Master Craig Bajraktarevic-Hayward is one of Australia's best authorities on the Filipino fighting arts of Eskrima, Eskrido and also Pangamot a Philippine art similar to Jujitsu, but more street-orientated. In November 2010. Craig was promoted to 8th Grade black belt in the style of Supreme Grandmaster Cacoy Canete - famous for his fighting ability and his no-nonsense approach to the art.
Craig has traveled to the Philippines many times to study directly under the Supreme Grandmaster and has brought him to Australia to conduct seminars here. A practical master, who believes in testing his knowledge and ability - he regularly competes in tournaments and is the current Cacoy Doce Pares World Kulata champion.
When asked to describe his teaching style, Master Craig often says that he “teaches by confusion”; a teaching style seemingly often used in the Philippines . Master Craig allows his classes to develop and move along at an irregular pace so that students do not get locked into a single way or approach. Master Craig’s greatest wish is to produce students with integrity, commitment and a desire to improve.
Craig is devoted to promoting the art and founded the East Coast Doce Pares Institute in February 2001 after forging good links with other respected teachers in the Western Sydney area. With the organization growing rapidly Master Craig was able to open his own facility after four years of teaching at five different locations around the city.
To sum up Master Craig’s approach to life and the Martial Arts, the following quote from Albert Einstein is most appropriate:
“Try not to be a man of success but rather try to become a man of value”
- November 2006 participated in the Cacoy Doce Pares World Eskrima Championships held in Cebu, Philippines – Champion of over 40’s lightweight division in both single and double stick competitions. Champion of the over 40’s Kulata Challenge – limited armour full contact stick fighting open weight division.
- September 2007 participated in the Cacoy Doce Pares World Eskrima Championships held in Jakarta Indonesia. Second place in Double Stick Full Contact Sparring – Masters Division. Third place Single Stick Full Contact Sparring – Masters Division. Third place Men’s Open Age & Weight Kulata Challenge – limited armour full contact stick fighting.
- March 2008, inducted into Inaugural Doce Pares Hall of Fame as Chief Instructor of Doce Pares School of the Year.
- April 2009 participated in the Cacoy Doce Pares World Eskrima Championships held in Cebu, Philippines – third place in over 40’s lightweight single stick competition. Champion of the over 40’s Kulata Challenge – limited armour full contact stick fighting open weight division.
- November 2010 incucted into the Doce Pares Hall of Fame as Notable Eskrima Competitor for 2009.
