Philippine Cat’s Claw Martial Arts Association
The original Cat’s Claw Martial Arts Association was founded and organized in the month of January year 1988 in the state of kuwait with the intention of teaching self-defense and to promote physical and mental fitness, particularly to overseas Filipino workers after a week of work, the training started with 6 students and the only place possible for this few members to practice is on the rooftop of the building. They pursue their training in the midst of rain, sun, winter and summer. Even sandstorms cannot stop these martial arts enthusiast. As days and weeks passed, they have attracted more partisan and the rooftop of a building can no longer accommodate al the members. They were encouraged then to use a gym in Al-Nasr Sports Club located in Hasawi, where they drew more crowd. This sports complex eventually became their home where they meet once a week for training.
1989. The Association was renamed to Philippine Cat’s Claw Martial Arts Association in order to emphasize our country’s name. it was this same year when the Association held their election of officers and were also first recognized by the Philippine Embassy.
1990. From their training ground in Al-Nasr, they shifted to the more equipped recreational facilities of Holiday Inn in Farwaniyah; unfortunately Iraqi invasion of Kuwait happened and Gulf War eventually broke out. At this time, most of the members have to leave the country and all training ceased.
1992. After the liberation, Master Fraz Lopez returned to Kuwait. Determined to resurrect the Association, he managed to contact some of the members who were able to come back. Slowly, but vigorously they started training, using their old gym to make a fresh start. Reorganization has been made, having few seniors and newly joined members, and PCCMAA emerged once again.
1994. As years elapsed after the invasion, PCCMAA was stable again; promotions and grading of belt were also held the same time. Martial Artist from other style joined too, adopting the style of Shorin – ryu . They became famous and well known not only to all Filipino’s but also to other nationalities, for their solidarity also the year that Master Fraz was hired as a private martial arts instructor by a prominent Kuwaiti family.
Again, they were recognized by the Council of Leaders and accredited by the Philippine Embassy as the sole Martial Arts Association under the umbrella organization of the Filipino Community appointed as the Peace and Order Committee. More significantly, they participated in numerous activities launched by the Embassy for the benefit of their countrymen. From the Association’s simple contribution of rendering exhibition of kata’s and other talents during special occasions to assisting every group under the umbrella organization, the PCCMAA will be always known and remembered from this year onward.