Cebu will hold the 16th World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (Wekaf) Championships on July 17-21, 2022 at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex, the first time Wekaf will be holding the event since the passing of its founder Supreme Grandmaster Dionisio in 2020.
“This event is one of SGM Diony’s enduring legacies that is why we have to continue it,” said SGM Arnulfo Cuesta, the US-based master who succeeded Cañete as president of the Doce Pares global federation.
The event was last held in the philippines in 2016 before moving to Hawaii in 2018. The 2020 edition was canceled because of the pandemic.
Master Gerald Canete, the Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (Pekaf) executive vice president, said they are expecting 400 participants from nine countries for the event, which is supported by Pekaf president Sen. Juan Miguel “Migs” Zubiri, Gov. Gwen Garcia, and Mayor Mike Rama and Mayor Jonas Cortes.
“It’s already a good number considering that each one of us is still facing the challenges brought about by the pandemic,” said Cañete. “The most important thing is that we’re back. And Wekaf is here to stay no matter what.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to express our profound gratitude to Senator Migs Zubiri for his all-out support in all our endeavors.The Cebuanos are truly happy with Sen. Migs for his dedicated efforts in helping promote this ingenious Filipino martial art, which the Cebuanos can call their own as it origins can be traced back to the natives of Mactan Island then led by Datu Lapu-Lapu.”
A two-day pre-qualifying event will be held before the world championships.