Monday, October 12, 2009

PUMA, UMMAF Dominate SSKI-SAFRA Martial Arts Tourney

Source: Arab News
March 21, 2008
Ben Micu, Jr. Sensei / Erwin Pangan

JEDDAH - The Philippine Union Martial Arts Club (PUMA) of Renshi Cesar Bencito bagged the overall championship in the Junior Division by virtue of its 5-3-3 finish, while the United Muslims Martial Arts Federation (UMMAF) headed by Renshi Mac Tending captured the prestigious overall championship in the Seniors Division with its almost flawless rendition of kata or the so called "karate dance" and their combatants' fiery performances in the kumite competition.

In the competitive exhibition, UMMAF got the nods of the judges with their syncronize kata rendition of Heian Shodan followed by "Bonkai" or its application. The Philippine Martial Arts Combat Aikido (PHIMACA) who rendered various knife and arnis defense techniques was second, while five (5) kids from PUMA, who showcased their talents in aikido took third place.

But the biggest winner of them all were the numerous distressed OFWs being housed at the Philippine Consulate compound, they being the beneficiary of the proceeds of this annual event. Entry fees collected from the participants in addition to financial assistance received from SAFRA Co., the major sponsor, and from various generous donors and collections out of the coin banks distributed among SSKI instructors, Guardians Brotherhood International (GBI-TBBG) and Migrant Association in Saudi Arabia (MASA), will be distributed among the distressed OFWs in the form of consumable good and other items.

This annual event was made possible thru the collective efforts of various SSKI instructors namely Romeo Rivero, Jun Loyola, Sonny Alvarez, Ben Micu, Jr., Sonny Dalloran, Samuel Nacario, Jr., Joey Reyes, Vani Gasmenia, Rudy Estepa, Ed Chavez, Angel Palaypayon, Alex Buce, Cris Ortiz & Ruben Cabigas, among others. The staging of this annual event has the approval of Master Eddie V. Rama, a certified 7th Dan Blackbelt and the founder of SSKI-Middle East and Canada and now based in Iraq. The Guardians Brotherhood International (GBI) with AB Julius Briagas and FGMF Eldemer Flores, acted as tournamet marshals,while MASA representatives, Teng Damiar, Andre Natabio and Andrew Ociones also assisted in the Registration and treasury committee.

Vice Consul Lorenzo Jongco IV of the Philippine Consulate in Jeddah gave a short inspirational talk, GBI founder FGRF Edison Cariaga and MASA representative Bobby Pajarito delivered a short message while Mr. Humayun and Mr. Hussain Fayez Zagzoog a representative of SAFRA Company arrived later to witness the exciting kumite events and gave the awards to the winners of the senior blackbelt divisions.

Other sponsors who donated cash and/or related gift items aside from Safra Company Ltd. were; Abdullah Al-Saiary of Al-Aoun Company; NCCI thru Kyud Rene Morales, who provided an insurance coverage to Greenbelt lightweight Champion Jeff Cayme, for having won with the most number of opponents; Sheikh Muhammad Jamil Farsi, for providing the tournament venue; Al Injazat Trading Corporation for distributing variuos Nivea beauty care products; Skyfreight Forwarders thru Emmy de Guzman / Danny Abines, who donated gift certificates; and Romeo Rivero and Sonny Dalloran of SSKI for their cash donations.


Sunday, October 11, 2009

All Set for SSKI-SAFRA "Fight for a Cause" Tilt

Source: Arab News
March 14, 2008
Ben Micu,Jr. Sensei & Erwin Pangan

JEDDAH - SAFRA Company Ltd., a subsidiary of Xenel Group of Companies, has agreed to be the main sponsor of the 2nd SSKI Martial Arts Championship dubbed "Fight for a Cause" to be staged at the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ) March 14, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

This was announced by Jun Loyola Sensei, Executive VP of SSKI, during the final meeting at the SSKI-Xenel Balad Chapter's gym last March 7, 2008, attended by various club instructors along with newly elected officers of Filipino International Martial Arts Association (FIMAA), Guardians Brothehood Inc. - (GBI-TBBG) and Migrant Association in Saudi Arabia (MASA).

The proceeds of the event will benifit numerous distressed OFW's still stranded and being housed at the Philippine Consulate compound in Jeddah. The group likwise decided to provide empty "coin banks" to collect surplus coins from the participants and audience.

General rules, scoring/points systems, trophies and certificates were laid out for the tournament. Added attraction but on a competitive basis will be various clubs exhibitions on Arnis (stick fighting), Kata with Bonkai applications, Jiu-jitsu, Kung-Fu, Taekwondo, Aikido and other forms of martial arts. Winners will be decided and graded by SSKI instructors and in one representative each from GBI and MASA.

Club Instructors present during the meeting were Renshi Cesar Bencito, PUMA founder and previous FIMAA president, Renshi Mac Tending of Philippine Shotokan Karatedo Association International (PSKAI) and current President of UMAAF (United Muslim Martial Arts Federation), Renshi Pons Estrada of Law Enforcer Karate Club Int'l. (TASK/LEKCI), Sensei Nonoy Gacola of WILDCAT, Master Mohammed Ishaq of Star Budokan Karate Club, Sifu Boy Buayan of AMAF/Tat Kon Tou, Kyud Rene Morales of KUNTAW, Renshi Raul Austria of Mortal Combat-OSKA, Renshi Mario Mendoza of Stealth Shidokan Shorin Ryu Karatedo Int'l. (SSSKI), Sensei Danny Untalan of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Sensei Rex Griego of Black Cobra-OSKA, Sensei Mardy Dimalotang of ISKD, Sensei Rubie Marie Lanada of PUMA. Club instructors were not able to attend but likewise assured their participation were Renshi Alfred Tizon of Fist-SKI, Sensei Pol Poleras of SHOSIKAI, Renshi Max Sapi-e of KENZENDO, Renshi Jainodin Manipis of ASMAC, Renshi Jake Kabiling of NGIKA, Master Alex Aplacador of HHCAI and Master Nilo Sumallo of Black Eagle (BECJKAAP).

GBI was presented by its founder, FGRF Edison Cariaga, along with Julius Jose Briagas, Eldemer Flores, Vicenta Gacola, Virgilio Preza, MG Martino Belano, John Candaroma, Mervin Andalahao, Alvin Anglo, Allan Adonis, Louie Cabalquinto, Rhegie Buhano & Vani Gasmenia. MASA's representatives include Samuel Nacario, Jr. Sensei - Acting Chairman, Bobby Fajarito, Droidz Ociones and Matt Mendoza.

SSKI had its president, Romeo Rivero, Exec. VP Jun Loyola, tournament director and current FIMAA President Sonny Alvarez and other SSKI instructors namely Ben Micu, Jr., Steve Rivero, Sonny Dalloran, Angel Palaypayon, Ed Chavez, Ruben Cabigas, and members Eldy Bagondol, Delfin Patotoy and Junard Hayag.

Other sponsors donating cash and gift items are Sheikh Mohamed Jamil Farsi, Abdullah Al-Saiary of Al-Aoun Company, insurance coverage (for the best player of the tournament) and gift items courtesy of NCCI thru Rene Morales, gift certificates with 50 kgs. sea freight from Skyfreight Forwarders through Emmy de Guzman and Danny Abenes and cash donation from SSKI Romeo Rivero and Sonny Dalloran.

2nd SSKI "Fight For a Cause" Tourney On Cards

Source: Arab News
February 29, 2008
Ben Micu, Jr. & Erwin Pangan


JEDDAH - Sphinx Shoto-kan Karate-do International with the initiative of Jun Loyola Sensei, SSKI Executive VP, held its meeting at the SSKI Xenel Balad Chapter gym last Feb. 22, 2008. Among the attendees were Romeo Rivero Sensei, SSKI-Middle East President, and various SSKI Chapter instructors and members along with the Guardians Brotherhood Inc. (GBI) headed by FGRF Edison "Jedi" Cariaga, founder and Chapter President, Sonny Alvarez Sensei, newly elected President of Filipino International Martial Arts Association (FIMAA) and Samuel Nacario Jr., acting Chairman of Migrant Association of Saudi Arabia (MASA), an umbrella chapter of MIGRANTE, a well-known Philippine community group tasked in assisting OFWs worlwide.


On top of the Agenda was the forthcoming martial arts event being organized by SSKI in colaboration with GBI and MASA on the 14th of March 2008 at the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ). As agreed upon by the group, the proceeds of the tournament will be for the benefit of distressed OFWs being temporarily housed at the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah. As explained by Jun Loyola Sensei, this is not the first time that SSKI had organized such event for the benefit of those in need citing various project that SSKI had undergone namely; the financial assistance awarded to the family of a member who died while on vacation; donation extended to the beneficiaries of "Bantay Bata 163", a Philippine foundation primarily set-up to assist and extend financial assistance to deprived and under-privilaged Filipino children; and donation in kind given to run-away contract workers that took shelter at the Philippine Consulte General grounds. Aside from financial assistance that will obtained from generous and willing would-be sponsors, the group also discussed the distribution of "coin banks" to various Filipino community group to ask for their surplus coins that will somehow be significant once accumulated. A similar plan will be initiated and passed at the venue during the actual competition day.


Other SSKI officers and members present during the meeting were SSKI instructors; Senseis Ben Micu Jr., Joey Reyes, Steve Rivero, Sonny Dalloran, Ruben Cabigas & Vani Gasmenia and SSKI members; Jonathan Gastanez, Junard Hayag & GBI was likewise represented by Edison "Jedi" Cariaga, Eldemer "Tabak" Flores, Virgillo "Park" Preza, AB Julius Jose "Jo" Briagas & Vic Gacola while MASA had Samuel Nacario, Jr. and Teng Damiar as its representatives.


A final meeting to include participating club instructors is set on March 7, 2008 also at SSKI Xenel Chapter's gym.



Sphinx and Puma Split Honors in Freedom Fight 2007

Source: Arab News
July 6, 2007
Erwin Pangan & Alaine Bautista


JEDDAH - The Taurus Shotokan Karatedo - Law Enforcers Karate Club Int'l. (TASK-LEKCI) headed by Shihan Efren Barros, director and co-founder of LEKCI Club in Manila, successfully hosted the action packed 4th TASK-LEKCI Freedom Fight '07 at the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ).

Shihan Efren Barros, assisted by Kyoshi Sammy Lucanas, the tournament technical director, and Renshi Ponciano Estrada, the events chief referee, declared the tournament open. A special intermission in the form of Bo and Kenjutsu weapons exhibition was performed by Sensi Joel Anajao of Goju Ryu prior to the matches.

The Sphinx Shoto-kan Karate-do International (SSKI) 5-2-0 records and Philippine Union of Martial Arts (PUMA) 2-3-2 records clinched the coveted overall title in the Senior and Junior division respectively.

A special open-belt kumite category for ladies was added attraction and won by Venus Magrale of Tat Kon Tou.

The officials and organizers of the event include Alaine Bautista (Tournament Coordinator), Abe Sarip (Logistics Coordinator), Adonis Geolin (Technical Committee). King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) Medical staff provided valuable first aid treatment, while blackbelts and students of TASK-LEKCI served as table officials, match area personnel and marshals.

The tournament was mounted as part of the 109th Philippine Independence Day celebrations and was principally sponsored by Bison (Abduljadayel Beverages Inc.) Social Club Recreation Department of King Khaled National Guard Hospital and supported by the friends of TASK-LEKCI Jeddah Chapter.
Results:
Kata Events/Men's Senior: (Greenbelt): 1st-Adnan Santary (PSKAI), 2nd-Faisal Marig (Flying Fist), 3rd-Jeffren Kaima (Stealth Shidokan); (Brownbelt): 1st-Jamil Yagomyao (Fist Shotokan), 2nd-Solaiman Sorio Jr. (Fist Shotokan), 3rd-Norly Sajonia (Wildcat); (Blackbelt): 1st-Mario Mendoza (Stealth Shidokan), 2nd-Profedo Divina Sr. (OSL-OSKA), 3rd- Rennie Corpuz (Flying Fist).
Kumite Events/Women's Senior: (Categoty A): 1st-Fatima Bantuas (PSKAI), 2nd Johayma Pereira (Fist Shotokan), 3rd Salmah M'Sellek (PUMA); (Category B): 1st- Hazette Grace Santillan (Mortal Kombat), 2nd-Norma Pedregoza (Hand to Hand Combat), 3rd- Rehab Shomrani (PUMA); (Category C): 1st-Venus Magrale (Tatkontou), 2nd-Amefil Supleto (Shosikai), 3rd-Abeer Eid Basyoumi (PUMA).
Kumite Events/Men's Senior: (Greenbelt-Lightweight): 1st-Eugene Guiruela (SSKI), 2nd-Edward Lopez (Mortal Kombat), 3rd-Glen Punzal (PSKAI); (Greenbelt Middleweight): 1st-Eric Cayomo (Hand to Hand Combat), 2nd- Dindo Espinosa (SSKI), 3rd- Faisal Bariga (Flying Fist); (Greenbelt-Heavyweight): 1st-Junard Hayag (SSKI), 2nd-Angop Mamokan (Taekwondo), 3rd-Anwar Palo (PUMA); (Brownbelt Lightweight) Category A: 1st- Solaiman Sorio (PSKAI), 2nd- Jamil Yagomyao (Fist Shotokan), 3rd- Alexander Aplacador (Hand to Hand Combat); (Brownbelt-Lightweight) Category B: 1st- Al Debalucos (SSKI), 2nd- Najib Andamun (Taekwondo), 3rd- Rommel Piolo (PUMA); (Brownbelt-Heavyweight): 1st - Eldy Bagundol (SSKI), 2nd-Abdulkayer Sarip (PUMA), 3rd-Leo Raagas (PUMA); Blackbelt-Openweight): 1st-Bhoy Cielo (SSKI), 2nd-Samuel Nacario Jr. (SSKI), 3rd-Joseph Cayat (Universal Combat).

Friday, October 9, 2009

1st SSKI Invitational Martial Arts Showdown Proves a Success

Source: Arab News
March 8, 2007
Ben Micu, Jr. Sensei


Camaraderie and solidarity among martial arts enthusiasts in Jeddah were again evident in the successful staging of the 1st SSKI- Invitational Martial Arts Tournament "Sphinx Cup 2007", held at the Pearl of the Orient International School (POIS).

Proving to be another banner year for the Sphinx Shoto-kan Karate-do International (SSKI), the competition attracted a record 182 entries from over 17 martial arts clubs in Jeddah, in both the Kata and Kumite events, not including five martial arts clubs, who both presented a well-applaused exhibition of various form of martial arts self-defense and techniques.

SSKI-Middle East is headed by its President Romeo Rivero Sensei and Jun Loyola Sensei, Exec. VP, with support of its founding president, Eddie V. Rama Sensei, a certified 7th dan black belt.

Spearheading the participants was the Phil. Union of Martial Arts Association (PUMA) mentored by Renshi Cesar Bencito with 42 entries; Phil. Shotokan Karate Association International (PSKAI) of Renshi Mac Tending with a combined entry of 34, and Budokan Star Karate Club (BSKC) of Master Mohamed Ishaq with 18 participants.

Other martial arts clubs who participated and showcased their talents in the Kata and Kumite event with their respective Head Instructors/Founders were as follows: Black Eagle Combat Judo Karate arnis Association of the Phils. (BE-COJUKAAP) of Master Nilo Sumallo; Wildcat-Shorin Ryu Karate-Do Federation of Renshi Nonoy Gacola; National Guard Int'l. Karate Association (NGIKA) of Renshi Jake Kabiling;Taurus Shotokan Karatedo/Law Enforcers Karate Club Int'l. (TAURUS/LEKCI) of Master Sammy Lucanas/Shihan Efren Barros and Renshi Pons Estrada; Kenzendo Martial Arts Association Int'l. of Renshi Max Sapi-e; Black Cobra-Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate Association (BC-OSKA) of Shihan Fred Miranda; Phil. White Kimono Karate Club (PWKKC) of Sensei Jalil Ringia; Stealth Shidokan Shorin Ryu Karate-do Int'l. (SSSKI) of Renshi Mario Mendoza; Tat Kon Tou Chinese Kickboxing of Master Rudy Catampatan; Hand to Hand Combat Aikido Int'l. (HHCAI) of Master Alex Aplacador; Assalam Shotokan Martial Arts Club (ASMAC of Renshi Jainoddin Manipis; Universl Combat Kickboxing Karate Training (UCKKT) of Master Joseph Cayat; Barbin Martial Arts Association (BMAA) of Sensei Samir Bersabal and Phil. Martial Arts Combat Aikido (PHIMACA) of Master Blas Dayot.

Being the organizer, SSKI did not participate in any events but rather acted as referees/judges/arbitrators/table officials and tournament marshals. Other Club founders/instructors who were present to give moral support were Master Nestor Suliva of PAMAC, Sifu Boy Buayan of AMAF, Sensei Mamdou Alynbawi of IMAC, Kyud Lito Flores and Kyud Rene Morales of KUMTAW, Sensei Jun Torres of DEFENSA and Sensei Mardy Dimalotang of ISKD.

PUMA and PSKAI were eventually crowned overall champions and 1st runner-up, respectively in both the Junior and Senior Divisions. PUMA had 4 champions, 2 second place and 3 third places in the Junior Division and collected a 4-6-3 medal tally in the Senior Division while PSKAI tallied 3-4-3 and 3-1-3 medals in the Junior and Senior Divisions, respectively. Meanwhile, Star Budokan Karate Club occupied 3rd Place overall in the Junior Division with a 1-3-3 medal tally to show while Kenzendo took the 3rd Place in Senior Division on the basis of a 2-2-0 medal haul where it fielded its combatants only in the Kumite events.

Adjudged Champion for the special event was Taurus/Law Enforcers Karate Club International (TAURUS/LEKCI), who presented various defensive and offensive arnis techniques. Coming second was the Black Eagle (BE-COJUKAAP) of Master Nilo Sumallo, who also exhibited practical arnis aside from aikido self-defense techniques while third place went to Hand to Hand Combat (HHCAI) of Master Alex Aplacador.

4th FIMAA Invitational Karate Tournamet 2006

Source: Arab News
Date: November 17, 2006
By: Erwin Pangan

JEDDAH - Philippine Union Martial Arts (PUMA) put on display of power and precision to claim the overall crown in the 4th FIMAA Invitational Karate Tournament and Martial Arts Showdown held last N0vember 3, 2006.

PUMA took home three medals in the individual Kumite Green belt Boys Junior Division along with seven medals in the Senior Division to dominate the one-day martial arts extravaganza at the packed covered court of the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ).

Not to be outdone, FIST-SKI had a 2-3-2 record in the Junior Division, while Philippine Shotokan Karatedo Association (PSKAI) at the helm, took the second overall champion in the Senior division with a 3-4-3 slate. Sphinx Shoto-kan Karate-do Intenational (SSKI) had a 1-1-2 record - 3rd place in the Senior Division and 2-0-0 record - 4th place in the Junior Division.

This tournament was sponsored by the International Philippine School in Jeddah (IPSJ), NCCI, Association of Cabalen Expatiates (ACE), Sphinx Shoto-kan Karate-do International (SSKI),TFC (The Filipino Channel), Malaysian Airlines and the Guardians Brotherhood Incorporated -Western Region.

SSKI Winners:
Junior:
Leanne Marie Loyola - Champion - KATA - Greenbelt Girl's Division
Brian Sagmit - Champion - KATA - Greenbelt Boy's Division

Senior:
Clemente Espina - 2nd Runner-up - KATA - Greenbelt Men's Division
Ruben Cabigas - 1st Runner-up - KATA - Brownbelt Men's Division

Junard Hayag - Champion - KUMITE - Greenbelt Lightweight Division
Randy Alfeche - 2nd Runner-up - KUMITE - Brownbelt Lightweight Division

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Inter-SSKI Martial Arts Tourney a Big Success

Source: Arab News
September 26, 2006
Ben Micu, Jr. Sensei / Jun Loyola Sensei

In keeping up with its tradition of being one of several accredited community organizations in the Kingdom actively helping and/or giving financial assistance to distressed and less fortunate segments of Philippine society (the latest of which is "Bantay Bata 163 Foundation", the Sphinx Shoto-kan Karate-do International (SSKI), (formerly known as Association of Sontokan Karatedo International or ASKI), successfully conducted its first inter-SSKI Karate Tournament at Sunbulah Compound in Jeddah last September 08, 2006.

This annual inter-chapter competition was staged for the exclusive participation of members and instructors of the various SSKI Chapters under the able leadership of Romeo Rivero Sensei and Jun Loyola Sensei, SSKI-ME President and Exec. VP, respectively, with prior approval from its SSKI-ME founding President, Master Eddie V. Rama and Master Jimmy Galez, founding President of World Sphinx Karate-do, Philippine Chapter. SSKI chapters who participated were Xenel Team of Sensei Jun Loyola and Sensei Ben Micu, Alaoun Team of Sensei Sonny Alvarez and Sensei Jupiter Catacata, Sunbulah Team of Sensei Romy Rivero, Bahara AIC Team of Sensei Vani Gasmenia, Naval Base Team of Sensei Sonny Suno and Sensei Efren Animas, Black Master Sphinx Team of Sensei Rod Estepa and Sonny Dalloran and Sphinx Power Punch of Sensei Bhoy Cielo. The event was likewise organized in cooperation with the Guardians Brotherhood International -(WRKSAC) headed by its GBI Chapter President, MG Roger Martin.

The tournament started with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by Leanne Marie Loyola, a six year old karate practitioner, followed by a welcome address from SSKI president, Romeo Rivero Sensei, GBI MG Roger Martin likewise delivered a speech followed by FIMAA president and PUMA Head Instructor, Cesar Bencito Renshi, who spoke on the close relationships SSKI have with other FIMAA affiliate clubs and further citing the various humanitarian projects that SSKI has had in the past. Labor Attache David Des T. Dicang, Asst. Labor Representative from the Phil. Overseas Office (POLO), was also present as guest speaker and conveyed an inspirational talk, giving some timely advices to the most Filipino audience and at the same time thanked and praised members and officers of SSKI-ME for choosing his office (POLO), the primary benificiary of the said event.
Proceeds of the tourney which were principaly sourced from SSKI participants' entry fees and cash donations from various donors will be for the benefit of stranded OFWs being temporarily sheltered at the POLO / Philippine Consulate offices. Major sponsor is Sunbulah Food & Fine Pastries Manufacturing for providing the venue and foods/pastries/gift that were distributed to audience during the tournament. Other sponsors/cash donors include "The Filipino Channel" (TFC) for covering the event; Barrio Fiesta Restaurant thru its Manager, Mr. Raffy Rafanan; Skyfreight Forwarders and Arab News, among others.

On the tournament proper, bonafide SSKI Karatekas vied for plaques and trophies at stake in the Kata competition both in the Junior and Senior Divisions, and likwise in the Kumite events that showcased the fighting abilities of participants in the Green, Brown and Black belt categories, Senior Division. The highlight of the event was a Team of 3 Competition in the Black belt category comprising of various Chapter instructors who gamely displayed their awesome fighting skills in pursuit of the special Team Championship Trophy, courtesy of Master Ed Rama. This special event was evetually captured by the Xenel Team of Senseis Jun Loyola, Ben Micu,Jr. and Samuel Nacario, Jr. who lorded over the fighting Bahara/Alaoun Team of Senseis Vani Gasmeni, Jupiter Catacata and Angel Palaypayon and the highly-fancied Alaoun/Sunbulah/Power Punch Team of senseis Sonny Alvarez, Steve Rivero and Bhoy Cielo, amid a fiesta-like atmospher from the boisterous crowd.

As in the past, Kata competition in all belt levels were grade by Senseis Romeo Rivero, Jun Loyola, Sonny Alvarez, Jupiter Catacata, Steve Rivero and Cleto Lapitan, while guest referees from FIMAA affiliated clubs headed by Renshis Cesar Bencito of PUMA, Mac Tending of PSKAI, Nestor "Bebot" Cala of FLYING FIST and Nonoy Gacola of WILDCAT graded the participants in Black belt Kata event. on the other hand, the Kumite events in the colored belts from Green to Brown had Senseis Ben Micu, Jr., Sonny Alvarez, Bhoy Cielo, Cleto Lapitan, Jupiter Catacata, Steve Rivero, Sonny Dalloran, Alex Buce, angel Palaypayon and Samuel Nacario, Jr. alternating as judge/referee/arbitrator. The Black belt Kumite competition was likewise officiated by the same guest instructors who rated the participants in the Black belt Kata competition. Added attractions that won admirations from the crowd were the rendition of Taikyoku Shodan kata by Leanne Marie Loyola and the sparring between Leanne Marie Loyola and Maryam Montillano and Danielle Granada versus Maryam Montillano.

Tournament Results:
Kata competition: Junior Division; Green Belt Category/Champion - Bryan Sagmit (Xenel), 2nd place - Danilo Sagmit Jr. (Xenel), 3rd place - Leanne Marie Loyola (Xenel), Senior Division: Green Belt Category / Champion - John Ocromas (Alaoun), 2nd Place - Ronaldo Lapay (Alaoun), 3rd Place - Eldy Bagundol (Power Punch), Brown Belt Category / Champion - Joselito Alipante (Alaoun), 2nd Place - Romel Gutlay (Alaoun), 3rd Place - Jose Hesita (Alaoun), Black Belt Category / Champion Samuel Nacario Jr. (Xenel), 2nd Place - Jupiter Catacata (Alaoun), 3rd Place - Bhoy Cielo (Power Punch).

Kumite competition: Senior Division; Green Belt Middleweight / Champion - Al Debalocos (Xenel), 2nd Place - Eldy Bagundol (Power Punch), 3rd Place - Robert Genova (Alaoun), Green Belt Heavyweight / Champion - Rajha Aati (Alaoun), 2nd Place - Reynante Gutlay (Alaoun), 3rd Place - Rodriguez Buce Jr. (Aloun), Brown Belt Open Weight / Champion - Cris Ortiz (Aloun), 2nd Place - Edwin Cula (Alaoun), 3rd Place - Jose Hesita (Alaoun), Black Belt Open Weight / Champion - Jun Loyola (Xenel), 2nd Place - Samuel Nacario Jr. (Xenel), 3rd Place - Bhoy Cielo (Power Punch), Team Kumite - Black Belt Open Weight / Champion - Xenel Team (Jun Loyola, Ben Micu Jr., Samuel Nacario Jr.), 2nd Place - Bahara/Alaoun Team - (Vani Gasmenia, Jupiter Catacata, Angel Palaypayon), 3rd Place - Alaoun/Sunbulah/Power Punch Team -(Sonny Alvarez, Steve Rivero, Bhoy Cielo).

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Brief history of Sphinx Shoto-kan Karate-do Int'l. (SSKI)

Source: Ben Micu Sensei / Jun Loyola Sensei

Master Eddie V. Rama, now a full-pledged 7th Dan Blackbelt, founded the Black Master Sphinx in Jeddah in 1990, he, being an original 4th Dan Blackbelt in Tacloban's Chapter of the World Sphinx Karate-do, Philippine Chapter headed and founded by Master Jimmy Galez. Sphinx is a form of martial arts employing consolidated styles of Kung-fu such as Tiger Claw, Monkey, Snake and Crane. It has also included in its curriculum, Arnis, which is an original Philippine stick-fighting form of-self-defense.

Master Eddie Rama founded the first Black Master Sphinx-ME Chapter at King Fahad Military Hospital. It eventually expanded and opened other chapters under his supervision in Naval Base Military Hospital, Dallah Group, Sunbulah Food and Pastries, Al Zamil Industries, Al Jomaih Motors, and Saudia Catering, among others.

It was in 1994 that Master Eddie Rama had noted tha martial arts competitions in Jeddah are employing mostly Shotokan and Shorin Ryu styles of karate that he decided to shift from consolidated martial arts to the more popular Shotokan style after undergoing training with Sontokan Karate-do, Phil. Chapter, and adopted the name Association of Sontokan Karate-do International (ASKI). Under ASKI, 3 other branches were added to its roster namely; Bahara Chapter, Xenel Chapter and the Al Aloun Chapter in the Industrial Area.

Under Master Ed Rama's leadership, ASKI (Sontokan) was able to organize the 1st ASKI-APO Invitational Karate Tournament in 1996, however, in the early part of 1997, he migrated to Canada and likewise founded ASKI-Canada Chapter, leaving ASKI-ME under the leadership of several original Sphinx and ASKI Senseis who continued what he had started. From there on, ASKI was able to have its first 3 inter-ASKI tournament and during 2005, ASKI had successfully staged the 2nd ASKI Invitational Karate Tournament and donated the proceeds to the "Bantay Bata 163" in the Philippines.

On March 2006 however, officers and members of the club and with the approval of Master Eddie V. Rama, unanimously voted to revert back to its original name "Sphinx" and added Shoto-kan to its name hence, the emergence of Sphinx Shoto-kan Karate-do International or SSKI-ME.