Records dating back as far as 200 B.C. and the Ming Dynasty tell of battles with cane and knife swinging natives of the Philippine Islands.  The Europeans first came in contact with the island people, in 1521, when Ferdinard  Megellan was fatally wounded, in hand to hand battle with natives, who had only bare hands, fire hardened sticks, and knives, against the Spanish armor and Toledo steel.
      Much of the history of the fighting arts has been lost and long forgotten. What has survived has been colored by local heroes and ethnic beliefs. The true origins of these fighting arts may have been in the islands but most certainly they have been influenced by sailors, and explorers from Malaysia, Indonesia, and China.
      When the Spaniards eventually conquered the islands they forbid the practice of all war arts.  The arts did not die out however for they survived in the guise of dance, plays, and games. The true meaning of these mentioned activities was taught behind closed doors and deep in the mountains and jungles.

     Sheldon and Philip Bedell are a father and son team who practiced , learned, and taught the Lagarejos System of Sikaran for over 60 combined years.  Both were trained by Master George C. Chartier  of Ashland N. H. and  studied with the late GrandMaster Lagarejos. In 2004, they left the Lagarejos System and began  teaching under the name White Leopard Sikaran.


     Sikaran Institute of Karate is open Monday - Wednesday  6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturdays by Appointment Only

180 Main Street,   Athol, Massachusetts  01331