History of Eskrima and Doce Pares
HISTORY + CULTURE
ESKRIMA KALI ARNIS
The terms used to identify the Filipino Martial Art. It is the National Martial Art and Sport of the Philippines and is widely practiced in the Philippines and all over the World. Eskrima is an indigenous Filipino Fighting Art and had been used by the Filipino Warriors of the past to protect and defend their homeland.
HISTORY OF ESKRIMA
The Battle of Mactan- to date marks the first written documentation of the Filipino Fighting Art when it was used to defeat the Spanish conquistadors and to describe the demise of the famous Explorer Ferdinand Magellan against Datu Lapu-Lapu; which they later called “Esgrima" or to the natives “Eskrima".
In 1932, a group of Eskrimador Masters came together to unite and share their knowledge in the Art and later call themselves as Doce Pares.
HISTORY OF DOCE PARES
DOCE PARES
Doce Pares is one of the oldest and largest Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) organizations in the world. Founded in 1932 in Cebu, it is recognized as one of the most complete and well-rounded fighting systems, covering all ranges of combat and preserving twelve distinct styles of Eskrima.
Before the establishment of Doce Pares, practitioners who would later become associated with Balintawak Eskrima and Doce Pares trained and worked together. However, in 1932, they separated, and the Cañete brothers formally established Doce Pares, laying the foundation for what would become one of the world's most influential Filipino martial arts organizations.
One of the pioneering leaders of the organization was Grandmaster Filimon "Momoy" Cañete, who served as President from 1932 until the 1970s. Under his leadership, Doce Pares grew steadily and became widely respected throughout the Philippines.
Following the passing of Grandmaster Filimon "Momoy" Cañete, the presidency was assumed by his youngest brother, Grandmaster Ciriaco "Kacoy" Cañete, one of the most celebrated masters of Eskrima. His leadership further strengthened the organization's reputation and technical development.
In 1981, Grandmasters Arnulfo Cañete, Cacoy Cañete, and Loloy Uy were sent abroad to promote Doce Pares and introduce Filipino Martial Arts to the international community. During this mission, General Fabian Ver (then AFP Chief of Staff) expedited their deployment without their knowledge that they would also serve intelligence-related functions. Upon learning of the situation, most of the group returned to the Philippines, while Grandmaster Arnulfo Cañete remained overseas. He eventually returned to the Philippines after approximately five years.
The global expansion of Doce Pares continued under the leadership of Supreme Grandmaster Dionisio "Diony" A. Cañete, who became President following Grandmaster Cacoy Cañete. A respected authority and icon in Filipino Martial Arts, he spearheaded the worldwide growth of Doce Pares, establishing member organizations in more than 50 countries. Together with his son, Master Gerald O. Cañete, he organized numerous successful seminars, tournaments, and international events, including the conduct of the Arnis competition during the 30th Southeast Asian Games, further promoting Filipino Martial Arts on the global stage.
Following the passing of Supreme Grandmaster Dionisio A. Cañete in 2021, then Vice President Grandmaster Arnulfo "Dodong" Cuesta assumed the presidency of Doce Pares. He continues to lead the organization today, carrying forward the legacy established by the Cañete masters and preserving Doce Pares as the gold standard of Filipino Martial Arts.
MISSION, VISION, & VALUES
MISSION
For Self-development, self discipline, and character building. To create awareness among the Filipinos particularly the youth about Eskrima and encourage them to embrace and take up the art. To perpetuate the art as part of the cultural heritage of the Filipino people as a form of sports, to promote good health, physical fitness and sport mindedness, as a form of martial art, and self defense.
VISION
To be the premiere filipino martial arts organization in the world.
VALUES
Respect, Discipline, Honor, Integrity, Indomitable Spirit, Perseverance, Loyalty