I had the incredible opportunity to be part of the 2023 Kombatan Super Camp and European Championships, marking my return since the inaugural event in Pori, Finland back in 2018. It was a tremendous honor to be one of the three special guests at the camp, alongside Alfred Plath and Renee Tongson.
The training camp was filled with exceptional classes led by amazing instructors. I had the privilege of conducting several sessions on Panantukan and even had a class dedicated to Kombatan stick and dagger techniques. During this session, I delved into the three levels of training - technical skills, timing, and non-compliance. It was a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate how Modern Arnis and Kombatan, two branches of the martial arts family, complement each other so well.
Throughout the camp, I had the pleasure of spending time with Alfred and Renee, engaging in discussions about the history and development of Modern Arnis and Kombatan in the United States, Europe, and the Philippines. These conversations provided us with a deeper understanding of the art's origins and the diverse teaching approaches associated with it.
One of the highlights was the Kombatan European Championships held on Saturday. Referees from various nations were present to ensure the smooth running of the event, and based on my experience, I was selected as the primary center referee. Additionally, I had the honor of coaching two Swedish competitors, Christian Areschoug and Kristoffer Sund, in the black belt divisions. Both individuals represented their art and country admirably, with Christian emerging as the victor in the bronze medal match. To wrap up the tournament, the Austrian demo team delivered an impressive exhibition performance.
Following the training sessions, a night gala took place where all the awards were presented. As instructors, including myself, we were graciously presented with gifts by the host, Perry Smugg, as a token of appreciation for our collective efforts in making the weekend a resounding success. The gala featured captivating entertainment, including a mesmerizing Taiko drumming group. I even had the opportunity to try out their large drum after their performance! On a personal note, I formed new friendships and strengthened existing relationships, which holds great significance to me.
Words cannot fully capture the essence of this event. However, I am thrilled to announce that in October 2024, I will be hosting the upcoming Super Camp and World Championships in the metropolitan Buffalo, NY area. I brought along the prototype championship belt for all the grand champions of the next tournament, ensuring that it will be an unforgettable event. I am sincerely grateful to all the teachers, participants, and everyone involved in making this event a remarkable triumph.
