Master Ekin shapes up athletes of character through martial arts

CEBU, Philippines — In his seven years at the helm of the Muay Thai grassroots program of the Cebu City Sports Commission, Master Benigno 'Ekin' R. Caniga,  Jr. and his young but promising martial arts disciples have had always delivered the goods, producing the needed medals to help the Queen City of the South come up with a strong finish in every major tournament they joined.

Sometimes, they even performed beyond expectations.

Their most latest accomplishment was during the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)-Batang Pinoy National Championships last August 25 to September 1 in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

They carted away a total of 10 medals broken down into three golds, five silvers, and three bronzes that boosted Cebu City's second-place finish overall in the week-long sports conclave for developmental athletes all over the country.

Jemarie Josh Ybanez and Buen Algono V of the University of Cebu, and Zion Alexander Melecio of Abellana National School minted TCC's three golds.

UC's Prime Jedrel Melocoton, Abellana's Dave Cortez, and Zapatera Elementary School's Showne Michael Suan, John Ronald Puso, and John Francis Almario bagged the silver medals while Renwel Mark Alforque of Concord Technical Institute, Hans Vincent Concepcion of the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF), and Edgar Caburnay Jr. of Jose Chona Jo Memorial National High School were the bronze medallists.

"In my seven years since we competed in the Batang Pinoy under the banner of Team Cebu City, I can say that this is one of our greatest performances ever," said Master Ekin, who is also the highly esteemed founder of the multi-system Yaw-Yan Cebu ArDigma.

In guiding their wards, Master Ekin and his real life partner/assistant coach Mary Joan Durado always inculcate in their hearts and mind the value of hard work and dedication noting that without these traits, no one can attain a certain a measure of success both in sports and in life.

"Hard work and dedication are two of the most important weapons an athlete could ever have," said Master Ekin."So if they have upcoming fights, I will plot down an intensive training program for them."

"But my main motivation for them really is to “train hard, fight easy” because if they do, they can achieve their goals," he added. "And whatever the outcome is, I tell them that if they win, they must learn but if they lose, they must learn more."

For Master Ekin though, winning is not everything. What matters most for him is that he would be able to mold not only skilled artisans in the fight arena but also champion athletes of great values and character.

"As their second father in martial arts, I teach them to be humble in what they achieve, patience during hard training, respect for others, and discipline in all aspect," said Master Ekin.

"I want them to be responsible kids in the community. I keep on reminding them not to neglect their studies because it's very important for their future. Most of all, we shape them to be God-fearing individuals. We have saying in martial arts that 'attitude is better than skills'. We have to live by that, at all times."