In the summer of 1851, a humble game took root in the moonlit rice fields of the Philippines. It was a playful spectacle where weathered rice farmers, with their years of wisdom etched on their faces, would engage in friendly combat, kicking each other for sport. Little did they know that their lighthearted game would evolve into something far more profound.

With the arrival of karate in the Philippines, the farmers had an awakening. They discovered that their seemingly innocuous game held the essence of a true martial art. The game of kicks, now known as Sikaran, emerged as a formal discipline, captivating martial artists around the world.

Fast forward to 1977, in a distant land called Winnipeg, Canada. A man named Dante Alambra, fresh from the Philippines, realized there was a void. No one in the city practiced any form of Filipino martial arts. This realization ignited a fire within him, and without hesitation, he established the Sikaran-Arnis School of Martial Arts.

Dante’s passion for Sikaran and Arnis ran deep. He had been honing his skills since 1955, learning the art of Arnis from his father when he was a mere five years old. With great determination, he built his school, juggling multiple jobs to keep his dream alive during the early ’90s when budgetary cuts threatened his mission.

Yet, through all the challenges and hurdles, Dante remained steadfast and dedicated to his craft. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs echoed his own journey – dedication was the key to success, and he embodied this principle every day of his life.