Volume 5 January - February 2016 Number 1 BIYAKID SIKARAN'S SIGNATURE KICK

Transcription

1 Volume 5 January - February 2016 Number 1 BIYAKID SIKARAN'S SIGNATURE KICK

2 SIKARAN TALIBA IS PUBLISHED BY THE SIKARAN PILIPINAS PUBLICATIONS. IT IS THE ONLY INTERNET NEWSPAPER 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 OF SIKARAN TALIBA OR THE EDITORS. THE SIKARAN TALIBA IS NOT A FORUM FOR GRIEVANCE. THE MANAGEMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT CONTRIBUTED MATERIALS FOR DEROGATORY 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 SIKARAN PILIPINAS PUBLICATIONS NOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SIKARAN TALIBA ASSUMES ANY RESPONSIBILITY IN THE MISUSE OR ABUSE OF ALL TECHNIQUES IN THIS NEWSPAPER. EDITORIAL OFFICE P.O. BOX 6332 ALAMEDA, CA sikarantaliba@gmail.com Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo Honorary Editor Emeritus Mantas-Marangal Emmanuel es Querubin Editor in Chief Mantas-Dalubhasa Elpidio Seletaria, Jr. Managing Editor Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. Editor-at-Large ERP Art Editor Contributors: Janeth Geronimo Giner Arendain Burabod SIKARAN PILIPINAS PUBLICATIONS Republic of the Philippines Certificate of Copyright No. A Department of Trade and Industry Certificate of Registration United States, Library of Congress Copyright Registration No. TXu

3 On November 6, 1966, Meliton C. Geronimo was promoted Grandmaster of Sikaran with the rank 0f 10th Degree Red Belt MELITON GERONIMO GRANDMASTER OF SIKARAN 10 TH DEGREE RED BELT On 06 November 1966, the Asian Karate Association headed by its President Grandmaster Kwai Byeung Yun of the Korean Soo Bak Doo, with the concurrence of All Japan Karate Federation Grandmaster Koichi Kondo and Korean Tang Soo Doo Grandmaster Hwang Kee, officially recognized SIKARAN as a distinct Filipino Fighting Art. Meliton Geronimo was acknowledged as the Grandmaster of SIKARAN and was awarded the 10 th Degree Red Belt. KOICHI KONDO KWAI BYEUNG YUN HWANG KEE GRANDMASTER GRANDMASTER GRANDMASTER All Japan Karate Federation Korean Soo Bak Doo Korean Tang Soo Doo

4 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 Grandmaster with the rank of 10th Degree Red Belt. It is no coincidence that November 6, 1966 has a close harmonic connection to the element of fire. November 6, 1966 is a Sunday, a holyday. In the Gregorian calendar, it is the 310th day of the year. There are 55 days remaining until the end of this year. November 6, 1966 falls under the zodiac sign of Scorpio. The modern birthstone for this month is Topaz. The mythical animal representative of this date is the Horse. Interestingly, the first two kicks of Sikaran were influenced by the horse. The front leg kick is called padamba in Sikaran and the rear leg kick is called sipang kabayo. In the very old art of astrology, fire is the element on this date. It is no surprise that when Meliton C. Geronimo was born on March 10, 1927, the sphere of influence of his birth is the element of fire. Sikaran is like the element of fire. It is associated with energy, assertiveness, and passion. Sikaran, like fire does not know fear or doubt. There are no mean tricks in Sikaran, and like fire it consumes everything on its path. Sikaran is an important part of Filipino culture and vital to the development of Philippine civilization Spiritual Fire. Fire stands for emotions free from restraint, such as love and happiness, but also hatred and anger. Fire stands for fair fight. Fire does not need mean tricks or dirty techniques. Fire is the element burning in your consciousness, moving you to fight for the things you believe in, in a manner that is fair and square. Fire represents a vision, a quality, a conviction, not only as a commitment but also a realization. If the Fire has caught something, it fights for it until it has consumed it or has burned it down, destroyed it. It can be extinguished or it can extinguish by itself. Fire doesn t know fear or doubt. It doesn t know mercy or shame either. If it wants something, it will get over everything on its path to get it. Fire also stands for inspiration, compassion, love, longing and lust. In 1966, the original plan was to invite the Grandmasters who were invovled 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 uncomfirmed reports that he too passed away.

5 Only Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo is still alive, albeit at 89 years old, he is suffering from the ill effects of several bouts with stroke. The only other master who is still alive and was part of the early age of Sikaran is Kim Soo Jin, now 10th Degree Red Belt of Ji Do Kwan (now a part of Korean Tae Kwon Do). From the early beginnings of Sikaran in the Philippines, it has now spread its wings in the four corners of the world. Important events took place on November 6, Of course everybody in the Sikaran world are aware that it was on this date that the Asian Karate Association recognized Sikaran as a distinct Filipino art of fighting and declared Meliton C. Geronimo, Grandmaster of Sikaran with the rank of 10th Degree Red Belt. However, the recognition of Sikaran is not the only noteworthy occurrence of that day. Several events took place in November Some were good some were not so good. Some changed the course of history, some changed people's life. In China Chairman Mao Tse Tung launched China's Cultural Revolution and begun the purging of the intellectuals who were against Mao's administration. An earthquake in Turkey left 2,394 dead and thousands injured. In India, Indira Gandhi was elected Prime Minister. In the field of science, Soviet Union lands Luna 9 on the moon early in the year. A few months later the United States followed with a soft moon landing of Surveyor I. In the field of fashion, Miniskirts are in. In the field of health, cigarette packets in the United States must carry the health warning "Caution! Cigarette smoking may be hazardous to your health." In the early part of 1966, Ronald Reagan enters politics becoming governor of California. Bill Russell, became the first black coach in NBA history (Boston Celtics). Among the Sikaran members who were there on that memorable day, one who is still very active to this date is Emmanuel es Querubin. Emmanuel Querubin is now 9th Degree Red and White Belt and holds the appointive position of Executive and Technical Assistant to Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. President of the World Sikaran Brotherhood. In 2012, Emmanuel Querubin, with Elpidio Seletaria, Jr., and Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., published the Sikaran Taliba, an internet magazine of the World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines.

6 On March 7, 2015, Grandmaster Meliton C. Geronimo promoted Meliton S, Geronimo, Jr. to Sikaran Master with the rank of 9th Degree Red and White Belt and appointed him President of the World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines.

7 SIKARAN ANNUAL GATHERING AND WORKSHOP - NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS Villa Ruth, Mambog, Barangay San Jose, Baras, Rizal PANTAS MELITON S. GERONIMO, JR., 9 na Antas, Sagisag na Pula at Puti PRESIDENT Mantas-Marangal Emmanuel Querubin, 9 na Antas, Sagisag na Pula at Puti Executive and Technical Assistant to the President Mantas-Marangal Andy Sanano, Jr., 9 na antas, Sagisag na Pula at Puti Administrative and Technical Assistant to the President United States Country Regional Director Florida State Director Mantas-Marangal Louelle Lledo, Jr., 9 na Antas Sagisag na Pula at Puti Administrative and Technical Assistant to the President New Jersey State Director

8 Mantas-Dlubhasa Elpidio Seletaria, Jr. 8 na Antas, Sagisag na Itim International and Legal Assistant to the President Welcome to the Annual Gathering and Workshop of the WORLD SIKARAN BROTHERHOOD OF THE PHILIPPINES REGIONAL CHAPTERS. The topic of this workshop is to inform the uninitiated to Sikaran what makes Sikaran 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. However, we can cite the differences as they are written in many reference books. The Indian Martial Art of Kalarippayatu is said to be the precursor of the Chinese fighting arts, (collectively known as Wushu or Kung Fu), 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, Ikinawa, Japan, and Korea, and even Thailand, and other Asian countries. 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 14th 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. A GLIMPSE OF THE EARLY DAYS OF SIKARAN The confiscation and outlawing of weapons during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines created a fertile environment for the development and propagation of an ancient system of physical activity using the empty hands and the bare feet in offensive and defensive maneuvers. This physical activity was eventually called SIKARAN. The Spanish authorities viewed the system as a pastime and recreational activity, rather than an unarmed system of fighting that could very well be lethal. The Spaniards, being armed with muskets and swords, did not consider it a threat.

9 There is no written history or record of SIKARAN. What is known about SIKARAN was passed on by word of mouth from generation to generation. In fact, it is unequivocally believed that this is the first authoritative and only complete written account about SIKARAN. This written account is based, not on history books or official archives. It is the unimpeachable recollection of the people who were part of SIKARAN from its inception. The book SIKARAN, THE FIGHTING ART OF THE FILIPINO FARMER, is a verbatim chronicle of an interview in 1960, with the last Hari (champion) of SIKARAN, Cipriano Geronimo, (father of Meliton and Jaime Geronimo). Cipriano Geronimo s, knowledge of the history of SIKARAN was how he remembered it as told by his father Bonifacio Geronimo, a Hari ng mga Hari (Champion of champions) and Bonifacio s mentor, a man who was simply remembered as Ka Rumagit (Ka is a Filipino term of respect for an elder). Ka Rumagit and Bonifacio Geronimo s SIKARAN bond lasted all through their lives. Ka Rumagit was also Bonifacio Geronimo s alalay (second) and tagasanay (coach), during the latter s competitive years, as a SIKARAN fighter. Melencio Bigasin and Manuel Ocampo, two elder contemporaries of Cipriano Geronimo who were Haris (champions) turned guros (teachers), helped in clarification and confirmation of information and events that time had shrouded with confusion, even doubts. Ka Rumagit was a kaingero (clearing the forest by fire) farmer in the mountains bordering the towns of Baras and Tanay, in Rizal province. He was soft spoken, to the point of being an introvert. He did not say where he was from or who his parents were. Nobody even knew what his real name was. However, he volunteered the fact that he learned the fighting systems out of sheer necessity. It was suspected that he is the son of an Ita (mountain people called Negrito) due to his physiognomy. Standing no more than five-feet tall, Ka Rumagit was built like a rock, massive and hard. His size camouflaged his agility. He favored a maneuver called the daluhong ng unggoy (monkey attack), where he jumps on his opponent s hips preventing the opponent from drawing his itak at the same time gouging off the eyes. He is also partial to Sibasib ng Tamaraw (headbutt to the nose). Ka Rumagit claims that he learned these tactics from his Ita (mountain tribe in the Philippines, called Negrito) friends. Another technique he favors is attacking the knee to break it in order to bring the opponent down to his size. He called the technique pangbali ng tuhod (breaking the knee). If he does not want to seriously injure his opponent, he just grabs the testicles and squeezes it hard. He said that the pain is intensified by the fact that most mountain people have salt deficiency and develops what he calls bayag ng kabayo (horse testicles) where the testicles are swollen and very sensitive to the touch. Ka Rumagit said he spent a good deal of his young life in the mountainsides, where Tulisan (bandits or outlaws), roam freely and prey on innocent farmers. The fighting system popular at the time was Arnis de Mano. However, even as a child Ka Rumagit s favorite physical activity was the kicking game. The kicking game was a favorite pastime of farmers. However, Ka Rumagit regarded this activity in a more serious manner. By combining kicking

10 with Arnis de Mano in combat situations, the opponent may be easily caught off guard. Ka Rumagit was an expert on both systems. He used his fighting skill to successfully defend his life. The kicking game originated from animal behavior. By imitating the horse, they developed the damba (horse kick with the front legs) and the sipang kabayo (horse kick with the rear legs). By emulating the carabao (water buffalo), the padyak ng kalabaw was developed. A carabao, by nature is a very docile animal. However, it has the habit of stomping the rear foot and swaying its tail when annoyed with the birds that feed on the insects on the carabao. It also uses its horns when fighting with other carabaos. For other techniques, Sikaranistas also mimicked the agila (eagle), the labuyo (wild fowl), and the bulik or panabong (fighting cock). In order to gain speed and height, they jump up to kick from a running start, just as an eagle swoops down on its prey and called the kick dagit ng agila or dinagit. Imitating the pagaspas (flapping) of the wings of the labuyo (wild fowl) to repulse and get away from threats, allowed them to refine the movement for open hand blocking and slapping techniques. These hand techniques were incorporated with the kicking techniques, making the system a more exciting game and a more effective fighting system. The direct frontal attack of the panabong (fighting cock) inspired techniques they called salpok ng bulik (frontal assault of a type of fighting cock). SIKARAN (then referred to as kicking game) was widely practiced by the farmers and it became a favorite past time. The term SIKARAN was derived from the challenge magpanikaran tayo (let's play the kicking game ) when they want to enjoy that physical activity. Nagsikaran kami (we played the kicking game ) became a favorite verbalization of the activity by people after they played the game. Parents scolded their sons for playing the kicking game with the term nagsikaran ka na naman maghapon (you played the kicking game again all day long). With the constant repetition of the term, the activity or the game became known formally as SIKARAN. For centuries, SIKARAN was an informal unorganized game. In the 1800 s, rules governing official matches were established. Offensive techniques, other than foot kicking maneuvers were drastically restricted. Use of hand techniques was limited to blocking, pushing, and pulling. SIKARAN became a methodized foot-fighting system. The term Hari (king) was adopted as the title for the champion. This resulted in a wider acceptance and more accelerated propagation of SIKARAN. Every SIKARANista coveted the title Hari and the glory associated with the title. Unlike Arnis de Mano, SIKARAN was not used in an organized manner of fighting the foreign aggressors. Arnis de Mano was developed by warriors, for warfare. On the other hand, SIKARAN was developed by farmers more for amusement. It was used for personal defense only in extreme circumstances. The first choice of defense of the farmer, then and now, is his

11 utilitarian tool used for farming and harvesting, the itak (straight-edged machete-like long knife), the karit (sickle), the dulos (reaper), and the palakol (axe). 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 developed 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. There were originally three SIKARAN kicks. Each kick had a particular target and a particular classification. The first kick was the padyak ng kalabaw (carabao stomp to the knee to break it). The kick was classified as pangbalda (disabling) also known as pangbali (breaking). 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 classified 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 panghilo were used interchangeably when the sipang kabayo was used. The third kick was called 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 creates more energy and with the element of linlang (deception) by turning the back to the opponent, greater effectiveness of the kick was achieved. They called the spinning heel kick Biyakid, the gerund (verbal noun) for Biyakin (to split). Biyakid became the favorite kick of most SIKARAN fighters because it was a very effective technique at any fighting range. The favorite target was the head (temple and back of the head) comparing it to a coconut. The temple is a fused joint in the skull and theoretically, applying sufficient force against it may cause it to crack (like a coconut). The back of the head houses the cerebellum 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 intensity and force of the kick, it was possible to produce any of the desired effect of pangbalda / pangbali (disabling / breaking), panglumpo / panghilo (paralyzing / stunning), or pamatay (killing).

12 SIKARAN fighters always maintain that: If a person is baldado (disabled), he cannot fight and is therefore as good as dead ; if a person is lumpo (paralyzed), he is as good as dead. If a person is patay (dead), he remains dead. BIYAKID, SIKARAN S SIGNATURE KICK Manuel Ocampo makes the initial move. Manuel Ocampo delivering a biyakid to the spine of Melencio Bigasin.

13 Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo delivering a biyakid to the back of the head of his student Emmanuel Querubin. However, this does not mean that a particular kick was limited to a specific outcome or a blow to an explicit target will have a definite result. Any of the kicks may disable, or may paralyze or may even kill the opponent. The intention in the application and not the technique, determined 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 talampakan or sole of the foot were used. Likewise different kicks which were less deceptive but equally effective, were developed and became part of SIKARAN. Supremo Meliton Geronimo, explained the proper delivery of biyakid based on the principles of physics. This is the favorite kick of most SIKARAN hari s of old because it is very effective at any fighting range. This kick was developed by spinning the body with the temple, the spine, and the back of the head, as the favorite targets.

14 There are 3 motions that determine the effectiveness of a biyakid. First is the spin of the body that creates the centrifugal force. Second is the turn of the hips that creates the rotational thrusting force and third is the snap back from the knee that propels the heel to the target and creates the motion that offers a quick and vigorous recovery of the kicking leg. Any deviation from this process will compromise the one-strike-one-kill property of the biyakid BIYAKID - SPINNING KICK First Motion - Spin of the body that creates the centrifugal force (red arrow) Second Motion - Turn of the hips that create the rotational thrust of the hips (blue arrow) Third Motion - snap back from the knee that propels the heel to the target and creates the motion that offers a quick and vigorous recovery of the kicking leg (blue-green arrow) Impact point - Heel (maroon circle) All the techniques of Sikaran, were explained by Supremo Meliton Geronimo, based on the laws of physics and motion. He did not change, add, or subtract from the original Sikaran that he learned from his father, his other teachers, and Sikaran elders. What he did is explain the principles that made every single technique easier to understand, hence making the maneuver easier to execute and more effective. Likewise, by developing drills and forms, he elevated Sikaran not only as a physical art, but also as a martial sport, through a process of natural growth, differentiation, or evolution by successive improvements. Sikaran has evolved, from a past time activity of farmers, to an international modern sport. As Grandmaster, this perhaps is one of the great contributions of Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo, to Sikaran, propagating the art from the 16th Century to the 21st Century. A modification of the biyakid (spinning heel kick) is the sipawit, which uses the back of the heel in a hooking motion without the 180 degrees spin.

15 From the sipang kabayo (back thrust heel kick), the sipawid (diagonal thrust heel kick), and later on the sipalid (side kick) were developed The pilatik (front snap kick) came about from the paltik (snap) of a whip. The jumping kicks were a development from the damba (horse kick with the front legs). The Sipa ng Lulod (shin kick), used to attack the knee is now called Sipakot (roundhouse kick). From the Sipakot ng lulod (roundhouse shin kick), the roundhouse kick using the ball of the foot and the roundhouse kick using the instep came about. 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. Borrowing kinetics from sipang Baliswa (reverse crescent kick) and mixing it with Padyak ng kalabaw (carabao stomp), the Sipang alanganin (oblique front thrust kick) was developed. Some call this kick theax (palakol) kick. Of the original kicks of SIKARAN, biyakid, and sipang kabayo are the original terms still being widely used to describe the kicks. The term flying kick is now the accepted term for dagit ng agila. With the acceptance of Taglish (Tagalog-English), some of the kicks are called by their English names. First generation students of Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo (Grandmaster 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. In present day SIKARAN contests and competitions, as in the olden days, the use of hand techniques is limited to blocks and parries. This led to the mistaken notion that SIKARAN only uses the feet, which started the term foot-fighting art of the Philippines. This erroneous idea was brought about by the emphasis on foot techniques by the Sikaranistas of old. Hand techniques, however, are used extensively and are integral parts of SIKARAN in self-defense applications, where there are no rules except to survive and win the fight. Aside from the use of the hands for thrusting and striking, the hands are also used for takedowns and throwing. It is not very common to use the hands as an initial attack in SIKARAN. A SIKARAN fighter normally attacks with the legs. Hand techniques are used mostly as a follow-up to leg techniques or as a continuation technique of a block or as a counter-attack. 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).

16 The main closed-fist weapons are the Kamao (fore-fist), the Kamaypok (bottom-fist), and the Kamaykod (back-fist). The preferred SIKARAN closed fist technique is the suntamay (vertical punch), where the thumb side of the fist is facing up or turned just a few degrees inwards, 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 possible to deliver a powerful punch with less chance of injury to the hand or the wrist. Power is generated by the snap of the elbow, the twist of the hips, the forward momentum of the body and the follow through in one imperceptible motion. Present day exponents of SIKARAN have adopted the suntribuson ( corkscrew punch where the fist is pulled to the side of the body and delivered turning the fist 180 degrees inwards). 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 knees and the ankles. They are applied to disarm, to control or to break the joints. Joint reversal techniques, although a very important part of SIKARAN as an art of self-defense, were allowed in competitions and contests of SIKARAN of old, only if they were a legitimate part of leg techniques. In present day SIKARAN competition, joint reversal techniques are not allowed. Throws and takedowns are an important part of SIKARAN as an art of self-defense. They were allowed in contests in SIKARAN of old, but only if they were a legitimate part of leg techniques. In present day SIKARAN competition, throws and takedowns are not allowed. There are three main throwing techniques in SIKARAN. They are the Hagis Pasang Araro (over the shoulder throw), the Hampas sa Lupa (body slam) and the Hagis Pasang Bigas (hip throw). Likewise, there are several takedown techniques in SIKARAN. The most common are the Pawalis (leg sweeping), the Pagapas (leg reaping), the Patid (leg tripping), the Sipa sa Alakalakan (kick against the back of the knee), the hilang pababa (pull down) and the tulak pababa (push down). There are several SIKARAN techniques no longer allowed in contests and competitions and are therefore becoming obsolescent. The two most popular techniques of SIKARAN rarely seen today and unknown to most new practitioners are the suwag ng tamaraw also known as sibasib ng tamaraw (head butt) and the daluhong ng unggoy (monkey attack). Ka Rumagit explained that these two techniques were actually contributions to SIKARAN by the indigenous mountain people of Luzon who were shorter in physical stature than regular Filipinos.

17 One variation of the sibasib ng tamaraw is by jumping forward and with the forehead strike the opponent s nose. This technique effectively disrupts the breathing. Another variation is by hitting the underside of the chin with the top of the head. When grabbed from behind, the back of the head is also utilized. Tamaraw is a type of wild buffalo that can only be found in the Philippines. It is smaller and leaner than the carabao (water buffalo), its domesticated relative. A Tamaraw is very ferocious by nature. Unfortunately, it is also almost extinct and now can only be found in the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. The daluhong ng unggoy is delivered by jumping and kicking the opponent s hips with both legs at the same time poking the opponent s eyes with the thumbs as you grab the sides of the head with your fingers. Another variation of this maneuver is the dukit ng mata (gouging off the eye). As the kick immobilizes the opponent, one arm securely holds the opponent in a headlock while a forceful penetrating thrust of the forefinger of the other hand is applied in the corner of the eye socket to gouge it out. Unggoy is a small wild monkey that is known to attack people viciously without cause or warning. It cannot be tamed like the tsonggo its domesticated cousin, which some people keep as a pet. The basis for the SIKARAN blocks is the pagaspas ng labuyo (flapping of the wings of a wild fowl). All downward motion blocks were called salag buhat araw (blocks from the sun) and all upward motion blocks were referred to as salag pamayong (umbrella blocks). In preparation for the 2016 Sikaran Seminar and Gathering, the President of the World Sikaran Brotherhood, Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., accompanied by the Presidential Assistant for Administration, planning and programs, Ms. Janeth Geronimo, took a short but needed trip to the Philippines in November 2015, in time also for the Invitational Sikaran Tournament in Gumaca, Quezon. Right after the tournament, a meeting was held attended by officers who formed the Interim Tournament Committee who will draft the agenda of the coming 2016 Sikaran Seminar and Gathering.

18 WORLD SIKARAN BROTHERHOOD In 1958, when the World Sikaran Brotherhood was formed, it was composed of three divisions, based on the geographical categories of the country. Looking at the map of the Philippines, the upper and biggest land mass is Luzon. Below Luzon are different island groups of the Visayas region. At the bottom of the map is the Mindanao and the various islands which were originally part of the Philippines, but which are now being claimed by the surrounding countries such as China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. In 1967, the Philippines in cooperation with the other Southeast Asian Nations formed an economic and political group named ASEAN. In line with this political grouping and to have a more decentralized form of government, the Philippines was divided into 17 political regions, namely: NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION (NCR) Caloocan City Pas Pinas City Makati City Malabon City Mandaluyong City Manila City Marikina City Muntinlupa City Navotas City Paranaque City Pasay City Pasig City Pateros City Quezon City San Juan City Taguig City Valenzuela City CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (CAR) Abra Apayao Benguet Ifugao Kalinga Mt. Province ILOCOS REGION (REGION 1) Ilocos Norte Ilocos Sur La Union

19 Pangasinan CAGAYAN VALLEY (REGION 2) Batanes Cagayan Isabela Nueva Vizcaya Quirino CENTRAL LUZON (REGION 3) Aurora Bataan Bulacan Nueva Ecija Pampanga Tarlac Zambales CALABARZON (REGION 4-A) Batangas Cavite Laguna Quezon Rizal MIMAROPA (REGION 4-B) Marinduque Occidental Mindoro Oriental Mindoro Palawan Romblon BICOL REGION (REGION 5) Albay Camarines Norte Camarines Sur Cantanduanes Masbate Sorsogon WESTERN VISAYAS REGION (REGION 6) Aklan Antique Capiz Guimaras Iloilo Negros Occidental Iloilo City

20 CENTRAL VISAYAS (REGION 7) Bohol Cebu Negros Oriental Siquijor Cebu City EASTERN VISAYAS REGION 8) Biliran Eastern Samar Leyte Northern Samar Samar Southern Leyte Tacloban City ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA (REGION 9) City of Isabela Zamboanga City Pagadian City Zamboanga del Norte Zamboanga del Sur Zamboanga Sibugay NORTHERN MINDANAO (REGION 10) Bukidnon Camiguin Lanao del Norte Misamis Occidental Misamis Oriental Cagayan de Oro City DAVAO REGION (REGION 11) Compostela Valley Davao Davao del Sur Davao Oriental Davao City SOCCKSARGEN (REGION 12) Cotabato Saranggani South Cotabato Sultan Kudarat Koronadal City CARAGA REGION (REGION 13 Agusan del Norte Agusan del Sur Dinagat Surigao del Norte

21 Surigao del Sur Butuan City AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO (ARMM) (REGION 14) Basilan Lanao del Sur Maguindanao Sulu Tawi-tawi Cotabao City With the change of the political leadership, also came a change in the leadership and requirements in the administration of sports and sports associations. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) required the World Sikaran Brotherhood to align itself in the approved regional and political divisions. Regional Directors and officials were elected, and appointed. These regional divisions resulted in more competitions and rivalry between the clubs and regions. Where there was before limited activities, there are now energetic actions involving mental function, and educational procedure designed to stimulate learning by firsthand experience. In 2015 alone, several contests and tournaments involving most of the regional chapters were held keeping the officers and members of the World Sikaran Brotherhood busy all year long. Just before the end of 2015, an open tournament was held in Gumaca, Quezon, under the auspices of the Gumaca Sikaran chapter.

22 Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. President of the World Sikaran Brotherhood attends to some paperwork.

23 some of the participants

24 the action was fast and intense

25 some of the winners.

26

27 BALANGKAS NG KAMPANA PATTERN OF THE BELL OR 4-DIRECTIONS PATTERN The Balangkas ng Kampana (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 to herald his birth. He also has the ability to hit multiple opponents when surrounded. When Balangkas ng Kampana were first adopted the only techniques were the five basic kicks, the PILATIK (front kick), the SIPAKOT (roundhouse kick), the PADYAK PATAGILID (side thrust kick), the PADYAK PATALIKOD or SIPANG KABAYO (back thrust kick) and the BIYAKID (spinning heel kick). Incorporated in each balangkas are open hand blocks and other hand techniques. A kicking block SIPAKAN (crescent kick), is also incorporated. There are 5 Balangkas ng Kampana, which are performed in both right-handed and left handed- fighter orientation. For variation, some enterprising instructors incorporated various hand and leg techniques in different sequences but still called it Balangkas ng Kampana

28 SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM 4-DIRECTION OR BELL PATTERN 1-5 BALANGKAS NG KAMPANA 1-5 B A C D LEFT ORIENTATION A B D C RIGHT ORIENTATION

29 Ika - 4 KAMPANA SIPAKAN - SIPANG KABAYO (4th PATTERN OF THE BELL CRESCENT - BACK KICK) Starting Position

30

31 Ending Position

32 IKA-4 KAMPANA STEPPING / TURNING INSTRUCTIONS: 2nd SET Steps going towards B then turn going towards C step 16 1st SET From starting position steps going towards A then turn going towards B step 11 B A START C 3rd SET Steps going towards C then turn going towards D step 21 D 4th SET Steps going towards D then turn going towards A to ending position steps LEFT ORIENTATION

33 5th SET From starting position steps going towards A then turn towards B step 33 A B 6th SET Steps going towards B then turn going towards C step 38 END 7th SET Steps going towards C then turn going towards D step 43 8th SET Steps going towards D then turn going towards A to ending position step 48 D C RIGHT ORIENTATION Ika-4 KAMPANA

34 1. Take your position in the middle of the arena and assume parallel toes stance bringing open hands to the sides. 2. Slide left foot towards the right foot and assume open toes stance bringing right fist on left palm. 3. Tip head about 10 degrees forward. 4. Bring head up keeping right fist on left palm. 5. Slide left foot to the left and assume parallel toes stance bringing open hands to the sides. 6. Move left foot forward to assume a left fighting stance facing A at the same time executing a left open hand upper outward block exhaling thru the mouth. 7. Execute a left crescent kick block. 8. Bring left foot down next to the right foot with toes pointing backward and looking to the right over the right shoulder. 9. Execute a right Sipang Kabayo (back kick). 10. Pivoting on left foot turn 90 degrees to the right to face B assuming a left fighting stance and executing a left open hand upper outward block exhaling thru the mouth. 11. Execute a left crescent kick block. 12. Bring left foot down next to the right foot with toes pointing backward and looking to the right over the right shoulder. 13. Execute a right Sipang Kabayo (back kick). 14. Pivoting on left foot turn 90 degrees to the right to face C assuming a left fighting stance and executing a left open hand upper outward block exhaling thru the mouth. 15. Execute a left crescent kick block. 16. Bring left foot down next to the right foot with toes pointing backward and looking to the right over the right shoulder. 17. Execute a right Sipang Kabayo (back kick). 18. Pivoting on left foot turn 90 degrees to the right to face D assuming a left fighting stance and executing a left open hand upper outward block exhaling thru the mouth. 19. Execute a left crescent kick block. 20. Bring left foot down next to the right foot with toes pointing backward and looking to the right over the right shoulder. 21. Execute a right Sipang Kabayo (back kick) exhaling sharply and loudly (BUNYAW) 22. Pivoting on left foot turn 90 degrees to the right to face A assuming a left fighting stance and executing a left open hand upper outward block exhaling thru the mouth. 23. Pull left foot back to assume a parallel toe stance bringing both hands to the side. 24. Step right foot forward to assume a right fighting stance and execute a right open hand upper outward block. 25. Execute a right crescent kick block. 26. Bring right foot down next to the left foot with toes pointing backward and look to the left over the left shoulder. 27. Execute a left Sipang Kabayo (back kick). 28. Pivoting on right foot turn 90 degrees to the left to face B assuming a right fighting stance and executing a right open hand upper outward block exhaling thru the mouth. 29. Execute a right crescent kick block.

35 30. Bring right foot down next to the left foot with toes pointing backward and look to the left over the left shoulder. 31. Execute a left Sipang Kabayo (back kick). 32. Pivoting on right foot turn 90 degrees to the left to face C assuming a right fighting stance and executing a right open hand upper outward block exhaling thru the mouth. 33. Execute a right crescent kick block. 34. Bring right foot down next to the left foot with toes pointing backward and look to the left over the left shoulder. 35. Execute a left Sipang Kabayo (back kick). 36. Pivoting on right foot turn 90 degrees to the left to face D assuming a right fighting stance and executing a right open hand upper outward block exhaling thru the mouth. 37. Execute a right crescent kick block. 38. Bring right foot down next to the left foot with toes pointing backward and look to the left over the left shoulder. 39. Execute a left Sipang Kabayo (back kick) exhaling sharply and loudly (BUNYAW) 40. Pivoting on right foot turn 90 degrees to the left to face A assuming a right fighting stance and executing a right open hand upper outward block exhaling thru the mouth. 41. Slide right foot backwards to assume parallel toes stance bringing open hands to the sides. 42. Slide left foot towards the right foot to assume open toes stance bringing right fist on left palm. 43. Tip head about 10 degrees forward. 44. Bring head up keeping right fist on left palm. 45. Slide left foot to the left to assume parallel toes stance bringing open hands to the sides. BUNYAW

36 ERRATA THIS PICTURE OF ENSIGN ELPIDIO SELETARIA, JR. HAS THE WRONG BACKGROUND CORRECT BACKGROUND

37 BOOK TWO COMING SOON

38

39 RELEASED IN SIKARAN INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO VOLUME 1 WRITTEN, PRODUCED, AND DIRECTED BY: ELPIDIO SELETARIA JR. 8th DEGREE BLACK BELT (#1487) Hercules, California, USA COMING SOON!!! SIKARAN INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO VOLUME 2 (ADVANCED SIKARAN WITH DEFENSIVE TACTICS, ETC ) To Order Contact: ELPIDIO SELETARIA - jseletaria1542@yahoo.com

40 ARNIS BOOKS BY LOUELLE LLEDO, JR., 9th Degree Red and White Belt #326 To Order Contact:

41 ARNIS DE MANO FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS EDUCATION TEACHER'S TRAINING HANDBOOK By: TWO SIKARAN MANTAS LOUELLE LLEDO, Jr. (# 326) and ANDY SANANO, Jr. (# 844) TO ORDER CONTACT: Louelle Lledo, Jr. - matawgurolou@yahoo.com Andy Sanano, Jr. - matawgurosanano@gmail.com

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44 SIKARAN builds 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 more peaceful world SIKARAN WORDS OF WISDOM "skill in the martial arts does not make one invincible"