HISTORY

The explorer Magellan encountered the chief Lap Lapu and his warriors on 27th April 1521 when he lost his life. The well equipped Spanish forces were defeated that day. Through periods of occupation (the Spanish and then the Americans) the Filipino Eskrimador found continued use for their fighting art which constantly evolved. During the World War II (after the formation of Doce Pares) many Doce Pares officers fought against the Japanese and lost their lives. The Philippines is what can only be described as a ‘bladed culture’ and the required practicality of Eskrima (sometimes known as Arnis or Kali) has lead the art to become famous throughout the Martial Art world as the most effective bladed system in existence. Even Hollywood film directors seek out Eskrimadors for their advice on big movie knife fighting scenes.
Doce Pares was founded on the 11th January 1932 by a small group of Eskrima Masters spearheaded by Eulogio Cañete, Lorenzo Saavedra and Teodoro Saavedra. Twelve of them originally conceptualized it but shortly after its inauguration on January 21 that year, the membership rose to twenty four as each Grandmaster brought their number one students with them. Eulogio Cañete and Teodoro Saavedra were elected as President and Vice President respectively. Other elected officers and original members were, Fortunato Peñalosa (secretary), Marcelo Verano, Deogracias Nadela, Strong Tupas, Rodolfo Quijano, Pio Deiparine, Florentino Cañete, Felimon Cañete, Juanito Lauron, Federico Saavedra, Cecilio Dela Victoria, Lorenzo Saavedra, Margarito Revilles and Anastacio Deiparine.
The name Doce Pares was adopted in reference to the famous twelve bodyguards of Emperor Charlemagne of France (AD 768-814). These twelve swordsmen fought and killed hundreds of enemies in battles. Doce Pares, which means "twelve pairs" in Spanish, was also meant to honor the twelve people who originally planned to form the organization.
Eulogio Cañete held on the presidency of Doce Pares until his death in June 1988. His second eldest son Eulogio, jr. succeeded him as President up to the present. His youngest son, Grandmaster Diony is the Executive Director and Chairman of Doce Pares Council of Masters. (None of the founding members are alive today, the last Grand Master Felimon Cañete died in 1995 aged 91 years)

Current Officers and Directors

President Eulogio Cañete, Jr.
VP Paterno B. Ganzon
Secretary Valentin B. Suan
Treasurer Michael R. Cañete
Executive Director Supreme Grand Master Dionisio Cañete
Dean, Instructional Staff Arnulfo "Dong" Cuesta

The components of the "Multi-Style" system

The Close range style (corto) of Lorenzo and Teodoro Saavendra Corto Linear (the traditional linear striking or a blade oriented type of striking)
Corto Kurbada (the wrist-twisting or snap-wrist,curving strike)
Corto Orihinal (featuring low,deep bent knee and wide stance which highly characterized the original Doce Pares close range style)
The Medium range style of Jesus Cui
The Espada y Daga and Corto Orihinal style of Felimon Canete
The Long Range style of Yoling Canete and Vincent Carin

TOPICS

MANO MANO (empty hand)
SOLO OLISI (single stick)
DOBLE BASTON (double stick)
BARAW (knife)
BANGKAW (staff / spear)
ESPADA Y DAGA (stick & knife / sword & knife)
CORTO (close quarter combat)

ALL DOCE PARES SCHOOLS CAN READILY BE IDENTIFIED THROUGH THE SEAL AND LOGO WHICH BEAR THE ORIGINAL SIGN OF DOCE PARES. ONLY THROUGH THE DOCE PARES SCHOOLS CAN ONE LEARN ALL THE ORIGINAL STYLES OF THE FOUNDING MASTERS OF DOCE PARES.