This chronicles the month of April, 2012 when both branches (Philippines and USA)

of the Mataw-Guro Association were together in the homeland of Arnis de Mano.

Informative Issue No #1 2012

The Mataw-Guro AssociationExperience in the Philippines

2012

The Mataw-Guro AssociationExperience in the Philippines

The Mataw-Guro AssociationExperience in the Philippines

2012

The articles are the property of the author’s that wrote them and cannot be used without the permission of the author. The Mataw-Guro Notebook is the property of the Mataw-Guro Association and is for the promulgation and promotion of the Filipino Martial Arts Education. NO issue can be printed and Sold for Monies, without the express permission of the Mataw-Guro Association.

Mataw-Guro Association Mataw-Guro Notebook

ContributorMataw-Guro Alexander Bautista Bayot France Goodwill Ambassador, Mataw-Guro Association

Photos Courtesy of: Mataw-Guro Alexander Bayot France

In the year prior to the Founding of the Mataw-Guro Association (MGA), Mataw-Guro Luis Rafael “Louelle” C. Lledo, or as I knew him then, “Guro Lou”, and I had frequent, long distance, coast-to-coast telephone con-versations regarding the formation and creation of a group of teachers who would hold themselves to the highest standards of teaching the Filipino martial arts (FMA). That was our common vision; where we differed was in everything else (smile). While my vision of such a group was one that was low-key, working quietly in the background to help each other improve themselves, Lou’s vision was to form a group that would change the Filipino martial arts World! The group was to be in the fore-front with respect to the development of a Filipino martial arts Edu-cation program for schools – from elementary to secondary to college. This same group was to also be in the fore-front with respect to the promotion of Arnis de Mano via tournaments. It was obvious from our conversations that all this had been percolating in Guro Lou’s mind for years, long before we met. He was ready to act on his vision, and he invited me along for the ride. What a ride it has been in such a short time; and it’s just the beginning! This rather lengthy article chronicles the month of April, 2012 when both branches (Philippines and USA) of the Mataw-Guro Association were together in the homeland of Arnis de Mano.

Mataw-Guro Association Chief Executive Officer, Luis Rafael “Louelle” Lledo Jr. accepted on behalf of all Mataw-Guro’s Dangal ng Karunungan Award

ContentsApril 13-14 Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite, Philippines DAY 1 (CvSU Gymnasium) DAY 2 (Rolle Hall) The Awards Ceremony 1st Philippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame

April 13-14 Cavite State University, Indang, Cavite, Philippines

In response to former Senator Juan Miguel F. Zubiri’s historic Republic Act 9850 (RA 9850), the Mataw-Guro Association traveled to Cavite State University (CvSU) in the town of Indang, province of Cavite, to conduct a workshop on Filipino martial arts Education. This event was hosted by CvSU and supported by both the mayor’s and governor’s offices. Represen-tatives from all three organizations were present. It was truly uplifting to witness their presence and active support for Filipino martial arts!

DAY 1 (CvSU Gymnasium) Mataw-Guro Louelle Lledo, assisted by his senior students in Amara Arkanis, started the workshop with a general discussion on the duality of nature. With that lead-in, he went to the dualities found in the Filipino martial arts: offense/defense, forward/backward, linear/circular, centripetal/centrifugal, forehand/backhand. He then went in-depth with a hands-on practice of forehand/backhand in slashing, thrusting, blocking, and parrying.

Mataw-Guro Lou Lledo briefing his Amara Arkanis senior students prior to the start of the workshop.

Mataw-Guro Lou teaching the basics of FMA…

Mataw-Guro Andy Sanano, a retired police officer from the United States, showed police auxiliaries and barangay tanods how to effectively subdue and control suspects without anyone getting hurt in the process. The participants particu-larly liked this as it was essential to their work.

Mataw Guro Emmanuelle Querubin, a retired police officer from Oakland, California flew from the U.S. to help teach, but unfortu-nately got sidelined in Manila. We hooked up with him the following weekend. With Mataw-Guro Lou having showed the basics of the Filipino martial arts, and Mataw-Guro Andy working with law enforcement, I opted to interact with the students, CvSU varsity, and members of the Filipi-no martial arts clubs, sharing with them some of my tactics and techniques for sparring: force-to-force “blocking” - & - striking with footwork, linear and circular striking, disarms, locks, and takedowns. As a special treat, I asked Mataw-Guro Jose “Joe” Sidlacan (twenty years my senior!) to teach the last part of the class. He started out by asking them what digit of the hand was most important. (With all my driving ex-perience in the States, the middle finger came immediately to mind; but of course, that wasn’t it). He discussed the important role of the thumb, then showed the group how to take the opponent’s thumb out of play. It was a pleasure watching a master at his craft. Even though he was in his eighties, he moved effortlessly and surely as he drove home his point. These special people, with a full lifetime of extraordinary experiences are getting fewer and fewer. I hope someone from the audience was able to preserve (video) that moment. For the students, a big hit of the day was an ad-hoc demonstra-tion/mini-workshop by Eric Golden on his art of “Ninjitsu”. It was enjoyably funny, even hilarious at times. The students loved it. Eric was to play a big-ger role the next day…

DAY 2 (Rolle Hall) The first half of Day 2 was a continuation of the forehand/backhand training led by Mataw-Guro Louelle Lledo. I hardly took pictures on Day 1 because I was involved in the teaching. Most pictures are from Day 2.

The Awards Ceremony

Distinguished guests from the University, the Mayor’s office, and the Governor’s office were in attendance and gave great speeches filled with a positive enthusiasm for the future of Arnis in the land of its birth. I was particularly struck by the university official’s speech. Their aim is for CvSU to become the “Arnis Capital of the Philippines”! With the full support of the Mayor, the Governor, and everyone else in Cav-ite, it could very well be so.

CvSU Varsity Team Playes

After the speeches, a Certificates of Completion was handed out to each participant. Other awards, such as Certificates of Appreciation, Certificates of Recognition, and Rank Diplomas (specific to the Arnis clubs that attended) were given out. A most extraordinary award was presented to Mataw-Guro Lou, by a most extraordinary guest, Eric Golden. A Ninjutsu practitioner on Day 1, he donned a different hat on Day 2. He had come all the way to the Philip-pines, as a representative of the United States government, to present a Certificate of Apprecia-tion signed by none other than the President of the United States! This extraordinary award was presented to Mataw-Guro Louelle Lledo in recognition and appre-ciation for volunteer services to United States military forces. Con-gratulations, Mataw-Guro Lou!

CvSU Varsity Coach with Daughters

Left: Eric Golden, speaking, Right:. Mataw-Guro Lou Lledo in white uniform, standing.

Another Varsity Team Member

1st Philippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame

For one weekend every other year, martial artists in the Philippines should set aside their disagree-ments and politics, and in a spirit of goodwill and friendship, come together at the now-to-be biennial Phil-ippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame. The very 1st Philippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame was just held April 21-22, 2012, in Manila, Philip-pines. Wow! What an event! The first time for anything is usually a modest start, but this… This far-exceeded my expectations. First Class all the way! This event was encouraged and endorsed by government officials from all levels, all the way up to our President, himself! It was heartwarming to see and read the many, many messages of encouragement and congratulations from so many of our country’s leaders and distinguished citizens. Even our Philippine Ambassadors in foreign countries took time out to write and send in their personal messages!

“[Filipino Martial Arts is a] cultural legacy that we should uphold and foster…our administration stands by its pledge to further empower our artists and athletes. We are now in this daylight of hope and change, and this is our time to revive our country’s glory and restore its esteem in the community of nations.”

President Benigno S. Aquino III

The practice of indigenous martial arts serves two purposes that are key ingredients in our efforts at nation build-ing. For one, the spread of Filipino martial arts is a way of preserving our unique culture. As well, the practice of martial arts instills discipline, a valuable asset, which I strongly advocate as a necessary trait that our people needs to imbibe.” Vice President Jejomar C. Binay

What a great two days it was! I’m so glad I was able to attend and witness this history-making event! To the Executive Director, the Board of Directors, Officers, and everyone who quietly worked in the background to make this happen: We who were fortunate to be there salute you! You have achieved what was unachievable for far too many decades!

This was their Mission Statement: “The mission of the Philippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame is to recognize the achievements of martial artists in the development and propagation of the Filipino Martial Arts and in bringing honor to the Philip-

pines. Our goal is to serve the fundamental martial arts community and to promote our culture as well as our nationalism. We honor all people that dedicate themselves to excellence; both the well known as well as the hidden treasures that never see the limelight.” While you still can, pick up a copy (or two) of the hefty, professionally done, souvenir program, it con-tains all essential information pertinent to the event, so I need not reproduce it here. Instead, this article will focus on “The Mataw-Guro Association Experience in the Philippines” for that fantastic, memorable month of April, 2012. For those who do not yet know, several of the people who envisioned and created the Philippine Martial Arts Hall of Fame were, and are, members of the fledgling Mataw-Guro Association (MGA)

Prof. Armando Soteco, Mataw-Guro Association President; HOF Advisor Atty. Salvador Demaisip, Mataw-Guro Association Executive Secretary-General; HOF Legal Counsel Punong Lakan Garitony C. Nicholas, Mataw-Guro Association Vice President; HOF Executive Director Grandmaster Bella Marie “Peachie” Saguin, Mataw-Guro Association; HOF Vice President Master Jefferson Panes, Mataw-Guro Association; HOF International Consultant And perhaps others I have yet to learn about.

The above Mataw-Guros set up the event. Many other Mataw-Guros came to support the event and some of them were honored. This article, to be published in the Mataw-Guro online magazine, will focus primarily on the Mataw-Guro Association experience there because all other information has been so well-documented in the official, professionally published souvenir program book, and afterwards in local newspaper articles, Facebook, and other forums. First and foremost, The Mataw-Guro Association Vice President Garitony “Pet” Nicholas seemed to be the vision-

ary and primary mover for this gigantic undertaking. Throughout that Awards night (Day 1) I would see him hurrying from one task to another and from one person to another in what looked like a one-man crusade to keep everything together and moving. I bet he was exhausted that night after successfully pulling the whole thing off. First and foremost

in getting the government to support the Filipino Martial Arts at the highest level ever seen, the sena-tor who authored RA 9850 “The Arnis Bill” had to be Mataw-Guro Juan Miguel Zubiri. Unfortunately he had to be present at another event. Fortunately, his lovely wife and daughter came to represent him. She gave his Inspirational Talk and remained on her feet for much of the event, assisting in the presentation of awards, along with Mataw-Guros Peachie Saguin, Armando Soteco, Salvador Demaisip and Jeff Panes. Mataw-Guro Peachie Baron Saguin not only worked to make this event happen. Like Mrs. Zubiri,

Punong Lakan Garitony C. Nicholas, Prof. Armando Soteco and Atty. Salvador Demaisip

Mataw-Guro (Grandmaster) “Peachie” Bella Marie Baron-Saguin accepting award from Mataw-Guro (ex-Senator) Juan Miguel Zubiri and wife Audrey Zubiri.

she too spent much of her time on her feet helping to give out awards. She was also honored as Martial Art-ist of the Year. I read her message entitled “An Affair to Remember” in the souvenir program book. I liked her emphasis on the worthiness of dedicated practice over a long period of time, and her view of the event: “…honoring and giving recognition to the different Masters of different styles, reminding us, that all styles are con-nected and that all systems are valid.”

Mataw-Guro President Armando C. Soteco, respected and revered by many was an advisor for the HoF project for exactly that reason and for his years of experience. He gave the Welcoming Remarks to start the program. For his lifelong dedication and contribution to FMA he was also awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in the Field of Education..

“I join in the celebration of the initial awarding of deserving Filipino Martial Arts aficionados who have fostered a profound exchange of values and understanding between our culture and national sport and martial arts.” Mataw-Guro Armando Soteco

Mataw-Guro Association Chief Executive Officer, Luis Rafael “Louelle” Lledo Jr. came first to give awards of appreciation from Mataw-Guro Association U.S.A. to MGA Philippines and second to receive an award himself, Dangal ng Karunungan Award, which he accepted on behalf of all Mataw-Guro’s in his characteristically sharing manner. Once again, he made us all proud. “Together in solidarity there is no limit to what we can achieve and accom-plish.” Mataw-Guro Lou

Mataw-Guro Lou’s teacher and mentor, Mataw-Guro Emmanuel Del Espiritu Santo Querubin was another who made us proud. For a lifetime of dedication and accomplishment, he was awarded the Platinum Life Achievement Award. He is one of the most principled men I have ever met. He delivered his speech clearly and concisely, but I doubt many were prepared to accept his message of humility.

Mataw-Guro Andy Sanano, Mataw-Guro Association International Coordinator, is one of the most likeable persons I’ve ever met. I don’t know how this retired police officer from the U.S. has managed to keep his pleasant disposition and consideration for others, after a

lifetime of apprehending preps! You’d think he’d be jaded by now, but no. He’s like a fresh, young recruit with high ideals and a respect for all. Somehow, he managed to keep that char-acter of his intact in the concrete jungles of the U.S. Mataw-Guro Andy was honored as the International Grandmaster of the Year!

“As we learn, teach and develop our art, we help and learn from each other. We support and nurture each other. The effect is that instead of continuing the conflicts of the past, we strengthen our martial art…” Mataw-Guro Andy Sanano

Mataw-Guro Steven Dowd received the Martial Arts On-line Magazine of the Year award for his FMAdigest which was read around the world! This man is simply amazing. I don’t know how he manages to get so much done! He was unable to receive the award in person; but the Mataw-Guro Association gladly received it on his behalf.

Mataw-Guro Jefferson Panes received two awards that night. He received a Special Recognition from the Hall of Fame. He was also one of the recipients of Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s “Top 10 Filipino Martial Art-ists 2012” award. He introduced the Guest Speakers, the Honorable Alfredo Lim, mayor of Manila, and the Honorable Monsour del Rosario, who had brought much pride and honor to our country with his wins in the martial arts arena.

A Mataw-Guro (MG) is a martial arts teacher who holds him/herself to the highest standards of teaching. Three MG’s were given awards for setting that bar:

Mataw-Guro Enrica Esmero, Outstanding Instructor of the Year, Female Mataw-Guro Felipes Penales, Outstanding Instructor of the Year, Male Mataw-Guro Julio “Jojo” Penales, Instructor of the Year.

A Mataw-Guro (MG) is a martial arts teacher who also holds him/herself to the highest standards of character. Two MG’s were honored for set-ting this bar:

Mataw-Guro Belleza Demaisip, Woman of the Year Mataw-Guro Salvador Demaisip, Humanitarian Award

A Mataw-Guro (MG) is a martial arts teacher who strives to attain the highest standards of skill within him/herself and within his/her stu-dents. Grandmaster Rodel “Smoking Sticks” Dagooc was honored for setting this bar:

Mataw-Guro Rodillo Dagooc, Grandmas-ter of the Year

Mataw-Guro Tim Kashino came from Guam to support his friends and the event. He declined to receive an award. The HoF called him up anyway to receive a Certifi-cate of Appreciation for his selfless support.

Mataw-Guro Garitony “Pet” Nicholas. What can I say that hasn’t already been said by others? He started it and he finished it. He

gave the Closing Remarks ending the 1st day’s program. Very well done, Pet!

Mataw-Guro Enrica C. Esmero and Mataw-Guro Felipe “Ipe” Penales Jr

Mataw-Guro (Grandmaster) Andy Sanano

Mataw-Guro (Grandmaster) Rodel Dagooc

My apologies to any Mataw-Guro I may have missed. This was my first time meeting so many of you. I was impressed by each and every one. The venue for Day 1 was the first class Diamond Hotel on Roxas Blvd., Manila. The management and staff assigned for the event were excellent! Thank you!

Mataw-Guro Timothy Kashino

2nd Day Workshop

Mataw-Guro Querubin, Mataw-Guro Lledo, and Mataw-Guro Sanano Presenting Audrey Zubiri

The venue for Day 2 was across the street at the Magsaysay Center. This was a day of sharing knowl-edge and skill. It was conducted by yesterday’s honorees who did not have pressing duties to be elsewhere. Mataw-Guro’s Lou Lledo and Andy Sanano gave a mini workshop on the Basics of FMA Education; while oth-ers gave mini-workshops on their respective systems. It was a great way to end one of the greatest events in the Filipino Martial Arts history!

Mataw-Guro Lledo Presenting Mataw-Guro Baron-Saguin

Mataw-Guro Lledo, and Audrey Zubiri

Conscious of the need of developing enthusiasm, interest and dedi-cation in the field of Filipino Martial Arts Education, and in order to act as guardians of the noble and beneficial aims of Arnis de Mano and compelled by our desire to establish an Association which shall be the rallying point of all teachers of Arnis de Mano as a Filipino Martial Arts Education, the Mataw-Guro’s hereby mutually agree to unite and associate ourselves for such a purpose.

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