A. Guinabo, Founder of the Trese Grabes Piga-Piga System of Arnis and the Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS) club, conducted the Defensive Tactics (DefTac) section for the Refresher Retraining Course of 31 security personnel of the Negros Goldwings Security Services Corporation (NGSSC) last June 21, 2010 in Had. Balatong, La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

The Refresher Retraining Course was organized by the Philippine Arms Training Institute, Inc. under Training Director Rizalia B. San Miguel and Negros Goldwings Security Services Corporation (NGSSC) under General Manager Annieven Andaya.

Other Training Instructors include Area Supervisor Victorio V. Alejo Jr. of NGSSC, Detachment Commander Terry John Aride of ECJ-Farm, and Marketing Officer Jose Bagain of NGSSC.

GM Guinabo conducted a total of 6 hours for the advanced Arnis training, four hours for long impact and edged weapons and another two hours for knife work.

Although security guards have service firearms, they, just like other law enforcement personnel, are expected to postpone drawing them up until a fully escalated situation. In securing and apprehending suspects they must always justify the amount of force that they exert. Drawing and firing a service firearm is considered a last resort. A suspect must be apprehended with the least possible harm as much as possible. It is in this respect that Arnis training becomes indispensable.

Arnis de Mano “Harness of the Hand,” Baston “Cane,” or Eskrima “Fencing” are the traditional generic terms for the Filipino Martial Arts (FMA). These terms refer to a wide spectrum of defensive and offensive methods, styles and systems that include impact, edged, and flexible weapons of various shapes and sizes as well as empty handed striking and grappling and fight psychology.

GM Guinabo taught strikes and restrains using the Arnis stick, which is easily translatable to the security guard baton, as well as on how to handle and defend against the knife. Using the baton, a security guard can regulate the force he can inflict on the suspect. Knowing how to fight with sticks and blades also equips the guards with the necessary knowledge on how to deal with such weapons when a suspect has these weapons and the guard has none.

GM Guinabo developed his own style of Arnis, Trese Grabes Piga-Piga System, after studying Arnis for 28 years from 6 professors: Grandmaster Mario Lavista (1982), Grandmaster Hortencio M. Navales (1985), Grandmaster Teotimo Buenaflor (1987), Grandmaster Geronimo Valdes (1990), Grandmaster Bernandino Tanique (1992), and Grandmaster Frank Abalajon (1997). Master Guinabo started teaching under his own school, Guinabo Arnis and Combat Sports (GACS), in June 1989 in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan, when he instructed the 61st IB of the Philippine Army (PA).

GM Guinabo holds a verifiable Arnis tournament record of 17-2-2. He was crowned champion in the Inter Barangay Open Arnis Tournament (1985) and Negros Open Arnis Championships (1986) and 2nd place in the 5th National Open Arnis Champions (1992). Representing Arnis, GM Guinabo entered and won the bantamweight grand championship of the World Kali Championships organized by the Pekiti Tirsia Global Organization on November 17, 2001 in Iloilo City. GM Guinabo had organized a total of at least 6 Arnis tournaments in 1994, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2004.

GM Guinabo is a member of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) under P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra and Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Chapter under Commissioner Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” Cardinal and has cordial relationships with the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) under grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo and the Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association 9OFTLSFA), Inc. under 1st Generation Inheritor/Grandmaster Benefredo “Bebing” M. Lobrido.

Interested parties may contact GM Guinabo at 0910-983-0853 and 0907-148-3061.

2010 NOBF Officers Appointed By: James U. Sy Jr.

P/Sgt. (Ret.) Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra, President of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), appointed the officers of the federation for the Calendar Year 2010 during the group's monthly meeting last June 19, 2010, saturday, at the Sea Breeze Hotel, San Juan St., Bacolod City.

The new NOBF officers are P/Sgt. (Ret.) Founder/Grandmaster Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra of Guarra Style Modern Arnis (President), P/Supt. (Ret.) Founder/Grandmaster Ibarra E. Lopez of Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Escrima Association (GKAKEA) Inc. (Vice President), Founder/Chairman Abraham "Abe" G. Ganzon Jr. of Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (Secretary), Director/Grandmaster Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal of the KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA)-Bacolod (Treasurer), and Founder/Master James U. Sy Jr. of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc. (PIO).

P/Sgt. (Ret.) Estanislao “Eslao” T. Guarra is Founder/Grandmaster/President of the Guarra Style Modern Arnis (formerly the Gen. Juan A. Araneta School of Arnis).
He has served as Vice President-South Neg. Occ. of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) and the Arnis Philippines (ArPi)-Bacolod/Negros Occidental Chapter during the term of Col. Atty. Grandmaster Marcelino "Pope" C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., as President and Commissioner of said organizations respectively as well as Vice President-Internal Affairs for the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS).

Guarra studied Arnis under 20 professors, starting with his father Grandmaster Cornelio “Kune” T. Guarra. As an arnisador in search of the truth, he went around testing his skills against other hangkilans during his younger years. He served with the Bago City Integrated National Police (INP) for 32 years and was a multi-decorated cop. He had served as a training staff of the Bago City Police Station, teaching Arnis to more than 10,000 barangay tanods, police officers, security guards, and civilians by the time he retired.

P/Supt. (Ret.) Ibarra E. Lopez is Founder/Grandmaster/Chairman of Golden Kamagong Arnis Kali Escrima Association (GKAKEA) Inc. He had served as Vice President of the Negros Occidental Arnis Federation (NOAF), Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF), and Union of Martial Artist Organization of Negros and Bacolod (UMA-ONEBA ).

Lopez started studying Arnis from his 7 grandparents at the age of 9. He was a competitor in his younger days, having been crowned as Provincial champion (1982) and National NARAPHIL heavyweight champion (1986) among others. He has served as Deputy Chief of the Intelligence Division of the Bacolod City Police Office and was the Arnis Chief Instructor of the Bacolod Police Station Training Academy, Bacolod City Tanod Brigades, and Navales Arnis Club. He is an accredited Self Defense Instructor for Security Guards in Negros Occidental by the Civil Security Group / PADPAO Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Abraham "Abe" G. Ganzon Jr., MBA, is the Founder/Chairman of Universal Defensive Tactics Academy (UDTA) and the Chairman of the Universal Care Center of Excellence (UCCE). He is Treasurer of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) under Grandmaster Elmer V. Montoyo and is the latest member of the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF).

He started martial training with Karate and later Kimdo Taekwondo and Aikido. By the time he joined IFFMAS, he further trained in Chi Kung under GM Montoyo and Arnis under Grandmaster Hortencio M. Navales, Master James U. Sy Jr., Grandmaster Danilo "Danny" Cardinal, and Grandmaster Jose "Joe" B. Mancesa. He holds the distinction as the first Bacoleño to be certified as an Instructor (Level 1-2, 2008-2009) in Commando Krav Maga under its Chief instructor Moni Aizik after undergoing the Instructors' Course in Singapore. He holds a Lakan Isa in KaliSilat under GM Cardinal and is working for his instructorship in Conceptual Martial Arts.

Danilo “Danny” L. Cardinal is the Director of the KaliSilat Arnis Association (KAA)-Bacolod and Founder/Chief Instructor of Traditional Shotokan Karate Arts (TSKA). He is the Bacolod City/Negros Occidental Commissioner for Arnis Philippines and is a certified national level Referee/Judge under the Arnis Referee Judges Association of Arnis Philippines.

He is recognized as a Grandmaster by Col. Atty. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., under the Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) and holds a 5th Degree Black Belt in Shotokan Karate. GM cardinal was the 1987 All Filipino Karate Invitational black belt lightweight kumite champion and 5th RTKF Karate Invitational black belt kata champion (1989). He was formerly Chief Instructor of the Ras Tanura Karate Federation (RTKF) in Saudi Arabia and the Midway Shotokan Karate-do and Director of Midway Kali-Silat in Honolulu, Hawaii.

James U. Sy Jr. is Founder/Master/President of Conceptual Martial Arts Society (CMAS), Inc., Secretary General of the Intercontinental Federation of Filipino Martial Arts Schools (IFFMAS) and Original Filipino Tapado Long Stick Fighting Association (OFTLSFA), Inc., and PIO of Arnis Philippines-Bacolod/Neg. Occ. Chapter He traveled the Visayas and to some extent, the NCR researching, documenting, and studying the various indigenous Arnis systems, as well as other Asian martial arts, and in the process studying under not less than 30 professors of Arnis.

Sy is graded Master in 6 Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) systems by the Founder or his inheritor (Lapu-Lapu Viñas Arnis, Original Filipino Tapado, Wild Judo, Filipino Tang Soo Do, Philippine Dynamic Arnis, and Arnis Combinado) as well as Instructor in Togle Style Modern Arnis and Yasay Sable. He also holds Black Belt Degrees or Instructor equivalents in 7 other Asian martial arts. He is a prolific martial arts writer having written hundreds of articles since 1998. He is the Western Visayas Correspondent for the Binondo-based Rapid Journal. Sy introduced less known local Arnis masters, particularly in Negros, through his body of works in the print and broadcast media and cyberspace.

The Genesis of NOBF

The Negros Occidental Baston Federation (NOBF) was founded by Col. Atty. Grandmaster Marcelo C. Jalandoon, Ph.D., in 2002.

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