Enriching the FMA7 Experience through Heritage
The Department of Tourism in Central Visayas, Philippines, is making Filipino Martial Arts (FMA7) more exciting by adding local culture and heritage. They believe that understanding the roots of FMA and the history of the region makes the sport more appealing worldwide.
Recently, the Philippine Martial Arts Alliance (PMAA) hosted a training camp in Central Cebu, which included a visit to local heritage sites. This camp is led by Grand Master Julius Melegrito and features martial arts styles taught in Nebraska and online.
During the camp, participants explored the Central Cebu FMA Heritage Trail, which took them to places like Mactan Shrine, a guitar manufacturing facility, and historic sites. They also interacted with local practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of FMA techniques.
Faith Melegrito of PMAA mentioned that the camp provides a balance between FMA training and immersion in local arts and culture, especially for foreign martial artists. FMA, known as eskrima, kali, and arnis, has gained popularity worldwide for its unique techniques involving strikes, blocks, and weapon use. The Department of Tourism in Central Visayas actively supports the development of FMA and has documented various FMA styles in the region, with most of them found in Cebu.
The goal of FMA7 is to promote and preserve this martial art, and they plan to organize more international training camps in the future. They believe that FMA is not only a great physical exercise but also a way to connect with their cultural heritage.
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