Sikaran practitioners

[freeflyer]

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Anybody here who have done or is interested in Sikaran? This is your place... hop on..

[wayuk]

curious lang... unsa nang SIKARAN?

[haglofs]

bitaw unsa na cya bro?

[reklamador]

SIKARAN is a form of Philippine Martial Arts whose history dates back to the early 1500's before the Spaniards came, It is the art of foot-fighting where the farmers use their strong legs to drive the partners outside the designated line (pitak). Rice fields about 25 sq. ft.

Sikaran is just a pastime of the Baras Rizal farmers who gathered during the festival after a good harvest season. Doing it constantly made them develop skills that would eventually be marked by effectiveness such that other martial arts could hardly compare, or so claims its most ardent exponent. Of the practitioners, some went on to discover certain skills in combat that made them deserve the honor of being called "Hari"(champion). These are no longer around. As most of them have succumbed, their secrets interred with their remains and never imparted, having chosen to keep it to themselves and not to teach it to anyone else.

The early Sikaranista (farmers) session commences with the drawing of a circle on the ground. The acknowledged talent of the lot, by reason of his superior skill is often obliged to concede a handicap, thus he positions himself inside the circle and trade kicking talents with one who stays at the circle's rim. The objective is for the combatant outside to dislodge the contestant within. The rules are really that simple. In the case of vein, he would agree to a number of opponents who form a circle. Should the man within be driven out of the circle, it signifies defeat and, correspondingly, humiliation. If the game's continuation be opted, another pretender takes the place of the dislodge practitioner and the same procedure is repeated.

Once in a while, and this seems unavoidable, a session witness a mischief-prone contestant who makes it a point to step on a carabao waste (buffalo) dung prior to a competition, if only to dirty and to defeat the opponent.

The Baras-originated method of foot-fighting in its original form No time limit is observed. Combatants call for time out if they became so exhausted as to be unable to go on some more or when troubled enough. No discrimination regarding ***. Both male and female may indulge in it, should they so wish.

They have a vernacular name for a Hari. He was awarded Ias Agila (for his impressive agility), acknowledged as the foremost padamba (jumping front kick) exponent. That he could leap as high as six feet is definitely a testimony to an awesome power.

So also was awarded classified as Hari, a fellow reputed to crack husked coconuts with his steel-like shins. On the other hand a Hari also boasts of the singular reputation of knocking out (T.K.O) a carabao with a single hammer biakid.

SIKARAN and Sipa are both Tagalog terms for "kick" but with a notable difference: the former is a noun, while the latter is a verb. Deriving from sikad, Sikaran like the biakid, pilatik and damba. And came to be known as an indigenous martial sport in the tradition of arnis, kali, dicho, buno etc.

Sikaran utilizes only the feet as a rule for sport and for combat, self-defense and this is what makes it distinct, the hands are never availed of in the sikaran. If they utilized at all, it's only for defense, the player uses his legs 90% of the time and his hands 10% only for blocking or parrying blows. Violation of this injunction, especially in tournaments, is ground for disqualification.

The rationale behind this has something to do with the role of the feet whose significance has yet to be fully appreciated. It is the largest part of the body, aside from the fact that it nurtures the largest bone as well as the most massive muscle.

Sikaran have its own share of kicking styles. The "Biakid" the classic kick is executed by pivoting to the back in a full or complete turn about manner. The degree of effectiveness subscribes to two classifications: "panghilo" (paralyzing blow) and "pamatay" or lethal kick. Obviously the first aimed at less vital parts of the physique, while the target of the second includes the heart, neck, head, groin, and spine, all highly vulnerable parts.

The entry of Sikaran in tournaments, particularly those of international caliber, presaged certain modifications, if innovations, of its original rules. Like the setting of a time limit, widening of the fighting area into twice the size required of the original arena.




Weapons of Sikaran include the balisong, kris, sticks among others.

[BaDBoY]

buhi pa ba ang Sikaran karon?

[freeflyer]

There are 2 major organizations propagating Sikaran in the Philippines today. One is the World Sikaran headed by Jimmy Geronimo and the other is the newer but the fast rising Global Sikaran headed by Sir Osi Banaag. Both of this organizations have clubs in Baras, which is the acknowledge Birthplace of Sikaran.

I am a member of the Global Sikaran based in Baras, Rizal Province. The organization teaches authentic traditional Sikaran but in a modern and progressive approach. It also inludes Arnis in its curriculum as an art that complements the sikaran kicking arsenal. Presently, the organization is a member of the Indigenous Games and Sports Savers Association of the Phils ( IGSSAP) and they hold regular demo at the Rizal park every Sunday under the auspices of Phil Tourism Authority.

Sikaran is very much alive and kicking. I was in *****g, Rizal last March 5 to attend the Sikaran Mayor's Cup participated by various clubs from Aklan, Las Pinas, Manila, Baras and *****g. There was even a contingent from the US. The tournament was very successful and if the situation permits, i will be inviting the Sikaran Demo Team here in Cebu for a series of demonstrations.. provided there will be sponsors of course.

[BaDBoY]

is sikaran mainly all about kicks? what about punches, holding techniques and other related defense techniques?

[freeflyer]

good day badboy ( who i think is a very good boy in real life... hehehe)

certainly there are. self defence is part of the standard training format. trips, takedowns, sweeps, locks , punches and strikes are part of the training. however, Sikaran is very popular because of the way it is played in tournament. over the years, rules have changed but one thing remains the same. that is the sole use of the legs in the game. Sikaran game is very fun to watch since the players are confined in a smaller fighting area known as pitak. so they dont have a chance to backpedal coz theyll lose if they go out 3 times from the circular arena. they are also head hunters coz a direct and clean kick to the head counts as a tko. so Sikaran players are very adept at kicking the head at close range with almost any kick from their arsenal. as a result, biakid ( sickle kick that goes around to hit the back part of the head with the heel) have become the trademark of sikaran. they are also adept in doing sacrifice kicks ( it looks like takraw without the rattan ball , really). In the artistic side, they also practice forms, known as Sikaran Balangkas ( equivalent to Kata in Karatedo) to hone their individual tachniques. Players also participate in Arnis competition since arnis is part of the training.

I just hope we Filipinos would be more appreciative of our culture coz Sikaran is truly Filipino. It was founded by the forefathers in Baras and sorrounding areas. I hope there will be some similar minded people who will be instrumental in the propagation of Sikaran here in cebu.

for additional info, pls check our website... www.globalsikaran.com

peace

[BaDBoY]

i have seen the site and it's contents though few of the pages are still underconstruction... it's quite impressive...

[sanction214]

thank you.

Sikaran is just as worthy as the other martial arts so due attention must also be given. i have done other arts as well but i make sure that i am able to dedicate some time of my life to help propagate this cultural heritage.

this is not a battle bout what art is better or who is the toughest.. this is bout discovering our identity by understanding what ever heritage we have...