AMONG THE sea of arnisadores, former Blue Eagle-turned-Philippine national arnis team member Jude Rodriguez competed in the World Eskrima Arnis Federation (WEKAF) World Championship. Competing under the Philippine flag, Rodriguez came home with a gold medal in double-stick sparring, as well as a bronze in single-stick sparring.
Her displays of artistry took place from July 25 to 27 at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex in Cebu.
Single Stick Sparring
Despite a valiant effort, the former Ateneo College Arnis Varsity Team (ACAVT) team captain came away with a bronze medal after reaching the semifinals, where she came up short against Réunion Island’s Camille Grondin.
Fellow national team member Erlin Mae Busacay ended up avenging Rodriguez by bagging gold against Grondin in the finals.
Double Stick Sparring
In her quest for gold, Rodriguez would once again meet Grondin in the quarterfinals, this time besting her Réunionese opponent. After rising to the occasion against Miss Ritu of India in the semifinals, the former Atenean came face-to-face with compatriot Busacay in the finals, edging out her fellow national team member en route to victory.
Following the competition, Rodriguez recalled the trials she faced throughout the WEKAF World Championships. “I fought with a fever. After my double live stick match against Réunion Island, I fainted. I needed to get up and fight, or I would not be able to continue for the semifinals. It was an “against-all-odds” moment,” the Cebu native said in an interview with the ACAVT.
Nevertheless, Rodriguez’s sacrifices ultimately paid off as she took home the gold. This performance of prowess in the Philippines’ national sport has shown that the art of arnis remains alive and thriving.
Following a performance for the ages, the Philippines accumulated nearly 500 medals in total—182 gold, 153 silver, and 155 bronze. This impressive haul was a collective accomplishment by the Philippine National Arnis Team and other groups that competed across various categories while donning the Philippine flag at this year’s WEKAF tilt.
