by NOEL MURPHY
MARTIAL arts are fast and furious, to say the least, but when their best practitioners pad up to the eyeballs in protective gear you know you’re in for a rumble of the first order.
And if you think Filipino stick fighting is a blur, you’re right. The speed involved is lightning fast.
But the power behind two 70cm wooden war sticks in a fully-fledged assault is deadly too so it’s no accident stick fighters are padded up like bomb disposal sappers.
This weekend, a Filipino stick fighting tournament will be staged at Geelong West’s Peter de Been Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Club in an exhibition show of reflexes and fitness.
“Although this sounds dangerous it is a very safe sport,’’ says organiser Josh Wilkins, coach of Tony Salta’s Boxing Gym and head instructor at Fighter Edge Fitness martial Arts.
“Filipino martial arts are much more than just stick fighting but the sport was created so that martial artists could test their skill, reflexes and fitness in a safe competitive environment.
“Glen Eden, who won the over-40s world championships in the Philippines last year, will help officiate the tournament.’’
The bill will feature a Brazilian jiu jitsu tournament as well and is set to kick off at 10am on Saturday at the Villamanta Place clubhouse.
