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Thursday, August 11, 2005
Wekaf turns 11 today
Sixteen years ago, grandmaster Dionisio Cañete only wanted to erase the stigma of eskrima as a weapon for death matches when he founded the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation.
Now, Wekaf at 16, has tripled membership in 35 countries from the original 11 member nations.
“My plan then was only to unite different eskrima organizations and erase the notion of having eskrima as a great weapon for death matches,” said Cañete.
Rules
Cañete formulated the rules and guidelines, which are now used in eskrima tournaments, and designed the sport’s safety gear.
“The creation of the rules and safety gear banished the death matches. It also created a very competitive and unique sport, physical fitness activity and most importantly, a cultural heritage we Filipinos can be truly proud of,” said globetrotting master Percival Pableo.
On Aug. 11, 1989, Wekaf was formed with only 11 countries, led by host Philippines, US, UK and Australia.
New members
It’s newest members include Asian countries Hong Kong, South Korea and Japan, countries which have their own forms of martial arts.
“Wekaf is the Olympics of eskrima,” said Pableo, referring to the World Championship, which gathers 35 countries around the world to compete in sayaw or traditional and non-traditional competitions, single and double-stick sparring.
Regularly held during the World Championship week is the world congress for grandmasters and masters, in an effort to further promote eskrima. (ML)
(August 11, 2005 issue)
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