UC scholar is int’l Arnis champion

University of Cebu’s streak of sports championships has gone international after UC scholar Johnlery P. Caniga, a 20-year-old BS Crimonology student was declared the Grand Champion of Arnis Kata Open Weapon Category Espada y dagga (sword and dagger) in the recent Navarro’s Mixed Martial Arts Championships held in Pacifica, California, USA.

The Nov. 5 event drew 150 participants from different countries who converged to compete in an open tournament that showcases different martial arts.

Aside from Johnlery Caniga, Team Philippines was composed of University of Cebu and Yaw Yan Ardigma fighters Master Benigno “Ekin” Caniga, Jr., who is Johnlery’s father, and Grand Master Max Caballes.

Johnlery endured a series of tournaments with four courts of four fighters and emerged with his first gold ring in Kata. He won his second gold ring in the Arnis Sparring Challenge and placed third in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with Gi, where his competitor was described as a “giant” of more than 200 pounds compared to his 110-pound frame.

“I didn’t expect to win. It was a proud moment for all of us,” Johnlery said. Being awarded Grand Champion was a fitting reward for his efforts.

The international win is a glittery addition to his record of six wins for local and national competitions, including being a three-time winner in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with one gold and two silvers.

Team Philippines also held exclusive Arnis seminars at the Navarros Martial Arts Academy, promoting what they call the deadliest stand-up art of the Philippines. The move is in support for Republic Act No. 9850, approved on Dec. 11, 2009, that declares the Filipino martial art of Arnis and declares it as the “Philippine National Martial Art and Sport.”

Grand Master Max Caballes received a gold ring as a playing coach for his demonstration on Arnis using the double sword, arnis de caballes style with balintawak while Master Benigno “Ekin” Caniga, Jr. received a gold ring for his demonstration of Yaw Yan Ardigma style with La Punte. Yaw Yan, is a term derived from Sayaw ng Kamatayan (Dance of Death). /PR