WEKAF

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WEKAF (World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation) was formed in 1989 in Cebu, Philippines, to promote the Filipino martial arts (FMA) via a sporting version of eskrima (stickfighting) throughout the world.

The rules as well as the fight gears were originally devised by Grandmaster Dionsio Canete of Doce Pares who is its 'Chairman Emeritus' and adopted by the organisation.

There were originally 11 charter countries involved in the formation of WEKAF and there are currently over 30 member countries with thousands of practitioners involved in national and international tournaments.

WEKAF was the first world sporting organisation for the Filipino martial arts and is still to this day recognised as the largest organisation promoting the FMA via sport.

The WEKAF world championships are held every two years with every 2nd championships being held in Cebu City, Philippines. Participants from all over the world come together in competition to prove themselves and represent their country in different categories of full contact stick fighting and forms.

The scoring system of the tournaments is based on the 10 point 'Must System' that is used in boxing. Participants wear specially designed head and body protectors, gloves and arm guards and fight in a 'knock out' format with each bout consisting of three one minute rounds with thirty second breaks.

The target area is anywhere above the knee area using all strikes with the stick with the exception of thrusts, butt strikes and double handed strikes. No kicks, punches, elbows, knees, throws or locks are allowed. All strikes must be with the standard 28 inch rattan stick that weighs no more than 200 grams.

Formats of full contact Eskrima (stick fighting) include both single and double stick and the participants are scored on both aggressive and defensive manoeuvres as well as evasion and ring craft. Participants are not allowed to hit the same target area more than twice consecutively and must show a variety of combinations.

In addition to the sparring events, Sayaw events are also competed for. These include single and double weapons and team (synchronised) events. In total there are 52 categories held at the world championships.

In addition to the Philippines, world championships have also been held in the USA and Great Britain. European and national championships have also been held.

WEKAF is run via a democratically elected board of directors with each country having a country director and assistant country director and an Executive Committee elected from the country directors during the Congress at each World Championships. The Executive decide on WEKAF rules, regulations, election of new countries and host for the next WEKAF World Championships. The president is also elected at the world congress every two years and may only hold office no more than two terms.

Since its formation in 1989 other organisations have tried to form world bodies, but so far WEKAF still remains the largest sporting organisation for the Filipino martial arts.

WEKAF headquarters is located at #32 Sto. Niño Village, Cebu City, Philippines.