1

VOLUME 6 OCTOBER – NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2017 NUMBER 4

NUMBER 3

2

SIKARAN TALIBA© IS PUBLISHED BY THE SIKARAN PILIPINAS PUBLICATIONS. IT IS

THE ONLY INTERNET NEWSPAPER 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 OF SIKARAN TALIBA OR THE

EDITORS. THE SIKARAN TALIBA IS NOT A FORUM FOR GRIEVANCE. THE

MANAGEMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT CONTRIBUTED MATERIALS FOR

DEROGATORY 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

SIKARAN PILIPINAS PUBLICATIONS NOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SIKARAN TALIBA

ASSUMES ANY RESPONSIBILITY IN THE MISUSE OR ABUSE OF ALL TECHNIQUES IN

THIS NEWSPAPER.

EDITORIAL OFFICE

P.O. BOX 6332

ALAMEDA, CA 94501

sikarantaliba@gmail.com

Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo

Honorary Editor Emeritus

Mantas-Marangal Emmanuel es Querubin

Editor in Chief

Mantas-Dalubhasa Elpidio Seletaria, Jr.

Managing Editor

Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.

Editor-at-Large

ERPQUE / GEOMARI

Art Editors

Contributors:

Philippine Correspondent Daniella A. Mancera

Mantas-Marangal Louelle Lledo, Jr.

Mantas-Marangal Andy Sanano, Jr.

Mantas-Marangal Romeo Paje

Janeth Geronimo

SIKARAN PILIPINAS PUBLICATIONS

Republic of the Philippines Certificate of Copyright No. A 2009-102

Department of Trade and Industry Certificate of Registration 00706053

United States, Library of Congress Copyright Registration No. TXu 1-612-682

3

Ang Parol , the Filipino Icon of Christmas

A Christmas Message from the President and his Family

The year 2017 is now bidding us goodbye. It was a very good and

productive year. We wish to thank you and your family for making it

so.

SIKARAN is the perfect example of the “daang matuwid.”

Banal na Pasko at masaganang bagong taon sa ating lahat at ang aming

dalangin ay pagpalain tayo ng Poong Maykapal sa tuwina.

Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.

4

WORLD SIKARAN BROTHERHOOD THE SUPREMO AND THE PANTAS

MELITON C. GERONIMO, Sr. – MELITON S. GERONIMO, Jr.

A Study of Leadership

By: Mantas-Marangal Emmanuel es Querubin

Several years ago I conducted a seminar for beginners in Sikaran. A curious

youngster asked, without malice, why there are so many styles of fighting. This

innocent question led to another and then another.

Some questions were simple and may be answered by a simple yes or no.

Some were more complicated that required more explanation. Still others are more

intricate and complex that necessitate research comprising creative and systematic

work to increase knowledge of nature, culture, society and individuals.

In 2015 there was a question that inspired this article. Supremo Meliton C.

Geronimo, now bedridden as a result of several bouts with stroke decided to pass

on his Sikaran Leadership to his son Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.

The passing of the Sikaran Leadership, known as “Sikaran Passing of the

Torch” was witnessed by over 3,000 members of the World Sikaran Brotherhood

and citizens of Baras and the adjoining municipalities who braved the heat of the

Philippine summer sun in front of the Municipal Hall of Baras, Rizal.

Led by the two beautiful and powerful ladies of the Province of Rizal and

the Municipality of Baras, Governor Ynarez and Mayor Katherine Robles were

provincial, municipal and local officials. In order to make a factual information of any study, and not just an interpretation or

reaction or a mixture of comment of the subject matter, (in this case a comparative study of the

Supremo and the Pantas) it is imperative that the writer commands a complete and thorough

knowledge and understanding of the subject matter and the people involved.

The author claims to have both, a complete and thorough knowledge and understanding

of the subject matter and the people involved.

The author met Meliton C. Geronimo, in 1958 when the former affiliated his school

Samahan sa Ikauunlad ng Karate sa Pilipinas (SIKAP) later renamed SIKARAN

PILIPINAS (SIKAP) with the KARATE (SIKARAN) BROTHERHOOD OF THE

PHILIPPINES, headed by Meliton C. Geronimo.

The author was appointed Director for Research and Standards. Part of his duties was to

undertake a research in SIKARAN and related Filipino Fighting Arts. After a painstaking quest

that took him as far north as Batanes and as far south as Jolo, he ended back in the town of

Baras, in the Province of Rizal the hotbed of SIKARAN. There he met septuagenarian Cipriano

Geronimo, the last SIKARAN Hari of Baras. With Cipriano Geronimo were octogenarians

Manuel Ocampo and Melencio Bigasin, elder SIKARAN contemporaries and Haris turned

5

Guros. Also present were long time inactive SIKARAN Guros Aurelio Cabacob, Angeles

Pilapil and Servillano Javier.

Further search for other SIKARAN masters or teachers proved futile and fruitless. The

author was convinced that these were the last living masters of SIKARAN.

The author met some practitioners in the neighboring towns around Baras, who trained in

SIKARAN at one time or another. For some reason they have not attained the status of hari

(champion) or guro (teacher) and therefore were not considered valid and legitimate authority to

pass on SIKARAN. They were, however, an invaluable source of information.

In the 1950’s, Meliton C. Geronimo, under the tutelage of these last living masters of

SIKARAN, Cipriano Geronimo, Melencio Bigasin, Manuel Ocampo, Aurelio Cabacob, Angeles

Pilapil and Servillano Javier, started formulating the curriculum of what is now present day

SIKARAN.

The genre of SIKARAN that was handed down to Meliton C. Geronimo at the tender age

of eight by his father, Cipriano Geronimo, was a very effective and even deadly fighting system.

However, it had to be elevated from a system to an art to gain international recognition. From

SIKARAN, foot-fighting system of the Philippines, Meliton C. Geronimo elevated SIKARAN

to the Foot-fighting Art of the Philippines. The author refers to SIKARAN as the Unarmed

Fighting Art of the Filipino Farmer, which he feels is a more accurate definition, based on its

origin.

To attain international recognition, it was imperative to apply a systematized

classification and organization of the techniques and modernized the way SIKARAN was taught

and disseminated.

To achieve this goal, Meliton C. Geronimo aligned the propagation of SIKARAN with

Karate, even using the metonym title “Philippine Karate”. He required the invaluable assistance

of his most senior disciple Director for Research and Standards Emmanuel “Emmy” Querubin.

To Emmanuel Querubin, Meliton C. Geronimo assigned the recording of the chronicle and

journal of SIKARAN. Emmanuel Querubin still continues the propagation of SIKARAN as a

martial art. Meliton C. Geronimo modified where it needs modification, such as using the white

martial arts attire and ranking system signified by the color of belt. He developed where it needs

development, such as the practice of techniques and drills in choreographed balangkas (formal

exercises or patterns). Meliton Geronimo also adopted new methods where it was needed, such

as rules and regulations to be accepted as a modern sport while maintaining SIKARAN’s

fighting attributes and origin. Meliton C. Geronimo laid down the foundation of present day

SIKARAN.

A book, entitled “SIKARAN THE FIGHTING ART OF THE FILIPINO

FARMER”, the result of the persevering efforts of Emmanuel del Espiritu Santo Querubin, is a

record of the evolution of SIKARAN from a system to an art. It came into reality with the

encouragement of Meliton C. Geronimo, Cipriano Geronimo, Melencio Bigasin, Manuel

Ocampo and Daniel Rendal. Work on this book started in 1960, but due to unforeseen

circumstances, publication was postponed until more than 47 years later. The author is using

some of the pictures taken then, which explains the dated appearance and the all-white uniform.

6

SUPREMO MELITON C. GERONIMO AND HIS

FAMOUS DAGIT NG AGILA.

7

PANTAS MELITON S. GERONIMO, Jr. THE NEW

AGILA

In the 1960’s while preparation of this book was in progress, Meliton C. Geronimo was

busy making representations for the recognition of SIKARAN, as a distinct and sovereign

Filipino Unarmed Fighting Art, by the Asian Karate Association.

SIKARAN has been in existence for centuries, but the first time that it was brought to the

attention of the international world of the martial arts was when this author was named

Philippine Correspondent for Black Belt Magazine in late 1965.

Using pictures from the book the author started in 1960 (but holding back pertinent

information, such as the complete history of SIKARAN and origin of the techniques, until

publication of the book), an article entitled “A Dying Art – SIKARAN, Art of Philippines

Foot Fighting”, appeared in the April 1966 issue of Black Belt Magazine. It was then followed

with another article entitled “It All Began 800 Years Ago” in the June 1966 issue, also of Black

Belt Magazine. Both articles were written by the author of this book.

8

BLACK BELT MAGAZINE: (TOP) APRIL 1966 ISSUE,

(BOTTOM) JUNE 1966 ISSUE

9

Black Belt Magazine published in Los Angeles, California USA, then, as it is now, is the

premiere publication in the world purely devoted to the fighting arts.

Subsequent articles about SIKARAN came out in the pages of REDBELT Magazine,

the MANDIRIGMA (Warrior) Magazine several other martial arts publications and the

mainstream periodicals in the Philippines. SIKARAN and Meliton C. Geronimo were featured in

the Martial Arts Masters, Founders and Leaders book published in the United States.

Recently he was also featured in the Filipino Martial Arts Digest, published by Steven Dowd of

Fallon, Nevada.

In 1969, Meliton C. Geronimo and Emmanuel Querubin published two SIKARAN

instructional manuals.

Unfortunately, after all the articles about SIKARAN came out, followed by the

recognition by the Asian Karate Association, unscrupulous people who read about it put together

some hand and foot maneuvers and called their system SIKARAN. Adding insult to injury some

even plagiarized the author’s writings about SIKARAN and related arts in an effort to validate

and authenticate whatever they are teaching.

Self-proclaimed masters and even grandmasters in SIKARAN proliferated. Some claim

to be the successor (?) to the art, while others even ridiculously claim to have originated the art.

Some even juggled the letters to “create” their own “system.” One even claim, (in his own word)

“to have seized SIKARAN from the Philippines, lock, stock and barrel, completely draining the

country of all SIKARAN techniques.”

Still another student who exalted himself with the title of grandmaster, has claimed to

have been bequeathed the title of Hari (champion) not knowing that the title is won in the

“battlefield of combat” and cannot be passed on.

By not being a part of the genealogical order of SIKARAN, these unprincipled self-

proclaimed masters and grandmasters are inherently fraud. The techniques they may be teaching

may resemble SIKARAN, but unless they came from the lineage of SIKARAN, it is not

SIKARAN and to call it so is deceitful. Their incredulous rank and title unless bestowed on

them by the only SIKARAN Grandmaster is therefore fraudulent.

These were the very reasons why the author omitted all the pertinent information about

SIKARAN in his original article in April 1966 until publication of this book.

There is no written history of SIKARAN. SIKARAN was taught in the oral method of

questions and answers leaving nothing in writing. The author unequivocally asserts that this is

the first authoritative and most complete written account of SIKARAN. The information in this

treatise were recorded, not on paper or papyrus tablets but etched in the hearts and the minds of a

very select few. Thanks to the SIKARAN elders of the towns of Baras, Tanay, Morong and

Binangonan, it was possible to sort out the truth from the hearsay and the fact from fiction and

conjecture. The accuracy and veracity of the information was also verified by these SIKARAN

followers.

The verifiable information all led to the lineage of Meliton C. Geronimo and only went

back up to the early to mid-1800s, at the time of his grandfather Bonifacio Geronimo. The

information, before the time of Bonifacio Geronimo, was sketchy and hazy at best with more

superstitions than fact and can no longer be verified.

As far as it can be determined, the history of SIKARAN as recorded in the book,

“SIKARAN, THE FIGHTING ART OF THE FILIPINO FARMER”; (the product of years

of research, interviews, checks, counter-checks and establishment of a point of comparison for

confirmation) is the only written account of SIKARAN. The documentary evidence the author

10

presents are the word and reputation of the people involved in the art that were practiced since

the 1800’s and which they believed existed hundreds of years before them. To set the record

straight, it became imperative to publish this book with the complete history and the origin and

foundation of the techniques of SIKARAN. This book is the first and only authoritative book in

SIKARAN.

First and foremost, this book’s goal is to initiate the misinformed and the uninformed, in

SIKARAN, the superior indigenous sovereign unarmed fighting art of the Filipino which is an

integral part of the rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. It is also this book’s objective to

correct the misconception that SIKARAN is a “limited art,” that relies solely on foot techniques.

Present day competitions adopted rules of SIKARAN contests of old, where the hands are used

exclusively for blocking techniques and this contributed to this fallacy.

It will not be surprising that after publication of this book, these old self-proclaimed

masters and grandmasters and new self-proclaimed masters and grandmasters will find a way to

validate their systems based on the information contained in this book.

The materials used in this book were from original interviews with SIKARAN and other

martial arts masters in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Unfortunately, most of the original pictures have

been misplaced, so the author had to make copies from previously printed manuscripts,

magazines and other periodicals. The quality of some pictures may be less than satisfactory but it

makes a good indicator of the authenticity of what they portray.

This book reaffirms the stewardship of Meliton C. Geronimo as the only Grandmaster of

SIKARAN acknowledged by the last Hari’s of SIKARAN. Meliton C. Geronimo, is the only 10th

Degree Red Belt in SIKARAN, sanctioned and recognized by the Asian Karate Association.

Cipriano Geronimo, Manuel Ocampo and Melencio Bigasin, out of nationalistic loyalty

were determined to resurrect the interest in SIKARAN. They found a protégé in Meliton C.

Geronimo, elder son of Cipriano Geronimo. Even as a young boy, Meliton C. Geronimo has

displayed exceptional proficiency in SIKARAN.

As a teenager, Meliton C. Geronimo has shown unusual fortitude and courage by serving

with distinction in the resistance movement with the Marking Guerillas during the Second World

War.

Born on March 10, 1927, Meliton C. Geronimo is a man for all seasons. He is a master of

SIKARAN, and the Filipino Fighting Art of Arnis de Mano, a military man, and a politician.

Even with his busy schedule, Geronimo finds time to be a movie actor.

In the early 1950’s, Meliton C. Geronimo, already a budding master of SIKARAN and a

non-commissioned officer in the Philippine Air Force was sent to Japan and the United States as

part of the Reparations Treaty Contingent from the Philippine Air Force. A mutual acquaintance

introduced Meliton C. Geronimo to Master Koichi Kondo of the All Japan Karate Federation.

The SIKARAN master and the Karate Master became good friends, brought together by their

arts and mutual respect in their proficiency.

While in the United States he trained early mornings before the sun was up. The

American soldiers who trained with him christened him Chief Geronimo, (the native American

chieftain) as a sign of awe and respect of his physical prowess. That was the first time that

SIKARAN was introduced in the United States.

Karate was gaining popularity in the whole world and in the Philippines as well. In order

for SIKARAN to gain international acceptance, Meliton C. Geronimo found it expedient to align

the propagation of SIKARAN with Karate and also for expediency use the subtitle Philippine

Karate as a metonym reference to SIKARAN.

11

He also realized that to gain recognition, it was essential to make adjustments and

modernize his approach to the practice of SIKARAN, at the same time preserving the

authenticity and identity of the art.

SIKARAN was a pure and effective fighting system. Techniques, both offensive and

defensive were executed exactly how they were used in actual fighting. There were no “hidden

techniques” or “hidden applications” concealed in Balangkas or pre-arranged patterns or formal

exercises. There were no Balangkas (pre-arranged forms or drills) to allow one to train alone

against imaginary opponent or opponents. There were no formal exercises needed to advance in

rank or standing. Training consisted mainly of rudimentary but exciting actual exchange of

blows with a partner.

Filipinos’ indifference and apathy to rituals and ceremonials, which they always associate

with religion, carried over to SIKARAN, hence the lack of formal exercises or pre-arranged

patterns.

Understanding this need, Geronimo adopted the required choreographed formal exercises

from other martial arts for purposes of international competition. However, to retain the

distinctive origin of SIKARAN, Geronimo also created and developed SIKARAN’s own

personalized formal exercises.

There are five classifications of Balangkas (patterns) in SIKARAN. The first is the

Batayang Balangkas (Basic Pattern). The second is the Balangkas ng Kampana (Pattern of the

Bell or 4-direction pattern). The third is the intermediate pattern or Pani-langkas. The fourth is

the progressive pattern or Mau-langkas more popularly known as the Balangkas ng SIKARAN.

The fifth is the Balangkas na Banyaga (foreign forms).

The Balangkas na Banyaga are forms or patterns of foreign origin given Filipino names

and were essential at the time when SIKARAN was still referred to as Philippine Karate for

acceptance in the Asian Karate Association. Presently, although some Balangkas na Banyaga is

still practiced, they are now optional.

Part of this adjustment was adopting other techniques, such as other stances and blocks.

Ranking and belt system as well as official white attire, salutation and other protocols were also

made part in the modern practice of SIKARAN.

Meliton C. Geronimo’s systematizing and organizing the techniques of SIKARAN

effectively elevated SIKARAN from a “foot-fighting system” to the “fighting art of the Filipino

farmer.”

While a non-commissioned officer, in the Philippine Air Force, Meliton C. Geronimo

started teaching military personnel and their dependents the Filipino fighting arts of SIKARAN

and ARNIS DE MANO. They formed the Eagle Karate (SIKARAN) Club, made up of

Philippine Air Force personnel. After the civilian dependents of the PAF joined the club, the

name Eagle Karate (SIKARAN) Club was retained but the PAF servicemen put up their own

group and to distinguish it as a purely military club they called it the Blue Diamond Karate

(SIKARAN) Club in honor of the acrobatic flying team of the Philippine Air Force.

Upon learning of the existence of this club, several civilians sought instructions from

Meliton C. Geronimo. Since most civilian members have no access to the military base, it was

decided to rent a building outside the base to serve as headquarters and central gymnasium. In

1958 the group was renamed the Karate (SIKARAN) Brotherhood of the Philippines.

In 1960, Geronimo communicated with Master Koichi Kondo of the All Japan Karate

Federation in an effort to join and have the Asian Karate Association recognize SIKARAN as a

distinct and sovereign empty-hand fighting art of Filipino origin. On February 8, 1961, affixing

12

his seal on his response, Master Koichi Kondo acknowledged Geronimo’s letter. Again, on May

5, 1961, Master Koichi Kondo sent a hand written response from Korea, to Meliton C.

Geronimo.

In 1962, Master Koichi Kondo, Chief Instructor of the All Japan Karate Federation, as a

prelude for recognition of SIKARAN as a distinct Filipino empty-hand fighting art named

Meliton C. Geronimo, now a captain in the Philippine Air Force, Japanese Karate Grades

Commissioner for the Philippines. In recognition of his skill, Meliton C. Geronimo was awarded

the 5th

Degree black belt by Kyojiro Furusawa, president of the All Japan Karate Federation. It

was at that time, the highest grade in Karate awarded to a non-Japanese. The same reciprocal

authority was accorded to Meliton C. Geronimo by Korean Tang Soo Doo Grandmasters Hwang

Kee of the Moo Doo Kwan and Kwai Byung Yun of the Jee Doo Kwan. This commission

qualified that whatever grade or promotion Meliton C. Geronimo issues will be recognized and

honored by the All Japan Karate Federation, the Korean Karate Association and eventually by

the Asian Karate Association.

Although it took a while, on March 6, 1963, Master Koichi Kondo confirmed his support

for Meliton C. Geronimo and the KARATE (SIKARAN) BROTHERHOOD OF THE

PHILIPPINES for membership in the Asian Karate Association, and extended an invitation for

the Philippines to participate in the First Asian Karate Championship.

In an attempt to make it a regular part of the Asian Games, a uniform name for the sport

was necessary. All member countries agreed to use the collective name of Asian Karate

Association.

In 1964, Meliton C. Geronimo led a team of SIKARAN players in the First Asian Karate

Championships held in Japan. It was the first time that Japanese Karate, Chinese Karate, Korean

Tang Soo Doo, called Korean Karate and SIKARAN, referred to as Philippine Karate, competed

in an international tournament using a standard uniform rule of contest. The rules were almost

made-to-order for SIKARAN fighters. They were the matira ang matibay (knock-out-survival-

of-the-fittest) kind of rules, the forte of SIKARAN. What was new to the Filipinos was the use of

full-body protective gear.

Meliton C.Geronimo’s skill in SIKARAN paid off when he was named Most Courageous

Fighter as he introduced SIKARAN’S SIGNATURE KICK THE BIYAKID. It was his first

international competition and the first honor for the Philippines in the martial art field of empty-

hand fighting. It also proved the flexibility and ability of SIKARAN practitioners to adapt to

different fight situations under a different set of rules of engagement.

In subsequent Asian Karate Championships, several other honors were won under the

leadership of Meliton C. Geronimo, including seven gold medals.

SIKARAN IS BOTH THE JOURNEY AND THE DESTINATION

13

SUPREMO MELITON C. 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 and sovereign

Filipino Fighting Art. Meliton C. Geronimo was acknowledged as the Grandmaster of

SIKARAN and was awarded the 10th Degree Red Belt.

KOICHI KONDO KWAI BYEUNG YUN HWANG KEE

GRANDMASTER GRANDMASTER GRANDMASTER

All Japan Karate Federation Korean Soo Bak Doo Korean Tang Soo Doo

14

15

16

17

On the Third Asian Karate Championship in 1966, SIKARAN was accepted as a

sovereign and distinct Filipino style of fighting, by the Asian Karate Association headed by

Korea’s Dr. Kwai Byeung Yun, with the concurrence of Master Koichi Kondo of the All Japan

Karate Federation, Master Hwang Kee of the Korean Tang Soo Doo and China’s Master Chua

Tiong Ki. This once in a lifetime event was witnessed by Philippine Senator Ambrosio Padilla,

Antonio delas Alas, president of the Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation, Colonel Jose

Lukban, president of the Philippine Amateur Judo Association and several high ranking military

officers. Also in attendance were Cipriano Geronimo, last Hari of SIKARAN and several

SIKARAN elders from Baras and surrounding towns, headed by Melencio Bigasin and Manuel

Ocampo. In recognition of this achievement, the Philippine Sportswriters Association vested on

Meliton C. Geronimo the Sportsman of the Year Award.

HEADED BY CIPRIANO GERONIMO, THE REMAINING SIKARAN ELDERS GAVE

MELITON C. GERONIMO, THE TITLE “SIKARAN SUPREMO”.

Meliton C. Geronimo, who codified, organized and elevated SIKARAN from an ancient

system to a modern fighting art was awarded the title of Grandmaster of SIKARAN with the

rank of 10th Degree Red Belt. He was vested the Order of the Eagle (Agila), the highest award in

the Asian Karate Association.

Some people were insistent on calling the art Philippine Karate professing that it has been

influenced too much by Karate. Some contend that it should be called Modern SIKARAN to

differentiate it with the SIKARAN of old, because foreign but similar fighting arts have

debauched its distinctive style. Meliton C. Geronimo, maintaining that this is neither a new nor a

different art, but a natural evolutionary progression of the centuries-old art of SIKARAN,

resisted to use a qualifier and retained the name of the art the way it has always been since the

18

1800’s. It may have seemed an insignificant matter to some, but to Meliton C. Geronimo, it

looms large on the horizon of the future of SIKARAN. He strongly declared that the art of

SIKARAN that he is propagating is the same art his grandfather propagated in the 1800’s. He

emphatically stressed that nobody can improve on perfection of the centuries-old art of

SIKARAN. He emphasized that what he improved on is the “packaging” and “presentation” of

SIKARAN.

Working together, Meliton C. Geronimo, and Emmanuel del Espiritu Santo Querubin,

with the encouragement and wisdom of SIKARAN Haris Cipriano Geronimo, Melencio Bigasin

and Manuel Ocampo and Arnis de Mano Grandmaster Daniel Rendal, formalized the syllabus of

the techniques and curriculum of SIKARAN. Likewise, terminologies were translated and other

words were coined in line with this curriculum.

In 1969, Meliton C. Geronimo and Emmanuel del Espiritu Santo Querubin’s

Terminologies of the Filipino Fighting Arts received the approval of the Institute of National

Language and the Department of Education, bolstering the identity of SIKARAN as an

indigenous empty-hand fighting art of the Philippines.

In the same year, Meliton C. Geronimo and Emmanuel Querubin published two

SIKARAN Instructional Manuals.

From 1969 to 1972, Meliton C. Geronimo and his senior instructors, Emmanuel del

Espiritu Santo Querubin, Angeles Sanchez, Rodrigo Espiritu, Ramon Valdenor and Serafin

Pangilinan, were assigned to train Republic of the Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos and

the Presidential Security Command in SIKARAN.

In 1970, the Asian Karate Association was disbanded to give way to the creation of the

World Union of Karate-do Organizations (WUKO) the ruling body of Karate in the world. It was

unfortunate that Master Koichi Kondo was no longer around to witness the culmination of his

dream. Master Koichi Kondo passed away prematurely in 1969. The Sikaran Brotherhood of the

Philippines, (under the metonym title Karate Brotherhood of the Philippines) became an original

signatory member while Meliton C. Geronimo and Emmanuel del Espiritu Santo Querubin were

designated lifetime founding signers of the WUKO charter.

Meliton C. Geronimo, has gained worldwide recognition as a martial arts leader and the

Philippines, through the Karate (SIKARAN) Brotherhood of the Philippines, has emerged as a

powerhouse in the international Karate scene. This personal glory was bothersome for Meliton

C. Geronimo. With the formation of WUKO, SIKARAN was being identified too much as

Karate instead of the distinct and sovereign Filipino Fighting Art that it is. Apprehensive that

SIKARAN may lose its identity over the international acceptance of Philippine Karate, Meliton

C. Geronimo, shortly thereafter relinquished his position in the World Union of Karate-do

Organizations (WUKO).

In 1972, Meliton C. Geronimo issued Executive Order No. 6 declaring that SIKARAN

will no longer be referred to as Philippine Karate. All inferences or references to SIKARAN as

Philippine Karate shall cease from that very instant and shall forever be banned. Likewise, the

all-white uniform will be replaced by the official SIKARAN attire which was white shirt

patterned after the camisa-tsino and red trousers.

Energized by the enthusiasm of the SIKARAN elders, Meliton C. Geronimo devoted all

his time and energy in the propagation of SIKARAN. Sacrificing his personal stature as a

pacesetter in the Karate world, he dropped all reference to SIKARAN as Philippine Karate and

propelled the Filipino Fighting Art to its rightful place in the international martial arts scene.

Adopting the ancient rules of SIKARAN competition, Meliton C. Geronimo set tournament

19

protocol making SIKARAN a modern and exciting competitive sport. SIKARAN is now

practiced in several countries in at least four continents and is universally recognized as the

Filipino Fighting art that it is.

TWO SIKARAN INSTRUCTIONAL MANUALS PUBLISHED IN

1969

20

21

After retiring from the Philippine Air Force, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Meliton

C. Geronimo was elected Mayor of the town of Baras in the province of Rizal. His first official

action as Mayor was to acknowledge Baras as the birthplace of SIKARAN. A similar resolution

was also passed by the provincial government of the province of Rizal. Geronimo also erected a

monument of two SIKARAN fighters in a biyakid position, adjacent to the multi-purpose

gymnasium that he also constructed to be home of SIKARAN.

SIKARAN and Meliton C. Geronimo are synonymous and nobody can rightfully claim to

have learned the art unless they learned it from Meliton C. Geronimo or his disciples.

Unfortunately, unsuspecting people are being bilked by self-proclaimed “masters” and even

“grandmasters,” who after hearing about SIKARAN, cleverly put together some hand and foot

techniques and call their art SIKARAN.

Meliton C. Geronimo, still actively oversees the affairs of the KAPATIRANG

SIKARAN NG PILIPINAS (ruling body of SIKARAN) and the KAPATIRANG

PANDAIGDIGAN NG SIKARAN (WORLD BROTHERHOOD OF SIKARAN), comprised of

several affiliates from all over the world.

With Meliton C. Geronimo at the head, his most senior, trustworthy and ardent followers

stand by his side. Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. his son and second in command and a master in his

own right, attends to the administrative and political affairs of SIKARAN as an international

sport and is now the President of the PANDAIGDIGANG KAPATIRANG SIKARAN NG

PILIPINAS. Emmanuel del Espiritu Santo Querubin, also based in the United States, continues

to propagate SIKARAN as a fighting art and has just published the second authoritative book in

SIKARAN, entitled “ORIGINAL BALANGKAS OF SIKARAN.”

There is only one recognized SIKARAN genealogy and that is the Geronimo lineage.

There is only one Grandmaster of SIKARAN accepted by the SIKARAN elders and that is

Meliton C. Geronimo. There is only one Filipino Grandmaster sanctioned and recognized by the

Asian Karate Association to hold the rank of 10th Degree Red Belt in SIKARAN and that is

Meliton C. Geronimo.

Origin is not the only difference of Sikaran. There are techniques and maneuvers that

differentiate Sikaran from other arts.

There are similarities in all unarmed fighting arts because it is a result of man's natural

instinct for self-preservation. As a consequence of this natural instinct, man learned how to use

the weapons that nature provided him - his mind and his body. This led to the development of the

use of the empty hands and the bare feet in maneuvers that are now known as martial arts,

fighting arts, self-defense arts, and other descriptive and colorful names.

The confiscation and outlawing of weapons during the Spanish colonization of the

Philippines created a fertile environment for the development and propagation of an ancient

system of physical activity using the empty hands and the bare feet in offensive and defensive

maneuvers. This physical activity was eventually called SIKARAN. The Spanish authorities

viewed the system as a pastime and recreational activity, rather than an unarmed system of

fighting that could very well be lethal. The Spaniards, being armed with muskets and swords, did

not consider it a threat.

22

23

There is no written history or record of SIKARAN. What is known about SIKARAN was

passed on by word of mouth from generation to generation. In fact, it is unequivocally believed

that the book “SIKARAN FIGHTING ART OF THE FILIPINO FARMER” is the first

authoritative and only complete written account about SIKARAN. This written account is based,

not on history books or official archives. It is the unimpeachable recollection of the people who

were part of SIKARAN from its inception.

The book SIKARAN, THE FIGHTING ART OF THE FILIPINO FARMER, is a

verbatim chronicle of an interview in 1960, with the last Hari (champion) of SIKARAN,

Cipriano Geronimo, (father of Meliton C. Geronimo). Cipriano Geronimo’s, knowledge of the

history of SIKARAN was how he remembered it as told by his father Bonifacio Geronimo, a

Hari ng mga Hari (Champion of champions) and Bonifacio’s mentor, a man who was simply

remembered as Ka Rumagit (Ka is a Filipino term of respect for an elder).

Ka Rumagit and Bonifacio Geronimo’s SIKARAN bond lasted all through their lives. Ka

Rumagit was also Bonifacio Geronimo’s alalay (second) and tagasanay (coach), during the

latter’s competitive years, as a SIKARAN fighter.

Melencio Bigasin and Manuel Ocampo, two elder contemporaries of Cipriano Geronimo

who were Haris (champions) turned guros (teachers), helped in clarification and confirmation of

information and events that time had shrouded with confusion, even doubts.

Ka Rumagit was a kaingero (clearing the forest by fire) farmer in the mountains

bordering the towns of Baras and Tanay, in Rizal province. He was soft spoken, to the point of

being an introvert. He did not say where he was from or who his parents were. Nobody even

knew what his real name was. However, he volunteered the fact that he learned the fighting

systems out of sheer necessity. It was suspected that he is the son of an Ita (mountain people

called Negrito) due to his physiognomy.

Standing no more than five-feet tall, Ka Rumagit was built like a rock, massive and hard.

His size camouflaged his agility. He favored a maneuver called the daluhong ng unggoy

(monkey attack), where he jumps on his opponent’s hips preventing the opponent from drawing

his itak at the same time gouging off the eyes. He is also partial to Sibasib ng Tamaraw (head-

butt to the nose). Ka Rumagit claims that he learned these tactics from his Ita (mountain tribe in

the Philippines, called Negrito) friends. Another technique he favors is attacking the knee to

break it in order to “bring the opponent down to his size.” He called the technique pangbali ng

tuhod (breaking the knee). If he does not want to seriously injure his opponent, he just grabs the

testicles and squeezes it hard. He said that the pain is intensified by the fact that most mountain

people have salt deficiency and develops what he calls bayag ng kabayo (horse testicles) where

the testicles are swollen and very sensitive to the touch.

Ka Rumagit said he spent a good deal of his young life in the mountainsides, where

Tulisan (bandits or outlaws), roam freely and prey on innocent farmers. The fighting system

popular at the time was Arnis de Mano. However, even as a child Ka Rumagit’s favorite physical

activity was the “kicking game.” The “kicking game” was a favorite pastime of farmers.

However, Ka Rumagit regarded this activity in a more serious manner. By combining kicking

with Arnis de Mano in combat situations, the opponent may be easily caught off guard. Ka

Rumagit was an expert on both systems. He used his fighting skill to successfully defend his life.

24

The “kicking game” originated from animal behavior. By imitating the horse, they

developed the damba (horse kick with the front legs) and the sipang kabayo (horse kick with the

rear legs). By emulating the carabao (water buffalo), the padyak ng kalabaw was developed. A

carabao, by nature is a very docile animal. However, it has the habit of stomping the rear foot

and swaying its tail when annoyed with the birds that feed on the insects on the carabao. It also

uses its horns when fighting with other carabaos. For other techniques, Sikaranistas also

mimicked the agila (eagle), the labuyo (wild fowl), and the bulik or panabong (fighting cock).

In order to gain speed and height, they jump up to kick from a running start, just as an

eagle swoops down on its prey and called the kick dagit ng agila or dinagit.

Imitating the pagaspas (flapping) of the wings of the labuyo (wild fowl) to repulse and

get away from threats, allowed them to refine the movement for open hand blocking and

slapping techniques. These hand techniques were incorporated with the kicking techniques,

making the system a more exciting game and a more effective fighting system.

The direct frontal attack of the panabong (fighting cock) inspired techniques they called

salpok ng bulik (frontal assault of a type of fighting cock).

SIKARAN (then referred to as kicking game) was widely practiced by the farmers and it

became a favorite past time. The term SIKARAN was derived from the challenge

“magpanikaran tayo” (let's play the “kicking game”) when they want to enjoy that physical

activity.

“Nagsikaran kami” (we played the “kicking game”) became a favorite verbalization of

the activity by people after they played the game. Parents scolded their sons for playing the

“kicking game” with the term “nagsikaran ka na naman maghapon” (you played the “kicking

game” again all day long).

With the constant repetition of the term, the activity or the game became known formally

as SIKARAN. For centuries, SIKARAN was an informal unorganized game.

In the 1800’s, rules governing “official” matches were established. Offensive techniques,

other than foot kicking maneuvers were drastically restricted. Use of hand techniques was

limited to blocking, pushing, and pulling. SIKARAN became a methodized foot-fighting system.

The term Hari (king) was adopted as the title for the champion. This resulted in a wider

acceptance and more accelerated propagation of SIKARAN. Every SIKARANista coveted the

title Hari and the glory associated with the title.

Unlike Arnis de Mano, SIKARAN was not used in an organized manner of fighting the

foreign aggressors. Arnis de Mano was developed by warriors, for warfare. On the other hand,

SIKARAN was developed by farmers more for amusement. It was used for personal defense

only in extreme circumstances. The first choice of defense of the farmer, then and now, is his

utilitarian tool used for farming and harvesting, the itak (straight-edged machete-like long knife),

the karit (sickle), the dulos (reaper), and the palakol (axe).

TECHNIQUES OF SIKARAN

SIKARAN is a term derived from sikad (kick). In the active form of the Tagalog

language, when the consonant is between two vowels the D is replaced with R, hence the term

SIKARAN (instead of Sikadan). The term was used because the system relied heavily on using

the feet for kicking. Farmers having well developed legs favored and emphasized the use of the

feet. By imitating animal behavior, they developed kicking techniques that were given colorful

and descriptive names.

25

However, maneuvers using the hands for striking, joint reversals, takedowns and throws

are much a part of SIKARAN as kicking.

There were originally three SIKARAN kicks. Each kick had a particular target and a

particular classification.

The first kick was the padyak ng kalabaw (carabao stomp to the knee to break it). The

kick was classified as pangbalda (disabling) also known as pangbali (breaking). The rationale to

this kick was if the opponent “cannot stand he is helpless and as good as dead.”

The second basic kick was sipang kabayo (horse kick with the hind legs). The kick was

classified as panglumpo (paralyzing) or panghilo (stunning). Any part of the body below the

head, but above the knee was the target. The terms panglumpo and panghilo were used

interchangeably when the sipang kabayo was used.

The third kick was called the pamatay (killing)) or kick to the head. The original head

kick was the biyakid (Spinning heel kick). SIKARAN fighters found out that by spinning the

body they can kick with the heel, targeting the side of the head and even the back of the head.

The spin creates more energy and with the element of linlang (deception) by turning the back to

the opponent, greater effectiveness of the kick was achieved. They called the spinning heel kick

Biyakid, the gerund (verbal noun) for Biyakin (to split).

Biyakid became the favorite kick of most SIKARAN fighters because it was a very

effective technique at any fighting range. The favorite target was the head (temple and back of

the head) comparing it to a coconut. The temple is a fused joint in the skull and theoretically,

applying sufficient force against it may cause it to crack (like a coconut). The back of the head

houses the cerebellum and the joint that connects the spine to the skull. Adequate force on these

targets, or any part of the head for that matter, may instantly knockout or “kill” the opponent. By

controlling the intensity and force of the kick, it was possible to produce any of the desired effect

of pangbalda / pangbali (disabling / breaking), panglumpo / panghilo (paralyzing / stunning), or

pamatay (killing).

SIKARAN fighters always maintain that: If a person is baldado (disabled), he cannot

fight and is therefore as good as “dead”; if a person is lumpo (paralyzed), he is as good as

“dead.” If a person is patay (dead), he remains dead.

BIYAKID, SIKARAN’S SIGNATURE KICK

Manuel Ocampo makes the

initial move.

26

Manuel Ocampo delivering a biyakid to

the spine of Melencio Bigasin.

Grandmaster Meliton C. Geronimo delivering a biyakid to the

back of the head of his student Emmanuel Querubin.

27

However, this does not mean that a particular kick was limited to a specific outcome or a

blow to an explicit target will have a definite result. Any of the kicks may disable, or may

paralyze or may even kill the opponent. The intention in the application and not the technique,

determined the consequence.

From these kicks, other kicks evolved. Characteristics and mechanics of different kicks

were mixed and matched to develop other kicks.

With the increase of participation in SIKARAN contests, other parts of the foot, such as

the bilogan or ball of the foot; the balantok or instep; the limpyak or edge of the foot; and even

the talampakan or sole of the foot were used. Likewise different kicks which were less deceptive

but equally effective, were developed and became part of SIKARAN.

Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo, explained the proper delivery of biyakid based on the

principles of physics. This is the favorite kick of most SIKARAN hari’s of old because it is very

effective at any fighting range. This kick was developed by spinning the body with the temple,

the spine, and the back of the head, as the favorite targets.

There are 3 motions that determine the effectiveness of a biyakid. First is the spin of the

body that creates the centrifugal force. Second is the turn of the hips that creates the rotational

thrusting force and third is the snap back from the knee that propels the heel to the target and

creates the motion that offers a quick and vigorous recovery of the kicking leg. Any deviation

from this process will compromise the one-strike-one-kill property of the biyakid

BIYAKID - SPINNING

HEEL KICK

First Motion - Spin of the body that

creates the centrifugal force (red

arrow)

Second Motion - Turn of the hips

that create the rotational thrust of the

hips (blue arrow)

Third Motion - snap back from the

knee that propels the heel to the

target and creates the motion

that offers a quick and

vigorous recovery of the kicking leg

(blue-green arrow)

Impact point - Heel (maroon

circle)

28

All the techniques of Sikaran, were explained by Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo, based

on the laws of physics and motion. He did not change, add, or subtract from the original Sikaran

that he learned from his father, his other teachers, and Sikaran elders. What he did is explain the

principles that made every single technique easier to understand, hence making the maneuver

easier to execute and more effective. Likewise, by developing drills and forms, he elevated

Sikaran not only as a physical art, but also as a martial sport, through a process of natural

growth, differentiation, or evolution by successive improvements. Sikaran has evolved, from a

past time activity of farmers, to an international modern sport. As Grandmaster, this perhaps is

one of the great contributions of Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo, to Sikaran, propagating the art

from the 16th Century to the 21st Century. The leadership aspect that makes Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo, stand out from other

leaders is his leadership style. His style is humble but also charismatic. He inspires the team to

move forward in an energetic manner focused on meeting the needs of the team as a whole and

the individual as a part of the team. Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo inspires by expecting the best

from everyone. He creates an inspiring vision of the future and motivates and inspires people to

focus on that vision and translate the vision into reality.

The legacy that Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo bequeathed to his son Pantas Meliton S.

Geronimo, Jr. is this type of leadership. Supremo and Pantas have the same vision for Sikaran.

They both see Sikaran moving forward to the next generation and the generation after that.

On March 10, 2015, Sikaran started shining its new light. It heralded a new dawn for this

centuries old original Filipino Art of Fighting. On this day, a new leadership took over. Pantas

(Master) Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr. officially assumed the total leadership of Sikaran. He became

the final authority in Sikaran and the principal commanding authority of the Geronimo Sikaran

lineage.

Unlike his father, Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo whose birth was announced by ringing

of the bells in Baras, Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.'s birth was heralded by a powerful and

devastating typhoon of the decade. Is this an omen of the drastic changes he needs to undertake

in order to set straight the damage done, due to the mismanagement by the acting in-charge

before him? Compared to the militaristic leadership of his father, and the autocratic leadership

of the acing in-charge, Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo Junior's leadership is democratic, modern,

and task-oriented.

Democratic leadership is participative in nature. The leader and the subordinates

participate in the decision-making. Although the final decision rests on the leader, the

subordinates' morale is boosted because they play a part in the process of the decision-making.

They accept changes easily, having been a part in the process. The leader and the team set

predetermined goals and work together to achieve these goals and agree to follow the direction

set by the leader. Everyone is given a certain task to perform. Based on performance results,

rewards or punishments, are handed out.

Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo. Jr. is a stickler for communication and he is aware that

motivation, productivity, and efficiency are achievable through open communication.

Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., also knows there is no best style of leadership. He

knows it is the situation that will decide what kind of style would be the most effective in

achieving the organizational objectives. Being a born leader, he is aware that there are highly

trained and experienced members who do not need supervision, and there are those who need

little or direct supervision. When the situation requires, he can tell his subordinates what to do

and how to do it the way he wants it done and exercises firm authority over them. Sometimes he

29

seeks the input of his subordinates before making a decision. He puts himself as a member of the

team and discusses possible decisions with the rest of the team. When a decision is made, the

whole team takes responsibility and is part of the final decision.

THROWBACK OF THE PASSING OF THE TORCH

MARCH 10, 2015

PANTAS MELITON S. GERONIMO, JR.

TIPS HIS HEAD IN PUGAY TO THE SUPREMO.

30

SUPREMO MELITON C. GERONIMO TURNS OVER THE WORLD

SIKARAN BROTHERHOOD BOOK OF RECORDS TO THE NEW

PRESIDENT PANTAS MELITON S. GERONIMO, JR.

MS. JANET GERONIMO EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT) ASSISTS

SUPREMO MELITON C. GERONIMO IN TURNING OVER THE WORLD SIKARAN

BROTHERHOOD BOOK OF RECORDS TO PANTAS MELITON S. GERONIMO, JR.

LEFT, NCR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR PAMILAR, AND NCR REGIONAL DIRECTOR

ERNESTO MILLANES RIGHT WITNESSED THE TURN-OVER.

31

Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., also employs diplomatic approach to leadership, and

negotiates when needed. However, his greatest asset in his style of leadership is his wisdom and

courage to delegate his authority.

He is able to anticipate situations before they become problems and visualize what thing

could be in the future. Being able to improve the current situation, he is able to attract followers

and inspire their needed commitment for whatever cause to succeed.

When he took over as President of World Sikaran Brotherhood, there was a proposition

for him to assume the title Supremo. However, he said there is only one Supremo and that is his

father Meliton C. Geronimo. The title, was bestowed on him by the Sikaran elders, led by his

Grandfather Cipriano Geronimo, and the other Sikaran elders like Melencio Bigasin, Manuel

Ocampo, Aurelio Cabacob, Angeles Pilapil, and Servillano Javier. He was given the title

Grandmaster by the Asian Karate Association on the same occasion. Nobody has the right to use

the title Supremo, as there can never be anybody who has the right to be called Grandmaster.

There were also some who suggested that since he is now the President, Meliton S. Geronimo,

Jr., should be promoted to the 10th Degree Red Belt. To all people who want to put Meliton, Jr.,

in the same status as his father, here is what he said:

"When the Grandmasters of the Asian Karate Association promoted my father in

1966, he was given the title Soke (founder) with the rank of 10th Degree Red Belt, the

highest rank in Sikaran, and the only authority who can promote. My father promoted

me to the 9th Degree Red and White Belt. There are several 9th Degree Red and White

Belts presently but none of us can promote anybody to a rank higher than our own or

even equivalent to our own at this time. Probably, in the future, there may be

provisions to make this possible. At this time, my only concern is to continue the

legacy Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo has built and take Sikaran further than can be

imagined. This is the task I have my sight on."

To reach his goal, Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., has formed a Consultative Team,

made up of his trusted people whose experience and knowledge were gained through direct

observation, and participation. He keeps an open line of communication with his Consultative

Team, and confers with them whenever needed. Meliton, Jr.'s, Consultative Team has a 200

years combined teaching experience of several martial arts. They also have professional

academic background ranging from Management and Supervision, Law Enforcement, Military

Officers, Police Special Weapons and Tactics to Hostage Negotiations and Political Science.

Not only does he keep an open line of communication, he also keeps an open mind in

regards to opinion, and advices. When he seeks an opinion, he does not take rank or position in

life into consideration. His father told him once, to "always keep an open mind, because you

may learn something even from the dull and ignorant."

The first thing that Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., did was to step back and look at the

big picture of Sikaran. He realized that the political status of Sikaran is too "centralized." To

keep up with the needs and a more efficient Sikaran organization, he is "de-centralizing" the

command hierarchy. He reviewed the By-laws of the World Sikaran Brotherhood of the

Philippines and scrutinized it, so it can be streamlined to produce the desired effect. During his

careful study of the By-laws, Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., sought the advice of his

consultative team.

32

The first action he took was to activate the World Sikaran Brotherhood to be the

International umbrella organization of all the country chapters. Each country chapter will have a

Country Director, including the Philippines, who will automatically be a member of the

International Executive Council. Each Country Chapter will have the necessary autonomy to

operate efficiently. However, all promotions to the 5th Black Belt Degree to the 9th Degree Red

and White Belt will be through the World Sikaran Brotherhood General Headquarters in the

Philippines.. Certificates of Promotion, to be valid, must be signed by Pantas Meliton S.

Geronimo, Jr. The authority to promote anybody in Sikaran was delegated to him by his father

and nobody else. However, he can delegate limited authority to a Technical Committee to further

"de-centralize" administration of the World Sikaran Brotherhood. Being a Senior Instructor or

high-ranking Black Belt, does not automatically give the authority to promote anyone to the

Black Belt Degree. Authority to promote was delegated only to Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.,

and no one else. Anybody promoting anyone to the Black Belt Degree is usurping authority, and

such promotion is not honored and considered bogus and fake.

To better understand the purpose of the World Sikaran Brotherhood, it is necessary to

reprint hereunder Article I, Section 1. Declaration of Purpose of the By-laws:

"The WORLD SIKARAN BROTHERHOOD (WSB) is a non-profit Sports Association

of Sikaran aficionados, practitioners, instructors and senior officers and members of the

World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines (WSBP) based primarily in and outside of the

Philippines, aimed at continuing the legacy of Sikaran Grandmaster Meliton C. Geronimo,

10th Degree Red Belt, in promoting and propagating Sikaran, the unique and original

Filipino Art of Foot-fighting, all over the world; to establish a solid and unified association of

all Sikaran enthusiasts who adhere to the methodology, teaching and foundation initiated by

Grandmaster Meliton C. Geronimo when he first introduced Sikaran to the martial arts world

in 1958 not only in the Philippines but all over Asia and eventually around the world; to

strengthen the research and development towards a more progressive art; to produce and

publish books, periodicals, instructional videos, and other related materials; to establish

various programs that shall strengthen the recognition of Sikaran and the welfare of all WSB

members."

Presently, members of the World Sikaran Brotherhood in other countries almost

outnumber members in the Philippines. The biggest concentration of foreign Sikaranistas is in

the United States and in Canada. In fact, the World Sikaran brotherhood of Canada has held three

World Sikaran Tournaments. Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., envisions a World Tournament

held in the different member countries, at least once every three (3) years. If plans push through,

the next World Tournament may be held in the Philippines or the West Coast of the United

States of America. The first Sikaran Hall of Fame is also on the horizon. On these occasions,

Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., plans to have all the Country Chapters in the world present.

When Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr was growing up, his father Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo,

Sr. assigned me to be his son’s personal Sikaran teacher. After we both moved to the United

States , our teacher-student relationship continued to the present.

33

Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.'s, training is well balanced in the organizational as well as the

physical aspects of Sikaran. He holds office at the Headquarters of the World Sikaran

Brotherhood in Vallejo, and trains at the World Sikaran Brotherhood central gym, also situated

in Vallejo. He plans to hold gatherings, seminars, clinics, and classes at his new gym.

Attack or counter

attack with a side kick

or a Front kick……

Finish the opponent off with a vertical

punch to the throat.

Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., and Mantas Elpidio Seletaria, Jr., demonstrating

Sikaran attacks and counter-attacks.

34

One of the complaints of the members is the lack of activities of the organization. To

remedy this situation, the new leadership will require each Country Chapter to submit an Annual

Schedule of Activities. He will consolidate all these schedules with the WSB's Annual Schedule

of Activities. One of these activities is to hold a seminar in each regional chapter. These seminars

will be handled by the WSBP Technical Committee. The Country Chapter's responsibility is to

provide the venue and the participants. Once a year, the headquarters will also hold a seminar

and representatives from the Country Chapters will be invited. To achieve this goal, Pantas

Meliton S. Geronimo. Jr., is now in the process of soliciting sponsors to fund these programs.

Open hand deflections of

Sikaran.

35

Another program that he has his sight on is the Teacher's Academy. The Provincial

Government of Rizal has set aside the funding for this academy in order to provide enough

instructors for all the public schools in Rizal. Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., has ambitions to

send Sikaran Teachers not only to the different provinces in the Philippines but also to different

countries.

Part of the Teacher's Academy is a program for Tournament Officials.

In the last "World Sikaran Tournament," there were questions regarding the tournament

rules. There were some last minute changes that were not previously approved. In fact, there

were participants who complained that the rules used in this tournament were different from the

rules in the previous World Sikaran Tournaments. People who have witnessed tournaments in the

Philippines were surprised to find out that full contact kick to the head was not allowed, even

with the use of head protective gear.

To avoid these discrepancies in the future only Tournament Officials certified and

licensed by the World Sikaran Brotherhood will be allowed to officiate. Tournament Rules and

Regulations will be distributed to all members of the World Sikaran Brotherhood, through the

Country Directors.

In 2013, during the National Tournament in Baras, Rizal, Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo,

Jr., using his personal funds, provided the officials with a Blue Barong Tagalog to identify them

from the contestants and the audience. Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., wants to professionalize

Sikaran Tournaments, especially international competitions.

The first requirement of a professional international competition is the professional

appearance and demeanor of the officials. When the officials present a professional bearing, the

behavior rubs on the participants, and the audience resulting in a professional competition.

The World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines' new President has a tough and rough road in

front of him, but Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., is ready and excited because he knows the

members of the WSBP all want change for the better. Change for the better is what he proposes

to bring. He envisions a World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines without "free loaders." He

will instill in every member the desire to improve the organization by doing their part no matter

how small it may be, because the total is the "sum of all the parts." Surely, with this dedication

Sikaran's new day is now dawning.

THE FIGHTER MELITON S. GERONIMO, Jr. WITH HIS FIRST TROPHIES

36

Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., is a firm believer of drills and forms. He is a stickler for

training.

37

SUPREMO MELITON C. GERONIMO, Sr. and PANTAS

MELITON S. GERONIMO, JR. ( THE NEW AGILA)

SHOW THE POWER OF THEIR DAGIT NG AGILA

38

BALANGKAS NG UNANG SIKARAN

39

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM

START / END

A

B

40

BALANGKAS NG UNANG SIKARAN

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11

STARTING POSITION

41

12 13 14 15 16 Front View

17 Front View 18 Front View 19 Front View

20 FrontView 21 Front View 22 Front View

42

23 Front View 24 Front View 25

.

26 27 28 29 30

THE END JUSTIFY THE MEANS, BUT NOT IF THE

MEANS BREAK THE RULES OF SPORTSMANSHIP

ENDING POSITION

43

STEPPING AND TURNING INSTRUCTIONS:

START / END

A

B

Going towards B steps 6-7-8-9-10-

11-12-13-14-15 then turn 180

degrees counter clockwise

towards A step 16

Going towards A steps 16-17-18-

19-20-21-22-23-24 then turn 180

degrees counter clockwise towards

B (ending position) step 25

44

1. Take your position in the middle of the arena and assume parallel toes stance bringing open hands to the sides.

2. Slide left foot towards the right foot to assume open toes stance and bring open hands to the sides.

3. Tip head about 10 degrees forward. 4. Bring head up keeping right fist on left palm. 5. Slide left foot to the left to assume parallel toes stance and bring open hands to the

sides. 6. Move left foot forward towards B and execute a left downward block. 7. Right front kick. 8. Bring right foot forward and right lunge punch. 9. Left reverse vertical punch. 10. Left side kick. 11. Left back-fist strike as you bring left foot down to the front 12. Right reverse punch 13. Right roundhouse kick to the front bringing right foot to the front towards B to assume

right fighting stance. 14. Look over your left shoulder. 15. Left biyakid (BUNYAW) turning 180 degrees to the left to face A 16. Bring left foot to the back towards B to assume right fighting stance facing A. 17. Right downward block

NOTE: 13 to 17 must be executed without hesitation and all end together with the

BUNYAW.

18. Left front kick towards A 19. Left lunge punch as you bring Left foot forward 20. Right reverse punch 21. Right side kick to the front towards A 22. Right back-fist strike as you bring right foot forward 23. Left reverse punch 24. Left roundhouse kick bringing left foot forward to assume left fighting stance 25. Right biyakid(BUNYAW) turning 180 degrees to the right to face B 26. Bring right foot to the back towards A to assume left fighting stance facing B. 27. Left downward block facing B

NOTE: 24 to 27 must be executed without hesitation and all end together with the

BUNYAW.

28. Move left foot next to right foot and assume parallel toes stance bringing open hands to the sides.

29. Slide left foot towards the right foot to assume open toes stance and bring right fist on left palm.

30. Bring head up keeping right fist on left palm. 31. Slide left foot to the left and assume parallel toes stance bringing open hands to the

sides.

45

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Daniella “Ella” A. Mancera

Contact Info: Cell # 09067679399 Gmail: imellamancera@gmail.com

OBJECTIVE:

To fulfill multifaceted duties that include reporting, news/feature writing,

researching, fact-checking, proof reading, headline/outline writing and Production.

APPOINTED PHILIPPINE CORRESPONDENT FOR WORLD SIKARAN ROTHERHOOD

“TALIBA”

46

BOOK TWO

COMING SOON

47

48

RELEASED IN 2011….

49

SIKARAN INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO VOLUME 1 WRITTEN, PRODUCED, AND DIRECTED BY:

ELPIDIO SELETARIA JR.

8th DEGREE BLACK BELT (#1487)

Hercules, California, USA

www.sikaranarnis.com

COMING SOON…!!!

SIKARAN INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO VOLUME 2 (ADVANCED SIKARAN WITH DEFENSIVE TACTICS, ETC…)

To Order Contact:

ELPIDIO SELETARIA - jseletaria1542@yahoo.com

50

ARNIS BOOKS BY LOUELLE LLEDO, JR., 9th Degree Red and White Belt #326

To Order Contact: matawgurolou@yahoo.com

51

By: Two Sikaran Mantas

Mantas Louelle Lledo, Jr. # 326

Matawgurolou@yahoo.com

Mantas Andy Sanano, Jr. # 844

Matawgurosanano@gmail.com

Long awaited new book by Mataw Guros Louelle Lledo and Andy Sanano by Tambuli

Media. Reserve your copy today!

http://www.tambulimedia.com/filipino-martial-arts-welcome/fma-education/Tambulimedia.com

52

SUBSCRIBE TO FMA INFORMATIVE - ITS IS FREE

53

FMAdigest (2004 - 2010)

Issues available with permission from Steven Dowd – Owner and Publisher

Dowd Owner and Publisher on the FMA Informative

website

20

Subscribe To FMA Informative - It Is Freewww.fmainformative.info

54

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 more peaceful world

SIKARAN WORDS OF WISDOM

“there is no better art – only a better person”