NARAPHIL: A Brief History





















Our History
(Dir. Romeo C. Mascardo)

The National Arnis Association of the Philippines (NARAPHIL) is a non-stock; non-profit organization and was organized on January 1975 with the merging of the four major arnis association in the country and one of them is the Maharlika Arnis Sikaran Association, visit their website at www.lipingmaharlika.blogspot.com. Its main objective is to revive and propagate the practice of arnis, the ancient Philippine martial art, both as a sport and as a means of self-defense. In August of the same year, all the arnis clubs in the country became unified under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Fabian C. Ver, its founding president.

Its initial project was the presentation of “The Festival of Asian Martial Arts” which was held at the Folk Arts Theatre in August of that year. Eleven top martial arts club of the country took part in this undertaking and was a major success with Arnis as the highlight of the event. The presentation of arnis by NARAPHIL to the martial arts practitioners in the country was geared toward as the leading advocator of arnis propagation and promotion of the Filipino martial art. The oldest arnis club of Cebu – Doce Pares, Modern Arnis of the Presas brothers, Lightning Scientific Int’l of GM Lema and other arnis clubs and grandmasters joined hands under the umbrella of NARAPHIL for one cause – arnis promotion.


NARAPHIL’s initial efforts consisted;
· The promotion of arnis awareness and practice in schools and universities.
· Training of the Law Enforcers and Military personnel.
· Summer Arnis Trainers Course for physical education instructors in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports.
· Trainers Course also started at the Philippine Military Academy, the Philippine Army Training Command, the Philippine Constabulary Training Command and the Integrated National Police Command.


In 1977-1986, the efforts of the NARAPHIL were focused in training members of the Barangay Tanod Brigade all over the country. The Kabataang Barangay (KB), a youth movement in the late 70’s, has adopted arnis as part of its physical fitness program. Together, these projects have helped create among citizenry recognition of arnis as a practical and systematic method of physical conditioning and as a martial art worthy of the worlds best.

It has also conducted annual national tournaments and quarterly Grandmasters Cup tournaments in honor of the living legacy of arnis – Cacoy Cañete, Ben Lema, Nonoy Mena and Tony Ilustrisimo. Most of these tourneys are held in Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Nayong Pilipino and affiliated clubs.

Today, arnis is practiced in almost all parts of the country and is well received in the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, India, Spain, Portugal, South Africa and Mexico.

Our Vision

Our vision is to upgrade the quality of arnis practice not only as a practical alternative art of self-defense but as a good physical conditioning art as well; preserve the sanctity and integrity of the arnis Grandmasters legacy to the next generation. Preserve their own style as our living cultural heritage; and, promote and develop arnis into a national sport.

Our Mission

Our mission is to start arnis program in the grassroots level and inculcate the rich cultural importance and practices that is embodied in the spirit of arnis. For that, arnis is the kindling spirit of our cultural heritage and practices. Use it as a vehicle towards development of good moral character and personality through self-discipline. Lastly, arnis awareness and become responsible citizens of our country.

Our Strategies

OBJECTIVES:

1. To put NARAPHIL back to the limelight as pioneering in arnis activities.
2. To create the Philippine Martial Arts Troupe (Generation II)
3. Coordinate with other agencies in promotion and regulation in practice of the art.

PLANS:

1. Annual sponsorship of the NARAPHIL Interschool Arnis Championship; National Team Championship; Grandmasters Cup and National Open.
2. Annual NARAPHIL Convention and Biennial election for Board of Directors.
3. Annual Solomon Manzanilla Summer Workshop/Seminar for P.E. Teachers.

Our People

We are all successful businessmen, professionals and career government officials in our own field of endeavors wholeheartedly devoted our leisure time in promoting arnis as our contribution to our country and to the martial art world. Therefore, our vast resources in management, leadership and trainers will help professionalize the system and upgrade the quality in its practice.