In the final days of this year, we like to look back at one of the best events of 2024. On November 16th and 17th, the "Tribes of the West" festival took place in Langenfeld for the third time. With a total of 130 participants, this event has now become one of the largest FMA events in Germany. We are, of course, absolutely thrilled about this success.
Journalist and author Leah Hilario-Sikorski attended our event and wrote an article about her experiences with us, which will be published in the next issue of the Pacific Rundbrief. We are delighted to already share this article with you today. Enjoy reading!
A Journey into the World of Arnis/Escrima – Surprise and Inspiration at a Special Event
17.11.2024 Leah Hilario-Sikorski
The First Impression: Respect and Community
Langenfeld, Germany: The atmosphere was impressive: the hall was filled with the rhythmic clatter of rattan sticks meeting in precise movements. Participants of all ages and varying levels of experience moved in synchronized formations. Despite the intensity of the training, there was a palpable sense of community. The organizers greeted me warmly and immediately offered me the chance to join the groups or simply observe.
My initial hesitation gradually gave way to fascination. The trainers and masters—each with remarkable expertise—patiently and passionately explained the intricacies of techniques deeply rooted in Filipino culture.
Meeting an Experienced Master
A special moment of the day was my encounter with Alfred Plath, a renowned and highly respected master. Though he did not actively participate in the event, he generously shared insights from his decades of experience. His gaze, radiating both wisdom and humor, gave me a glimpse into how deeply this martial art was ingrained in his life.
His stories about the development of Arnis/Escrima, the significance of its techniques, and the philosophy behind them were both fascinating and inspiring. Particularly impressive was his view of Arnis/Escrima not just as a martial art but as a path to cultivate respect, self- discipline, and personal growth.
Although I did not see him train actively, his presence was impactful. The passion in his storytelling encouraged me to delve deeper into this art myself.
Practical Insights from a Safe Distance
While I did not participate in the training, it was fascinating to observe the learning processes of other participants. Their initial uncertainty often transformed into visible pride when they successfully mastered a technique. The teachers’ passion and patience were contagious, and I could vividly imagine what it would be like to perform these movements myself.
The dynamic and elegance of the techniques stirred in me the desire to one day hold the sticks in my hands. But on this day, I remained an observer, admiring the art from the outside and connecting theory with the practice unfolding before me.
An Unexpected Conclusion
What began as a reserved visit turned into an unforgettable experience. The Arnis/Escrima event offered far more than an opportunity to learn techniques; it was a journey into a fascinating culture and an inspiring example of how community and personal growth go hand in hand.
I returned home with a firm resolve to actively engage with this martial art someday—and with the knowledge that Arnis/Escrima is not just the theory I had read in books but a living and valuable practice waiting to be discovered.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to Frank, Hanjo, and Mo for making this incredible experience possible. A special thank you to Andrew for graciously including me in such a remarkable event. My gratitude also goes to Rene, Sixt, Marc, Thorsten, Michael, Alex, and everyone who shared their time and expertise, creating a welcoming atmosphere that made me feel truly part of this unforgettable experience.
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