Balintawak Arnis takes center stage in Virginia
By Homer D. Sayson
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 12 Jul 2015
Chantilly, VA --- On the outskirts of Washington D.C., a scant 25 miles from the White House where the most powerful man in the world holds office, the most powerful men in arnis have converged to spread the gospel of a time honored sport that traces its roots as far back as early 1500.
Welcome to the 4th East Coast Gathering of Balintawak Legacy: A Gathering of Masters.
It's a lofty event organized by Kapatiran Mandirigma and spearheaded by the indefatigable Jhun Occidental, an ardent student of arnis who earned his fighting spurs from the teachings of the Bobby Taboada lineage.
Arnis enthusiasts from various pockets of the United States and from different corners of the world are assembled here, representing the six different lineages of the Balinatawak for the festive three-day event.
The Comfort Suites along Metrotech Drive serves as the official headquarters of the event and late into Friday night, sticks were still roaring at the Dulles banquet room.
Among the highlighted instructors on Friday included master Hilmar Siebert of Germany who taught, among many other things, hand-to-hand combat and breathing techniques.
Grandmaster Shelley Millsapaugh, whose mom is Filipina, showed amazing grace while demonstrating the complex forms of espada y daga from Kombatan Arnis.
Grandmaster Monie Velez is skillfully defying the gravity of age. At a ripe 62, the Cebu-based Velez enthralled the adoring crowd with his mastery of the Filipino Martial Arts, teaching the various techniques of stick fighting, thrusting, and how to repel a knife attack, among many other things.
As interesting as Day 1 was, it was only the beginning.
More to come from the Gathering of Masters in Day 2 on Saturday.
Photos: Hilmar Siebert of Germany taught the value of proper breathing techniques as an effective tool in fighting while grand master Shelley Millspaugh demonstrates various stick fighting forms. Below photo shows grand master Monie Velez wowing participants with his mastery of the art of arnis.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Homer D. Sayson.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Fisher and Atencio Crowned Jax Mixed Doubles Open Champions
Sun, 21 Dec 2025Jake Paul Undergoes Surgery for Broken Jaw Following Knockout Loss to Anthony Joshua
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 21 Dec 2025Anthony Joshua Drops Jake Paul 4 Times En Route to a 6th Round Stoppage
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 20 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Hails RP Blu Boys’ Golden Triumph at the SEA Games
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 20 Dec 2025ACCRA WEIGH-IN RESULTS: RICHARDS AND AZEEZ PREPARE FOR HISTORIC CLASH
Sat, 20 Dec 2025Two USA Boxing Junior National Champions Invited to Attend Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua Bout Friday in Miami
Sat, 20 Dec 2025Ramon Cardenas Scores One Punch Knockout Over Erik Robles in Main Event of ProBoxTV’s The Contender Series
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua: The Jig Is Up
By Chris Carlson, Fri, 19 Dec 2025January 31: Rohan Polanco-Christian Gomez Confirmed as Co-Feature to Xander Zayas-Abass Baraou Title Unification Showdown at Coliseo de Puerto Rico in San Juan
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Jake Paul, Anthony Joshua Tip the Scales Ahead of Netflix Heavyweight Spectacle in Miami
By Dong Secuya, Fri, 19 Dec 2025Suelo rules Thailand chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 19 Dec 2025RICHARDS AND AZEEZ SET FOR HISTORIC SHOWDOWN AS SOUTH LONDON LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS FACE-OFF AT PRESS CONFERENCE IN GHANA
Fri, 19 Dec 2025Brooklyn’s undefeated Pryce Taylor Called one of top heavyweight prospects in U.S.
Fri, 19 Dec 2025INDIGO FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS AS GIORGIO VISOLI OVERCOMES TOUGH JOE HOWARTH – AND TIAH-MAI AYTON WINS AGAIN
Thu, 18 Dec 2025Weights From ProBoxTV’s ‘Merry Fistmas’ at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Tomorrow Night at 7 pm ET
Thu, 18 Dec 2025