The city of Cebu in the Philippines recently hosted the 8th World Eskrima Kali Arnis Championships from June 22-28. The event held every two years attracts the best stick fighters from around the world to pit their skills against each other in full contact sparring competitions and forms. Twenty five countries from around the world with over three hundred and fifty competitors took part ranging from the heavyweight USA with a team one hundred strong to the small Reunion Island located in the Indian Ocean taking part in their first World Championship. New Zealand and Australia both did their part in ensuring that the people from down south under the Southern Cross were represented with the Aussies fielding a large team. Coming from the New Zealand winter the heat and humidity of the Philippines was always going to be a factor for those in our team who had yet to experience it.
New Zealand's team consisted of just three lead by Gordon Carnie a veteran of two previous world tournaments along with Grant Boath and Ross Holmes. We quickly settled in to Cebu ready for a week of preparation and competition. The Grand hotel was buzzing with competitors catching up on old friends and making new ones. Such is the sport of stick fighting that many friendships are made during the course of these tournaments. Of course the rivalry between NZ and Australia always exists when we oppose each other in the ring but outside both teams were supportive and helpful to each other. The thirty-degree temperatures made a welcome change from the weather we had left behind.
The festivities kicked off with the official welcome to competitors hosted by the Cebu City Government. This was scheduled to be at the open-air venue of historic Fort San Pedro a quaint old fortification dating from the Spanish occupation but before the bulk of teams left the hotel the heavens opened and we were treated to a tropical downpour resulting in the banquet party being hurriedly relocated to the WaterFront Hotel. The following day it was down to the business end with rules meetings and a congress to discuss current issues. There was a proposal put forward that WEKAF lobby for inclusion as a demonstration sport for the Olympics; a difficult task but one that member countries will work toward. This years tournament was held in the very large SM city shopping mall on the third floor in the trades hall resulting in a greater opportunity for the residents of Cebu to watch for free the exciting competition and it was standing room only in the public section as an enthralled audience watched the action unfold.
As always the forms competition was a visual spectacle of speed and dexterity as competitors showed their prowess at twirling the stick and agility to perform complex foot and body movements. Forms have progressed over the recent years to become a showcase of acting and martial arts moves with the modern variety being performed to the latest hit songs with costumes from the traditional Filipino villager wear to shiny outfits Elvis would have felt comfortable in. All this creates a sight and sound spectacular choreographed to fast flowing sticks strikes twirls and blocks thoroughly enjoyed by the spectators.
The real action of course was the sparring events where the clash of stick against stick and bodies was eagerly watched. This year rules were tightened to try and bring the sport Arnis into a more flowing style with more emphasis put on the defensive aspect. Previously some competitors have because of all the protective padding been content not to defend and simply strike only. There were many hard fought fights and the skill level of some teams showed their dedication to training notably the Swiss who seemed to be a real force.
New Zealand's Grant Boath fought strongly in his first time competing at an international level to be drawn after three rounds in his fight against Australian Ritchie. These two super heavyweights put on a fine show matching each other with powerful strikes. At the end of three rounds the judges were tied in their decision so the fight went into a fourth round extension with Grant narrowly losing to finish in fourth place.
Ross Holmes up against a Filipino American fighter put on a great display showing determination and spirit in the highly competitive middleweight division. These two fighters trading blows was a great match to witness with Ross using a strong linear style catching his opponent unawares but lost as a result of a disarming by his opponent.
Both Ross and Grant were tasting competition at an international level for the first time and they certainly acquitted themselves well gaining the respect of fellow competitors and representing New Zealand well.
Gordon Carnie who lost to the eventual winner a Filipino in the heavyweight single stick made up for it in the gruelling double stick super cruiser weight division winning his elimination matches against tough opposition to take second place and a silver medal after losing a hard fought battle against former boxer Marshall Chavez. The Filipino was just to quick on his feet and outpointed him but he certainly took some heavy hits from Carnie. Back at the hotel and after awarding party Gordon and Shane a USA winner showed their souvenirs from double stick matches against Swiss fighters where both men had some very impressive bruises and welts on the leg testament to the damage rattan sticks can inflict
Like all large scale events this tournament had its share of problems with late starts and even later finishes. Some judging decisions were questionable with accusations levelled against the USA officials by the Filipinos and the Holland team withdrawing after a mistake in judging scorecards disadvantaged their fighter.
In the final medal count USA came out on top with Philippines 2nd Switzerland 3rd and England 4th. Overall though for most competitors it was a great experience and we are all looking forward to July 2006 when the 9th World Eskrima Kali Arnis champs will be held in Orlando Florida USA in the vicinity of Disney World…. Mickey and sticks!!! New Zealand will be there again and this time in greater force.
