Budo International, in coordination with the Canarian Garrote Federation, organized a long-awaited event for the first time in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Previously organized in Rome in collaboration with Grand Master Paolo Cangelosi, who attended as a special guest at this event, the BUDO masters took place in Rome. The pandemic stopped our last event, like so many other things. A biannual event that brings together some of the best and most outstanding international masters in the field of martial arts, police, military, and contact sports, who generally have in common the fact that they have been featured in our pages.
“Fortunately, in our forty years of existence, I can call 99% of those who have worked with us my friends.”
This event is a reunion, and of course, there are always new friends arriving! They receive a warm welcome from this exceptional group, where respect, camaraderie, and friendship forged from differences reign supreme.
The world of martial arts breeds intense characters and, unfortunately, in some cases, all too often, competitiveness and testosterone combine badly with the idea of respect and recognition of other people's paths.
“Elegance and good work by all the Masters. Martial arts showed their best side in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.”
“A common language was spoken in each master class, that of the martial arts. Technique, knowledge, and experience were no less present than honor, respect, and camaraderie.”
“I am fortunate to say that we have squared the circle. Technical quality should not be at odds with good character and the spirit of respect and recognition that should exist for those who are brothers in a common quest, on a similar path.”
"Budo Masters is not a typical event. Here we do not give prizes or medals in exchange for paying for a place at the table. Who am I to say that you are the best instructor of the year or something like that? This is more of a club of equals where camaraderie reigns. The magazine opens the umbrella for us to stand under, but those who occupy that place do so with the human qualities that correspond to a martial arts professional, an heir to an ancient warrior tradition, where honesty, courage, and effort are given by their personal journey; a place where brotherhood is breathed in a relaxed and natural atmosphere, without pretense, where the common precedes the different, temperament and correctness to ego, affection and sincere interest in what others do to competitiveness," said Alfredo Tucci.
The organization was impeccable, congratulations to Master Carlos Barrera and his wife Nanda, who despite being caught up in the whirlwind of the month in the Canary Islands with its many events, knew how to present their land with charm and spectacular care.
We would like to thank the official bodies that sponsored an event that will be talked about for a long time to come, as all of us who attended were amazed by the beauty of the islands and the warmth of their inhabitants. From Canada to Israel, from Norway to Italy, teachers from all over the world, old and new friends, with their companions, groups of students, and wives enjoyed two magnificent days in front of Las Canteras beach.
While Friday was a day for reunions, presentations, and registrations, Saturday was the main event. Early in the morning, a guagua (as buses are called on the island) picked us up at the hotel and took us to the facilities of the magnificent city of sports. Four tatami mats were laid out the day before so that the instructors
could give 20-minute rotating classes. Around 400 people filled the venue and the classes went smoothly, with no injuries, which was the most important thing! There was a friendly and serious atmosphere. Many of the instructors participated in their colleagues' classes as students when they were not teaching.
Magnificent display of talented Garrote mastery accompanied by drum music before entering the dinner. Ahul!
At 1:00 p.m., we took a break with water, Canarian bananas, and isotonic drinks. Then, the students received their attendance certificates and a commemorative T-shirt. Many sought out the instructors to have their certificates signed, took group photos, and then it was time for another hour of sweating!
After the midday break, we were asked to meet at 7 p.m. to walk together to the end of the pier, just three minutes from the hotel where we had booked rooms for the gala. The 67 teachers in attendance enjoyed an excellent dinner, spectacular service, and very, very abundant local dishes in an atmosphere of beautiful camaraderie.
Master Carlos Barrera took the opportunity to honor his teacher Jorge Dominguez Naranjo, Shidoshi Alfredo Tucci, Sifu Paolo Cangelosi, and the Indian chief of the Canadian plains, Okichitaw George Lepine, as representative of another ancient people and their tradition, with a Guanche necklace made of pottery from the Canary Islands and goat bones, the local animal.
After this heartfelt gesture, all the masters were called forward to receive their diplomas commemorating their presence at BUDO Masters 2025. They were all given a fitting tribute by those present with applause and cheers, hugs, and affection, and respect between our director Alfredo Tucci and each and every one of them.
"Each of the Masters present has a special story with me, and this story often goes back more than 30 years! For me, it is always a pleasure and an honor to spar with my brothers. I know it's not easy for us to stop our own world, spend money on all this, and take time to come to a place that is sometimes more than 20 hours away by plane! But what we have every time we get together leaves such a good impression that we always come back... I am proud of the human beings who gather here, and of the enormous martial mastery that can be found per square meter."
The night was long for some... Others, exhausted, went to rest because the next morning the appointment was on the beach in front of the hotel, where a group of puntales and teachers of Canarian wrestling and Garrote Canario gave us a delightful morning sharing the local arts of Canarian wrestling and garrote.
“The restaurant La Marinera gained new customers that night, as many of the masters returned the following day! Excellent local cuisine, impeccable fish, papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), generous starters, generous wines and beers, and a magnificent grilled entrecôte, all accompanied by the tiple and guitar of David Rodriguez.”
Above, a new friend of BUDO, Norwegian Master KareKondadse, left delighted with the experience. We hope to see him again!
Above: Grand Master Taejoon Lee, who was celebrating his birthday that day! That's commitment and friendship!
Sifu Andrew Cameron's team, who came from Great Britain, had a great time on their first experience at BUDO Masters: “Excellent! From now on, we won't miss a single one.”
“We would also like to thank the communications team of the Garrote Canario Federation for their successful media coverage, conveying the charm of the event to the local press, radio, and TV. As a result of their work, several newspapers and television stations interviewed the organizers and guests, giving the public a good account of the summit's success.”
Above, GM Taejon Lee talking with Sifu Cangelosi.
Below, Sifu Fabio Tozzifactotum, beloved student of Sifu Paolo Cangelosi, taking care of the details of the latest event in Rome.
GM Maurice Elmalem traveled from New York accompanied by his wife Zippy. BRAVO!
The presentation of commemorative diplomas, filled with emotion and affection, was sincerely celebrated by all. Above, Master Barrera; below, on the right, GM Juan Diaz; and Karate Master Jose Antonio Toro, a new friend who felt right at home as he was welcomed into the group.
GM Taejoon Lee, “He is a brother to me,” said Shidoshi
Our new friend, Norwegian Master Kare; below, Sifu and heir Martin Sewer, a pillar of Kung Fu in the world and a great contributor to Budo magazine for many years, presented his new book, “The Iron Mind,” to Shidoshi
Seidokai karate master Dr. Benjamin Reyes, a regular at our meetings, receives his diploma.
Master Avi Nardia was unable to attend due to an important obligation in Israel, but he was magnificently represented by his students, Masters Yasen Mihaylov, George Genchev, and Pavel Mitev, Krav Maga Kapap, wrestling, and Sumo.
The
you around!
The great Master Nanda Donate and her incredible work teaching children with disabilities the traditional Garrote Canario has achieved great results in overcoming challenges and integration. A true warrior! Below, Sifu Cangelosi receives recognition from everyone.
Above, Master Naranjo received recognition from everyone present for his work in reviving the Canarian garrote from the last surviving grandparents. Below, the great Shihan Harry Gorter, a man of immense humanity and with the heart of a warrior.
Honoring the elders, presiding over the table is Naranjo, the great Master of the Canarian stick, researcher, and teacher of D. Carlos Barrera, recognized at the dinner by all for a lifetime of anthropological and pedagogical work.
The masters in the sand, freshly wet for the practice of Canarian wrestling, invited those present to play a few “luchadas” (wrestling matches). For this, they brought some shorts that they use for their especially strong grips and generously shared them with the participants that morning when both the students of Sifu Andrew Cameron from England and those of Sifu Sewer from Switzerland finally decided to jump into the ring. The local masters were generous and warm in their fights, even allowing themselves to be knocked down by the foreign novices, amid laughter and applause from the audience who gathered to enjoy the show. Thanks to the teachers of Garrote, Tolet and Canarian wrestling: Rayco Tejera (Destacado C), Francisco Ramos, Carmelo Guerra and Orlando Sanchez for their exemplary and affectionate work.
See you next time!
"Las Canteras beach was transformed by the skill of local masters into an open-air dojo, where some foreign masters enjoyed the pleasure of a Canarian fight firsthand."
