Arnisadors vow to win more titles

THE Kapatiran Doble Olisi Escrima (KDOE) stick masters on Tuesday vowed to win more titles and develop next generation of champions.

The four-member KDOE of Davao City cornered three gold medals, one silver and two bronzes in the 12th World Escrima Kali Championship held at the Cebu International Convention Center in Mandaue City recently.

KDOE president Mario Palazuelo, who guested with Rudy Tacogue and Johniel Morcillo at the Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at Tower Inn yesterday, was elated to have captured the senior men's above-50 double stick gold despite his age.

Palazuelo, who also heads Arnis Philippines Davao, praised Tacogue for being the only player who won two golds (69 kgs. men's single and double stick categories) in the bi-ennial world arnis meet.

“Nakulbaan gyud ko tong wala pa ko nagdula kay international man gud unya wala ko kabalo sa dula sa kalaban (I was nervous at the start since it was an international meet and I didn't know what to expect from my opponents),” Tacogue said.

Tacogue, a native of Santa Maria, Davao del Sur, kept his composure and lived up to his billing.

Tacugue, who also practices mixed martial arts (MMA), will embark on another stage as he targets a title in the Universal Reality Combat Championship (URCC) this year.

Johniel Morcillo, for his part, felt good with his double stick silver and single stick bronze performances in men's 58 kilograms.

Palazuelo said younger generations of arnis champions are being developed as the arnis program of the Davao City National High School continues.

"Tournaments are very important to expose our players in competitions. We are preparing this early for the Batang Pinoy Games. School-based players are also training for city and regional meets," Palazuelo added.

Arnis, among other sports, was scrapped from the roster of this year's Kadayawan Sportsfest due to funding constraints.