Mula sa bagong pamunoan ng Sikaran sa buong mundo

Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon

Pagpalain tayong lahat ng Maykapal sa taong 2015 at tuwina

Pangulong Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., at Ginang Raquel Suarez-Geronimo

Volume 3 November - December 2014 Number 6

SIKARAN TALIBA© IS PUBLISHED BY THE SIKARAN PILIPINAS PUBLICATIONS. IT IS

THE ONLY INTERNET NEWSPAPER DEDICATED TO THE SIKARAN PRACTITIONERS

AROUND THE WORLD. THE IDEAS AND OPINIONS IN THE ARTICLES AND

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THIS NEWSPAPER.

EDITORIAL OFFICE

P.O.BOX 6332

ALAMEDA, CA 94501

sikarantaliba@gmail.com

Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo

Honorary Editor Emeritus

Emmanuel es Querubin

Editor in Chief

Elpidio Seletaria, Jr.

Managing Editor

Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.

Editor-at-Large

ERP

Art Editor

Philippine Correspondent

Erlina Bartolata

SIKARAN PILIPINAS PUBLICATIONS

Republic of the Philippines Certificate of Copyright No. A 2009-102

Department of Trade and Industry Certificate of Registration 00706053

United States, Library of Congress Copyright Registration No. TXu 1-612-682

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR, AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS

TO MY SIKARAN AND OTHER MARTIAL ARTS BRETHREN

The period from December 16 to January 6 has always been celebrated, both by the

"believers ," and the "non-believers."

What makes the celebration different is how they greet each other. The believers who are

classified as Christians say Merry or Blessed Christmas and Happy New Year. To them,

Christmas is the celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ. Although December 25, has always

been accepted as the day when Jesus Christ was born, the bible does not have any reference to

the exact date. No one knows the real birthday of Jesus. The early Christian's selection of

December 25 was based on the the Annunciation on March 25th, when an Angel told Mary that

she would have a very special baby and they will name him Jesus (meaning Savior). Nine

months after March 25th is December 25th.

There are several and different theories and traditions why Christmas is celebrated on

December 25th. The first recorded date of celebration of Christmas on December 25th was in the

year 336 AD. This was during the reign of Emperor Constantine, the first Christian Roman

Emperor. A few years later, Pope Julius I, officially declared the birth of Jesus Christ would be

celebrated on December 25th. From then on Christmas has always been celebrated all over the

world on December 25th.

Sometimes, people refer to Christmas as Xmas. The church does not think it is correct to

call Christmas as Xmas, because it takes Jesus Christ out of Christ mass, the church service that

celebrates the birth of Jesus.

Lately, politics entered the picture. Non-Christians want to be a part of the celebration,

but are not inclined to recognize Jesus or Christmas. The term happy holidays was invented as

the politically correct greetings. Thereinafter, the period became not only a religious but also a

commercial holiday.

Whatever the greeting, the Ecclesiastical Merry or Blessed Christmas of the Christians,

the secular happy holidays of the politically correct, or even the neutral term of happy Xmas, this

period denotes a period of hope, of happiness and goodwill towards all.

Whatever your faith is, or even if you do not believe in Christmas, the World Sikaran

Brotherhood, and my family extend our best wishes to all. Let us always have hope and goodwill

towards all. Let us forget our petty differences and remember life is too short not to enjoy and be

happy.

Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.

Ika-9 na Antas, Sagisag na Pula at Puti

President

World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines

World Sikaran Brotherhood

1984-2014 THIRTY YEARS AGO

By: Mantas Marangal Emmanuel es Querubin

9th Degree Red and White Belt

Executive and Technical Assistant to the Grandmaster

Emmanuel Querubin left the Philippines in 1975 to be a resident of the United States of

America. Querubin and Meliton Geronimo kept in touch through letters. However, several

changes occurred in their lives that were not covered by their letters. Geronimo led a political life

that also revolved in Sikaran. Querubin, on the other hand was in a for a culture shock. While he

was in the Philippines, he had an exciting but easy job, as a Supervising Agent of the Civil

Intelligence and Security Agency in the Office of the Mayor of the City of Manila. Now in the

States he had to give up teaching martial arts to have a "real full-time job" to support himself and

his family. He taught Sikaran part-time to the neighborhood kids. For a while, he taught the

personnel of the Philippine Consulate, then under Consul General Romeo Arguelles.

In 1984, Querubin received a letter from Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo. However, it was

postmarked in the State of California. The letter was followed by a phone call that is not an

overseas call, but also a call with a State of California area code. It only meant that Supremo

Meliton C. Geronimo is in California again visiting his family.

Since this letter is hand

written by Supremo Meliton C,

Geronimo himself, I consider this a

treasure because I am sure nobody

has in his or her possession a hand

written letter from the Grandmaster.

All the letters he sent me

before were all typewritten, but not

by him, because I know he is not a

very good typist. Besides, among

the many letters to him by Japan's

Grandmaster Koichi Kondo,

Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo,

treasures most the hand written

letter of Grandmaster Koichi Kondo

sent to him from Korea in 1963.

As Supremo Meliton C.

Geronimo says, "a handwritten letter

is more valuable than gold and

diamond because it expresses the

spirit that comes not only from the

mind but also from the heart."

Another piece of paper that I

treasure most is the Christmas tree

card he sent me. Although it was his

idea and design, it was made by his

son Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., the

top name on the card. Most of the

names on the card as he said are his

"children, siblings, relatives, friends

and the people close to his heart."

My Treasure Chest mostly keeps martial arts' mementos, letter, pictures, certificates, and

records. To me these are more valuable than silver, gold, or earthly goods.

I do not know if I inherited this trait from Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo, because he

also collects all martial arts memorabilia, or if I rubbed this characteristic on him. We are both

collectors, but in no way are we rat packs.

What I admire most with Grandmaster Meliton C. Geronimo is his journal of the people

he meets with the when, where, and why. He never goes anywhere without this journal.

Whenever possible he asks the person he meets to write a short narrative of their meeting. He

keeps pictures also.

Another memento he sent me is a copy of the cover of the book "Masters, Founders, and

Leaders of American Martial Arts, where he was featured.

Every time Supremo Meliton C.

Geronimo visits the United

States, he trains with his son

Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.

A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME

Part One By: Mantas Marangal Emmanuel es Querubin

9th Degree Red and White Belt

Executive and Technical Assistant to Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo

The time was 1958. The place was Nichols Air Base of the Philippine Air Force.

Corporal Emmanuel es Querubin (60A-0653 RPAF) was on his way home after reporting for

duty at the 426 Mtr Veh Sq. He glanced upon a group of soldiers doing kicking and punching

exercises. They were all wearing white kimonos and different colored belts. The teacher,

however, was wearing a black belt. Querubin knows that the group is doing Karate. Querubin is

doing the same kind of exercises and he has a similar white kimono, except he has a white belt.

He stayed on and watched until the end of the class. He then approached the teacher and

introduced himself. The teacher's name is Sgt. Meliton C. Geronimo. Their meeting turned into a

teacher-student/disciple relationship that lasted until this day.

While inside the base, Geronimo's group was called Eagle Karate (Sikaran) Club. He said

he is teaching Sikaran a foot-fighting art he learned from his father and the other elders in Baras,

Rizal, incorporating Karate techniques he learned in Japan. He heard the term Karate while in

Japan. He met and was mentored in Karate by Koichi Kondo. Kondo gave Geronimo an earnest

advice to call his art Philippine Karate and was invited to join the Asian Karate Association.

Training at Nichols Air Base. Extreme right front row: Meliton C. Geronimo doing front

kick.

In 1963, the Philippines became a

member of the Asian Karate Association.

An invitation to compete in the First

Asian Karate Championships, held in

Tokyo, Japan in 1964, was extended to

the Philippines. Meliton C. Geronimo,

not only headed the team but he also

competed. Although he did not win any

medal, he was bestowed the "Most

Courageous Fighter with the Best

Fighting Ability" award. This was the

first time a Filipino was awarded a medal

of this honor. For the honor he brought to

the country, the Philippine Sportswriters'

Association vested on him the

"Sportsman of the Year Award."

Now familiar with the

Tournament Rules of the Asian Karate

Association, Meliton C. Geronimo led

the Philippine Team in winning seven gold medals in six Asian Karate Championships.

Emilio Galicinao, 2nd Asian Karate

Championships Middleweight Gold

Medalist shows his favorite

technique a jumping double back

kick.

Some members of the original Eagle Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood of Nichols Air

Base.

When Meliton Geronimo moved his class

outside the base, the small club grew in membership

and the Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood of the

Philippines was born. Querubin became Geronimo's

Assistant Instructor and Executive and Technical

Assistant. Meliton Geronimo took in Querubin as a

student and Querubin respected Geronimo, as not only

a teacher but also a very good friend. They became

un-separable and Querubin became known as Meliton

Geronimo's alter ego.

As the Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood grew in

size, Querubin's responsibilities grew proportionately.

His teaching duties became limited to teaching

advance students; however, he was assigned to give

clinics, seminars, and examination to new affiliates

and members. Likewise, he was assigned to conduct a

research and study of the various and different home-

grown martial arts such as Arnis de Mano, and how

foreign martial arts affect Sikaran.

This led to Geronimo and Querubin in

translating, coining, and publishing the Sikaran

Brotherhood Manual of Terminologies, which was

approved by the Institute of National Language under

the Department of Education. This was followed by

the Balangkas ng Sikaran Manual.

To solicit new members, Geronimo and

Querubin, visited the different schools teaching

Karate. To "convert" new members, it became

necessary to show them the difference between the

style of Sikaran or Philippine Karate from the various

Japanese and "Japanese-influenced" but independent

Karate schools. News about the free seminars spread

like wildfire and schools all over the country

contacted the Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood.

Geronimo and Querubin travelled by plane, by

bus, by motorcycle, by car, or by train from as far

north as the Ilocos Provinces to as far south as

Zamboanga.

Being a Special Services Officer, Geronimo

was able to avail of the the Philippine Air Force

flights. He contacted the base commanders of the

different military bases, who required the military

Emmanuel Querubin performing

Balangkas ng Padyang in 1966 at

Zamboanga City.

personnel to attend the free classes offered by the

Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood. They also made these

classes open to interested civilians.

To bring more audience to these seminars,

Geronimo sometimes takes along celebrities like

Tony Ferrer, and Bernard Belleza. Tony Ferrer's

favorite demonstration is one-step sparring. Bernard

Belleza's favorite exhibition is to break five tiles with

the head. Meliton Geronimo and Querubin, on the

other hand will line up all the black belts and spar

with them one at a time. Those who spar with

Geronimo does not do it the second time. To avoid

injury to his sparring partners, Geronimo requires

them to wear full body protective armor because he

always hit his opponent hard. Geronimo tells them "if

you wear a black belt you must be able to give and

take." However, even with the protective armor,

Geronimo has knocked down most of his sparring

partners.

There was a time when they were invited to

give a demonstration in Legazpi City. Geronimo took

Asian Karate Delegates pay courtesy call on PAF General Victor H. Dizon. From left:

Carlos Quejoy, Eddie Miraflor, Major Mendoza (Manager), General Dizon, Captain

Meliton Geronimo (Team Leader), Bernard Belleza, Greg Agalo-os, and Major Mike Jurilla.

Bernard Belleza with him in the "biyaheng Bicol" train. When the team arrived at the train

station, there were hundreds of Sikaran players in their uniform, and more lined up all the way to

the hotel where they were billeted. Banners, streamers, and posters welcoming the team

decorated the City. It was 1965 and Belleza just won the Gold Medal in the Heavyweight

Division of the Second Asian Karate Championships held in Seoul, Korea. The City Mayor and

several politicians welcome the team and presented Meliton Geronimo the Key to the City.

Not all the welcome to Geronimo and Querubin was this grand or lavish. However, all of

them were impressive in their own right. Geronimo and Querubin were Guests of Honor during

an Open Invitational Karate Tournament sponsored by a non-member of the Karate (Sikaran)

Brotherhood of the Philippines in the City of Baguio.

When word of the presence of

Geronimo spread around, participants from the

Ilocos Provinces, and Cagayan Valley joined

the packed gym of St. Louis University.

Prior to the tournament, Geronimo and

Querubin were requested to conduct a clinic for

referees and judges. The tournament organizer

said that every time they hold a tournament

there is always a question on the judgment of

the officials. To insure fairness in the decisions,

Geronimo was named as the Arbitrator, while

Querubin was appointed as referee. After the

tournament, the organizer thanked Geronimo

and Querubin and were told that was the

In the 1960's pictures were taken with the

living Sikaran elders. Emmanuel Querubin

is on extreme left in white shirt and dark

pants.

Bicol Regional Tournament

at Guinobatan, Albay.

Grandmaster Meliton C.

Geronimo was with the

Governor when this picture

was taken. Emmanuel

Querubin is fourth from left

in dark coat, while Jaime

Geronimo is seventh from

left, also in dark coat.

first time that there was no complaint regarding the outcome of the competition. Several of the

clubs that competed joined the Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood of the Philippines.

The largest Karate organization in the Philippines was the Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood

of the Philippines, with the Philippine Amateur Karate Association (PAKA, affiliated with the

Shorin-ryu Karate of Okinawa), headed by Latino Gonzales a far second.

Whenever there is an open seminar given by the Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood of the

Philippines, even non-members join to learn the techniques of Sikaran or Philippine Karate,

which are not being taught in the other styles of Karate, Japanese or Okinawan. On the

LIST OF MEMBER CLUBS

weekends, advance students of the Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood hold a class at the Luneta Park.

The first few weeks, members of the other schools just watch during the class and mingle during

break time or after the class. After a few times, they were acquainted with the class and started

joining. However, the class was still handled by the Karate (Sikaran) Brotherhood of the

Philippines.

Meliton Geronimo (Second from left back row) and Emmanuel

Querubin (Extreme left back row), visisted Manila Karate-do Dojo

of Angeles Sanchez (extreme right) to give an examination.

Mandirigma ng Malacanang. Emmanuel

Qurubin (extreme left, standing).

Kayumanggi Karate Club. Roridgo Espiritu

(extreme left, second row).

Communications between Meliton C.

Geronimo and Koichi Kondo, leading to

the membership of the Philippines in

the Asian Karate Association.

MELITON GERONIMO

GRANDMASTER OF SIKARAN

10TH

DEGREE RED BELT

On 06 November 1966, the Asian Karate Association headed by its President Grandmaster Kwai Byeung

Yun of the Korean Soo Bak Doo, with the concurrence of

All Japan Karate Federation Grandmaster Koichi Kondo and Korean Tang Soo Doo Grandmaster Hwang

Kee, officially recognized SIKARAN as a distinct Filipino Fighting Art. Meliton Geronimo was

acknowledged as the Grandmaster of SIKARAN and was awarded the 10th Degree Red Belt.

KOICHI KONDO KWAI BYEUNG YUN HWANG KEE

GRANDMASTER GRANDMASTER GRANDMASTER

All Japan Karate Federation Korean Soo Bak Doo Korean Tang Soo Doo

It was during the 3rd Asian Karate Championships that Meliton C. Geronimo was given the

title Grandmaster of Sikaran with the rank of 10th Degree Red Belt. Picture shows

Japanese team to the 3rd Asian Karate Championships. Head of the Japanese delegation

Kyojiro Furusawa, President of the All Japan Karate Federation, receives trophy from

PAAF President Antonio De Las Alas. Second from the right, second row in white shirt is

All Japan Karate Federation Grandmaster Koichi Kondo. To his right is Sikaran

Grandmaster Meliton C. Geronimo.

During the promotion ceremonies, now Grandmaster Meliton C. Geronimo

enjoys with Grandmaster Hwang Kee (left) and Grandmaster Koichi Kondo.

On November 6, 1966, the Third Asian Karate Championships was held in the Philippines. The

Asian Karate Association, composed of Japan, Korea, China, and the Philippines, took advantage

of this event to mark the recognition of Sikaran as a Filipino art of fighting with a distinct origin.

Meliton C. Geronimo was acknowledged as "Soke" (founder and grandmaster) of Sikaran and

was awarded the 10th Degree Red Belt. Present during these ceremonies were Japanese

Grandmasters Kyujiro Furusawa, and Koichi Kondo, and Korean Grandmaster Hwang Kee.

Korean Grandmaster Kwai Byeung Yun was not able to attend due to prior commitment in

Korea. Several politicians and Sikaran elders of Baras were in attendance.

For the second time, the Philippine Sportswriters' Association named Meliton C.

Geronimo "Sportsman of the Year."

On this occasion, Cipriano Geronimo (last Sikaran Hari of Baras) and the other

surviving elders of Sikaran bestowed on Meliton C. Geronimo the title of

Supremo to denote that he is the leader of Sikaran.

Among the local dignitaries that were on hand during the ceremonies were Philippine Amateur Athletic Federation President Antonio delas Alas, Colonel Jose Lukban,

President of the Philippine Amateur Judo Association and Philippine Senators Gerry

Roxas and Ambrosio Padilla (not in picture).

Chew Choo Soot, Secretary-General of the Karate Association of Malaysia took notice of

the success of the Philippines in the Asian Karate Championships circuit and the promotion of

Meliton C. Geronimo. In early 1967, he came to the Philippines to see firsthand the brand of

Philippine Karate and how it was taught, resulting in commissioning Emmanuel Querubin,

Nestor Principe, Luisito dela Cruz, and Vince Vasallo to teach in Malaysia.

Second row from left: Vic

Laxamana, Precioso Querubin,

Nestor Principe, Chew Choo

Soot, Meliton Geronimo, Luisito dela Cruz, Henry Te and

Emmanuel Querubin.

Minister of Education and President of the Karate Association of Malaysia Khir

Johari, welcomes Filipino Sikaran Instructors. Looking on from left are: Nestor Principe

(Reg. No. 110), Luisito dela Cruz (Reg. No. 141) , Karate Association of Malaysia Secretary General Chew Choo Soot (next to Khir Johari), Emmanuel Querubin (Reg. No. 87) and

Vince Vasallo Reg, No. 59).

Karate Association of Malaysia, Petaling Jaya Dojo. Instructional Staff from the

Philippines, third row, seventh from left: Luisito dela Cuz (Filipino Instructor), Nestor

Principe (Filipino Instructor), Tony Chew (Malaysian Assistant Instructor), Chew

Choo Soot (Secretary General of the Karate Association of Malaysia, Emmanuel

Querubin (Chief Foreign Instrctor), Vince Vasallo (Filipino Instructor), and Clement

Soo (Malaysian Assistant Instructor).

KARATE ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA, KUALA LUMPUR DOJO.

INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF FROM THE PHILIPPINES, SECOND ROW

SEATED, FOURTH FROM LEFT: CLEMENT SOO (MALAYSIAN

ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR), VINCE VASALLO (FILIPINO

INSTRUCTOR), EMMANUEL QUERUBIN (CHIEF FOREIGN KARATE

INSTRUCTOR) CHEW CHOO SOOT (SECRETARY-GENERAL, KARATE

ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA), NESTOR PRINCIPE (FILIPINO

INSTURCTOR) AND LUISITO DELA CRUZ (FILIPINO INSTRUCTOR).

In 1969, through the recommendation of Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo, Malaysia was accepted as a

member of the Asian Karate Association. In the 6th Asian Karate Championships, Malaysia's Patrick Lim (a student of the Filipino Instructors) won the Gold Medal in the middleweight division.

Also in 1969, Captain Meliton C. Geronimo, was summoned to Malacanang Palace by

President Ferdinand Marcos. He was asked to demonstrate Sikaran alongside demonstration team

from China, Japan, and Korea in front of the Presidential Security Command. The

demonstrations were all impressive. However, the Sikaran team performed something the other

teams were not able to do. Ramon Valdenor cracked a riot shield used by a soldier to defend

against a kick. Angeles Sanchez knocked out another wearing a riot helmet by head butting him.

It was determined that Sikaran techniques were just as deadly, if not more so, as the foreign arts.

Captain Meliton C. Geronimo and his team composed of Jaime Geronimo, Emmanuel Querubin,

Angeles Sanchez, Rodrigo Espiritu and Serafin Pangilinan, were assigned to train the

Presidential Security Command, composed of the Presidential Security Unit, Presidential Guard

Battalion, Task Force Pasig, and the Metropolitan Command (METROCOM North Sector).

GRANDMASTER

MELITON GERONIMO

10TH

DEGREE RED BELT

Jaime Geronimo

5th

Degree Black Belt

Emmanuel ES Querubin

5th

Degree Black Belt

Angeles Sanchez

4th

Degree Black Belt

Rodrigo Espiritu

3rd

Degree Black Belt

Ramon Valdenor

2nd

Degree Black Belt

Serafin Pangilinan

2nd

Degree Black Belt

President Ferdinand Marcos, congratulates the Sikaran graduating class of the Presidential

Security Command IN 1971.

Sikaran at Malacanang Palace.

Angeles Sanchez receiving Certificate of

Appreciation from President Marcos.

Emmanuel Querubin receiving Certificate of

Appreciation from President Marcos.

General Fabian Ver awarding Emmanuel

Querubin with a Plaque as Capt. Meliton C.

Geronimo and Col. Ramon Cannu smile.

Col. Ramon Cannu awards Sgt.

Santiago Moya Outstanding Medal as

President Marcos looks approvingly.

President Marcos awards

Certificate of Appreciation

to Ramon Valdenor.

In 1968, Meliton Geronimo and Emmanuel Querubin developed the Original Balangkas

of Sikaran and published the first two Instructor's manual.

Instructor's Manual Series I & II, the only Sikaran

Manuals published.

Emmanuel Querubin performing drills

and forms.

In 1970, the Asian Karate Association was disbanded to give way to the creation of the World

Union of Karate-do Organizations (WUKO). Headed by Meliton C. Geronimo the Philippine

Team competed in the First World Karate Championships. Meliton C. Geronimo and Emmanuel

Querubin represented the Philippines in the formation of WUKO and were signatory members of

the WUKO charter.

The Sikaran triumvirate in front of the

Budokan Hall, Tokyo, Japan 1970. From left:

Jimmy Geronimo, 5th Degree Black Belt;

Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo, 10th Degree Red Belt and Emmanuel Querubin, 5th

Degree Black Belt.

In the 1960's, Asian-Karate-Championships inspired Sikaran

Tournament was not for the weak-kneed- faint-of- heart-I-do-not-

want-my-uniform-to-get-dirty kind of martial "artista."

In 1972, Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo, relinquished his connection with the World Union of

Karate-do Organizations and established the World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines.

EVOLUTION OF UNIFORM

to be continued…….A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME Part 2 next issue

Discovery of the Philippines to

mid 1950's white camisa tsino and red pants

Mid 1950's to 1972

all white with corresponding belt

1972 to the present

white upper and red pants with corresponding belt

REMINISCING OLD TIMES…………………a complement of a journey back in time

Grandmaster Meliton C. Geronimo and Mantas Emmanuel Querubin,

reminiscing old times 56 years later……..

When Emmanuel Querubin met Meliton C. Geronimo, the latter was not yet the 10th

Degree Red Belt that he is later. However, the All Japan Karate Federation has already

recognized him as the Karate Grades Commissioner for the Philippines.

Since 1958, it has always been Kumander and Emmy between these two. They have

spent considerable time in discussing and planning about Sikaran and their personal ambitions,

and dreams.

Meliton C. Geronimo's goal in life is to propagate Sikaran. Members of the Sikaran

Brotherhood of the Philippines jestingly say that Meliton C. Geronimo holds the record of being

the "officer holding the rank of Captain of the Philippine Air Force for the longest time." Many

of his superiors believe that he spends more time and energy in propagating Sikaran than being

an officer in the Philippine Air Force. In their private moments, Geronimo just smiles when

Querubin tells him this. Geronimo, on the other hand says that "it is okay since I do not expect to

be a General. My highest rank will be a Colonel." Surely, enough he retired as a Lieutenant

Colonel.

Appearing in cameo roles in several movies, his plan is to have his life put on film.

Querubin wrote his martial arts biography, which was intended to be made into a movie. When

presented to Tony Ferrer, his company wanted to produce it with him taking the lead role. When

Bernard Belleza learned about it, he also wanted to produce it and he also wanted to be the lead

role. Several meetings were held without a definite result.

When Bernard Belleza passed away, after being shot, Meliton C. Geronimo decided to

put the project on hold in deference to the tragic fate of Bernard Belleza. Nobody knows what

happened to the story now in a movie-script form.

In 1991, the true-life story of Meliton C. Geronimo was made into a film, entitled "Mayor

Latigo." The movie which earned rave reviews starred Eddie Garcia, Jess Lapid Jr., E.R.

Ejercito, Marianne de la Riva, Johnny Delgado, Dave Brodett, Jose Romulo, Mario Escudero,

Zandro Zamora, Lani Lobangco, Sylvia Sanchez, Ruben Rustia, Jaime Fabregas, Rez Cortez,

Joey Padilla, Ernie Zarate, Nanding Fernandez, Ros Olgado, Ernie Ortega, John Gaddi, Arnold

Ringor and Michael Villanueva.

When the movie was shown on "you tube" some of the comments were:

"Ayos yung sikaran scene...."

"nice movie"

"love it...."

"Mabuhay ka Mayor Geronimo Meliton... sana lahat ng nasa posisyon tularan ka

para naman makabangon sa kahirapan ang ating bansa..."

'''idol ko talaga i like it"

"Masayang Masaya mga Kamaganak ko sa Amerika"

"Iba talaga si manoy pag umarangkada heheheh"

"mayor ikaw talaga ang nanalo"

"nice , gandang pelikula "

Even his political ambition was based on his love of, and dedication to Sikaran. He said

his first step is to be the Mayor of Baras, and enact an ordinance that will acknowledge Baras as

the birthplace of Sikaran.

After Meliton C. Geronimo retired from the Philippine Air Force, he was elected Mayor

of Baras, Rizal and served for four terms. His dream of putting Baras on the map as the

birthplace of Sikaran came true. Baras, Rizal is the only government institution that officially

recognizes a martial art on its letterhead with the words "Home of Sikaran."

His next political ambition was to be the Governor of Rizal Province. Although this did

not happen, he succeeded in making Sikaran the Provincial Sport of the Province of Rizal.

Last on his dream is to be the President and let the whole world know that Sikaran is a

fighting art of the Philippines. Just as he did not become Governor, he also did not become

President. However, he also succeeded since Sikaran is now an international martial art practiced

worldwide.

In 1966, Sikaran was officially introduced to the International Martial Arts World through the

pages of Black Belt Magazine.

ORDINANCE NO. 002, s.2010

AN ORDINANCE DECLARING SIKARAN AS THE PROVINCIAL SPORT,

PROVIDING MECHANISM AND PROGRMS FOT ITS

PRESERVATION AND PROMOTION, APPROPRIATING THE

NECESSARY FUNDS THEREFORE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Meliton C. Geronimo proved his love and dreams of making Sikaran the number one

martial arts of the world when he did not migrate with his family to the United States and opted

to stay in the Philippines.

His family was disappointed and it took them a long time before they understood that

Meliton C. Geronimo has a mission to fulfill. When the bells of Baras rang to announce his birth,

his mission in life was sealed.

The Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines has now held one World Sikaran

Tournament. The World Sikaran Brotherhood of Canada has held three World Sikaran

Tournaments. The World Sikaran Brotherhood of the United States has held two Sikaran

Gatherings and has expanded to half the States in the Union. Although the World Sikaran

Brotherhood of Italy have not yet sponsored an event, Mantas Armie Esparcia Country Director

of Italy has represented the organization in several Filipino Martial Arts events in Italy. This is

also true with the World Sikaran Brotherhood of Ireland, headed by Country Director Arnold

Turla. In the last twenty-five years, the World Sikaran Brotherhood of Saudi Arabia has held

numerous championships, seminars, and gatherings.

Two books to honor Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo, has been published. Another book,

authored by his son was published as textbook of the Sikaran Academy. Sikaran Taliba, an

internet magazine, with Meliton C. Geronimo as Editor Emeritus, is now on its third year of

publication.

It may have taken a long time, but his family now understand Meliton C. Geronimo's

"mission in life." It is a pity that in the twilight years of his life, he is bedridden with several

bouts of stroke. Whenever members of the World Sikaran Brotherhood pay him a visit, his face

lights up and his eyes sparkle, as if he is saying "I may no longer fly and do biyakid, but thanks

God Sikaran is alive and kicking."

Seal of the World Sikaran Brotherhood, the

International umbrella of the World Sikaran

Brotherhood of the Philippines, the United States, Canada, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Ireland and

other various countries.

WORLD SIKARAN BROTHERHOOD OF THE PHILIPPINES…

……………….THEN AND NOW

By: Mantas Dalubhasa Elpidio Seletaria Jr. 8th

DBB (#1487)

Seletaria Sikaran Arnis

Hercules, California, USA

www.sikaranarnis.com

The World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines (WSBP) has recently restructured its

framework, which paved the roadmap for the culmination of numerous developments, while

notching up the prestige and honors it had preserved since its inception.

It will be recalled that in the early '60s, when Sikaran was still unknown to the martial

arts world and struggling to secure its own identity, then Philippine Air Force Captain Meliton C.

Geronimo relentlessly introduced Sikaran to the Asian martial arts arena, which was then

dominated by Karate. As an initial step, he sought to secure membership with the Asian Karate

Association (AKA). As a pre-condition to membership, however, the AKA leadership imposed a

requirement that all its member-nations should adopt the word "Karate" to their titles, such as

Japanese Karate, whereby Korean martial art became "Korean Karate," Chinese martial art to

"Chinese Karate," and Philippine Sikaran into "Philippine Karate."

It was in this decade, through the effort of Geronimo, that the Philippines produced

several Asian Karate Champions in the different weight divisions, such as Bernard Belleza

(RIP), Amando Diaz and Ariston Bautista, to name a few. In 1966, the AKA bestowed upon

Geronimo the 10th

Degree Red Belt, the highest grade a martial artist can attain, being the

proponent of Sikaran as a distinct Filipino art of kick fighting of Philippine origin.

In 1970, the AKA was disbanded to give way to the World Union of Karate-do

Organization (WUKO) with forty-four nations as members, including the Philippines. While a

member of the WUKO, Geronimo continued to develop and modernize Sikaran by creating the

Sikaran I and II, and other Sikaran advanced forms or "Balangkas" and likewise strengthening

the Sikaran kicks, particularly the Biyakid (which is sometimes written as "Biakid"). With the

help of Emmanuel Querubin, then 5th Degree Black Belt and the Director for Research and

Development, they coined the Sikaran commands and terminologies, e.g. Salag-tas (Salag Pataas

or Upward Block), Salag-ba (Salag Pababa or Downward Block), Salag-bas (Salag Palabas or

Outward Block), etc., which the WSBP is currently using as part of its methodology of

instructions. The coinage of the Sikaran commands and terminologies earned recognition from

the Philippine Institute of National Language.

With Geronimo's own agenda of pushing for the introduction and eventual propagation of

Sikaran to the whole world was in peril with his continued membership with the WUKO, he

resigned from the said association in 1972. Due to some eventual political and internal squabbles

among its members, WUKO was later dissolved.

With no more restrictions from any organization, Geronimo proceeded with his campaign

for the proliferation of Sikaran, both locally and internationally. He eventually dropped "Karate"

from the association's title of Karate Brotherhood of the Philippines with the subtitle Kapatirang

Sikaran ng Pilipinas inside the parenthesis into plain Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines,

which was later renamed World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines.

With the pool of some selected Sikaran players and instructors, Geronimo travelled

around the Philippines and some other countries such as Canada and the United States as part of

his promotion and propagation of Sikaran.

When he served as the Mayor of Baras for fourteen years, Geronimo was still able to

effectively manage the affairs of the WSBP. His efforts in developing and propagating Sikaran

as an ingenuous Philippine martial art paid off. Nowadays, Sikaran is widely known as a distinct

art of kick fighting of Philippine origin.

At present, the WSBP has earned another 50 years of corporate life as a non-stock and

non-profit sports organization, as reflected in our Security and Exchange Commission (SEC)

registration, with more definitive composition of set of officers. Per SEC requirement, the WSBP

By-Laws was amended to adapt to the current times and reflect the salient provisions essentials

to the organization. We have added necessary provisions responsive to the current needs of the

WSBP. Among which are Article I, Declaration of Principles and Policies, a new provision that

lays down some doctrines that guide the members' behavior, particularly Section 4 which states:

"All members shall observe courtesy and cooperation to everyone, loyalty and respect to their

instructors and clubs/chapters where they belong, and loyalty and respect to the WSBP as a

whole.

Likewise, Article XVI, Grievance Procedure and Disciplinary Measures, provides for the

process how a complaint by a member or officer against another member or officer shall be

handled and resolved. Pursuant to this Article, the Internal Affairs Division (IAD) was created

which will take cognizance of all cases involving members or officers that has something to do

with their membership with the WSBP.

Under Article XVII, FUND, the WSBP has provided some provisions that alleviate the

morale and welfare of its members, such as the Sikaran Scholarship Program granting

scholarship to deserving members and children of members, the Emergency Fund which is used

to assist any member who needs emergency medical assistance and/or other emergencies, and the

Mortuary Fund to be used in rendering assistance in case of death of a WSBP member or an

immediate member of his family. Depending on the availability of fund, some or all officers of

the WSBP may be provided with reasonable remuneration, allowances, or honoraria with respect

to the services they rendered to the WSBP.

With the advent of various innovations introduced by the GHQ, the WSBP is assured of

a better and more improved association that can be passed on to the next generation of

Sikaranistas. The realization of this, however, would not materialize without the help and

cooperation of the general membership. For this reason therefore that I encourage each and every

member of the WSBP to support the cause of our organization, while upholding the virtues of

integrity, honor, and loyalty, as embodied in our By-Laws. Mabuhay ang Sikaran at pugay sa

inyong lahat.

ORIGINAL BALANGKAS OF SIKARAN

BATAYANG BALANGKAS

FUNDAMENTAL PATTERNS

BATAYANG BALANGKAS

There are five basic patterns all involving the practice of the kicks in their basic form. All

the patterns are oriented for both right-handed and left-hand fighters. The pattern is executed on

a straight line, 3 steps forward, turn around and another 3 steps forward going the other direction

then turn around to assume original position. Open-hand blocks, foot blocks and hand techniques

are involved in the basic patterns.

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM

OF BATAYANG BALANGKAS

Ika 1 - ika 5

SIMULA

B B

A A

START / END

Ika-2 BATAYANG BALANGKAS

SIPALID

(2nd BASIC PATTERN –SIDE KICK)

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Starting Position

13 14 Transition 15 Front View 16

17 Front View 18 Front View 19 20

Front View 21 Front View 22 23 Front View

Transition 24

25 26 27 28 29

Ending Position

STEPPING / TURNING INSTRUCTIONS:

B B

A A

1st SET

From starting position steps 6-

7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14 going

towards B then turn 180

degrees counter clockwise

going towards A Step 15 2nd SET

Steps 16-17-18-19-20-21-22-

23-24 going towards A then

turn 180 degrees counter

clockwise going towards

ending position B Steps 25-29

Turn Step 15

Turn Step 24

START / END

Ika-2 BATAYANG BALANGKAS

1. Take your position in the middle of the arena and assume parallel toes stance.

2. Slide left foot next to right foot to assume open toes stance and bring right fist on left palm.

3. Tip head about 10 degrees forward.

4. With right fist still on left palm bring head up and in a loud and clear voice

state the name of the balangkas. 5. Slide left foot to the left and assume parallel toes stance.

6. Inhale thru the nose and slowly exhale thru the mouth as you move left foot

forward towards B while executing a left open-hand middle outward block.

7. Right side kick towards B.

8. Bring right foot forward and execute a right back-fist strike. 9. Execute a left reverse vertical punch keeping right open hand in front of chest.

10. Left side kick towards B.

11. Bring left foot forward and execute a left back-fist strike.

12. Execute a right reverse vertical punch keeping left open hand in front of the chest.

13. Right side kick towards B and bunyaw.

14. Bring right foot forward and execute right middle outward block. 15. Slide right foot to the left and pivoting on both feet turn 180 degrees counter

clockwise to the left to face A and assume left fighting stance at the same time

executing a left open hand middle outward block as you exhale through the mouth.

16. Right side kick towards A.

17. Bring right foot forward and execute a right back-fist strike facing A.

18. Execute a left reverse vertical punch keeping right open hand in front of the chest.

19. Left side kick towards A.

20. Bring left foot forward and execute a left back-fist strike. 21. Execute a right reverse vertical punch keeping open left hand in front of the

chest.

22. Right side kick towards A and bunyaw.

23. Bring right foot forward and execute a right middle outward block. 24. Slide right foot to the left and pivoting on both feet turn 180 degrees counter

clockwise to the left to face B and assume left fighting stance at the same time

executing a left open hand middle outward block as you exhale through the mouth.

25. Pull left foot backwards to assume parallel toes stance bringing open hands to

the sides. 26. Slide left foot next to the right foot to assume open toes stance and bring right

fist on left palm.

27. Tip head about 10 degrees forward.

28. Still with the right fist on left palm bring head up. 29. Slide left foot to the left to assume parallel toes stance and bring open hands

to the sides.

Ika-2 BATAYANG BALANGKAS

FROM THE DESK OF THE EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.

9th Degree Red and White Belt

=================================================================

it is co m ing soon !!!!!!!!

He is the son of Grandmaster Meliton C. Geronimo and the third

generation heir to the Geronimo Sikaran lineage. He came from the

line of Sikaran haris. His Grandfather, Cipriano Geronimo was the

last Hari of Baras, Rizal. His Great-grandfather Bonifacio

Geronimo, was the last Hari ng mga Hari. Grandmaster Meliton

Geronimo has issued a Legal Declaration, naming his son

Administrative Head of the World Sikaran Brotherhood of the

Philippines.

On March 10, 2015, the World Sikaran

Brotherhood of the Philippines will celebrate the

official passing of the torch and transfer of

authority as President, leader and master of the

World Sikaran Brotherhood.

Supremo Meliton C. Geronimo, will

officially step down as President and pass on the

authority to his son Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.

Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr., thereafter will be

addressed as Sikaran Pantas (Master) Meliton S.

Geronimo, Jr. He is promoted to a higher level 9th

Degree Red and White Belt. As President, he will

have the final authority in all and every affair of

Sikaran, especially in the grade and rank

promotion.

Invited to this grand affair are all the

Regional Country Directors, State Directors, and

Regional Directors. Rizal Provincial Officials,

Baras Municipal Officials, and Rizal Department

of Education Officials are also invited to witness

this very important event in the history of Sikaran.

2015 - official passing of the sikaran torch

BONIFACIO GERONIMO

1847 - 1925*

Estimation based on reliable

information - no picture

available at this time

CIPRIANO GERONIMO

1893-1993

MELITON C. GERONIMO

1927

MELITON S.

GERONIMO, JR.

1959

WORLD SIKARAN BROTHERHOOD OF THE PHILIPPINES

GOLDEN JUBILEE AND SIKARAN HALL OF FAME - 2016

By: Pantas Meliton S. Geronimo, Jr.

9th Degree Red and White Belt # 697

President On November 6, 2016, The World Sikaran Brotherhood of the Philippines will celebrate

its golden anniversary. It was on November 6, 1966 when the Asian Karate Association,

composed of Japan, Korea, China and the Phillipines recognized Sikaran as a distinct unarmed

fighting art of Filipino origin and named Meliton Geronimo Grandmaster with the rank of 10th

Degree Red Belt.

It is no coincidence that November 6, 1966 has a close harmonic connection to the

element of fire. November 6, 1966 is a Sunday, a holyday. In the Gregorian calendar, it is the

310th day of the year. There are 55 days remaining until the end of this year.

November 6, 1966 falls under the zodiac sign of Scorpio. The modern birthstone for this

month is Topaz.

The mythical animal representative of this date is the Horse. Interestingly, the first two

kicks of Sikaran were influenced by the horse. The front leg kick is called padamba in Sikaran

and the rear leg kick is called sipang kabayo.

In the very old art of astrology, fire is the element on this date. It is no surprise that when

Meliton C. Geronimo was born on March 10, 1927, the sphere of influence of his birth is the

element of fire.

Sikaran is like the element of fire. It is associated with energy, assertiveness, and passion.

Sikaran, like fire does not know fear or doubt. There is no mean tricks in Sikaran, and like fire it

consumes everything on its path. Sikaran is an important part of Filipino culture and vital to the

development of Philippine civilization

Spiritual Fire. Fire stands for emotions free from restraint, such as love and happiness, but also

hatred and anger. Fire stands for fair fight. Fire does not need mean tricks or dirty techniques.

Fire is the element burning in your consciousness, moving you to fight for the things you believe

in, in a manner that is fair and square. Fire represents a vision, a quality, a conviction, not only as

a commitment but also a realization. If the Fire has caught something, it fights for it until it has

consumed it or has burned it down, destroyed it. It can be extinguished or it can extinguish by

itself. Fire doesn’t know fear or doubt. It doesn’t know mercy or shame either. If it wants

something, it will get over everything on its path to get it. Fire also stands for inspiration,

compassion, love, longing and lust.

This jubilee will be marked by festivities worthy of this grand event. A Sikaran Hall of

Fame will be held in conjunction with the Golden Anniversary.

In 1966, the original plan was to invite the Grandmasters who were invovled in the

recognition of Sikaran as a distinct fighting art from the Philippines on its 50th Anniversary. But

this will not be so. Grandmasters from Japan, Kyojiro Furusawa and Koichi Kondo have passed

away. Grandmasters Dr. Kwai Byeung Yun of Ji Do Kwan Kong Soo Doo, and Hwang Kee of

Moo Doo Kwan Tang Soo Doo of Korea have likewise passed away. With the dissolution of the

Asian Karate Association in 1970, we have lost contact with Chinese Grandmaster Chua Tiong

Ki, but there were uncomfirmed reports that he too passed away.

Only Grandmaster Meliton Geronimo is still alive, albeit at 87th years old, he is suffering

from the ill effects of several bouts with stroke.

The only other master who is still alive and was part of the early age of Sikaran is Kim

Soo Jin, now 10th Degree Red Belt of Ji Do Kwan (now a part of Korean Tae Kwon Do).

THE OTHER ONLY MASTER STILL AROUND DURING THE PROMOTION OF

MELITON C. GERONIMO TO GRANDMASTER 10th DEGREE RED BELT

1966 - 7th Degree Black Belt 2010 - 10th Degree Red Belt

MASTER KIM SOO JIN - JI DO KWAN SOO BAK DO (Korean Tae Kwon Do)

From the early beginnings of Sikaran in the Philippines, it has now spread its wings in the

four corners of the world.

The golden jubilee is still 2 years away but preparations are now being taken to insure

that it will be the greatest event in Sikaran until Novermber 6, 2066, when Sikaran celebrates its

centennial or diamond anniversary.

Significant events took place on November 6, 1966. Of course everybody in the Sikaran

world are aware that it was on this important date that the Asian Karate Association recognized

Sikaran as a distinct Filipino art of fighting and declared Meliton C. Geronimo, Grandmaster of

Sikaran with the rank of 10th Degree Red Belt.

However, the recognition of Sikaran is not the only noteworthy occurrence of that day.

There are several events that took place in November 1966. Some were good, some were not so

good. Some changed the course of history, some changed people's life.

In China Chairman Mao Tse Tung launched China's Cultural Revolution and begun the

purging of the intellectuals who were against Mao's administration.

An earthquake in Turkey left 2,394 dead and thousands injured.

In India, Indira Gandhi was elected Prime Minister.

In the field of science, Soviet Union lands Luna 9 on the moon early in the year. A few

months later the United States followed by a soft moon landing of Surveyor I.

In the field of fashion Miniskirts are in.

In the field of health, cigarette packets in the United States must carry the health

warning "Caution! Cigarette smoking may be hazardous to your health."

In the early part of 1966, Ronald Reagan enters politics becoming governor of

California.

Bill Russell became the first black coach in NBA history (Boston Celtics).

Among the Sikaran members who were there on that memorable day, one who is still

very active to this date is Emmanuel es Querubin. Emmanuel Querubin is now 9th Degree Red

and White Belt and holds the appointive position of Executive and Technical Assistant to the

Grandmaster and Director for Research and Standards. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Sikaran

Taliba.

DEVELOPING A YES I CAN, and WINNING ATTITUDE THROUGH SIKARAN

Class of Paul Villamor - Canada

Class of Allan Villamor and Emiliana Samillano - Philippines

PHILIPPINE THUNDER KICK SIKARAN

RED TRIBE SIKARAN

BOOK TWO

COMING SOON

RELEASED IN 2011….

SIKARAN INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO VOLUME 1

WRITTEN, PRODUCED, AND DIRECTED BY:

ELPIDIO SELETARIA JR.

8th DEGREE BLACK BELT (#1487)

Hercules, California, USA

www.sikaranarnis.com

COMING SOON…!!!

SIKARAN INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO VOLUME 2

(ADVANCED SIKARAN WITH DEFENSIVE TACTICS, ETC…)

To Order Contact: ELPIDIO SELETARIA - jseletaria1542@yahoo.com

ARNIS BOOKS BY LOUELLE LLEDO, JR., 9th Degree Red and White Belt #326

To Order Contact: matawgurolou@yahoo.com

ARNIS DE MANO FILIPINO MARTIAL ARTS EDUCATION

TEACHER'S TRAINING HANDBOOK

By: TWO SIKARAN MANTAS MARANGAL

LOUELLE LLEDO, Jr. (# 326) and ANDY SANANO, Jr. (# 844)

TO ORDER CONTACT:

Louelle Lledo, Jr. - matawgurolou@yahoo.com

Andy Sanano, Jr. - matawgurosanano@gmail.com

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SIKARAN builds fitness

fitness builds confidence

confidence builds productivity

productivity builds a better citizen

a better citizen builds a better country

a better country builds a better and peaceful world

SIKARAN builds a fit, confident, productive, and better citizen

who builds a better country and more peaceful world

SIKARAN WORDS OF WISDOM

"great things start from small beginnings

even an elephant was born little"