ON THE WAY OF A CHAMPION
By: Fly Branch
1. THE BEGINNING
As a child, I was brought up in the time of the Golden Age of Martial Arts in the Philippines. Karate and other forms of martial arts were very popular and some even have secret rituals and training typical of cults.
In our family, I remembered that on Saturdays when my brothers are at home from school in Legaspi, they usually have sparring sessions and teach each other on the different arts that they have learned from their respective martial arts club: judo, karate and street-fighting. They also practice weaponry and the one that I like most is the nunchaku, which I usually brought with me in my Grade 4 classes.
During my high school years, I long to have a formal training in martial arts but sad to say the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Seminary does not offer any. There are some clubs but you have to become a member of their fraternity.
Fr. Douglas Dimaano, one of our formator in the seminary practices nunchaku and some martial arts forms and observing him practice sustained my interest in martial arts. Also in this time, was the age of Shaolin Movies which became so popular especially the training and lectures were presented and it served as my avenue to learn more about martial arts.
Having no official training in martial arts, we involved in street fighting with my buddy Charle Miaco- the one who organized our club the KAPPA LAMBDA (KL). When we cannot play basketball since it is occupied by the higher years, we make our own game street fighting ( suntokan) with no holds barred. We got bruises, black eyes and painful bodies but it is worth it. We learned how to fight.
11. THE INTRODUCTION TO OFFICIAL MARTIALS ARTS
In my first year of College in the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary in Naga City, I met martial arts who practices every afternoon. My buddy from Sorsogon, Raymond Reyes became my martial arts buddy. At first, we trained Kung Fu under Lorenzo Rex and in some other times we practice boxing. It was hard but it is worth it. I have a formal martial arts training.
When we were transferred to the Holy Rosary Major Seminary, I was so surprised to learn that there are 18 different martial arts club. And since our “sano” (from Sorsogon) were mostly members of the OSC (Okinawa Shorin Ryu ) we joined the club. Bro Manibale from Catanduanes was the head then of the OSC.
From my savings, I was able to have a karate uniform and paid the monthly contributions. I was happy since my dream was fulfilled: a formal training in martial arts.
In one of our training, there was a plan to join the white belt promotion in the place of Master Duran. We got so excited to see the master for the first time. In the preparation all our white belts were place in the table, while the leaders were preparing us for the event. Another leader commanded to take the white belts and hold it for the belting ceremony since we were so many. Raymond and I lost our white belts, somebody might have taken it. The leader scolded us :” find your white belt”, no where to go we passed by a man sitting by the table asking us “ what’s your problem ? As we related our story he told us to get the 2 belts hanging by the wall. We hesitated and told him they were green belts. He replied you can have them. During the belting ceremony, we learned that the man who gave us the green belt was Master Manny Duran. I am happy that Master Manny Duran gave and belted me with the green belt and with that I have a direct OSC BLOOD from the Master.
Along the Karate years, one member who was formerly a shotokan member named Henry Orense, taught us the arts of stickfighting or Arnis. Actually, I was very happy since the request I made from Lolo Crispin Andes was realized. My mother Socorro Andes Fajardo told me that my Lolo Crispin was a Maestro in the “kaadman” (Arnis) and some people from Sorsogon and Legaspi frequented their place just to learn and study under Lolo Crispin. I was in high school then when I asked for an arnis lesson and Lolo Crispin told me that “ You are not yet ready for the Art.” With the help of Henry Orense, I learned Arnis.
Two years in the Karate Training, I wore the green belt from the Master, I have wanted for some promotion but the financial hardship hindered me. All I can pay is the monthly dues and not promotional fees. And I cannot join karate Tournament outside the Seminary because of lack of funds, but I am contented that even though I cannot join outside tournaments, I became the sparring buddy of those tournament players even the higher belts including the black belts. I remembered one time when there was an invitational black belt tournament, one delegate from our club migs Joel Sarte: (a black belt) sparred with me (a green belt) and broke his foot and he was not able to join the blackbelt tournament.
111. THE DREAM PURIFIED
In one of these training and sparring, I overstretch my limit and on the following morning I spit on blood as I was washing up. When I consulted the doctor he told me that I have to refrain from strenuous workouts and training. My dream seemingly shattered but I pleaded if I could have stretching and other minor exercises and the doctor said that it was good. I informed our club leaders that I cannot be on the regular practice because of my medication. They approved.
It was a shattering experience since I really loved martial arts. As the days go when my club mates went to their practice, I also went to small clearing at the back of the seminary surrounded by banana trees ( a small forest of banana ). For me it was an excellent place where I did stretching, minor exercises and meditation. I was alone in that small forest.
Days became weeks and passed on to months, I continued on. Until one seminarian noticed me in my usual route and one time he followed me in my nature gym. He became a regular watcher in my own session until one day he asked me if I could teach him. I told him that I do not have an authority to teach and recommended that he join the OSC. He pleaded that he wanted first to learn the basics and after which he will join the club. With that he joins me in my sessions regularly. Until such time that he got confidence with is two friends who watches us, they joined the OSC. I was happy then that even I was not in regular practice, I was able to recruit for the OSC Club.
However, the OSC leadership looked at it differently and my buddy told me that I was accused of violating the rule ( not to teach ) and was kicked out from the Club. There was no due process, I was not even called and questioned. It was only my buddy who told me that I cannot practice anymore with the Club.
The small forest (banana) became my solace. In it my dream became clearer and reachable. I told myself that I may not be an OSCian anymore but I will be a martial artist nonetheless. And I pledge myself that whenever I go I will provide an avenue where martial arts enthusiasts can have an opportunity to develop their skills and talents coupled with a leadership training that is proper, strong, constitution based and good philosophy and effective training techniques.
The small forest became for me a cocoon where I have a transformation to become a new light for my dream.
1V. THE REALIZATION OF A DREAM : the JEN KARATE
When I graduated from college and was unable to pursue my theology studies, I was assigned in the OLPS Seminary. I taught Philippine History and World History, I was so fascinated by this new job and it helped me appreciate more my country , the Philippines. Aside from this, I organized a martial arts club which we named JEN-KARATE.
Jen is a Chinese word meaning human heartedness. Karate is a Japanese word meaning empty hand. The vision of our club is to create a “ man of jen”: The good human being. It is using the tool of martial arts and Chinese philosophy especially that of Confucius ( the Ten Tables ), to develop a truly human being who is good and compassionate.
Truly, our club became remarkable in its discipline. The members were just second year high school but higher years were amazed how they broke stones with a karate chop. Their letters sent to me can attest to their dedication and passion for the arts. The leaders took up new names : as METAL SHARKS (PIPO AMADOR), CREEPING VENOM ( L. BINALLA, ROARING TIGER ( A. ESCULTURA), WILD EAGLE (R. ABEAR), OCELOT ( QUIÑONES ), SKY SERPENT , RATTLESNAKE ( M. DAGÑALAN), THUNDER CAT (H. RONAN).
They have followed the way, they lived by the Constitution, they were great men. They are FRENDS. They are THE WARRIORS.
So , it was a dream fulfilled.
V. TOWARDS THE REVIVAL
Having finished my theology years, I was assigned in Casiguran with Papa Lito Fuentes and Fr. Rollin Galindes ( an OSCian). I continued my martial arts practice with forms (katas but no longer the OSC kata), arnis, nunchaku and fly pole. Some kids who usually watch me in my practice became interested to learn and practice. With the help of Mr. Gubot- a teacher in the area who is also a shorin ryu karateka, a new team emerged. Parents brought their children and registered them for the sessions.
It was at this stage that Ld Jose E. Credo and my buddy Ld. Raymond Reyes, contacted me and enjoined me to be back to OSC. And in one activity of the team, I was promoted to Black Belt by the OSC President Ld. Bhuds Palesa who came along from Cam. Sur; assisted by Ld. Jose E. Credo and Ld Raymond Reyes. And later on I was promoted by Rev. FR. Benny Elopre into 6th dan red and white belt. With me, the team became OSCian.
When I was assigned in Bulan in 1993-1994, the OSC Casiguran keep on practicing and slowly faded out. I continued my regimen and soon one named Rene approached me and ask if I could teach him the arts. To know that he was really sincere in his request, I told him that if he could make the newly planted trees in Patio live and grow, I will teach him. Watering and caring for the trees after his school became his daily routine until new leaves came out. It was only Rene that I taught the arts in Bulan.
V1. THE TRANSFORMATION:
A. JEN KARATE INTO SAPYM
The Gubat Assignment 1994 became a key moment in my martial arts experience. Gubat is a prosperous and religious place. The “Manangs” the old church goers abhors martial arts/ karate and commented that “why teach the youth martial arts, instead teach them how to pray”. With this comment, my parish priest: Rev. Fr. Domingo France did not like the idea but I presented them an alternative. I will handle the Parish Youth Ministry and included in it the martial arts training and it was approved. Hence, SAPYM was born. SAPYM stands for St. Anthony Parish Youth Ministry.
In this phase, the Jen Karate transformed into Sapym, all the programs of Jen Karate, its modules, Ten Tables, Constitution, training sessions, were adapted into Sapym. Jen Karate became the substance of Sapym.
Sapym is a comprehensive youth program but with emphasis to the physical development of the youth using the arts of Arnis , karate, dancing, and scouting. This is in view of the philosophy that physical discipline paves the way for moral and spiritual development. The leadership training course (LTC) became a key ingredient in the training. Sapym became phenomenal. Sapym brought home honors, medals from regional, national tournament.
In 1996 Sapym became the Ibalong Arnis Tournament Grand Champion in Albay. And in December 1996, I won the Gold Medal in the National Arnis Encounter, held in Trinity School in Quezon City. I was the Champion.
With such achievements, we dedicated in the promotion of arnis in the schools, in the Barangay Tanod, in BSP Jamborretes, in other municipalities as part of the SK ( Sangguniang Kabataan) program.
As my term ends in Gubat, with the Chapter leaders we have evaluated the future of the club. With this new situation, the SAPYM ( St. Anthony Parish Youth Ministry) was renamed as the SAP OF THE YOUNG MACER.. Sap as the fluid that brings life to plants; Young for the youth and Mace-r – Mace as the scepter of kings and nobles, and Mace-r as the one who carries the mace for the king. Such name is very apt for the club. The leaders are the sap that brings life to the club and to the macer ( the trainees).
With the new name, SAPYM grew into a province-wide club present in Gubat, Bulusan, Sorsogon, Bacon, Casiguran, Juban, Donsol, Cumadcad, Magallanes. With this new growth, the Provincial Command or COMMANDO was organized headed by the Gubat leaders, with the coordinator of the different chapters.
B. FROM SAPYM INTO SAPYM-OSC
Participating in the OSC Camp and tournament, some OSC leaders commented that why is it that OSC is not included in the name. With such comment, SAPYM became Sapym-Osc. Even the practice of arnis and other weaponry were questioned that they were not part of empty hand training. ( But Latino Gonzales: the Father of Phil Karate uses and taught arnis as integral part of his Club.) With the Leadership Training Course and good practice Sapym-Osc maintained its Championship in Regional OSC Tournaments. Sapym-Osc is born to be the Club of Champions.
C. FROM SAPYM-OSC INTO SOS (Scouts of St. Joseph)
Donsol: the Whale Shark Capital of the World, brought a new face to Sapym. The concern for environment which is one of the pillars of Sapym became more pressing, hence Sapym transformed itself into the SOS ( Sapym Osc Scouts 1998) and later to Scouts of St. Joseph Volunteers for Environment (SOS V4E 2004).
The SOS V4E provided a sustained Environment Programs and projects including the building of E-Kubo or the Julia Campbell Environment Center. ( The fund was solicited by Ms. Julia Campbell from the Thomas Waters Foundation. It became the center for environment programs, trainings and I.E.C.
The SOS V4E became the environment arm of the LGU and the Parish and works in the Disaster Preparedness Program, Relief and Livelihood.
V11. SAPYM: THE CHAMPION
The ideals of Sapym is concretized in its nature as constitution based and not on personality cult. As a Sap, the life giving fluid has to pass through to other branches, leaves and brings forth new life anywhere it goes. The sap never grow old it only transforms itself into many new things. It helps other grow into its full potential and not limiting other to the myopic view of life and cliché’. There is a constant force in seeking the BEST FOR THE BEST. The BEST, not for the personal grandeur but for the best of the Group. I am happy that I have planted the SAPYM SEED and the leaders that took over from me / followed me, has done great things in keeping the sap flow like a river among the members. There were so many trials (both big and small) on the way but with good actions ( consensus) guided by law (Constitution), Sapym moves on and on. This is truly SAPYM.
There may be who wanted to destroy Sapym and others wanted Sapym for themselves but they cannot because Sapym is not just a club, not just an organization, not just honors and prestige because SAPYM IS A WAY OF LIFE. It is in the hearts and minds of each members active or at work, or at school, or in far away places.
Some says that they are Sapym, others say that they are Sapym-osc, still others osc. For me I am a true blooded OSCian, Master Manny Duran gave me that honor, I am Sapym-osc, I am Sos-V4e, (there will be others that may/will come, Sapym taekwondo, Sapym arnis, Sapym boxing, Aerosap , Sapym Trekkers). I am that all because I AM A SAPYM.
Let us seek “for the things that unite us and not for the things that divide” and let us be guided by law ( Constitution) . Lastly, let us remember that “ IT IS IN SUSTAINING OTHERS, THAT ONE SUSTAINS HIMSELF.”
