Submitted by Eric Baranda, Media Contact, 4th Annual Samahan Tournament:
One of a Kind Martial Arts Tournament Saturday, September 17th, 2011. The only martial arts competition of its kind in Hawaii. Watch the best escrima practitioners in the state fight it out in the 4th Annual Samahan Tournament on Saturday, September 17 at the Pearl City High School Gymnasium. Doors open at 9AM for fighter registration, with the tournament starting at 10:30AM.
Samahan is Filipino for Gathering, which is what this tournament represents: a gathering of the best and brightest escrima practitioners in Hawaii.
Escrima is a Filipino weapon-based martial arts system, once banned in Hawaii during the plantation days due to the seriousness of injuries.
Practitioners, known as escrimadors, train with rattan sticks to simulate the use of bladed weapons. Although their weapons are rattan, there is still potential for serious injury.
The tournament will feature full-contact combat with padded sticks, specially designed for this tournament in the interest of safety for all participants. Mandatory headgear and body armor is required by all fighters.
The winner of a match will be the escrimador who has accumulated the most points. Escrimadors score points by striking various parts of the body with their weapon, utilizing precision and power.
In addition to full-contact combat, there will also be a forms competition, known as the caranza. The caranza will showcase an escrimador's ability to efficiently and effectively execute the various strikes in escrima.
Divisions in the tournament are divided into Men's, Women's, and Children's. Trophies and prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place participants for each division.
Witness this unique martial arts event on Saturday, September 17th at Pearl City High School Gymnasium, as escrimadors gather for the 4th Annual Samahan Tournament.
For more information visit samahantournament.com or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected].
The Samahan Tournament was created by Escrimadors, for Escrimadors, in order to allow for greater opportunities of showcasing and perpetuating the art. Samahan was developed with the intent of fostering sportsmanship and goodwill between Escrima practitioners through good-natured competition.
