Grade 2 student in Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao impresses with arnis skills

An eight-year-old Grade 2 student from Sultan Kudarat, Mindanao, has impressed many with her arnis skills. 

According to the report of GMA Regional TV's Efren Mamac on “24 Oras," Friday, Princess Cyna Sepi a student in Tacurong City, won the gold medal in the double weapon and espada y’ daga category and the silver medal in the single weapon category at a recent martial arts competition. 

“Lahat ng hinahanap sa isang arnisador ay kanyang naipakita during sa kanyang performance sa individual event and synchronized event,” said Bryan Clark Emblawa, a coach for elementary girls' arnis. 

With her impressive skills, Princess’ performance has now gone viral online. 

“Masaya po. Thank you po mama at papa sa support,” Princess said. 

Princess’ father, Cyron, also shared that he is happy that netizens had taken notice of his daughter’s skills.

“Masaya kami kasi nakita 'yung galing niya at saka 'yung paano siya maglaro ng arnis,” he said.

According to her mom, Edna, Princess was inspired to take up the sport by her older brother, who also does arnis.

“Since daycare po siya, nag-umpisa po siya ng arnis kasi 'yung kuya po niya nag-a-arnis din. Doon siya nakumbinsi na pasukin ang larong arnis po,” Edna shared.

Princess’ trainer, Stephanie Liza Mones, who is a Palarong Pambansa gold medalist in arnis, is all praises for the eight-year-old girl. 

“Madali siya turuan kasi sa umpisa pa lang parang nalaman mo na pursigido ang bata na matuto,” she said.

As of now, Princess and her fellow athletes are continuing their training for their upcoming national competition.

—Jade Veronique Yap, CDC, GMA News