The Philippine Embassy in Berlin reported to the Department that Ambassador Minerva Jean A. Falcon opened the 6th European Championships of the World Eskrima, Kali, Arnis Federation (WEKAF) in Berlin on 18-19 June.  This tournament on Philippine stick fighting was held for the first time in Germany and featured over 100 participants from several European countries like England, Italy, The Netherlands, France, Spain and Poland.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Falcon said that the number of participants in the tournament signifies the growing interest in discovering the valuable merits of the use of Philippine martial arts in Europe.  She thanked the organizer of the event, A.E.K. Berlin e.V., for promoting Philippine martial arts in Germany which deepens the ties between the two countries, especially during this year which marks the 50th anniversary of Philippine-German relations.

To date, there are around 30 Arnis schools in Germany.