CEBU CITY – Hundreds of arnisadors gathered in one place as the city government of Dapitan successfully hosted the four-day Rizal’s Legacy National Arnis Challenge.

Stick-fighters from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao took part in the event which was held from June 19 to 22 at the Dapitan City Cultural and Sports Center.

Stick-fighters from Italy also flew in to join the competition.

Italian arnis practitioner Andrea Rollon sparred with Dapitan Mayor Seth Frederick “Bullet” Jalosjos, an arnis grandmaster.

The event was part of the celebration of the 163rd birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal who taught arnis in Dapitan where he was exiled for years.

“This is where Jose Rizal taught arnis and this is something that we would like to promote as part of our sports tourism as well,” said Jalosjos.

Jalosjos said he joined the sparring event as his way to encourage the public, especially the youth, to learn the sport of arnis.

“In our events, I also join because I want to also show and encourage everyone that if the mayor can do it, I guess anyone is open to try and participate in all kinds of sports that we promote,” said Jalosjos.

Rollo agreed that arnis is something that the Filipino youth should learn.

“Arnis is an amazing martial art. It's a complete martial art that you can use for self-defense and is also good for your own health,” Rollo said.

Arnis is recognized as a national sport in the Philippines via Republic Act 9850 signed by then President Gloria M. Arroyo on December 11, 2009. It is mandated to be taught in physical education classes in schools in the Philippines.

Jalosjos said the city government was overwhelmed that the event attracted participants not just from the country but also foreign participants.

Personnel of the Philippine Army and Coast Guard also joined the competition.

“I’m happy to announce that the turnout was great. We have so many guests. Hopefully, this will bring Dapitan to a higher ground when it comes to sports tourism. Not only now that we do have the Ironman, now we also have an international invitation tournament for arnis,” Jalosjos said.

Jalosjos added that more arnis competitions will be held in Dapitan as he eyes to make the “Shrine City of the Philippines” as the Mecca of arnis competitions.

“This is just the start, this is just a trial. It will be a continuing event. Hopefully next year, we will have bigger competition with more participants,” Jalosjos said.