The Origins of Philippines Boxing, 1899-1929 By Joseph R. Svinth Copyright © Joseph R. Svinth 2001. All rights reserved. The assistance of Pat Baptiste, Hank Kaplan, Paul Lou, Eric Madis, Curtis Narimatsu, John Ochs, Michael Machado, and Kevin Smith is gratefully acknowledged. On June 18, 1923, Francisco "Pancho Villa" Guilledo beat Jimmy Wilde to become the world flyweight boxing champion, an accomplishment that was (and remains) a matter of great pride to people of Filipino descent. Unfortunately, while there has been some documentation of the many excellent Filipino boxers who subsequently followed Guilledo to the United States, there has not been as much attention paid to documenting the origins of boxing in the Philippines. This article represents a step toward correcting that omission. People with additional information or corrections are invited to contact the author at jsvinth@ejmas.com. "Pancho Villa, gone but not forgotten." Illustration by Ed Hughes, 1925. Boxing Enters the Philippines US servicemen introduced boxing to the Philippines during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. How this came about is that on April 25, 1898, the United States declared war on Spain, whose colonial holdings included the Philippines. So, on April 27, 1898, Commodore George Dewey ordered his squadron of five cruisers and two gunboats to steam from China to the Philippines, and there, on May 1, 1898, he issued the famous command, "You may fire when ready, Gridley." The resulting US naval victory effectively ended Spanish control of the region, and in August 1898 the US Army began the occupation of Luzon. Then, to the horror of the Filipinos, the Americans did not cede the Philippines to them: instead they decided to keep the islands for themselves. Between 1899 and 1913, this resulted in savage wars of peace whose heroes included Emilio Aguinaldo on one side and Arthur MacArthur, Frederick Funston, Leonard Wood, and John J. Pershing on the other. Casualties in these battles were heavy and one-sided: US casualties were listed as 4,243 killed and 2,818 wounded in action while Filipino casualties are estimated at 16,000 killed, plus another several hundred thousand dead from famine or disease (generally cholera). However, after Theodore Roosevelt’s unilateral declaration of victory in July 1902, US commanders began thinking about how to reduce the rates of desertion, suicide, sexually transmitted diseases, drug abuse, and drunkenness among their soldiers and sailors. Boxing was offered as a potential solution. The reason was that boxers in training were taught to avoid tobacco, alcohol, and sexual activity. Furthermore, explained writer Charles L. Clay in 1887, "Boxing also makes a man self-reliant and resourceful when assailed by sudden or unexpected dangers or difficulties." This, in turn, said a YMCA director named C.H. Jackson in 1909, made young men "Christlike and manly." So, in 1902, Major Elijah Halford (a former secretary to President Benjamin Harrison) asked philanthropists for $200,000 to construct a YMCA in Manila, and by 1904, Army officers such as Edmund Butts were extolling the virtues of boxing in tropical environments such as Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines. US Military Boxers On November 18, 1899, soldiers of the 11th US Cavalry reported finding a pair of boxing gloves made by Sol Levinson of San Francisco abandoned in the Luzon village of San Mateo. According to Damon Runyon, writing in October 1925, Filipino prisoners reported that the "gloves had been brought in by a renegade soldier from the negro Twenty-fourth Infantry, and that he had been schooling the Filipinos in their use." Many early boxers in the Philippines were African American, as the all-black 9th and 10th US Cavalry, 24th and 25th US Infantry, and 48th and 49th US Volunteer Infantry formed a significant percentage of the American soldiers serving in the Philippines between 1899 and 1902. Following Roosevelt’s declaration of peace, most of the black troops were sent back to the United States but in 1913, the 25th was in Hawaii. There the Honolulu Advertiser noted: The Twenty-fifth is proud of its colored ringmasters and particularly of Hollie Giles, a welterweight of 155 pounds, who is described by the men as a ‘whirlwind’ fighter; Morgan, a heavyweight at 190 pounds; Carson, a light heavyweight, and Ananias Harris, a light heavyweight. Meanwhile, from 1913 until 1917, the 24th was in the Philippines, serving at Camp McGrath (Batangas) and Fort Mills (Corregidor). Noted African American fighters from this period included the middleweights Joe Blackburn, "Craps" Johnson, and "Demon" White. Of course, there were also white soldiers who boxed in the Philippines. The most famous was New Jersey’s Mike Ballerino. "Ballerino had a chip on his shoulder," Pancho Villa recalled in early 1925. "He dared any of the Filipinos to knock it off." So Pancho Villa did, … [Read more...]
Arnis: A Question of Origins by Bot Jocano
Arnis: A Question of Origins by Bot Jocano Rapid Journal Vol. 2, No. 4 4th Qtr 1997Taichi Works Publications 458 Jaboneros St. Binondo, Manila 1006 Arnis: A Question of Origins by Bot Jocano The term arnis evokes a number of reactions from people every time it is mentioned in a conversation. Some people start fanning their hands in the air, imitating the distinctive movements of the two-stick (doble baston) training method. This image of arnis is one of the most popular to the layman. A second reaction, and quite as common as the first, is the question: "Saan ba talaga galing ang arnis?" (Where did arnis really come from?) Alternatively, "Di ba, sa atin nanggaling ang arnis?î (Isn't it that arnis comes from us?) is a question also heard. This article is an attempt to critically examine the roots of one of the martial arts of the Philippines, arnis. It must be noted that in no way does this article claim to be the final say on the origins of arnis. It is actually a preliminary look, a start if you will, into re-examining carefully the origins of an art form. Arnis, also known as kali, escrima, baston, etc. is a complete martial art system, encompassing weapons training and empty-hand self-defense. It includes training in single stick techniques (solo baston), double stick techniques (doble baston), stick and knife or dagger techniques (espada y daga) and knife techniques (daga). Some styles may include staff and spear (sibat) training in their curriculum. Others will include the practice of medium to long bladed weapons (bolo) in their repertoire. Many styles have some form of empty hand combat, encompassing striking, kicking, locking, throwing and even choking methods. These are usually taught when the practitioner has demonstrated a reasonable degree of proficiency with the weapons of his style of arnis. Different arnis styles, from different parts of the country, may emphasize different areas of the training methods noted above. The term arnis is believed to be a Tagalog corruption of the Spanish term arnes, or harness, a reference to the decorations worn by the early Filipinos. Kali is another term used to refer to the same kind of martial arts. Different provinces may have different names for arnis, such as baston and kaliradman (Ilonggo, Bisaya), pagkalikali (Ibanag) and kalirongan (Pangasinan). These are only a few examples of the terms already recorded in different sources. With such a comprehensive system of martial arts being taught and promoted in different areas of the country, it is inevitable that people would ask, where did such a complete martial art system come from? One suggestion is that it originally came from another martial art system, called tjakalele. This is actually the name of a branch of the Indonesian martial art system known as pentjak silat. Another suggestion is that it was brought here from the Southeast Asian mainland, particularly during the Madjapahit and Shri-Visayan empires. Yet another suggestion is that it was propagated by the so-called ten Bornean datus fleeing persecution from their homeland. We shall critically examine these assertions one at a time. The idea that arnis evolved or was derived from another martial art system, namely tjakalele silat, is due to linguistics. The alternative name for arnis is kali. It is widely held that this is the older term for arnis, and that kali itself emphasizes bladed weaponry apart from practice with the stick. It is not surprising that a connection could be seen between the term kali and tjakalele. However, linguistic similarity alone is not enough ground to assert that kali was indeed derived from tjakalele. There has to be documented proof that one came from the other. What form should this proof take? Authenticated documents certainly are one of the best pieces of evidence - if such could be found, and proven to be genuine. A close and thorough comparison of both styles would help, but it must be remembered that they would have changed over time, reflecting the different changes that have happened in their cultures of origin. On the other hand, one of the local terms for a bladed weapon is kalis. It is also believed that kali is a derived term from kalis. This assertion will require study before it can be validated. Another oft-quoted idea is that kali was brought here during the Shri-Vishayan (7th -14th centuries and Madjapahit (13th -16th centuries) empires. This reflects the notion that the Philippines then was somehow an integral part of both empires. It must be noted that the archaeological evidence for the role of the Philippines in both empires is very meager. About the best that could be said is that there was commercial contact, but whether such contact also included the spreading of martial arts is circumstantial at best. A third idea regarding the spreading and propagation of kali in the Philippines is that ten Bornean datus (sometimes nine) fled here and settled in various parts of … [Read more...]
The History of Tapado by Master Joe Tan
History of Tapado Tapado is an Original Filipino Martial Art which came from a Hiligaynon (a Filipino dialect) word ‘Tapat’ or ‘Tapos’ which means – finished or done in english or to finish the job in one strike. This art was founded in 1960 by the late Grandmaster Romeo ‘Nono’ Mamar of Taloc, Bago City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. ‘Nono’ as he was fondly called, was an accomplished stickfighter specializing in lagas, sinamak and oido arnis systems. But despite his proficiencies in these various arts of arnis/kali/escrima, he found them wanting because according to his actual experiences during matches among his peers, he could still be hit by his opponent. As in a boxing match..where even the champion could still be pummeled despite his experiences, training and exposures, Nono didn’t like the idea of taking hits at all. So after experiencing these various hits and a few times, even defeats, he decided to take a break from stickfighting for a couple of years. But due to his undying love of this art, he continued his personal search along the line of other arts in relations to stickfighting. He noticed that a sword with its longer length has an advantage of reach and power. And so this prompted him to experiment with longer sticks of various sizes and length. After his rigid testing and re testing, he finally settled for a longer stick 43 to 47 inches long. The length is based on the height of the person. But then again, he started thinking : what if the opponent has the same size and length of stick.too?. Thru persistent research and self discovery, he came up with the solutions. He developed various unseen hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and body movements, that jibed with the law of Physics, that generated a lot of power to his strikes and always resulted in overpowering all incoming strikes. Not content to just the overpowering strike, Nono wanted to add a simultaneous offensive hit at the same time thereby rendering the opponent incapacitated with just one powerful and speedy blow. And thus the birth of Tapado. Tapado ,in its early inception, was secretly propagated and practiced only by relatives and family members of the clan. There was an early Tapado Association formed in 1980 but it was still limited and exclusive for members of the family , close relatives and associates. In 1983, Tapado was formally organized and introduced to the public. When the founder died on February 15, 2005, the leadership of the original tapado organization was handed down to his nephew GM Benefredo ‘Bebing’ Lobrido . It took on the official name of Original Filipino Tapado Longstick Fighting Association. Inc. Another Tapado group was set up under GM Mike F. Vasquez, the founder of Vasquez Modified Martial Art International. An undefeated heavy weight Karate champion of the Philippines , a Master Arnis practicioner and a top tapado student of Nono Mumar. GM Mike introduced modifications in the tapado system and called it MODIFIED TAPADO. GM Mike had discussed his ideas of modifications with the original founder while he was alive and was given the authority to do so. The author Master Jose Valencia Tan, has the privilege of having studied under both Grandmasters, GM Nono Mumar and GM Mike Vasquez and including GM Lobrido (when the latter was the Chief Instructor of Original Tapado ). The author is recognized and Certified as Master of Tapado by both Organizations. Currently, Master Joe is propagating Tapado in the US and is an authorized Sole representative of Modified Tapado Organization in the State of California. Photos Master Joe Tan w/ GM Jose Vinas (Founder of Lapu Lapu Vinas Arnis Afficionado) JTan in yellow w/black stripe polo shirt. Master Tan w/ GM Nono Mamar (Founder of Original Tapado Arnis Organization) Grandmaster Jose Vinas - Founder of Lapu Lapu Vinas Arnis Afficianado and Teacher of Master Joe Tan in Arnis. Grandmaster Nono Mamar and Grandmaster Mike Vasquez Master Joe Tan w/ GM Bebing Lobrido (Inhiritor of Original Tapado) Master Joe Tan w/ GM Mike Vasquez (Founder of Modified Tapado) Vasquez Modified Martial Arts Copyright © by MasterTapadoArnis.com | Design Copyright © by E. Kelly … [Read more...]
Giving the Right Credits By Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite
Giving the Right Credits By Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite This article was first published in VORTEX (Volume 4, Number 1) in 1995. A quarterly newsletter of Lameco Eskrima International, the publisher was the late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite who passed away on April 10, 1997. The editor was Arnold A. Noche. Giving the Right Credits By Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite In today’s society, martial arts practitioners are constantly bombarded by the knowledge and techniques of various martial arts arriving from all four corners of the world. These are the same exact techniques that were once forbidden to be taught outside the family circle by the very same people who created it and used it. Those people dedicated their lives in the laboratory of the battlefield just to experiment whether their techniques would work or not. Many lives had been wasted before the techniques were ever refined. The masters from the different martial arts devoted their time, energy and, above all, their life in the development of their fierce combat techniques. The Filipino martial arts (Eskrima, Kali, Arnis), Kung-Fu, Thai Boxing, Karate, Indonesian Silat, Jiu-Jitsu, Western Boxing, Tai-Chi, Judo, Savate and other martial arts are just a mere phone call away. In our generation today, we are extremely fortunate to have these different types of martial arts available within our grasp. I remember Grandmaster Jose D. Caballero who was my teacher in the De Campo Uno-Dos-Tres Orihinal System. It took me more than one year to court him, bringing him food each day on every visit as a means of a gift, just for him to accept me as a student. It was primarily because I was an outsider, one who didn’t belong to their family, that I was not accepted right away. It was also because of my perseverance, that I never stopped coming to his house to ask him to teach me, that I was finally accepted to become one of his disciples. Nowadays, you can study any and all kinds of martial arts as you wish, because they are available within your reach, for as long as you have the determination to learn. Due to the abundance of these martial arts that we study, we somehow consciously or subconsciously mix it together as one. This bring us now to the big problem that evolves due to the fact that some martial arts teachers, as well as some students, are not honest enough in giving the right credits to where they have gotten the knowledge from or where they have attained the techniques from. One afternoon in Manila, Philippines, during our Sunday sessions with Grandmaster Antonio Ilustrisimo in Luneta Park, we noticed two bystanders carefully observing our training with extremely watchful eyes. I, being one of the spokesmen of the Kali Ilustrisimo System, approached the two men and asked them if they knew Eskrima, Kali or Arnis. I also asked them if they would show us some of their moves. The demonstration that they performed for us was quite impressive. Grandmaster Ilustrisimo, who does not impress easily at all especially if you are from another style of Kali, was astounded. After their demonstration we asked immediately who their teacher was. One of the young men replied that they did not have a teacher that they just went to the mountains and meditated to formulate the techniques, which they had just performed. We did not believe him nor them. Master Tony Diego said to me that it was such a pity to their teacher, whoever it was, that these two men would turn out to be so disrespectful. Less than a year later, during our meeting with the different grandmasters of Arnis Philippines, I met an old master that demonstrated the same techniques that I saw earlier from the two men. When I asked the master if he knew of the two, he replied that they were his students. The truth will always come out. Giving the right credits to where we have learned the techniques from pays a lot of respect to the people who invented it and devoted their life in battle just to prove that it works. It is their pride that their names are being remembered and honored by us who are now practicing or who have practiced their once called forbidden art. … [Read more...]
‘Arnis’ on Philippine Stamps
‘Arnis’ can now be seen on Philippine stamps QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA- The Philippine Postal Corporation (PhilPost) recently released stamps featuring ‘arnis,’ a Filipino martial arts and the country’s national sport. This is part of efforts to promote the sport throughout the world, the PhilPost said. The special ‘arnis’ stamps capture the unique movement and artistry of this Filipino sport, said PhilPost Postage and Philatelic department manager Lenie San Diego. … [Read more...]
Warrior’s Helmet (Oklop), Ifugao, 19th-early 20th c., National Gallery of Australia.
Warrior’s Helmet (Oklop), Ifugao, 19th-early 20th c., National Gallery of Australia. Courtesy of http://pupuplatter.tumblr.com … [Read more...]
Helmet, Masbate, 19th c., Museo Nacional de Antropología, Madrid.
Helmet, Masbate, 19th c., Museo Nacional de Antropología, Madrid. Courtesy of http://pupuplatter.tumblr.com … [Read more...]
Shield, Bagobo, c 1900-1910, Penn Museum.
Shield, Bagobo, c 1900-1910, Penn Museum. Courtesy of http://pupuplatter.tumblr.com … [Read more...]
Justiniano Asuncion, “A Guardia de Vino: An Officer to Look After the Government Monopolies, Such as Arrack and Tobacco,” c 1841, New York Public Library.
Justiniano Asuncion, “A Guardia de Vino: An Officer to Look After the Government Monopolies, Such as Arrack and Tobacco,” c 1841, New York Public Library. Courtesy of http://pupuplatter.tumblr.com … [Read more...]
Dagger Hilt, Butuan, 10th-13th c., Tony and Cecile Gutierrez Collection.
Dagger Hilt, Butuan, 10th-13th c., Tony and Cecile Gutierrez Collection. Courtesy of http://pupuplatter.tumblr.com … [Read more...]
Joseph Montano, “Moros-Moros au Théâtre d’Albay,” 1886.
Joseph Montano, “Moros-Moros au Théâtre d’Albay,” 1886. Courtesy of http://pupuplatter.tumblr.com … [Read more...]
Body Armor, Lanao del Sur, late 19th-early 20th c., British Museum.
Body Armor, Lanao del Sur, late 19th-early 20th c., British Museum. Courtesy of http://pupuplatter.tumblr.com … [Read more...]
“Comisión encargada por el Sultán de Joló de visitar al Capitán General de las Islas Filipinas,” La Ilustración Española y Americana,” 1879.
“Comisión encargada por el Sultán de Joló de visitar al Capitán General de las Islas Filipinas,” La Ilustración Española y Americana,” 1879. Courtesy of http://pupuplatter.tumblr.com … [Read more...]
U.S. Army 1st & 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments training in California during World War II.
U.S. Army 1st & 2nd Filipino Infantry Regiments training in California during World War II. http://www.criticalpast.com/video/65675053496_Filipino-Infantry_recreational-activities_bolo-knives_Colonel-Robert-Offley … [Read more...]
A French Documentary about Arnis in the 1950′s
A French Documentary about Arnis in the 1950's http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZg2i6Yq9rc … [Read more...]