The 15th World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation Tournament
To Be Held In Maui
By Donna Reyes Ching

Here’s some exciting news!  The World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) Tournament will be held for the first time in the State of Hawaii July 18–23, 2018, at Lahaina Civic Center in Maui.  Eskrima is the traditional martial art of the Philippines that emphasize weapon-based fighting with sticks, knives, bladed and various improvised weapons.  The popularity of the sport has risen to international recognition holding 13 world championships, the first being in 1989 in Cebu City, Philippines.

Spearheading the event are former Lanaians Alfredo Bandalan, Sr. and Robert Garcia, James Dalde Reponte, Jr. and Donna Reyes Ching.  Alfredo, Robert and James are Directors of the event and are also Eskrima Grandmasters.  Donna is the Treasurer and is a beginner in the sport. 

Please come and support WEKAF by attending the event.  Tickets can either be purchased at the door or online at www.wekafhawaii.com. 

To raise funds to assist some of the participants with travel and other expenses, a WEKAF World Championships Fundraiser Golf Tournament is scheduled for Friday, April 27th at Ewa Beach Golf Club on Oahu. It is a four-person team scramble format offering many outstanding prizes, a bento lunch, post tournament buffet and lots of fun and camaraderie.  Check in is at 10:00 a.m. and shotgun start at 12:00 p.m.  Entry forms for participants, donors and sponsors may be found at www.wekafhawaii.com (see Events).

Your support would be much appreciated at the Eskrima event, golf fundraiser or as a donor or volunteer.  We need all the help we can get and are asking for volunteers to assist with ticket sales, event check-in, souvenir and concession sales, and other areas.  Contact Donna at wekafhawaii@gmail.com if you’re interested.

Anyone interested in Eskrima and joining Grandmaster Robert Garcia’s school at the Filipino Community Center (FILCOM) in Waipahu, can call (808) 224-2551 or email bdphawaii@gmail.com.  Classes are on Saturday, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. and Monday, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Save the dates and look forward to seeing you at these exhilarating, fun-filled events!