World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation
| Abbreviation | WEKAF |
| Formation | 1989 |
| President | GM Steve Wolk |
| Address | 31 Eagle St, Sto. Nino Village Banilad, Cebu City, Philippines-6000 |
| Headquarters | Philippines |
| Website | http://wekafinternational.com/ |
World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation (“WEKAF”) is the first Filipino martial arts organization. It consists of 40 countries as its members since its inception in 1989. The WEKAF European Championships take place every two years between WEKAF World Championships. Since then, Romania has joined recently in 2013 and has been taking part in the Championships.
The Competition rules were introduced at the National Filipino Eskrima Kali Arnis (EKA) championship. WEKAF International, its rules and even the protective gear were founded and created by Supreme Grandmaster Dionisio Canete Odl.
History
On August 11, 1989, about a hundred people were assembled in the convention hall at the Sacred Heart Center in Cebu City, Philippines. Among which three–fourths of this group were foreigners, who came from 10 different countries. The primary purpose of the gathering was to form an organization that would serve as a governing body in the promotion, practice and study of Filipino martial arts.
In 1975, when Dionisio Canete, the first Arnis Instructor from the Philippines, conducted seminars in the USA where he met Dan Inosanto (American martial arts instructor), Richard Bustillo (Filipino-American martial arts instructor) & Fred Bandalan ( First Filipino- American martial arts instructor). During this meeting, they reached an understanding to combine efforts in pushing and promoting Filipino martial art worldwide.
During the First National Arnis Championships that were held in Cebu City on March 24, 1979, under the leadership of the National Arnis Association (NARAPHIL). The Cebu Eskrima Association, and all masters and grandmasters agreed to launch a worldwide promotion. Fortunately, somewhere in 1988, with the combined efforts of Canete, Arnulfo “Dong” Cuesta and Fred Bandalan, the 1st USA National Eskrima Kali Arnis Championship was held in San Jose California. This Historic event firmed up the plan and finally held the first World Championships which gave rise to WEKAF in August 1989.
