ENCINO, California – The arnis team from Cebu is at the top of the Eskrima world, after a week in Mexico battling for national pride.

The Philippines is among 15 countries that participated in the 2010 World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (WEKAF) championships.

The Philippine team of 9 Filipinos took home 8 medals, including 2 golds.

Despite a stomach virus, Harold Talledo managed to bag a pair of silver medals in the super lightweight and forms division.

“It was a stomach ache, painful at the time, but I still fight for the flag of the Philippines,” Talledo said.

The world championships take place every 2 years, alternating between the Philippines and another host country.

“We have to do this because it’s our national sport, and we have to bring home gold for the Philippines, and to promote the Philippine martial arts,” said super featherweight gold medalist, John Eric Mosqueda.

WEKAF’s founder, Grandmaster Dionisio Canete said the Philippine team could have scored more medals if it wasn’t for budget issues. Only 9 out of some 40 contenders were able to make the trip due to budget issues.

The success of this trip has left the team hungry for more. They’ve already resumed training, and are gearing up for smaller tournaments throughout the US and the Philippines.

The next WEKAF World Championships will take place in Cebu in 2012. Balitang America