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Dubai: Meet the Emirati who teaches ancient Filipino martial arts for self-defence

Arnis is officially recognised as the Philippines’ national sport and lobbying efforts are being made to include it in the Olympics

Emirati Wael Alsayegh learned about the ancient Filipino martial arts (FMA), popularly known as arnis, eskrima or kali, more than 12 years ago and immediately fell in love with this ancient form of self-defence that originated in the Philippines.

“I came to know about Filipino martial arts during my studies abroad about 12 years ago. I fell in love with eskrima and I wanted to share it with my Dubai community,” Alsayegh, founder and owner of Al Areen Martial Arts in Al Quoz, told Khaleej Times.

Recently, Al Areen – which means the House of Lion or the Lion’s Den in Arabic – hosted a gathering of Filipino martial arts instructors, leaders and masters who are based in the UAE.

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The event dubbed as “Pagkakaisa” (unity in English), also drew other expatriates who wanted to learn more about the unarmed and armed techniques used in this ancient form of self-defence associated with the use of sticks.

Open-hand defence techniques

At the event, the masters emphasized Inayan Eskrima, which originated from Baguio City in northern Philippines, and teaches students how to use sticks known as yantok, eskrima or arnis, while learning more about open-hand defence techniques. Some Filipino martial artists are also known for their ability to fight with weapons and empty hands interchangeably and turn ordinary items into defensive weapons.

“This is the legacy of the Filipinos who went to the US in the 1970s. The Inayan knowledge was passed on from generation to generation,” noted Alsayegh who also lamented that not many Filipinos are aware of their martial arts heritage.

“Many Emiratis are surprisingly enthusiastic about the Filipino martial arts. Many of them thought that the Philippines had no indigenous martial arts, but when they found out about arnis, they now even use it in military and police services,” said Alsayegh, adding: “They were inspired and this was the reason I established my school to offer the best in Filipino martial arts."

Xanthia Ohlback, a 21-year-old Australian-Indian student, is among the foreign nationals into arnis. She said: “My mom found out about it through my brother who plays Jujitsu. He met coach Wael many years ago and he recommended the martial arts to my mom and I liked it. I can use these techniques in defending myself in situations where my safety is compromised.”

The Filipino martial arts masters

Abu Dhabi-based Ginalyn Jadia took time off from her busy schedule to join her fellow Filipino Martial Arts masters at the event. Jadia, who works as a team leader for an insurance company, said she learned Filipino martial arts in college and never stopped practising it since then even when she moved to the UAE about 15 years ago.

“I didn’t actually intend to study the Filipino martial arts but rather foreign martial arts. But the school where I enrolled, offered it and I got curious about it. Later on, I came to appreciate this sport. I even participated in some competitions and won during my time,” Jadia, who is now 51, recalled.

“But becoming a martial artist isn’t that easy. Not only does it require you to have physical and mental strengths, discipline and flexibility, but also a high tolerance for pain. You will have many painful lumps on the fingers. It's inevitable. Sometimes you get hit, but you get better later on,” added Jadia, who is now ranked as a senior master, the 7th highest title in FMA.

Apart from her regular job, she also teaches FMA at a gym in Abu Dhabi. Like in Dubai, many of her students are also foreigners. This is why she is actively urging her kababayans (countrymen) in the UAE to explore FMA.

“When I was still working in Dubai, I would offer FMA for free at parks. I don’t have Filipino students. They are all foreign nationals. Some are even from Saudi Arabia who would come here to have short lessons,” she noted.

Eliseo ‘Boy’ Cañete, 55, a black belter, shared the same sentiments as Jadia. He said: “I would like to encourage more Filipinos to learn about arnis. This is our national culture which should be nurtured and promoted globally. Not only does it promote a healthier lifestyle, but it also teaches you how to protect yourself in case of a bad situation. Young or old, you can still learn Filipino martial arts.”

He also shared how martial arts helped him in a tight situation. “One time, back in the Philippines, there was a group of four men who picked on me,” Cañete recalled, adding: “They attacked me without provocation, but I fought back and used the techniques I learned from my grandfather and other masters who taught me how to use my feet and my hands to defend myself. It worked even without the use of weapons. I kicked them and I managed to defeat them all.”

Master Louie Rempillo, 49, a veteran FMA practitioner, said much still needs to be done to promote FMA in the Philippines and other countries where many Filipinos are working. “Arnis is deeply rooted in our culture,” he underscored.

Vying for inclusion in the Olympics

Today, arnis is officially recognised as the Philippines’ national sport. It’s one of the competitive events at the Southeast Asian Games since 2005. The Philippine government and other supporters of FMA are also lobbying to include FMA in the Olympics just like Muay Thai or Taekwondo, Rempillo noted.

“Arnis is also featured in several Hollywood movies like Bourne Identity,” added Rempillo.

Meanwhile, Philippine consul-general Marford Angeles praised the group’s efforts to promote FMA. He said arnis could be a good bridge to strengthen ties between Filipinos and Emiratis, as well as other nationalities. “Our role is to amplify the efforts of Filipinos and how good we are at this and how we appreciate the UAE as our second home. We must share our knowledge with a wider audience so they can learn more about the Filipino culture,” he added.

reporters@khaleejtimes.com

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