Premiere Issue 2012

Sikaran Taliba

Supremo Meliton C. GeronimoEditor Rmeritus

Emmanuel QuerubinEditor in Chief

Elpidio Seletaria Jr.Managing Editor

Sikaran Taliba© is published by the World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philip-pines. It is the only internet magazine 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 or the editors. The Sikaran Taliba is not a forum for grievance. The management reserves the right to edit contributed materials for derogatory remarks 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 world Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philip-pines nor the management of Sikaran Taliba assumes any responsibility in the misuse or abuse of all techniques in this newspaper.

Contents

Important Dates in SIKARAN1927 - Birth of the Grandmaster 1957 - The Road to Red Belt 1966 - A Year to Remember Recognition of Sikaran and Promotion to Red Belt 1967 - Philippine Karate (SIKARAN) “Exported” to Malaysia 1970 Formation of the World Union of Karate-Do Organizations (WUKO) 1971 Graduation of the SikaranClass of the Presidential Security Command 1977 - Meliton Geronimo Retired from the Philippine Air Force 1980 - Meliton Geronimo was Elected Mayor of Baras, Rizal 2001 - Offical Acknowledgement of Baras as Home of Sikaran 2008 Municipality of Baras Designates Date for Sikaran Festival 2010 Sikaran Approved as Rizal Provincial Martial Sport 2012 1st Philippines Martial Arts Hall of Fame Sikaran Awardees

Editorial Office P.O.Box 6332 Alameda, CA. 94501 sikarantaliba@gmail.com

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Important Dates in SIKARAN

1927 - Birth of the Grandmaster

March 10, 1927, is the most important date in the his-tory of the World Sikaran Brother-hood of the Philippines. It marks the birth of Meliton Cabandong Geronimo, who is destined to be the Grandmaster of Sikaran, the only Filipino unarmed martial art now practiced all over the world alongside Japan’s Karate, Korea’s Tae Kwon Do, and China’s Kungfu with the same elite standard. Meliton Geronimo’s birth was heralded by the ringing of the church bells in Baras, Rizal (hence his nickname Kampana). Meliton’s father, Cipriano Geronimo, the last Sikaran Hari of Baras, was almost on the verge of frustration when his first two children with Sev-erina Cabandong were both girls. He made a promise that his first son will be saluted by the ringing of the bells and a grand celebra-tion. He bragged that his first son would be his successor to the Geronimo lineage of Sikaran. At a very early age, Meli-ton was introduced to Sikaran by his father Cipriano and the other

elders of Baras who were Sikaran haris turned guro. They taught him not only the physical tech-niques of Sikaran, but also in-stilled in him not only the virtues of courage and strength but also the sense of justice, fair play and the desire to excel and be the best that he can be. When Japan invaded the Philippines, Meliton Geronimo, together with his Sikaran teach-ers, joined the guerilla movement in Rizal Province, serving coura-geously from 1943 to 1946.

1958 - Founding of the Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood of the Philippines

Late 1957, Meliton Geron-imo established the Eagle Sikaran Club composed of military per-sonnel and their civilian friends and relatives. With the growing popularity of Karate, the name was later changed to Eagle Karate Club keeping Sikaran in paren-thesis. It was based at Nichols Air Base. Non-military members of the club requested that the gymnasium be relocated outside the military base. In 1958, Meli-

Manuel Ocampo and Melencio Bigasin ( both Hari turned Guro), contempo-raries of Ciprian Geronimo, are two of Meliton Geronimo’s Sikaran teachers.

In 1947 he was inducted in the Philip-pine Air Force. Here he is shown fresh off the Flying School.

ton Geronimo formed the Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood of the Philippines. The military members renamed their club the Blue Dia-monds Karate (Sikaran) Club after the Philippine Air Force Flying Team. The civilians kept the name Eagle Karate (Sikaran) Club with the central gymnasium and head-quarters of the Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood of the Philippines outside the base, in Pasay City. With the Karate (Sikaran) Brother-hood of the Philippines now ac-cessible to civilians, it became the largest sports association in the

Meliton Geronimo became a household name in Philippine Karate. His flying kick and biyakid became the standard by which Karate skill is measured.

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Philippines. Meliton Geronimo designated Emmanuel Querubin (Reg.. No 87), then the Operations Manager of the Philippines Interna-tional Magazine as Director for Research and Standards. Dalmacio Veneracion (Reg. No. 10) was a civilian admin-istrator with the Philippine Air Force. Eusebio Avancena (Reg. No. 79) was a Captain of the Philippine Air Force and President of the Philip-pine Kickboxing Associa-tion. Perfecto Mendiola was an Engineering Professor at the Mapua Institute of Tech-nology. He is a Judo pioneer starting in the 1930’s. When this picture was taken, he was the National Judo Coach. He was also the first national judo champion of the Philippines. Fortunato Sevilla (Reg. No. 115) was the Vice-President of the Philippine Amateur Judo Association and the Sales Manager of a large engi-neering company. Godo-fredo Hermosa (Reg. No. 95) was a civilian administra-tor with the Philippine Air

Force.

The Road to the Red Belt

In 1957, Meliton Geronimo started a series of communication with Grandmaster Koichi Kondo of the All Japan Karate Federation in order for Sikaran to be recog-nized as a legitimate school of Karate with distinct origin from the Philippines and be accepted for membership in the Asian Karate Association . This led to the promotion of Meliton Geronimo to the 5th Degree Black Belt (then the highest grade awarded to a non-Japanese) and appointment as Karate Grades Commissioner for the Philippines. This means that whatever rank or grade Meli-ton Geronimo issues is recognized by Japan, Korea, and China and the rest of the Karate world.

Prior to the recognition of Sikaran as a Filipino martial art of distinct origin, Meliton Geronimo surrounded himself with martial artists who helped him in the administration of the Kapatirang Sikaran ng Pilipi-nas. First row from left: Emmanuel Querubin, Dalmacio Veneracion, Eusebio Avancena. Second row from left: Perfecto Mendiola, Meliton Geronimo, Fortunato Sevilla and Godofredo Hermosa.

In early 1961, Melton Geronimo communicated with Master Koichi Kondo of the All Japan Karate Association, to join in the formation of the Asian Karate Association and grant recognition to Sikaran as a distinct art of empty hand fightng of Filipino origin, as it did with the Korean art of Tang Soo Doo.

Again on May 05, 1961 Master Kochi Kondo, in a hand-written response from Korea acknowledged Melton Geronimo’s desire to have the Asian Karate Associa-tion recognize the Kapatiran Sikaran ng Piliipinas.

On 06 March 1963, Master Koichi Kondo confirmed his support for Melton Geronimo and the member-ship of the Kapatiran Sikaran ng Pilipinas in the Asian Karate Asso-ciation. Master Koicho Kondo also extended an invitation for the Philip-pines to participate in the Asian Karate Championships.

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1966 - A year to Remember

Sikaran has a history that goes back before the coming of the Spaniards in 1521. However, it was not until 1958 when Meli-ton Geronimo started teaching the art to the public that it was transformed from a regional recreational physical activity of Baras, Rizal to a nationwide sport and fighting art. The publication of sev-eral local magazines and Sikaran Instructor’s Manuals in the 1960’s and 1970’s further boosted the dissemination of Sikaran. At that period of Sikaran growth, the accepted generic term for all empty hand fighting arts was Karate. Sikaran was referred to as Philippine Karate until 1972, when Meliton Geronimo dropped all references to Sikaran as Phil-ippine Karate and formed the Pandaigdigang Kapatiran Sikaran ng Pilipinas (World Sikaran Broth-erhood of the Philippines).

SIKARAN an International Martial Art Sikaranistas who immi-grated to the west and the rest of the world brought with them their knowledge of the art and led to the progressive expansion of Sikaran. Foreigners who found their way to the Philippines, on account of their job assignment, such as in the United States mili-tary and the various multi-nation-al corporations further served as catalysts in the spread of Sikaran. However, it was not until 1966 that Sikaran took wings. Sikaran was “formally introduced” to the international world of the martial arts through the pages of Black Belt Magazine, the world’s premier periodical dedicated to the fighting arts. In 1965, Emmanuel Queru-bin of Sikaran Pilipinas (SIKAP) was appointed Black Belt Maga-zine Foreign Correspondent for

Black Belt Magazine, April 1966

Black Belt Magazine, June 1966

the Philippines. His first article was “SIKARAN - a Dying Art,” which appeared in the April 1966 issue. His next article entitled “It All Began 800 Years Ago” came out in June 1966. These Sikaran articles served as the poly-peptide hormone resulting in the explosive emer-gence of Sikaran clubs. Sikaran spread like wildfire and self-proclaimed masters sprouted like wild mushroom. The Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood of the Philippines became the largest sports association in terms of participation and membership in the country. Unfortunately, the further Sikaran stretched its wings for flight, the greater the risk of corrupt-ing, debauching, and raping the art, the techniques and the origin became. In search of an easy payday, there are Si-karan practitioners, who after having been ban-ished from the association, proclaimed themselves masters and grandmasters. Then there are those who put together kicks and strikes and called their art Sikaran but cannot claim legitimate lineage to

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Sikaran. Then there are name-droppers who allude to having learned under a legitimate Si-karan teacher by placing their names side by side. Moreover, there are sev-eral associations, which practice Sikaran, and acknowledge Meli-ton Geronimo as the Sikaran

Grandmaster but have broken away from the World Sikaran Brotherhood. Nevertheless, the progres-sive expansion and evolution of Sikaran is unstoppable. At last count the Pan-daigdigang Kapatirang Sikaran (World Sikaran Brotherhood) has affiliates all over the world

with concentration in Hongkong, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Canada, United States, Saudi Ara-bia, Dubai, Israel, Ireland, England and several other countries, not including the members in all the political and geographical re-gions of the Philippines. Recently India sent an intent to join.

November 6, 1966 - Recognition of SIKARAN and Promotion to Red Belt

November 6, 1966, is a very important date in Sikaran history. It was on this date that the Asian Karate Association, the first International Martial Art body acknowledged SIKARAN as a Filipino martial art of distinct origin. The Kapatirang Sikaran ng Pilipinas was recognized as the official body representing the Filipino martial art of Sikaran (at that time also known as Philip-pine Karate). Meliton C. Geroni-mo was honored as grandmaster of Sikaran with the rank of 10th Degree Red Belt. The Asian Karate Associa-tion leadership was composed of Dr. Kwai Byeung Yun, President of the Asian Karate Association and Grandmaster of the Korean Kong Soo Doo Ji Do Kwan; Hwang Kee, President and Grandmaster of Korean Tang Soo Doo Moo Doo Kwan; Koichi Kondo, Grandmas-ter and Chief Instructor of the All Japan Karate Federation; Kyojiro Furusawa, President of the All Japan Karate Federation; and China’s Grandmaster Chua Tiong Ki.

Among the dignitaries that were on hand during the ceremonies were Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation President Antonio delas Alas, Colonel Jose Lukban, President of the Philippine Amateur Judo Association and Philippine Senators Gerry Roxas and Ambrosio Padilla (not in picture).

The Sikaran Elders of Baras, led by Cipriano Geronimo gave Meliton Geronimo the title Sikaran Supremo (Leader)

Meliton Geronimo Grandmaster of SIKARAN

10TH 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 award-ed the 10th Degree Red Belt.

Koichi Kondo Grandmaster

All Japan Karate Federation

Hwang Kee Grandmaster

Korean Tang Soo Doo

Kwai Byeung Yun Grandmaster

Korean Soo Bak Doo

It was during the 3rd Asian Karate Championships that Meliton C. Geron-imo was given the title Grandmaster of Sikaran with the rank of 10th Degree Red Belt. Picture shows Japanese team

to the 3rd Asian Karate Championships. Head of the Japanese delegation Kyojiro Furusawa, President of the All Japan Karate Federation, receives trophy from PAAF President Antonio De Las Alas. Second from the right, second row is All Japan Karate Federation Grandmaster Koichi Kondo. To his right is Sikaran Grandmaster Meliton C. Geronimo.

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1967 - Philippine Karate (SIKARAN) “Exported” to Malaysia Hearing about the success of the Philippines in the Asian Karate Championships, Chew Choo Soot, Secretary-General of the Karate Association of Malaysia, came to the Philippines to check out Karate train-ing. In 1967 the Karate Association of Malaysia commissioned four members of the Karate (Sikaran) Broth-erhood of the Philippines to teach Philippine Karate (Sikaran) in Malaysia. Led by Emmanuel Querubin, 4th Degree Black Belt (Reg. No. 87), the team is composed of Vince Vasallo, 3rd Degree Black Belt (Reg. No. 59), Nestor Principe, 3rd Degree Black Belt (Reg. No. 110) and Luisito dela Cruz, 3rd Degree Black Belt (Reg. No. 141).

Karate Association of Malaysia, Petaling Jaya Dojo. Instructional staff from the Philippines, third row, seventh from left: Luisito Dela Cruz (Filipino instructor), Nestor Principe (Filipino instructor), Tony Chew (Malaysian assistant instructor), Chew Choo Soot (Secretary-General of the Karate Association of Malaysia, Emmanuel Querubin (Chief Foreign Karate instructor), Vince Vasallo (Filipino instructor) and Clement Soo (Malaysian assistant instructor).

Karate Association of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur Dojo. Instructional staff from the Philippines, 2nd row seated, fourth from the left Clement Soo (malaysian assistant instructor), Vince Vasallo (Filipino instructor), Emmanuel Querubin (Chief Foreign Karate instructor),Che Choo Soot (Secretary-General, Karate Association of Malaysia), Nestor Principe (Filipino instructor) and Luisito Dela Cruz (Filipino instructor).

Minister of Education and President of the Karate As-sociation of Malaysia Khir Johari, welcomes Filipino Sikaran Instructors. Looking on from left are: Nestor Principe Reg. No. 110), Luisito dela Cruz (Reg. No. 141) , Karate Association of Malaysia Secretary General Chew Choo Soot (next to Khir Johari), Emmanuel Querubin (Reg. No. 87) and Vince Vasallo Reg, No. 59).

Second row from left: Vic Laxamana, Precioso Querubin, Nestor Principe, Chew Choo Soot, Meliton Geronimo, Luisito dela Cruz, Henry Te and Emmanuel Querubin.

In 1969, through the recommen-dation of Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo, Malaysia was accepted as a member of the Asian Karate Association. In the 6th Asian Karate Championships, Malaysia’s Pat-rick Lim (a student of the Filipino

Instructors) won the Gold Medal in the middleweight division. After more than three years of study, the Insititute of National Language, Department of Education approved the trans-lation from English to Filipino of the commands in the teaching of

Sikaran. The translation, authored by Meliton Geronimo and Em-manuel Querubin, was published as the Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines Instructor’s Manual Series I.

1970 Formation of the World Union of Karate-Do Organizations (WUKO)

In 1970, the Asian Karate Association was disbanded to give way to the formation of the World Union of Karate-do Organi-zations (WUKO). Representing the Philippines, Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo and Emmanuel Queru-bin became signatory members in the charter of WUKO.

The Sikaran triumvirate in front of the Budokan Hall, Tokyo, Japan 1970. From left: Jimmy Geronimo, 5th Degree Black Belt; Grandmaster Meli-ton Geronimo, 10th Degree Red Belt and Emmanuel Querubin, 5th Degree Black Belt.

In 1970, the Asian Karate Association was disbanded to give way to the formation of the World Union of Karate-do Organi-zations (WUKO). Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo (Third from left, first row) was a signatory member to the charter of WUKO shown here with other are Karate Leaders from around the world. Dr. Kwai Byeung Yun, President of the defunct Asian Karate Association is to the left of Geronimo. To the left of Dr. Yun is Dr. Masami Tsuruoka, Chito-ryu Master from Canada.

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1971 Graduation of the SIKARAN class of the Presidential Security Command In recognition of Sikaran as a superior combative art, Republic of the Philippines’ President Ferdinand Marcos commissioned the Kapatirang Sikaran ng Pilipinas to train the presidential security command in this Filipino fighting art in 1969

Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo 10th Degree Red Belt President Ferdinand Marcos, congratulates the Sikaran graduating class of the

Presidential Security Command in 1971.

Sikaran at Malacanang Palace.

Ramon Valdenor 2nd Degree Black Belt

Jaime Geronimo 5th Degree Black Belt

Serafin Pangilinan 2nd Degree Black Belt

Angeles Sanchez 4th Degree Black Belt

Rodrigo Espiritu 3rd Degree Black Belt

Emmanuel ES Querubin 5th Degree Black Belt

Sgt. Inocencio Villahermosa being congratulated by President Marcos and Sgt. Santiago Moya receiving medal from Col. Ramon Cannu as President Marcos watches with a smile.

Inspired by Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo’s ability to “fly”, Sergeants Santiago Moya and Inocencio Villahermosa “take to the air”.

1972 - Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo relinquished membership from the World Union of Karate-Do Organizations (WUKO) and dropped all references to Sikaran as Philippine Karate.

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Evolution of Sikaran Uniform

Discovery of the Philippines to mid 1950’s white camisa tsino and red pants.

Lt. Col. Meliton C. Geronimo, PAF (ret)

1977 - Meliton Geronimo retired from the Philippine Air Force with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, after 30 years of service.

1972 to the present white upper and red pants with corresponding belt.

Mid 1950’s to 1972 all white with cor-responding belt.

1980 - Meliton Geronimo was elected Mayor of Baras, Rizal and served 4 terms, after being released from prison for trumped up charges. A movie of his colorful life was made entitled “Mayor Latigo” (his moniker) with the vetran actor Eddie Garcia as Meliton Geronimo. His free time was devoted in teaching, developing and propagating Sikaran.

Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo leads beach training of black belts.

Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo (back turned to camera) teaching some black belts. WSBP Chief Instructor Jimmy Geronimo is directly in front of the Grandmaster. Behind Jimmy Geronimo is Elpidio Seletaria.

2001 - Offical acknowledgement of Baras as home of Sikaran and designating a day for Sikaran festival

The municipality of Baras , Rizal, is the only government agency, not only in the Philip-pines but also in the whole world that honors a martial art on its official letterhead. Japan has judo, Korea has Tae Kwon Do, China has Wushu, Thailand has Muay Thai, but none of these countries has honored their mar-tial art by declaring their place of birth. Only the Municipality of Baras carries the seal of its martial

art and the words “Home of Sikaran.” To further honor Baras as home of Sikaran, an arch was erected at the entrance of the town that says: “Welcome to Baras, Home of Sikaran.” Next was a mon-ument in front of the Municipal Hall of two Sikaranistas exchanging biyakids (the signature spinning heel kick of Sikaran). The biggest project was the construction of a multi-purpose gymnasium for Sikaran events.

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2008 Municipality of Baras designates date for Sikaran festival

Sikaran Festival An Executive Order is-sued by the Municipality of Baras, mandates that the last Sunday of January be designated as Sikaran Festival Sunday. In 2008, this festivity was moved to the last Sunday of March. The Municipal-ity of Baras, in the Province of Rizal is distinctively the only mu-nicipality in the world that carries the seal of a martial art (Sikaran) on its letterhead. Aside from the seal of Sikaran, it also says “Home of Sikaran.” Likewise, it is the only known municipality that man-dates an annual martial art (Si-karan) festival with the logistical appropriation to hold the event.

On Sunday, March 27, the 2011

Sikaran Festival was held from eight o’clock in the morning to nine o’clock at night, at the Sikaran Gymnasium erected for the purpose. Guests were the officials of the Municipality of Baras led by Mayor Willie Ro-bles. Sitting with the guests at the presidential table is Supre-mo Meliton C. Geronimo, who just celebrated his 84th birthday. The exhibition and dem-onstration of the different clubs were held in the morning and lasted until lunch. After lunch the tournament started. The compe-tition was divided into “kiddies” group, boy’s group, girl’s group, and men’s black belt group.

Baras Gymnasium, Home of SIKARAN

They start them young in Marikina City (left).........................and Taguig City (right).

They may be young but they have the serious and determined look of a Sikaran warrior and a true champion.

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Even the rose among the thorns has that serious don’t-mess-with-me attitude.

Off the mat they were all “pa-charming”.

On the mat these ladies are just as serious and deadly as any Sikaranista. Referee Rommel Guiveses is attending to the in-jured Joan Javier, as opponent walks away to a neutral corner.

The kids were just as serious. Referee is Randy Buban of Baras.

The Black Belts fought bare-chested like the Sikaranistas of old. The action was fast and furious. Referee is Rommel Guiveses of Pasig City.

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Winners in the Black Belt Division. from left: Jimmy Geronimo, Chief In-structor of World Sikaran Brotherhood, Adrian Garcia, Silver Medal from San Jose Del Monte, Arthur Manood, Champion from Baguio City, Elijah Aban, Bronze Medal from Baras, Rizal and Referee Rommel Guiveses.

Sikaran Officials, from left (first row): Eugene Posidio, Rudy Conepcion, Silvestre Monforte, Jimmy Geronimo (Chief Instructor of the World Sikaran Brotherhood), Supremo Meliton Geronimo, Emmanuel Querubin, Ernesto Millanes, and Eliseo Nerio. From left, second row: Unknown Black Belt from Marikina City, Gener Burabod, Raymond Zabala, Rommel Guiveses, Jona-than Geronimo, Jesus Narvatey, Jun Pineda, German Patingco, Randy Buban, Allan Villamor, Gilbert Maambong, Marvin Fontanilla, Arnel Garovillas, Emily Samillano, Rodel Labong.

The Arbitration Table, from Left: Supremo Meliton Geronimo (10th Degree Red Belt), Emmanuel Querubin (9th Degree Black Belt) and Jimmy Geronimo (9th Degree Black Belt).

More Sikaran Festival action picures.......................

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2010 Sikaran approved as Rizal provincial martial sport

SIKARAN Rizal Provincial Martial Sport Two days before the 83rd birthday of Supremo Meliton Geronimo, Grandmaster of Sikaran, the Pro-vincial Government of Rizal, enacted Provincial Ordinance 002-2010, simply known as the Sikaran Ordinance.

Hereunder, the Ordinance is printed in its entirety:

Sponsored by: BM John Lester F. San Juan BM Benjamin L. Esguerra, Jr. BM Emigdio P. Tanjuatco, III BM Zoilo G. Tolentino, Jr. BM Reynaldo H. San Juan, Jr., M.D. BM Arwin A. Mariano BM Narciso SJ. Villaran BM Ronald R. Barcena BM Wilmer R. Elago

Ordinance no. 002, s.2010An ordinance

Declaring Sikaran as the provincial sport, providing mechanism and progrms fot its preservation and promotion, appropriating the necessary funds therefore, and for other purposes BE IT ORDAINED by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Rizal in session duly assembled, that:

Section 1. SHORT TITLE. This ordinance shall be known as the SIKARAN Ordinance of 2010;

Section 2. RATIONALE. This Ordinance seeks to declare SIKARAN as the Provincial Sport of the Province of Rizal;

SIKARAN, is the ancient art of Filipino foot-fighting that originated in the Municipality of Baras, Prov-ince of Rizal. It is distinct from other forms of martial arts as Taekwondo and Karate by incorporating Arnis in the predominantly foot-figthing technique which has been taught and has been propagated locally and internationally for the past forty-four years through the tutelage of Former Baras Mayor, Meliton Geronimo, 10th Degree Redbelt Grandmaster of Sikaran;

While these historical perspective depict SIKARAN as an emerging Filipino creation in the field of martial arts, it cannot be overemphasized that SIKARAN also imbues each Filipino with a tool for self-defense once mastery of the art is achieved;

SIKARAN gains increasing popularity in the country as it promotes the virtue of self-discipline and control as well as healthy and simple lifestyle for the holistic development of the Filipino individual. These

are the characteristics possessed by a SIKARAN master that portray the purity of the Filipino ambition;

The development of SIKARAN as the Provincial Sport of Rizal will likewise assist the Rizal Provincial Government in its drive to counter drug addiction and juvenile delinquency by providing all Rizalenos, most specially the youth, an opportunity for self-excellence in the field of sports;

This Ordinance is in keeping with Sec. 19, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution which provides, to wit: “The State shall promote physical education and encourage sports programs, league competition, and ama-teur sports, including training for international competitions, to foster self-discipline, teamwork and excel-lence for the development of a healthy and alert citizenry.”

Section 3. Integration in the Sangguniang Kabataan Sports development program;

In order to mainstream, promote and popilarize SIKARAN as a Martial Art in the Province of Rizal, all Sangguniang Kabataan in the Provincial, City / Municipal Federation, as well as in the Barngay Level, are mandated to include SIKARAN in its regular sports development program;

Section 4. Mainstreaming Sikaran in the educational institutions and in various sports events in the province of rizal;

All primary, secondary and tertiary public and private educational institutions are hereby encouraged to include SIKARAN as a required subject in the Physical Education (P.E.) Curriculum;

The Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation and the Rizal Youth and Sport Development Office shall coordinate with the Schools Division Superintendent Department of Education Rizal, in the conduct of various activities to mainstream and promote SIKARAN as the Provincial Sport;

In order to mainstream SIKARAN as a Provincial Sport, it shall be included as one of the sporting events in the Palarong Panlalawigan, Palarong Panlungosd / Pambayan and Palarong Pambarangay respec-tively as provided for under RA 7160, otherwise known as the 1991 Local Government Code;

Section 5. Creation of the Rizal Sikaran Training Center; supervision of the rizal Sikaran Training Center (RSTC);

The RSTC as herein established shall be under the direct control and supervision of the Office of the Governor with a Center Director as head / chief of office, who shall be appointed by the Governor for a fixed term of three (3) years, unless sooner removed for just cause;

Section 6. Rizal Sikaran Training Board;

The Board of the RSTC shall be composed of the Governor as Chairman and SIKARAN Federation Pres-ident as Vice-Chairman and five (5) regular members to be appointed by the Governor which shall be com-posed of representatives from duly accredited SIKARAN Organizations in the Province of Rizal which possess reputable standing and two (2) representatives from the academe; The RSTC Board shall serve as the policy making body of the center to be vested with the authority to formulate appropriate SIKARAN training programs and modules and perform such other activities, projects and functions that will best attain the objectives of this ordinance; The RSTC Board shall be responsible in the allocation, disbursement, management and disposition of the SIKARAN Development Fund hereinafter created consistent with existing auditing rules and regulations; The RSTC Board shall likwise be responsible for the accreditation, training and certification of SI-KARAN trainers, instructors, coaches and referees in accordance with the guidelines it shall hereinafter formulate and shall perform such other functions as may be provided for by law or ordinance;

Section 7. Annual Sikaran Roadshow;

There shall be an annual SIKARAN Road Show in the form of Provincial, City / Municipal and Barangay Tournaments, Exhibits and Forum and such other similar and necessary activities that will promote the advo-cacy of SIKARAN as well as to identify potential talents to be recruited as trainers of the center;

Section 8. Sikaran Development Fund;

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There is hereby established a SIKARAN Development Fund chargeable against any unappropriated sum from the Provincial Treasury. Thereafter, such amount needed to implement this Ordinance shall be included in the annual appropriation of the province;

Section 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations;

Within a period of forty-five (45) days from the effectivity of this Ordinance, the Rizal Youth and Sports Development Office jointly with the Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation in coordination with the Schools Division Superintendent, Dep-Ed Rizal and in consultation with duly accredited SIKARAN Organizations in the Province of Rizal shall formulate the necessary Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the effective implementation of this Ordinance and the same shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon approval by the Governor;

Section 10. Separability Clause;

If for any reason or reasons, any part or provision of this Ordinance shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect;

Section 11. Repealing Clause;

All Ordinances, Resolutions, Rules and Regulations, and Executive or Administrative Orders which are inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly;

Section 12. Effectivity;

This ordinance shall take effect upon its approval;

ENACTED this 8th day of March 2010, at the Gat. Jose P. Rizal Hall, 3/F, Rizal Provincial Capitol, Ynarez Center Complex, Antipolo City.

2012 1st Philippines Martial Arts Hall of Fame Sikaran Awardees

Pioneer and most distinguished Grandmaster Icon Awardee Grandmaster Meliton C. Geronimo with Audrey Zubiri (wife of former Senator Zubiri) and former Judge Pamaran.

There is only one true Sikaran Grandmaster and that is Meliton Geronimo. There are numer-ous self-proclaimed Sikaran Grandmasters but only Meliton

Geronimo was granted the title Grandmaster and the rank of 10th Degree Red Belt by an in-ternational martial art entity, the Asian Karate Association.

Meliton Geronimo is also the only person vested the ap-pellation of dignity and honor as Sikaran Supremo (Sikaran Leader) by the Sikaran elders of Baras,

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Rizal. Under the leadership of Meliton Geronimo, the Phil-ippines garnered seven gold medals in six Asian Karate Cham-pionships, an accomplishment that stands unchallenged and unequalled. The World Sikaran Broth-erhood, founded and headed by Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo is the oldest and largest Filipino Martial Art association in the Philippines. It also has affiliates all over the world. There are thou-sands of members of the World Sikaran Brotherhood in the rest of Asia, in Australia, both North and South America, in the Middle East, in Europe and in Africa. Through the efforts of Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo, the Municipality of Baras in the Province of Rizal acknowledges Baras as the birthplace of Sikaran and proudly displays it on the official letterhead of the Munici-pality with the words “Home of Sikaran” and the seal of the World Sikaran Brotherhood. Sikaran has also been proclaimed as Rizal’s Official Provincial Sport and designated the last Saturday of March as Sikaran Festival Day. Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo’s influence extends outside the Philippines. Two Malaysians who were introduced to Sikaran in the 1960’s have upwardly evolved to create their systems. Clement Soo (Reg. No. 257) now the President of the Ka-rate League of Malaysia created the Malaysian Goshin Ryu Karate System, which is recognized by the World Karate Federation. Loke Meng Kwang (Reg. No. 354) is the Grandmaster of the Ran Yi Wu Kwan Tang Sou Dao and is a member of the British Martial

Arts Commission. For all these unequalled achievements, Meliton Geronimo is indeed the Most Distinguished Filipino Martial Arts Grandmaster. Born on March 10, 1927, Meliton Geronimo is the son of Cipriano Geronimo the last Sikaran Hari (champion) of Baras, Rizal and the grandson of Boni-facio Geronimo the last and only Hari ng mga Hari (champion of champions) of Baras, Rizal the birthplace of Sikaran. The Geronimo Sikaran lineage is the only progenitor of this historical Filipino fighting art. Meliton Geronimo pioneered the transformation of this 16th cen-tury art into the 20th century and now the 21st century. Through his dedication and efforts, Sikaran was introduced outside the coun-try and became an international martial art. In 1958, Meliton Geron-

imo founded the Sikaran Broth-erhood of the Philippines (then referred to as Philippine Karate for inclusion in the Asian Karate Association). Due to the similarity of the arts, it was agreed by the member countries to refer to the art in the Japanese generic term of Karate. Hence, Korean Tang Soo Doo was known as Korean Ka-rate, Chinese Kung-fu (also read as Kempo, also read as Chinese Hand, with the same characters as Empty Hand, sometimes read as Karate) was known as Chinese Karate, and Sikaran was referred to as Philippine Karate. In 1963, the Asian Karate Association was formed by Japan, Korea, China, and the Philippines. In 1964, the First Asian Ka-rate Championships was held in Tokyo, Japan and Meliton Geron-imo representing the Philippines won the Most Courageous Fighter Award.

Other Sikaran Awardees, all 9th Degree Red &White Belt, from left:

Louelle Lledo (Reg. No. 326) Dangal ng Karunungan Award Jaime Geronimo (Reg. No. 14) Grandmaster of the Year Award Andy Sanano (Reg. No. 844) International Grandmaster of the Year Emmanuel Querubin (Reg. No. 87) Platinum Lifetime Achievement Award.

Through Meliton Geroni-mo’s untiring efforts on Novem-ber 6, 1966, the Asian Karate Association recognized Sikaran as a distinct Filipino Fighting Art and Meliton Geronimo was awarded the rank of 10th Degree Red Belt with the title Grandmaster. In 1967, four students of Meliton Geronimo introduced Philippine Karate (Sikaran) in Malaysia and in 1969 through his efforts, Malaysia became the fifth member of the Asian Karate As-sociation. Under the leadership of Meliton Geronimo, the Philippines garnered seven gold medals in different weight classifications in six Asian Karate Championships. In 1970 when the World Union of Karate-do Organizations was established after the dissolu-tion of the Asian Karate Associa-tion, Meliton Geronimo, repre-senting the Philippines, became a signatory member of the Charter of WUKO. Meliton Geronimo is in-deed the SIKARAN PIONEER

Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo showing off his two Hall of Fame Awards, with avid supporters. Second row, from left: Leonila Pilar, Felipe Penales, Emily Samilla-no, Emmanuel Querubin, Jimmy Geronimo, Fernan, Nickie Esmero, Andy Sanano, Kristine Velasquez and Louelle Lledo. Flanking Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo, are Tito on his right and Tyson on his left displaying Grandmaster Meliton Geroni-mo’s Grandmaster Icon Of All Time Award and Sikaran Pioneer Award.

Front row, from left: Master Jimmy Geronimo, Jonathan Geronimo, Tito Singson and Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo. Seond row, from left: Donnie San Joaquin, Hall of Fame Judo Coordinator, Sikaran Mantas Emmanuel Querubin (California) Andy Sanano (Florida) and Louelle Lledo (New Jersey, USA).

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For the Order Form - Click Here

Arnis de Mano Teacher’s Training Handbook SeriesBy Two World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines’ Mantas

Louelle Lledo Jr. (Reg. 326 - Founder of Amara Arkanis International) and Andy Sanano Jr. (Reg. 844 - Founder of Labing-tatlong Hampas Sanano Martial Arts System)

To Order Contact:Louelle Lledo, Jr. - matawgurolou@yahoo.com Andy Sanano, Jr. - matawgurosanano@gmail.com

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RELEASED IN 2011….

Sikaran Instructional Video Volume 1

Written, Produced and Directed by: Elpidio Seletaria jr. 7th Degree Black Belt (#1487) Hercules, California, USA www.Sikaranarnis.com

Coming Soon…!!!

Sikaran Instructional Video Volume 2 (Advanced Sikaran with Defensive Tactics, etc…)

History of Early Sikaran Techniques of Sikaran Biyakid, Sikaran’s Signature Kick Sikaran’s Old Training Method Sikaran Paligsahan (Contest) Sikaran Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo Master Jaime Geronimo Sikaran Seniors Pay Homage Sikaran’s Dynamic Duo Baras - Birthplace of Sikaran Evolution of Damit Sikaran 2009 Sikaran Festival The FMAdigest meets Grandmaster Melton Geronimo Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo and Sikaran Meliton Geronimo - 10th Degree Red Belt, Grandmaster of Sikaran Steven Dowd, Publisher, FMAdigest An Interview with Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo Emmanuel del Espiritu Santo Querubin Author: Sikaran, Fighting Art of the Filipino Farmer

Download the Issue Click Here

FMAdigest Special Edition - SIKARAN, 2009

VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

WORLD SIKARAN BROTHERHOOD OF THE PHILIPPINES (PANDAIGDIGANG KAPATIRANG SIKARAN NG PILIPINAS), INC.

General Headquarters 138 Constantino Street, Barangay Santiago

Baras, Rizal 1970, Philippines

WSBP RAFFLE DRAW March 23, 2012, 3:00 PM

Baras Gymnasium Baras, Rizal

Ticket Price: P50.00

PRIZES:

One First Prize: One Second Prize: Two Third Prizes: Two Fourth Prizes: Two Fifth Prizes:

15 Consolation Prizes of Grocery Bags Worth P500.00 Each 5 Consolation Prizes (1 Each of Emmanuel Querubin’s Book “Sikaran, The Fighting Art of the Filipino Farmer”) 5 Consolation Prizes (1 Each of Emmanuel Querubin’s Book, “Original Balangkas ng Sikaran”) Plus Many, Many More Surprise Consolation Prizes…!!!

LET US ALL HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR ALL THE SOCIAL PROGRAMS OF THE

WORLD SIKARAN BROTHERHOOD OF THE PHILIPPINES

BE INVOLVED AND BE COUNTED !!!!!!!!!

1 HP Laptop with Upgrade 1 25” LCD TV 1 Cell Phone with Sim Card-Globe 1 Cell Phone with Sim Card-Smart 1 Sack of Rice Each 1 Electric Fan Each

Mabuhay and Good LuckMabuhay and Good LuckMabuhay and Good Luck

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 A More Peaceful World©

“We Are Many Parts, We Are All One Body”