WHILE THE focus has been on the international teams looking to stake their claim here in Cebu during the 4th Doce Pares World Congress and Invitational Tournament, the local clubs will be trying their best to stand their ground in the competition which kicks off this Friday at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall.
Doce Pares executive director Gerald Cañete is expecting the number to grow bigger as the Armed Forces of Philippines has sent their commitment to participate pending the approval of their budget.
The clubs who have given their green light to join are Cubacub Martial Arts Club Incorporated and Ybale Academe for Excellence headed by Willy Flores, San Fernando Eskrima Club led by Celia Cañete, Kauswagan Self Defense Brotherhood of Master Joe Borces, Filmocan of Panto Flores, Parian EC of Victor Tiu, Labangon EC of Jigger Cruz, Lapulapu Lekama of Tonying Patalingjug, Malubog EC Tenciong Gutang, San Miguel Eskrima of Isidro Casio, Banilad Academy of Gerardo Rusiana, Mabolo Eskrimadors of Cesario Perez, Mandaue Stickfighters of Jhongjhong Bontuyan, Inayawan EC of Albert Sales.
The local clubs will go against Doce Pares affiliated clubs and schools from Belgium, US, Canada, Korea, Indonesia, Ireland, France, Italy, Reunion Island, Holland, Australia, Norway, Puerto Rico, Holland, England, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Switzerland and Vietnam. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio