Master Vince Palumbo, 8th Degree Black Belt, visited Christchurch based NZ Doce Pares Eskrima over the weekend of the 14th October 2006.

Sifu Jenkins, founder of NZ Doce Pares Eskrima, has been travelling overseas and training under the guidance of Master Palumbo for over 10 years and currently holds the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt in Doce Pares Eskrima.  Sifu Jenkins was graded to his 1st Degree Black Belt in the Phillipines by Grand Master Ciriaco ‘Cacoy’ Canete.

Master Palumbo travelled from Adelaide to conduct 2nd and 3rd class brown belt gradings on the Saturday, and a specific knife defense seminar on the Sunday for both members and non-members of the school.

Twenty nine students of the school, including six dedicated Wanganui students who travelled to Christchurch with Instructor James West, undertook an intensive full day of grading.  The dedication and time spent training by all students to be eligible to grade was evident throughout the grading and all students passed to receive their respective ranks.

Seven students were lucky enough to have the opportunity to suit up in their sport stick-fighting armour and spar with Master Palumbo in the ring.  All seven students went three, 2-minute rounds with Master Palumbo.  It was a fun (although painful!) way to finish up following the gradings.  All students learnt something new about the sport side of the art and the experience left all wanting to learn more … and yes, Master Palumbo completed all 21 rounds without taking a break!

The knife defence seminar saw 40 keen people (including members from other martial arts clubs and the NZ Police) gain an invaluable insight into what to do and, just as importantly, what not to do when confronted by someone wielding a knife/weapon. The opportunity to learn and practise practical techniques from someone of Master Vince Palumbo’s calibre was hugely beneficial.

The weekend was a great success.  Master Palumbo made a huge impression, not only for his outstanding martial arts ability and experience, but also for his passion for the Phillipino art we know as Cacoy Doce Pares Eskrima.  It is an honour for NZ Doce Pares to be part of the Cacoy ‘family’ and to represent this longstanding traditional lineage of stick fighting in New Zealand.

NZ Doce Pares would like to thank Master Palumbo for the time he took to visit our school, grade students and share his knowledge.  Master Palumbo is an incredible ambassador for Cacoy Doce Pares Eskrima and the experience was not only memorable for everyone involved but hugely motivating for students and instructors to continue progressing their skills and growth in the art.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS:

Second Class Brown Belt:

• Hugh Puttock
• Kyle McWilliams
• James West
• Leon Barker

Third Class Brown Belt:

• Edward Benton
• John Verschaeren
• Jonathan Gliddon
• Greg Hubbard
• Zane Exposto
• Edwin Grottis
• Andrew Wallace
• Henry Toombs-Ruane
• Mathew Shephard
• Reagan Shephard
• Erica Larsen
• Cain Battersby
• Robin Wareing
• David Inglewood
• Nadine Maynard
• David Ferris
• Christina Mason
• Malia Talapea
• Anja Mueller
• Daniel Bowden
• Jason Butler
• Julian Kirner
• Tony Willard
• Patrick Flaherty
• Ethan Hall

There are a number of exciting events coming up for 2007.  NZ Doce Pares looks forward to traveling to Master Palumbo’s school in Adelaide, and to Cebu City, Phillipines in 2007.  If anyone is interested in learning more about this effective, traditional martial art or the possibility of inter-club sport stick fighting events please feel free to visit our school or contact us.

Phone:  03 332 2335
Cell:  027 226 4045

E mail:  [email protected]
Website:  www.nzwingchun.com

To read more on Master Palumbo please go to www.docepares.com/icmaacademy.html