For the first time, New Zealand Doce Pares sent a team to participate in the Cacoy Doce Pares World Federation Sport Stickfighting Championships. This year the Championships were held in Jakarta in early September with participants from all around the world, including Australia, Philippines, USA, Poland, England and Indonesia; a total of approximately 150 international competitors.

Fights were held over a three-day period with fighters competing in various divisions and having multiple fights each day. With a diverse range of competitors, a variety of styles and different applications of combative eskrima were displayed.

Three New Zealand team members participated in both the single and double stick events. Two New Zealand team members, David Ferris and David Inglewood, won silver and bronze in the double stick, respectively. This was a great achievement given that Sport Stickfighting is very young within New Zealand. All team members improved their skill level and their appreciation of the sport as a result of participating and fighting under intense combat pressure.

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During the Championships, Supreme Grandmaster Cacoy Canete gave a demonstration of his skill in Doce Pares. At the age of 88 he effortlessly disarmed and struck his opponent at will. It was an inspiration to watch a legend perform at such an incomparable level. All New Zealand team members had the opportunity to meet and talk with Supreme Grandmaster Cacoy Canete. Not only was this a pleasure and an honour, but a highlight of the tournament.

Also participating at the Championships was Master Vince Palumbo. Master Vince trains Sifu Leigh Jenkins (New Zealand Doce Pares Head Instructor) and visits New Zealand to teach and grade New Zealand Doce Pares students. Master Vince and his Australian team claimed a total of 47 medals at the tournament making them the most successful team at the Championships. Normally this acalade is saved for the Filipino team, so it is a huge achievement and credit to Master Vince and his team. At the presentation evening, Supreme Grandmaster Cacoy Canete awarded Master Vince the title of “Grandmaster.” We look forward to Grandmaster Vince visiting New Zealand in 2008.

The 2007 Cacoy Doce Pares World Sport Stickfighting Championships were a success for all involved. Everyone’s knowledge improved and many friends were made from around the world. We all wait in anticipation for the 2008 Cacoy Doce Pares World Sport Stickfighting Championships.

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For further information on Cacoy Doce Pares and Sport Stickfighting contact:
Sifu Leigh Jenkins
Email: [email protected]
Ph: 03 338 9032 or 027 226 4045
Web: www.nzwingchun.com

2007 Results Table