DEEPLY ROOTED in Philippine history, arnis has become synonymous to Filipino Martial Arts. While Korea has Taekwondo and Japan has Judo, the Philippines prides itself with its very own combat tradition embedded in weapon-based self defense.
Despite being coined as the Philippines’ National Martial Art and Sport in 2009, arnis has still been in a state of limbo in terms of popularity. However, arnis is firmly established in the Loyola Heights campus, with the Ateneo Arnis Team boasting as many as 40 members led by Team Captain Mark Comia and veteran Atenean arnisador Jude Rodriguez.
With a growing presence and several tournaments in their lineup, the team is hopeful about another potential breakthrough for Ateneo Arnis; their inclusion in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81.
Sticks and stones
Recent news circulated that Arnis is to finally make its debut in the UAAP Season 81 calendar next semester. According to UAAP President Nilo Ocampo of host school National University (NU), arnis will be an exhibition sport for this year’s season.
However, Ryan Gialogo, who assists the team’s training sessions, says there is yet to be a formal meeting between member schools regarding the sport’s inclusion. Rodriguez regrets to say that, despite the news, the possibility is still hanging in the air.
“We have heard some press releases from NU [in press conferences], but then again it has no pure confirmation yet,” says Rodriguez. “We are still trying to coordinate and see with the other schools. So far it is only Ateneo and [the University of the Philippines (UP)] in the lineup.”
With only two teams set in the mix for the roster of Season 81’s arnis teams, the addition of the sport is still covered with uncertainty. Regardless, the Ateneo Arnis Team is looking forward to the chance to compete in the UAAP.
Despite being seasoned by a number of local and international competitions, they are yet to clash with other UAAP teams with the exemption of UP. With the possibility of a new competitive stage looming, the team is relishing the chance to dive into unchartered waters in the UAAP. “If ever [it pushes through], it is going to be a new battleground for us,” Comia said. “We are excited but cautious also.”
Suited for battle
However, the arnis team is in no hurry to establish their full lineup for UAAP Season 81. “As of now, we are just training as hard as we can,” Comia said. “[And then] doon namin se-select kung sinong magco-compete (From there we’ll choose who will compete).”
Despite the possibility of gracing the stages in the UAAP, Comia says no changes have been made to the training system. Rather than dwelling on their uncertain inclusion in the UAAP, the Ateneo Arnis Team is keeping their head down in training. For now, the Ateneo Arnisadors continue their regular routine—striking stacks of tires, flaunting different tricks, and polishing sparring techniques—every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM in preparation for tournaments beyond university bounds.
Most recently, five Ateneo arnisadors comprised of both alumni and current students competed in the 15th World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) World Championships held in Hawaii last July. Ateneo Arnis had a splendid haul as Daniel Bernas, Tinelle Palecpec, Jordan Cruz, Kyla Melo, and Rodriguez herself bagged a total of 33 medals.
Currently, the team is geared-up and focused on their bid to represent the Philippines in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games when they compete in the upcoming Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation National Selections for the National Capital Region.
To prepare for this, Comia and Rodriguez are helping their coaches, five-time national champion Richard Gialogo and four-time national champion Aloysius Diaz, train the Arnis team’s newcomers. “[Coach always tells us to] just be a role model and they will follow you.” said Comia.
Despite the uncertainty of their inclusion in the UAAP, the Ateneo Arnis Team, with several tournaments’ worth of experience under their belt and the leadership of Rodriguez and Comia, are more than ready to suit up for battle in the highest level of Philippine collegiate competition.
