In a sporting landscape often fueled by sponsorships, institutional support, and large organizational backing, one independent martial arts team from Cebu has proven that faith, determination, and strong leadership can still move mountains.
The Lamdag Eskrima Team, a homegrown Filipino Martial Arts organization based in Cebu, proudly announces its upcoming “Thanksgiving to the Lord Tournament 2026,” projected to take place between September and December 2026, with the official date and venue to be announced in August.
This tournament will be unlike any other.
For years, Lamdag Eskrima has quietly traveled beyond Cebu, competing in regional and national-level competitions despite having little to no financial support, limited resources, and almost no formal accreditation or organizational affiliations. Through sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering faith, the team has managed to represent Cebu and bring home medals from various prestigious competitions across the country.
What makes this achievement remarkable is that Lamdag's journey was never built on financial abundance. Instead, it was built on commitment, brotherhood, and a deep belief that God opens doors where none seem to exist.
“We have traveled, competed, and overcome obstacles that many thought would stop us. Yet every tournament, every victory, and every lesson learned reminded us of one thing, none of this would have been possible without God's grace,” said Mr. Ralph Coming, Co-Founder of Lamdag Eskrima.
The upcoming tournament serves as a tribute to what the team considers its greatest sponsor—not a corporation, not a government agency, and not a wealthy benefactor but the Lord Himself.
“This tournament is our way of saying thank you,” said Head Coach Master Jose Roel Patria Jr. “Every opportunity, every safe journey, every medal, and every athlete who continues to grow under Lamdag is a blessing. We want the entire Eskrima community to join us in celebrating what God has done.”
Founded from the ground up by Co-Founder Mr. Ralph Coming and Head Coach Master Jose Roel Patria Jr., Lamdag Eskrima has become a testament to what can be achieved through servant leadership, resilience, and faith-driven purpose.
Adding further excitement to the event is a special announcement planned during the tournament itself. Lamdag will formally reveal the identity of its third Co-Founder, the mentor who helped shape the vision and foundation of the organization. This respected figure, who now resides in Southern Philippines, played a pivotal role in guiding the two founders during the team's formative years and will finally be honored publicly for his contribution.
The “Thanksgiving to the Lord Tournament 2026” aims not only to gather athletes from different Eskrima systems and martial arts organizations but also to inspire the wider martial arts community. It is a reminder that success is not always measured by funding, affiliations, or status, but by character, perseverance, and faith.
As preparations begin, Lamdag Eskrima extends an open invitation to practitioners, coaches, teams, and supporters of Filipino Martial Arts across the country to participate in this historic celebration.
The tournament promises competitive matches, camaraderie, fellowship, and a powerful testimony that with strong leadership, dedicated athletes, and God's grace, even the most humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements.
About Lamdag Eskrima
Lamdag Eskrima is an independent Filipino Martial Arts organization based in Cebu City, Philippines. Known for producing disciplined athletes and fostering a culture of humility, respect, and excellence, the team has participated in numerous competitions throughout the Philippines while remaining committed to preserving and promoting the rich traditions of Eskrima.
Official Tournament Announcement: August 2026
Projected Tournament Window: September–December 2026
— WebWireID356685 —
