Doce Pares History

Doce Pares is Spanish for 'twelve pairs'. The etymology of the word 'pair' is 'equal' or more precisely 'peer'. The Twelve Peers were Emperor Charlemagne's of France (AD 768-814) elite paladins or knights - the corps d'elite. The Twelve Peers were similar to King Arthur's Twelve Knights of the Round Table. Charlemagne was known as the 'Holy Emperor' he had twelve bodyguards because there were twelve Apostles. 
Each paladin was a formidable warrior. And each paladin had a companion or peer to fight alongside him. In the times of battle they always fought as a pair (a far more effective way of fighting).
The Twelve Peers commanded Charlemagne's first division in the army. Highly skilled with the sword and the spear, they were the crack troop and advance-guard that would spearhead the attacks of all battles.
During the 1920's, in Cebu City - Central Philippines, Eskrima and Arnis became very popular. The Labangon Fencing Club were known to train in Eskrima. On January 11th 1932, the Doce Pares Association, was formed, with all the well known grandmasters based in Cebu.
The name was chosen to honor the twelve people who originally conceptualized the organization, but when the membership rose to twenty four at the time of the inauguration, it indeed became more significantly fitting.

About Doce Pares

Development and evolution of what is now known as the Doce Pares system has been largely accredited to Diony Cañete. He organized and arranged a training program that wove together the different styles of the original Masters of Doce Pares.
In comparing the system to Eskrima or Arnis it has many peculiarities (e.g. fast twirling hand techniques). A student cannot truly be called an expert unless the move between long, medium and short techniques is seamless. 
The 12 forms ( Sayaw ) are a very popular part of the curriculum.
When Eskrima and Arnis competitions began they were known as 'Death Matches'. Combatants fought without the use of protective armour. Cañete had the idea of developing a formal sparring competition of Eskrima. To pursue his plan, Diony personally wrote and drafted the tournament rules (the same rules still apply today) and likewise designed and produced the protective headgear, body protector and hand gloves which were used during the historic first National Eskrima Championship held in March 1979 in Cebu City. 
 
The components of Doce Pares are:
Espada y daga (Short & Long Stick or Stick Dagger)
Baraw (Knife Fighting Techniques)
Mano y Mano (Open Hand Fighting)
Dumog (Grappling)
Solo Olisi (Single Stick)
Doble Olisi (Double Stick)
 
Keith James is a 2nd Degree Black Belt under Danny Guba (10th Degree Grand Master).
visit website  www.doceparesinternational.com