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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Zubiri heads Arnis body

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SENATOR Juan Miguel Zubiri was named as chairman of Arnis Philippines during elections held yesterday at the First National Arnis Congress  at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Philippine Red Cross Headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

Zubiri, who sponsored Republic Act No. 9850, also known as act declaring arnis as the national martial art and sport of the Philippines, heads the 15-man board for the next 12 months.

The elections were held in the presence of  Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez and commissioner Ramon Fernandez.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri

Officials of the organization said the  Congress aims to unite all arnis and Filipino martial art organizations and practitioners under a national unified organization to promote and develop the sport in the country and abroad.

“My love affair with arnis started many years ago, when I was a young teenager training in martial arts, fascinated by traditional Chinese and Japanese weaponry. As young boys, we all wanted to be just like Ezekiel Thompson of the movie, ‘Force Five’ played by weapons expert Richard Norton for his expertise in different weapons systems,” Zubiri said.

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Zubiri competed the sport when he was younger.

“I had the opportunity to join several national competitions and the honor to represent the Philippines at the First World Arnis Tournament held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in 1989, under the invitation of the Cañete Family of Doce Pares and WEKAF. I will forever be grateful to them for allowing me to compete in their tournament,” Zubiri said.

He even made it to the national team back in ‘90s.

Unfortunately, infighting among the leaders from within the organization kept him from seeing action in the 1991 Southeast Asian Games.

He feels that politics should never get in the way of the development of arnis in the country.

“This should never be the case. I, myself was a victim as well, of this brand of destructive politics in sports. In 1991, I was not allowed to participate in the SEA Games Arnis competition even if I was the reigning National Champion because of the simple reason that I had joined tournaments sponsored by other organizations. Again, this should never happen. I believe that every one of you, your students and your followers, should have the support and encouragement from the government and our national organization to enhance your skills and strengthen your art and style. No jealousy, no discrimination; only support and guidance,” said Zubiri in his statement and speech before members of the organization.

He said he shares the hopes and dreams of the organization that one day, arnis, kali and escrima would be truly recognized as a national sport

“The steps that we take today will make sure that no one should be left behind, that no student should be disallowed from joining competitions, that no organization, or school, should be discriminated from financial assistance from government or by the unified organization, and that no Grand Master, past or present, will ever be forgotten,” added Zubiri.

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