Lapunti Arnis de Abaniko: A Filipino Martial Arts

Lapulapu killed Magellan in the skirmish that many believed is the first documented use of the Filipino martial arts. There is however, no written document or archeological findings that will make this assertion credible. The Spaniards did not come back to the Philippines until 1565, when Miguel Lopez de Legazpi succeeded in subjugating the archipelago.

During the Spanish time, Filipinos were not allowed to practice the Filipino Martial Arts or Kali. The Spanish friars , however, introduced the Moro-Moro. This was a play that depicts how the Spaniards persecutes the natives with a sword or any bladed weapon to accept Christianity. Filipinos who have to played as Spanish soldiers used this a convenient excuse to practice Kali, It also transformed its name to Arnis, after the colorful trappings that was worn in the moro-moro. It was also during this time when Filipinos started calling the martial arts eskrima, after the Spanish art of fencing.

When the Spaniards left in 1898, the Americans occupied the Philippines. Stories of arnisadors fighting in the Filipino-American War as well as in the Second World War are handed down by oral history. Their roles, however, during these wars were not properly documented but the Filipino martial art clearly survived.

Grandmaster Filemon Caburnay was one of the acknowledged arnisadors in the 1950'2. He developed his brand of arnis by roaming around in the Visayas and learning from the other masters. He has defended his style by fighting and winning in many "bahads" or dare. It was customary during the fiestas at that time to receive a challenge from other arnisadors to a fight. This was a fight to the finish and the winners normally get the respect and the followers of the master who has been defeated. In this way, Lapunti Arnis de Abaniko attracted more arnisadors and continued to grow.

Grandmaster Ondo Caburnay is the only son of Filemon. In the beginning, he did not show much interest in martial arts until he was 16 years old. His enthusiasm for his father's brand of Filipino martial arts increased through the years. Trained personally by Grandmaster Filemon, the young Prudencio became a master in his own right. He received many "bahads" himself and he was an undefeated champion in this underground duels. This feat increased the number of Lapunti Arnis de Abaniko practitioners.

In 1970s, Arnis Philippines was organized and the first ever official Arnis tournament was held in the Philippines. Grandmaster Ondo Caburnay also won the tournament and his status as grnadmaster of Lapunti Arnis de Abaniko was secured. Today, the 70 year old grandmaster still trains personally and goes to Europe regularly to conduct seminars.

Meanwhile, Raoul Giannuzzi from Luxembourg, developed an unwavering interest in martial arts. At the age of 18, he started to study different kinds of Martial arts and Sports fighting. Ninjutsu, Wieng Tshung, French boxing, judo boxing and kickboxing were among the sports in which he excelled. The student from Luxembourg has a solid background in Martial Arts. His 16 years spent as a serious Martial arts disciple has evidently paid off. Coming to Cebu, Philippines, in 1993, he discovered what is for him the best form of Filipino Martial Arts. He came back in 1994 and trained everyday with the Arnis de Abaniko Grandmaster starting until 1998.

After this, he went back to Luxembourg and opened the Lapunti Arnis de Abaniko Academy in France and Luxembourg. Every year, he comes to Cebu to continue his training with Grandmaster Ondo Caburnay, who also goes regularly to Europe to conduct seminars with him. Recently, Raoul Gianuzzi has been awarded the title of Grandmaster of Lapunti Arnis de Abaniko and he has organized the International Lapunti Federation (ILADAF). This is the only organization that gives licenses, accreditations and others for LAPUNTI outside of the Philippines. Working closely with the local Philippine organization, the future of Lapunti Arnis de Abaniko is now assured.