FIVE ATENEANS from the Kali Arnis Martial Arts Organization (KAMAO) brought home 33 medals in the recently concluded 15th World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) World Championships from July 18 to 23 at the Lahaina Civic Center in Lahaina, Hawaii. The Doce Pares club of Hawaii served as this year’s host as Team Philippines finished second in the overall championship race with 39 golds.

WEKAF, an international martial arts organization, holds a bi-annual world championship that brings together the top arnisadors from different countries. This year’s edition is special for Ateneo because four Ateneans joined elite status as WEKAF world champions, something only three Ateneans have achieved before, including Daniel Bernas, who was part of the five-man Atenean delegation.

The delegates from the Blue and White are as follows: Bernas (9 MP CPSY), Ateneo Arnis Varsity Team Captain Jude Rodriguez (5 AB EU), and graduates Tinelle Palecpec (BS PSY ‘16), Jordan Cruz (AB PSY ‘18), and Kyla Melo (BS PSY ‘18).

Daniel Bernas (4 Gold, 2 Bronze):

• Gold – Traditional Carenza
• Gold – Padded Point Sparring
• Gold – Knife Point Sparring
• Gold – Single Stick Sparring
• Bronze – Double Stick Sparring
• Bronze – Bangkaw Sparring

Bernas was also ranked in the top 10 for overall medal count.

Jude Rodriguez (1 Gold, 2 Silver, 4 Bronze):

• Gold – Double Stick Sparring
• Silver – Padded Point Sparring
• Silver – Single Stick Sparring
• Bronze – Knife Point Sparring
• Bronze – Team Sparring
• Bronze – Bangkaw Sparring
• Bronze – Padded Continuous

Tinelle Palecpec (2 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze):

• Gold – Traditional Carenza
• Gold – Bangkaw Sparring
• Silver – Padded Continuous
• Silver – Single Stick Sparring
• Silver – Double Stick Sparring
• Bronze – Padded Point Sparring
• Bronze – Knife Point Sparring
• Bronze – Team Sparring

Jordan Cruz (2 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze):

• Gold – Padded Point Sparring
• Gold – Knife Point Sparring
• Silver – Bangkaw Sparring
• Bronze – Single Stick Sparring
• Bronze – Double Stick Sparring

Kyla Melo (3 Gold, 1 Silver, 3 Bronze):

• Gold – Padded Point Sparring
• Gold – Knife Point Sparring
• Gold – Double Stick Sparring
• Silver – Bangkaw Sparring
• Bronze – Padded Continuous
• Bronze – Single Stick Sparring
• Bronze – Team Sparring

Exceeding his personal expectations made this tournament stand out for Bernas. But what truly made the experience special for the Blue Eagle was competing alongside his teammates and going home together as world champions. “I got to witness first-hand how these athletes really dug deep during the tournament in order to bring home gold for the Philippines,” he shared.

With a strong movement for the inclusion of arnis in the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, these Ateneans have their eyes set on donning the national colors in the biennial event. For now, the focus remains on the upcoming Chungju World Martial Arts Festival in Korea next year with hopes of winning another gold for flag and country.