Cadets of the Philippine Military Academy clinched 38 medals, including 17 individual and team golds, in the Philippine National Open Arnis Championship in Angeles City, Pampanga on Feb. 11 and 12.
The cadets under the supervision of Lt. Jermain Dacanay, head instructor; coach Jayson Vicente; and Arnis Corps Squad head, Staff Sgt. Michael Briones have displayed dominance in the anyo (form), full-contact padded stick, and live stick combat events.
Aside from the 17 gold, the cadets won 11 silver and seven bronze medals while their military coaches won two golds and a silver.
Vicente was also named the “best coach” during the tournament that drew other highly-competitive arnisadores from other parts of the country.
Briones also won a gold medal in the individual padded for 35 years old and above.
The PMA through the Cadets Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines official Facebook account reported four cadets won gold medals in the individual padded; eight in the individual live stick; and two in the team padded stick, along with one enlisted personnel.
Three female cadets also won a gold for the academy in the team padded stick labanan.
The PMA CCAFP Arnis Corps Squad also captured the seniors division over-all championship trophy.
The PMA CCAFP has been actively participating in national and international sports tournaments with countless of the cadets winning me-dals.
Every year, the Sports Saber is awarded to the top male and female athletes of the graduating class. – Harley F. Palangchao
