CEBU CITY— Hundreds of arnisadors gathered in one place as the city government of Dapitan successfully hosted the four-day Rizal’s Legacy National Arnis Challenge.
Stick-fighters from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao took part in the event, which was held from June 19-22 at the Dapitan City Cultural and Sports Center.
Stick-fighters from Italy also flew in to join the competition.
Italian arnis practitioner Andrea Rollo even sparred with Dapitan Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos, an arnis Grandmaster.
The event was part of the celebration of the 163rd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, who taught arnis in Dapitan where he was exiled for years.
“This is where Jose Rizal taught arnis and this is something that we would like to promote as part of our sports tourism as well,” said Jalosjos.
Jalosjos said he joined the sparring event as his way to encourage the public, especially the youth, to learn the sport of arnis.
“In our events, I also join because I want to also show and encourage everyone that if the mayor can do it, I guess anyone is open to try and participate in all kinds of sports that we promote,” said Jalosjos.
Rollo agreed that arnis is something that the Filipino youth should learn.
“Arnis is an amazing martial art. It’s a complete martial art that you can use for self-defense and is also good for your own health,” Rollo said.
Arnis is recognized as a national sport in the Philippines via Republic Act 9850 signed by President Gloria Arroyo on December 11, 2009. It is mandated to be taught in physical education classes in schools in the Philippines.
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