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Volume 2 Number 11 2013
Volume 2 Number 112013
Sikaran Taliba
Supremo Meliton C. GeronimoEditor Emeritus
Emmanuel QuerubinEditor in Chief
Elpidio Seletaria Jr.Managing Editor
Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.Editor-at-large
ERPArt Editor
Photos by:Elpidio Seletaria, Jr. Romeo Lladone Moreno Villanueva Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.
Sikaran Taliba© is published by the World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philip-pines. It is the only internet magazine dedicated to the Sikaran practitioners around the world. The ideas and opinions in the articles and manuscripts are those of the author / contributor and not necessarily the views of the publisher or the editors. The Sikaran Taliba is not a forum for grievance. The management reserves the right to edit contributed materials for derogatory remarks and disparaging comments. All materials are the exclusive property of the author and cannot be reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the author. Neither the world Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philip-pines nor the management of Sikaran Taliba assumes any responsibility in the misuse or abuse of all techniques in this newspaper.
Contents
World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines Facts About Sikaran Sikaran Historical Points Techniques of Sikaran Hand Techniques Leg Techniques Balangkas: Pattern or Formal Exercise Sikaran Master Visits the Raisin Capital of the World From The Desk of the Editor-At-Large
Editorial Office P.O.Box 6332 Alameda, CA. 94501 [email protected]
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As you will notice on the cover, this issue is a reprint of FMA Informative No. 86. Of course we have the permission of FMA Iinformative.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTICEStarting Next Year, Volume 3 Number 14 Sikaran Taliba Will
Only Be Published Every Two Months (Bi-Monthly).
The FMA Informative was honored to have Emmanuel ES Querubin the official historian of Sikaran provide the information in this issue. Now most say, “oh he researched the history of the art and now he is the historian,” let it be known Mr. Querubin was there while history was being made and is also a part of it. Mr. Querubin also has 2 books published on Sikaran which thoroughly provide historical facts about Sikaran and are an asset to any martial arts library.
Mr. Emmanuel Querubin shares some facts:
Sikaran is different from other empty-hand arts like Karate and Tae Kwon Do. It is not necessary to narrate the history of the martial arts, since there are as many versions as there are arts or styles of each art. The most accepted version is the Indian Martial Art of Kalaripayat is said to be the precursor of the Chi-nese fighting arts, which evolved to the Okinawan martial arts and eventually evolved to Karate. Korean Tae Kwon Do is said to have its roots in the ancient art of Tae Kyon but was influenced by the Bubishi of China. Sikaran on the other hand is Filipino homegrown. There is no Buddhism influence in the Philippines, which is the common denominator in the martial arts of India, China, Okinawa, Japan, and Korea, Thailand, and other countries in the Asian mainland. As far as it can be determined, Sikaran’s first contact with foreign arts was with Chinese Koon-tao and Malay’s Bersilat in the 13th century through traders. Sikaran, however, was already being practiced regularly by farmers in the Province of Rizal. The use of the bladed weapon was also widely practiced. The similarity of all armed and unarmed martial arts stem from the fact they were all developed as a means of self-preservation using the basic weap-ons nature provided - the mind and the body. The first lesson in Sikaran is the salutation or pugay. It is an innovation introduced in Sikaran by Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo. The salutation is done with the knees straight. In formal training the heels are touching each other while the toes are pointing about 15 to 30 degrees outward in a military stance. The right fist is clenched and held in front of the heart and with the left hand with fingers stretched out touching the right fist. The elbows are bent and held closed to the body. The tipping of the head forward is followed by uttering “PO.” When using the salutation to greet or pay respect to another martial artist the feet may be parallel to each other like in the parallel stance. The hand and the salutary term of “PO” is the same. The clenched fist denotes solidarity or unity in purpose, interests, or objective. The open hand with stretched out fingers denotes peace. Together it is a symbolism that means action must be balanced by compassion - “the heart must control the brain.” Another misconception that I want to clarify is the fact that Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo is not the founder of Sikaran. He is the founder of the World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines. He is the person responsible in bringing Sikaran to the world. Sikaran is an art that is as old as the Philippines itself. The World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines is a development by Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo, from the art he inherited from his father and several other Sikaran elders. He is the only Sikaran grandmaster because it is only the Geronimo Sikaran lineage that lived from the 14th century to the present.
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Facts About Sikaran
There is only one true Sikaran Grandmaster and that is Meliton Geronimo. There are numerous self-proclaimed Sikaran Grand-masters, 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 interna-tional martial art entity, the Asian Karate Association. Meliton Geronimo is also the only person vested the ap-pellation of dignity and honor as Sikaran Supremo (Sikaran Leader) by the Sikaran elders of Baras, Rizal. Under the leadership of Meliton Geronimo, the Philip-pines garnered seven gold med-als in six Asian Karate Champion-ships, an accomplishment that stands unchallenged and un-equalled.
The World Sikaran Broth-erhood, 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 thou-sands 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 Munici-pality 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 Ka-rate 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 Boni-facio 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 cen-tury art into the 20th century and now the 21st century. Through his dedication and efforts, Sikaran was introduced outside the coun-try and became an international martial art. In 1958, Meliton Geronimo founded the Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines (then referred to as Philippine Karate for inclu-sion in the Asian Karate Associa-tion). 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 Philip-pine Karate. In 1963, the Asian Karate Association was formed by Japan, Korea, China, and the Philippines. In 1964, the First Asian Ka-rate Championships was held in Tokyo, Japan and Meliton Geron-imo representing the Philippines won the Most Courageous Fighter Award. Through Meliton Geroni-mo’s untiring efforts on Novem-
ber 6, 1966, the Asian Karate As-sociation recognized Sikaran as a distinct Filipino Fighting Art and Meliton Geronimo was awarded the rank of 10th Degree Red Belt with the title Grandmaster. In 1967, four students of Meliton Geronimo introduced Philippine Karate (Sikaran) in Malaysia and in 1969 through his efforts; Malaysia became the fifth member of the Asian Karate As-sociation.
Under the leadership of Meliton Geronimo, the Philippines garnered seven gold medals in different weight classifications in six Asian Karate Championships. In 1970 when the World Union of Karate-do Organizations was established after the dissolu-tion of the Asian Karate Associa-tion, Meliton Geronimo, repre-senting the Philippines, became a signatory member of the Charter of WUKO.
Pioneer and Most Distinguished Grandmaster icon awardee Grandmaster Meliton C. Geroni-mo with Audrey Zubiri (Wife of Senator Zubiri) and Former Judge Pamaran.
Meliton Geronimo is indeed the Sikaran Pioneer
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Sikaran Historical Points
1927 - Birth of the Grandmaster
March 10, 1927, is the most important date in the history of the World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines. It marks the birth of Meliton Cabandong Geronimo, who is destined to be the Grandmaster of Sikaran, the only Filipino unarmed martial art now practiced all over the world alongside Japan’s Karate, Korea’s Tae Kwon Do, and China’s Kungfu with the same elite standard. Meliton Geronimo’s birth was heralded by the ringing of the church bells in Baras, Rizal (hence his nickname Kampana). Meliton’s father, Cipriano Geronimo, the last Sikaran Hari of Baras, was almost on the verge of frustration when his first two children with Severina Cabandong were both girls. He made a prom-ise that his first son will be saluted by the ringing of the bells and a grand celebration. He bragged that his first son would be his successor to the Geronimo lineage of Sikaran. At a very early age, Meliton was introduced to Sikaran by his father Cipriano and the other elders of Baras who were Sikaran haris turned guro. They taught him not only the physical techniques of Sikaran, but also instilled in him not only the virtues of courage and strength but also the sense of justice, fair play and the desire to excel and be the best that he can be. When Japan invaded the Philippines, Meliton Geronimo, together with his Sikaran teachers, joined the guerilla movement in Rizal Province, serving courageously from 1943 to 1946.
1958 - Founding of the Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood of the Philippines
Late 1957, Meliton Geronimo established the Eagle Sikaran Club composed of military personnel and their civilian friends and relatives. With the growing popularity of Karate, the name was later changed to Eagle Karate Club keeping Sikaran in parenthesis. It was based at Nichols Air Base. Non-military members of the club requested that the gymnasium be relocated outside the military base. In 1958, Meliton Geronimo formed the Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood of the Philippines. The military members renamed their club the Blue Diamonds Karate (Sikaran) Club after the Philippine Air Force Acrobatic Flying Team. The civilians kept the name Eagle Karate (Sikaran) Club with the central gymnasium and headquarters of the Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood of the Philippines outside the base, in Pasay City. With the Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood of the Philippines now accessible to civilians, it became the largest sports association in the Philippines. Meliton Geronimo designated Emmanuel Querubin (Reg. No 87), then the Operations Manager of the Philippines International Magazine, as Director for Research and Standards. Geronimo also formed his circle of advisers composed of Dalmacio Veneracion (Reg. No. 10) , a civilian administrator with the Philip-pine Air Force. Eusebio Avancena (Reg. No. 79), a Captain of the Philippine Air Force and President of the Philippine Kickboxing Association, Perfecto Mendiola, an Engineering Professor at the Mapua Institute of Technology. Mendiola is a Judo pioneer starting in the 1930’s. He was the National Judo Coach. He was also the first national judo champion of the Philippines. Fortunato Sevilla (Reg. No. 115) was also selected. He is the Vice-President of the Philippine Amateur Judo Association and the Sales Manager of a large engineering company. Godofredo Hermosa (Reg. No. 95), a civilian administrator with the Philippine Air Force was also a member of that circle.
The Road to Red Belt
In 1958, Meliton Geronimo started a series of communication with Grandmaster Koichi Kondo of the All Japan Karate Federation in order for Sikaran to be recognized as a legitimate school of empty-hand fight-ing with distinct origin from the Philippines and be accepted for membership in the Asian Karate Association . This led to the promotion of Meliton Geronimo to the 5th Degree Black Belt (then the highest grade award-ed to a non-Japanese) and appointment as Karate Grades Commissioner for the Philippines. This means that whatever ranks or grades Meliton Geronimo issues is recognized by Japan, Korea, and China and the rest of the Karate world.
1966 - Sikaran An International Martial Art
Sikaran has a history that goes back before the coming of the Spaniards in 1521. However, it was not until 1958 when Meliton Geronimo started teaching the art to the public that it was transformed from a regional recreational physical activity of Baras, Rizal to a nationwide sport and fighting art. The publication of several local magazines and Sikaran Instructor’s Manuals in the 1960’s and 1970’s further boosted the dissemination of Sikaran. At that period of Sikaran growth, the accepted generic term for all empty hand fighting arts was Karate. Sikaran was referred to as Philippine Karate until 1972, when Meliton Geronimo dropped all references to Sikaran as Philippine Karate and formed the Pandaigdi-gang Kapatiran Sikaran ng Pilipinas (World Sikaran Brotherhood of the
Philippines). Sikaranistas who migrated to the west and the rest of the world brought with them their knowledge of the art and led to the progressive expansion of Si-karan. Foreigners who found their way to the Philippines, on account of their job assign-ment, such as the United States military and the various multi-national corpora-tions further served as catalysts in the spread of Sikaran. However, it was not until 1966 that Sikaran took wings. Sikaran was “formally introduced” to the international world of the martial arts through the pages of Black Belt Magazine, the world’s premier peri-odical dedicated to the fighting arts. In 1965, Emmanuel Querubin head in-structor of Sikaran Pilipinas (SIKAP) and Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines Director for Research and Standardiza-tion, was appointed Black Belt Magazine Foreign Correspondent for the Philippines. His first article was “Sikaran - a Dying Art,”
which appeared in the April 1966 issue. His next article entitled “It All Began 800 Years Ago” came out in June 1966. These Sikaran articles served as the polypeptide hor-mone resulting in the explosive emergence of Sikaran clubs. Sikaran spread like wildfire and unfortunately self-proclaimed masters sprout-ed like wild mushroom. The Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood of the Philippines became the largest sports association in terms of participation and membership in the country. Unfortunately, the further Sikaran stretched its wings for flight,
Black Belt magazine, April 1966
Black Belt magazine, June 1966
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the greater the risk of corrupting, debauching, and raping the art, the techniques and the origin became. In search of an easy payday, there are Sikaran practitioners, who after having been banished from the association, proclaimed themselves masters and grandmasters. Then there are those who put to-gether kicks and strikes and called their art Sikaran but cannot claim legitimate lineage to Sikaran. Then there are name-droppers who allude to having learned under a legitimate Sikaran teacher by placing their names and their pictures side by side. Moreover, there are several associations, which practice Sikaran, and acknowledge Meliton Geronimo as the Sikaran Grandmaster but have broken away from the World Sikaran Brotherhood. Nevertheless, the progressive expansion and evolution of Sikaran is unstoppable. At last count the Pandaigdigang Kapatirang Sikaran (World Sikaran Brotherhood) has affiliates all over the world with concentration in Hongkong, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, United States, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Israel, Ireland, England, and lastly Italy, and several other countries, not including the mem-bers in all the political and geographical regions of the Philippines.
November 6, 1966 - Recognition of Sikaran and Promotion to Red Belt November 6, 1966, is a very important date in Sikaran history. It was on this date that the Asian Karate Association, an International Martial Art body, acknowledged Sikaran as a Filipino martial art of distinct ori-gin. The Kapatirang Sikaran ng Pilipinas was recognized as the official body representing the Filipino martial art of Sikaran (at that time also known as Philippine Karate). Meliton C. Geronimo was honored as Grand-master of Sikaran with the rank of 10th Degree Red Belt. The Asian Karate Association leadership was composed of Dr. Kwai Byeung Yun, President of the Asian Karate Association and Grandmaster of the Korean Kong Soo Doo Ji Do Kwan; Hwang Kee, President and Grandmaster of Korean Tang Soo Doo Moo Doo Kwan; Koichi Kondo, Grandmaster and Chief Instruc-tor of the All Japan Karate Federation; Kyojiro Furusawa, President of the All Japan Karate Federation; and China’s Grandmaster Chua Tiong Ki.
1967 - Philippine Karate (Sikaran) “Exported” To Malaysia
Hearing about the success of the Philip-pines in the Asian Karate Championships, Chew Choo Soot, Secretary-General of the Karate Association of Malaysia, came to the Philippines to check out Karate training. In 1967 the Karate Association of Malay-sia commissioned four members of the Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood of the Philippines to teach Philippine Karate (Sikaran) in Malaysia. Led by Emmanuel Querubin, 4th Degree Black Belt (No. 87), the team is composed of Vince Vasallo, 3rd Degree Black Belt (No. 59), Nestor Principe, 3rd Degree Black Belt (No. 110) and Lu-isito dela Cruz, 3rd Degree Black Belt (No. 141). In 1969, through the recommendation of Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo, Malaysia was accepted as a member of the Asian Karate Association. In the 6th Asian Karate Championships, Malaysia’s Patrick Lim (a student of the Filipino Instructors) won the Gold Medal in the middleweight divi-sion. Ater more than three years of study, the Insititute of National Language, Department of Education approved the translation from English to Filipino of the commands in the teaching of Sikaran. The transla-tion, authored by Meliton Geronimo and Emmanuel Querubin, was published as the Sikaran Brotherhood of
Minister of Education and President of the Karate Association of Malaysia Khir Johari, welcomes Filipino Sikaran Instructors. Looking on from left are: Nestor Principe Reg. No. 110), Luisito dela Cruz (Reg. No. 141) , Karate Association of Malaysia Secretary General Chew Choo Soot (next to Khir Johari), Emmanuel Queru-bin (Reg. No. 87) and Vince Vasallo Reg, No. 59)
the Philippines Instructor’s Manual Series I. Instructor’s Manual Series II was also published in 1969.
1970 Formation of the World Union tf Karate-Do Organizations (WUKO)
In 1970, the Asian Karate Association was disbanded to give way to the formation of the World Union of Karate-do Organizations (WUKO). Representing the Philippines, Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo and Em-manuel Querubin became signatory members in the charter of WUKO.
1972 - Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo relinquished membership from the World Union of Karate-Do Orga-nizations (WUKO) and dropped all references to Sikaran as Philippine Karate.
1977 - Meliton Geronimo retired from the Philippine Air Force with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, after 30 years of service.
1980 - Meliton Geronimo was elected Mayor of Baras, Rizal and served 4 terms, after being released from prison for trumed up charges. A movie of his colorful life was made entitled “Mayor Latigo” (His Moniker) with the vetran actor Eddie Garcia as Meliton Geronimo.
Lt. Col. Meliton C. Geronimo PAF (Ret)
His free time was devoted in teaching, developing, and propagating sikaran. Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo (back turned to camera) teaching some black belts. WSBP Chief Instructor Jimmy Geronimo is directly in front of the Grandmaster. Behind Jimmy Geronimo is Elpidio Seletaria Jr..
2001 - Official Acknowledgement of Baras as Home of Sikaran and Designating a Day for Sikaran Festival
The municipality of Baras , Rizal, is the only government agency, not only in the Philippines but also in the whole world that honors a martial art on its official letterhead. Japan has judo, Korea has Tae Kwon Do, China has Wushu, Thailand has Muay Thai, but none of these countries has honored their martial art by declaring their place of birth. Only the Municipality of Baras car-ries the seal of its martial art and the words “Home of Sikaran.” To further honor Baras as home of Sikaran, an arch was erected at the entrance of the town that says: “Welcome to Baras, Home of Sikaran.” Next was a monument in front of the Municipal Hall of two Sikaranis-tas exchanging biyakids (the signature spinning heel kick of Sikaran). The biggest project was the construc-tion of a multi-purpose gymnasium for Sikaran events.
2008 - Municipality of Baras Designates Date for Sikaran Festival
An Executive Order issued by the Municipality of Baras, man-dates that the last Sunday of January be designated as Sikaran Festival Sunday. This festivity was later moved to the last Sunday of March. The Municipality of Baras, in the Province of Rizal is distinctively the only municipality in the world that carries the seal of a martial art (Sikaran) on its letterhead. Aside from the seal of Sikaran, it also says “Home of Baras Gymnasium, Home of Sikaran
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Sikaran.” Likewise, it is the only known municipality that mandates an annual martial art (Sikaran) festival with the logistical appropriation to hold the event. On Sunday, March 23, the 2013 Sikaran Festival was held from eight o’clock in the morning to nine o’clock at night, at the Sikaran Gymnasium erected for the purpose. Guests were the officials of the Provice of Rizal led by Vice-Governor Frisco San Juan who represented Governor Casimiro Ynarez III, and the Municipal-ity of Baras Mayor Willie Robles, and other provincial and municipal officials. Sitting with the guests at the presidential table is Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo, who just celebrated his 86th birthday. The exhibition and dem-onstration of the different clubs were held in the morning and lasted until lunch. After lunch the tournament started. The compe-tition was divided into “kiddies” group, boy’s group, girl’s group, and men’s black belt group.
2010 - Sikaran Approved as Rizal Provincial Martial Sport
Two days before the 83rd birthday of Supremo Meliton Geronimo, Grandmaster of Sikaran, the Pro-vincial Government of Rizal, enacted Provincial Ordinance 002-2010, simply known as the Sikaran Ordinance.
The Black Belts fought bare-chested like the Sikaranistas of old. The action was fast and furious. Referee is Rommel Guiveses of Pasig City
Techniques of Sikaran
Sikaran is a term derived from sikad (kick). In the active form of the Tagalog language, when the consonant is between two vowels the D is replaced with R, hence the term Sikaran (instead of Sikadan). The term was used because the system relied heavily on using the feet for kicking. Farmers having well devel-oped legs favored and emphasized the use of the feet. By imitating animal behavior, they developed kicking techniques that were given colorful and descriptive names. However, maneuvers using the hands for striking, joint reversals, takedowns and throws are much a part of Sikaran as kicking.
up or turned just a few degrees inwards, and the elbow is point-ing down at the completion of the punch. Due to the position of the fist in relation to the wrist, the forearm, and the elbow, it is pos-sible to deliver a powerful punch with less chance of injury to the hand or the wrist. Power is gener-ated by the snap of the elbow, the twist of the hips, the forward momentum of the body and the follow through in one impercep-tible motion. It was simply called suntok. Prior to the 19th century when Karate was still known as Shuri-te, Naha-te, Tomari-te and others the vertical punch was the punch of choice. The Japanese “invented” the (corkscrew punch” where the fist is pulled to the side of the body and delivered turn-ing the fist 180 degrees inwards). Other arts, including Sikaran adopted this type of punching. However, Sikaran elders demonstrated that the punching technique and pulling the fist to the side is an unnatural move-ment and turning the fist like a corkscrew presents the risk of breaking the wrist. They further explained that from a defensive position, the quickest way to punch is where your punching hand is located and that is in front of the chest. The Bisig (forearm) is also
used, not just for blocking but also for striking and so is the Siko (elbow). Joint reversal techniques in Sikaran are applied against the fingers, the wrists, the elbows the shoulders, the neck, the knees, and the ankles. They are applied to disarm, to control or to break the joints. Joint reversal tech-niques, although a very impor-tant part of Sikaran as an art of self-defense, were not allowed in competitions and contests.
Leg Techniques
There were originally three Sikaran kicks. Each kick has a particular target and a particular classification. The first kick was the pady-ak ng kalabaw (carabao stomp to the knee to break it). The kick was classified as pangbalda (disabling) also known as pangbali (break-ing). The rationale to this kick was if the opponent “cannot stand he is helpless and as good as dead.” The second basic kick was sipang kabayo (horse kick with the hind legs). The kick was clas-sified as panglumpo (paralyzing) or panghilo (stunning). Any part of the body, below the head but above the knee was the target. The terms panglumpo and pan-ghilo were used interchangeably when the sipang kabayo was used. The third kick was called
Hand Techniques
There were originally five hand techniques. The straight fore-fist punch called suntok, the bottom fist blow called pukpok, the backhand back-fist strike called hablig, the palm-heel up-percut thrust called sikwat, and the fore-knuckles roundhouse strike called kalawit. When the translation from English to Filipino terminologies was developed, the anatomical parts were defined. Hand techniques may be divided into two classifications - defensive and offensive. Both de-fensive and offensive techniques use the same part of the body, the empty hands. The empty hands may be used as a weapon and as a target. The main open-hand weapons are the Dalibat (spear-hand), Kamayga (knife-hand), Kamaylid (ridge-hand), Palad (palm), Sakong-lad (palm heel), the Kamayri (fore-knuckles), also sometimes called Kobra (cobra) and the Panipit (pincher formed by the thumb and fingers). The main closed-fist weap-ons are the Kamao (fore-fist), the Kamaypok (bottom-fist), and the Kamaykod (back-fist). The preferred Sikaran closed fist technique is the sunta-may (vertical punch), where the thumb side of the fist is facing
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the pamatay (killing)) or kick to the head. The original head kick was the biyakid (Spinning heel kick). Sikaran fighters found out that by spinning the body they can kick with the heel, targeting the side of the head and even the back of the head. The spin, hip ro-tation, and snap-back of the knee create more energy and with the element of linlang (deception) by turning the back to the oppo-nent, greater effectiveness of the kick is achieved. They called the
spinning heel kick Biyakid, the gerund (verbal noun) for Biyakin (to split). Biyakid became the favor-ite kick of most Sikaran fighters because it was a very effective technique at any fighting range. The favorite target is the head (temple and back of the head) comparing it to a coconut. The temple is a fused joint in the skull
and applying sufficient force against it may cause it to crack (like a coconut) or at the least, cause concussion. The back of the head houses the cerebel-lum and the joint that connects the spine to the skull. Adequate force on these targets or any part of the head for that matter may instantly knockout or “kill” the opponent. By controlling the inten-sity and force of the kick, it was possible to produce any of the desired effect of pangbalda / pangbali (disabling / breaking), panglumpo / panghilo (paralyz-ing / stunning), or pamatay (kill-ing). Sikaran fighters always maintain that: If a person is
Biyakid, Sikaran’s Signature Kick
baldado (disabled), he cannot fight and is therefore as good as “dead”; if a person is lumpo (para-lyzed), he is as good as “dead.” If a person is patay (dead), he remains dead. However, this does not mean that a particular kick is limited to a specific outcome. Any of the kicks may disable, or may paralyze or may even kill the op-ponent. The intention in the ap-plication and not the technique, determines the consequence. From these kicks, other kicks evolved. Characteristics and mechanics of different kicks were mixed and matched to develop other kicks. With the increase of participation in Sikaran contests, other parts of the foot, such as the bilogan or ball of the foot; the balantok or instep; the limpyak or edge of the foot; and even the ta-lampakan or sole of the foot were used. Likewise different kicks
Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo deliv-ering a biyakid to the back of the head
of his student Emmanuel Querubin
Manuel Ocampo makes the initial move then delivers a biyakid to the spine of
Melencio Bigasin
The spin, hip rotation , and snap back of the knee make Biyakid a powerful and effective kick at any fighting range
which were less deceptive but equally effective, were developed and became part of Sikaran. A modification of the biyakid (spinning heel kick) is the sipawit (hooking kick), which uses the back of the heel in a hooking motion without the 180 degrees spin. From the sipang kabayo (back thrust heel kick), the sipa-wid (diagonal thrust heel kick) and later on the sipalid (side kick) were developed. The siparap (front kick) was a development from the damba (horse kick with the front legs). The Sipa ng Lulod (shin kick), used to break the knee is now called Sipakot (roundhouse kick). From the Sipakot ng lu-
lod (roundhouse shin kick), the roundhouse kick using the ball of the foot and the roundhouse kick using the instep came about. An-other unique Sikaran roundhouse kick is hitting with the big toe. From the Sipakot (roundhouse kick) Sipakan (crescent kick) was added both as an offensive and defensive kick. From this kick, the Sipang baliswa (reverse crescent kick or twisting kick) emerged. Sipakan and Sipang Baliswa are also used as a block. A follow-up kick to the Sipang Baliswa is the Sipang Pabayo (Ax kick). Borrowing kinetics from sipang Baliswa (reverse crescent kick block) and mixing it with Padyak ng kalabaw (carabao stomp), the Sipang alanganin (oblique front thrust kick) was
developed. Of the original kicks of Sikaran, biyakid, and sipang kabayo are the original terms still being widely used to describe the kicks. The straight jumping kicks are now called damba (horse kick with the front legs to mean jump-ing kicks). The term “flying kick” is now the accepted term for dagit ng agila, with the acceptance of Taglish (Tagalog-English). First generation students of Meliton Geronimo (Grand-master of Sikaran), however, still use dinagit (the act of swooping down) for “flying kick.” To avoid confusing one kick with another, kicks used in present day Sikaran have now specific and definitive Filipino names.
Balangkas: Pattern or Formal Exercise To understand the role of balangkas in Sikaran, it is impor-tant 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 un-til one is forced out of the arena, gives up, or is no longer able to fight. It is mainly a sport, but also doubles as a fighting system, and winning is the ultimate goal. For all intents and purpose, Sikaran was what is now referred to, as “full contact fighting.” Initially, Sikaran was not classified as a self-defense art or
even a martial art. Sikaran was developed as a sport of the pro-letariat 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 also of consequence. Sikaran has a history that is centuries older than present-day Japanese Karate. There were no drills or pre-arranged tech-niques in Sikaran, only exciting combative maneuvers. Sikaran techniques were based on animal moves com-mon 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 tagak (crane), the alamid or musang (bob cat), 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 introduc-tion of free-style fighting, which was not until the 1930’s. The practitioners face each other and in a pre-arranged manner, ex-change blows in bunkai (struc-tured fighting based on the sequence of the kata). Karate is a Japanese “import.” According to written accounts, Karate originat-ed from India, transported to China, then to Okinawa, and brought to mainland Japan in the
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1920’s. Sikaran and Karate, however, may be an effective means of fighting, using the bare hands and the feet. The training of the Bal-angkas (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 compul-sory formal exercises as part of the Asian Karate Championships, and second, realizing the advan-tage of training in one-man drills, he wanted to give the Sikaran practitioner a means to practice the basic techniques in a pre-arranged choreographed manner. Sikaran balangkas were developed in the late 1950’s and 1960’s and were originally intend-ed to be presented one at a time in an Instructional Training Manu-al format. Due to unforeseen circumstances, only two such manuals were published (Instruc-tor’s Manual Series I and Series II). Other manuals never saw publi-cation. Fortunately, I was able to keep the only copy of the original balangkas illustrations and layouts. These original, unmodified balangkas (except for the Sikaran training uniform) developed by Meliton Geronimo, with the assistance of Jaime Geronimo and Emmanuel Querubin, and ap-proved by the Sikaran elders of Baras, are now presented in a book form entitled Original Balangkas of Sikaran. These are the only original balangkas of Sikaran. Even the starting and ending techniques, which were 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 official 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. However, Jimmy Geronimo, Chief Instructor of the World Sikaran Brotherhood teaches the balangkas that are not included in this book as part of Sikaran training. These bal-angkas may yet see publication in the future. Some of the marked differences in the balangkas developed in the 1960’s com-pared to the balangkas devel-oped 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 bal-angkas, which utilize more closed fist “power blocks.” Punching techniques are different. Sikaran punching techniques normally start from the chest and deliv-ered 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 penetrat-ing kicks” using the ball of the feet for siparap (front kick) the shin bone for sipakot (round-house kick), the edge of the feet for sipalid (sidekick), and the back of the heel for biyakid (spinning heel kick), unlike the “slapping” kicks using the instep or the sole of the foot. Moreover, there is a
“Breaking Balangkas” in Sikaran that is not found in any other similar martial art. In the early stages of the Asian Karate Championships, Balangkas (Kata in Japanese, Kuen in Chinese, and 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. More-over, 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 formal exercises) is a logical arrangement of defensive and offensive ma-neuvers 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 peak. The knowledge of bal-angkas 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. Influ-enced by this Japanese trend, balangkas training became an important part, of Sikaran (then
referred to as Philippine Karate by the Asian Karate Association). In the late 1950’s to the 1960’s, Meliton Geronimo intro-duced the practice of Balangkas in Sikaran. He developed 10 Panilangkas (elementary pat-terns), 11 Mau-langkas (progres-sive patterns) and adopted two balangkas na banyaga (foreign patterns) with modifications for Sikaran training. These two for-eign 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 decided will be a great addition to Sikaran training. Further, he gave Balangkas na Banyaga (foreign patterns) Filipino names and adopted some for Sikaran train-ing. The 10 Panilangkas (pan-imulang 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 showcase Sikaran techniques in their origi-nal form, the Panilangkas were later on simplified to the 5 Batay-ang Balangkas (Basic Pattern) and the 5 Balangkas ng Kampana (4 Directional Pattern). The Batay-ang Balangkas and the Balangkas ng Kampana utilize the open-hand blocks and the vertical punch of Sikaran. The five Batay-ang Balangkas and the five Bal-angkas ng Kampana are now the accepted official patterns. How-ever, there are instructors who teach the Panilangkas in various different variations and modifica-tions. Presented in this book are the original, unmodified forms of
the Panilangkas, which were developed to be simple and short. Presently, there are four classifications of Balangkas (patterns) in Sikaran. The first is the Batayang Balangkas (Basic Pattern). The second is the Bal-angkas ng Kampana (Pattern of the Bell or 4-directions pattern). The third is the progressive pattern or Mau-langkas more popularly known as Mga Bal-angkas 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 Bal-angkas na Banyaga (foreign forms, learned through films, books and videos) than the Balangkas ng Sikaran. This is due largely to the fact that the origi-nal Sikaran balangkas developed by Grandmaster Meliton Geroni-mo were not readily available to all Sikaran practitioners. The lack of visual aid, written and illustrat-ed balangkas, except the pictures and illustrations I managed to save, also did not help. Unlike Japanese Karate, there are no videos or visual aid in Sikaran from where practitioners can learn the balangkas. The book Original Balangkas of Sikaran is the first and only illustrated version of the original balangkas as developed by Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo with the assistance of Jaime Geronimo and Emmanuel Querubin and
sanctioned by the Sikaran elders. This lack of visual reference also caused a lot of modifications, variations, and “creation” of their own balangkas, by some practi-tioners and instructors. The batayang balangkas are composed of five basic pat-terns, 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 Kam-pana (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 was first adopted, the only techniques were the five basic kicks, the Siparap (front kick), the Sipakot (roundhouse kick), the Sipalid (sidekick), the Sipang Kabayo (back kick) and the Biyakid (spin-ning heel kick). Incorporated in the balangkas are open hand blocks and other hand tech-niques. A kicking block Sipakan (crescent kick) is also incorporat-ed. There are five Balangkas ng Kampana, which are performed from a right-handed fighter orientation and from a left-hand-ed fighter orientation. The balangkas were designed to develop both the
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“strong side” and “weak side” of the practitioner. They create “muscle memory” and develop the motor nerves to act, react and pro-act 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 sim-pler and shorter. Some tech-niques in Sikaran Balangkas may be applicable for tournaments or contests. However, the balangkas were developed with combative and defensive applications as the primary purpose. There is a balangkas that tests the tech-niques’ strength and develops the Sikaranista’s confidence, by breaking tiles and concrete blocks. This is a unique balangkas that is only found in Sikaran. Another unique feature of Sikaran Balangkas is the variety of kicks. In Karate, only the front kick and occasionally the sidekick are utilized.
The thirteen Maulangkas devel-oped in the 1960’s and were ini-tially 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 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 13. Balangkas ng Biyak na Bato
All the above progressive balangkas utilize the original open-hand blocks of Sikaran. Fore-fist punches in the progres-sive 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 Bag-wis ng Haribon (Haring Ibon or Philippine Eagle) is performed slowly with marked muscle contraction that is based on an original Chinese Kuen (Sam-jien) Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo learned from Chinese Grand-master Chua Tiong Ki, with slight modifications to suit his physi-cal 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. The Japanese version of this Kuen (Kata) known as Sanchin, utilize closed fist instead of open hands. However, the movements in the Balangkas ng Pagaspas ng Labuyo, (based on the Japanese Kata Tensho which he learned from Japanese Grand-
master Koichi Kondo), are combi-nation 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 impor-tant part of every Balangkas technique. Some techniques are performed with silent in-halation and exhalation. Some techniques are performed with silent inhalation and loud gut-tural 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, rhythm, and paslik (focus) also known in its Fili-pino spelling of pokus, are very important components of all Balangkas. There are tech-niques executed fast, there are techniques executed slowly with dynamic tension or mus-cle contraction, and there are techniques that are delivered continuously without hesita-tion. Twisting of the hips and locking the whole body as one unit with every technique, are important to proper focus.
Learn More... about the history of Sikaran from the Official Sikaran Historian - Emmanuel ES Querubin
SIKARAN “The Fighting Art of the Filipino Farmer” By Emmanuel del Espiritu Santo Querubin
The author was appointed by Grandmaster Melton Geronimo as Director for Research and Standards. This is the only fully authorized book about Sikaran autho-rized by Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo. This book neither intends nor claims to reveal any mysticism or secret of Sikaran. This is solely because there are neither secrets nor mysteries involved in Sikaran. Sikaran is composed of purely offensive and defensive maneuvers systematically organized as an effective fighting art and an exciting sport. This is a must for all practitioners whether practitioners of Sikaran or not.
Original Balangkas of Sikaran By Emmanuel Del Espiritu Querubin 9th Degree Red and White Belt
In the 1960’s Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo developed Si-karan Balangkas with the assistance of Jaime Geronimo and Emmanuel Querubin, inspired and encouraged by the Sikaran elders of Baras, Rizal led by Cipriano Geronimo (last Hari of Baras), Melencio Bigasin, Manuel Ocampo (both Hari-turned Guro) Aurelio Cabacob, Angeles Pilapil, and Servillano Javier (all Sikaran Guros). When Melton Geronimo appointed Emmanuel Querubin Execu-tive Assistant for Research and Standards in the 1960’s, it became his duty and responsibility to journalize everything regarding Sikaran, serve as record-keeper, disseminate, and share what has been entrusted to him by Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo. This book, Original Balangkas of Sikaran is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information with regard to the subject matter covered.
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Sikaran Master Visits the Raisin Capital of the World By: Elpidio Seletaria Jr.
At about 6:00 am Saturday, July 27, 2013, I picked up Sikaran Master Jaime “Jimmy” C. Geroni-mo, 9th Degree Red & White Belt, World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines (WSBP) Executive Vice President, Chief Instructor and Chief Examiner, from the house of Meliton Geronimo Jr. in Vallejo, California, where he was staying at that time. We were en route to Fresno, California to visit the BlackRangers Sikaran School, Central California WSBP District Chapter, of Moreno “Jojo” Vilanue-va, 6th Degree Black Belt (#3319) and Romeo Lladone, 5th Degree Black Belt (#3664). On board my usually reliable Toyota Tacoma pick-up truck, we travelled the expanse of freeways I-680, I-580, I-5, CA-152, CA-99 and CA-180. After about three hours and fifty minutes’ drive, passing through farmland, shrubberies, vineyard and vegeta-tion, we reached Fresno. Fresno, located at the cen-ter of San Joaquin Valley in Cen-tral California, midway between Los Angeles to the south and San Francisco to the north, is the fifth largest city in California and the 34th largest in the nation. It is the county seat of Fresno County with a population of 509,039 as of 2012. Fresno is Spanish for ash tree, and an ash leaf is featured on the city’s flag. It was named for the abundant ash trees lining the San Joaquin River. Fresno is also known as the Raisin Capital of the World, along with Selma, California, where they produce sun-dried raisins. When I pulled into the
From Left: Mantas Moreno Villanueva, 6DBB, Master Jimmy C. Geronimo, 9DRWB, Mantas Elpidio Seletaria Jr., 8DBB, and Mantas
Romeo Lladone, 5DBB
Master Jimmy Geronimo, with Mantas Elpidio Seletaria Jr. Mantas Jojo Villan-ueva and Mantas Romy Lladone, with a group of Sikaran students
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driveway, I saw all the Sikaran students of Mantas Villanueva and Mantas Lladone were already lined-up inside the Bulwagan Sanayan (Training Hall) to meet us. I introduced Master Jimmy to the students and their parents. After changing into Si-karan uniform, Master Jimmy and I went back to the Bulwagan. Master Jimmy commenced with a lecture on the basics of Sikaran, followed by a demonstration on the fundamentals of stances, stepping, blockings, attacking and kicking. Alternately, I also lec-tured on some Sikaran terminolo-gies and command as approved by the Philippine Institute of Na-tional Language, and the proper execution of some essential blocking and kicking techniques. Master Jimmy and I demonstrat-ed the application and purpose of the different moves in the Ikala-wang Balangkas ng Sikaran. Mas-ter Jimmy concluded our lecture by performing the Balangkas ng Aguila. All the Sikaran students participated in some exhibition, performing Balangkas and differ-ent kicking techniques, particu-
Master Jimmy Geronimo performing the
“Balangkas ng Aguila”
Membership Certificate to Josiah Ruelas Eric Garrovillo
Earl Garrovillo
Justin Tabalno
Mark TabalnoAdrian Villarica performing an exhibition in handling a “Kris,”
a Filipino Moroland weapon
Master Jimmy Geronimo and Mantas Elpidio Seletaria Jr. with spouses Mantas Jojo and Marion Villanueva, with children Michelle and Maureen, and spouses Mantas Romy and Guada Lladone, with children Ruby Grace, and twin Reiner Grant and Reanne Gillian, all with the Sikaran family
Master Jimmy Geronimo, Mantas Elpidio Seletaria Jr., Mantas Jojo Villanueva and Mantas Romy Lladone, with parents Jing and Lynn Villarica, and Ericson and
Claire Garrovillo
larly Biakid, the Sikaran’s signature kick. A promotion to the next higher level of deserving students highlighted the event, where the belting and awarding of certificates were administered by Master Jimmy. Plaques of Appreciation were presented to Mas-ter Jimmy and me by Mantas Villanueva and Mantas Lladone. As a token of appreciation for their dedication to take their children, just to learn Sikaran, from their place in Bakersfield to Fresno, braving the 115-mile driving distance, which they have been doing without fail for over two years now, Plaques of Appreciation were also presented to parents Jing Villarica and Ericson Garrovillo. In behalf of the World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philip-pines, Master Jimmy Geronimo expressed his sincerest grati-tude to the BlackRangers Sikaran students, namely: Adrian Villarica, Angelo Villarica, Eric Garrovillo, Earl Garrovillo, Derick “Butch” Alfonso, Michelle Villanueva, Maureen Villanueva, Ruby Grace Lladone, Reiner Grant Lladone, Reanne Gillian Lladone, Lander Tabalno, Mark Tabalno, Justin Tabalno and Josiah Ruelas, and to parents Lynn Villarica, Jing Villarica, Claire Garrovillo, Er-icson Garrovillo, Norma Garrovillo, Ernesto Garrovillo, Mary Ann Alfonso, and Carlos Ruelas, and of course to our hosts, spouses Mantas Romeo and Guada Lladone, and spouses Mantas More-no and Marion Villanueva, for their warm welcome to us.
Master Jimmy awarding the promotions
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Master Jimmy Geronimo, Mantas Elpidio Seletaria Jr, Mantas Jojo Villanueva and Maantas Romy Lladone, with students of BlackRanger Sikaran, Fresno, California
From The Desk of the Editor-At-Large Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. 9th Degree Red and White Belt WSBP International Vice-President
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
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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Sikaran Golden Jubilee
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 involved 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 unconfirmed 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 November 6, 2066, when Sikaran celebrates its centennial or diamond anniversary.
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Sikaran Instructional Video Volume 1
Written, Produced and Directed by: Elpidio Seletaria jr. 7th Degree Black Belt (#1487) Hercules, California, USA www.Sikaranarnis.com
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Arnis Books By Louelle Lledo, Jr., 9th Degree Red and White Belt #326To Order Contact: [email protected]
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Louelle Lledo, Jr. - [email protected] Andy Sanano, Jr. - [email protected]
Arnis de Mano Teacher’s Training Handbook Series By Two Sikaran Mantas
Louelle Lledo, Jr. (Reg. 326) And Andy Sanano, Jr. (Reg. 844)
Important Announcement
These Four Manuals Have Been Consolidated into One Book
SIKARANBuilds 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 “Always be gracious in defeat and humble in victory”
