DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Arnis, national sport of the Philippines, is gaining popularity here, not among Filipinos, but with the Arabs. As such, a typical Pinoy, who grew up being taught arnis in physical education (PE) classes during grade school, will be amazed – and probably a bit embarrassed – to know that an Emirati is leading efforts to spread the word about this ancient Filipino self-defense fighting technique in Dubai. Arnis is called Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) in the same way contact sport enthusiasts have Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
“It is very true that more non-Filipinos are embracing FMA. This strikes me as very positive,” said 50-year-old Wael Al-Sayegh, who has been practicing the martial art for the past 12 years. Al-Sayegh, who in August 2012 opened his AlAreen Martial Arts Training, dubbed “Dubai home of Filipino Martial Arts,” said people are attracted to FMA because of its “completeness.
” "AlAreen" is Arabic for “lion’s den.” “It has everything in one system from weapons to empty hand, elbows, knees, kicks, throws, joint manipulations. I also loved its fluidity and adaptability,” said Al-Sayegh, who holds a Masters of Arts degree from the University of Glasgow in Scotland.
“I came across FMA as part of my search for the best way to defend myself and to find the most useful martial arts for my self-development as a human being,” Al-Sayegh added. He said he was first taught arnis by a British “guro” (teacher) named Mik.
