Cacoy Doce Pares 5th World Eskrima/Arnis Championships

The ECDPI team of Master Craig, John Anthony, Aaron Ocampo and Deogracias Avila has returned from the 5th World Eskrima/Arnis Championships held in Cebu 24th-26th April.



The tournament was a great success with more than 120 competitors competing in forms, single stick, double stick and kulata divisions. The Australian contigent comprising representatives from ICMAA (Adelaide) ECDPI amd Reflex Gym (Wollongong) took out 2nd place in the overall medal tally with a haul of 11 Gold, 12 Silver and 11 Bronze medals.

Master Craig was again successful in the 40-49 yrs Kulata Challenge taking Gold in this open weght category. Silver medal went to one time ECDPI member (now residing in Cebu) Mick Barker. With no competitors in the 40-49 year lightweight division, Master Craig fought in the middle weight division of the single stick sparring event and received the bronze medal.

John Anthony took fourth place in the mens 40-49 heavy weight division after fighting arguably two of the divisions best fighters. This was an excellent effort for his first outing at such a large event.

With out a doubt, Aaron Ocampo and Deogracias Avila were matched in one of the toughest categories, the 18-29 lightweight division. Both contested the single stick and double stick events against Filipino opponents but were unable to reach the medal rounds.

Having traveled to Cebu two months in advance to stay with family, Deogracias surprised Master Craig with an entry to the forms (Sayaw) competitions. Master Craig is very proud of the effort and initiative shown and was impressed by his innovative forms.