Liping Maharlika ...... young turks continues ......

"The tradition continues .........."
by Manong

In their desire to continue the boundless knowledge of the art, these group of young men and women of the Liping Maharlika share their precious time and knowledge to the young turks. In the quest and hope that they shall carry-on the legacy that our forebears has handed unto them.


Both successful businessmen and professionals, they never fail to share a little of their family time to others in service to Maharlika and their country. Truly, they are worthy to be called "noble people".

Maharlika Instructors Ana Tuangco, Prof. Luz Arroyo and Capt. Rick Sarte take their time-out while teaching their arnis students at the Luneta ground. Beautiful faces and unwavering enthusiasm; their energy is boundless and a big heart in sharing their knowledge.

The practice of the art declined in popularity as early as 1706 when the Spanish authorities under the governorship of Don Simon Anda y Salazar discouraged and eventually banned the practice of the art in 1764 by passing a decree that natives found practicing kali would be considered outlaws or “tulisanes”.

In dread of its deadly potentials, the conquerors suppressed its practice ………… only a brave and resolute few succeeded in passing on its secrets to future generations. To them we owe our present knowledge of this ancient art.

The suppression drove many Filipinos to practice the art secretly, usually in remote areas. Knowledge of the art was handed down from generation to another like a family heirloom and was played clandestinely and only among a select few.12 Each area gave rise to particular style or method. The later exponents of arnis many of them unlettered “maestros” who nevertheless highly efficient and courageous fighters, never taught strangers except for selected individuals. Many of them could not last the training because of its rigorous, painful and most terrifying test.13

12 Mascardo, Romeo C.; “Brief History of Arnis”. Arnis for Physical Education. Manila, 1977. p. 6.
13 Cureton, Thomas K. Jr.; “Siglakas”. (New York Paddington Press Ltd.) pp. 3-6.

"Young Turks of the Liping Maharlika"

A moment of history like this, thirty years ago, this was our playing ground. We spent most of our youthful days in this very ground. We developed our ideals and dreams, we enjoyed our camaraderie and meeting new friends. They became our brothers and sisters in arnis and eat in the same plate and also share all the hardships and heart aches of life.

Respect and honor we earned through years of devotion and loyalty to Maharlika. Compounded with our desire to reach our own personal goal of higher education to uplift our character and succeed in our own field of endeavor. And so we did ................

We listen to our instructors and elders. Because we believe and respect them. Follow without hesitations or questions. The success of each and everyone, is the success of Liping Maharlika.

Now we are given the new challenge, ......... on-guard we shall be ......... to protect these young turks from the inequities of life. Like us, we hope to mold them into responsible leaders of this nation. Seeing them succeed in life ........ is our profound happiness! MISSION Accomplished!

Now they are ready ........ to face the challenge brought unto them. The secret of success lies in their desire to pursue their dreams and be united as one. Practice! ...... practice! ....... practice! Will surely makes all things perfect! No single stone left unturned. This is the beginning of one's development of self-discipline.

Now as our mission is halfway ........ we are still here to give light to their desire to learn more. Supervise and guide them that they may not suffer the same heart aches and hardships we have hurdled through the years. Be patient young turks ....... you will have your days ahead of you!

Rizal Park (Luneta) Arnis Club
(1973-2006)