As we approach the 70th anniversary of Modern Arnis, it’s important to reflect on the journey we’ve taken and the challenges we’ve faced. When Professor Presas passed away, we experienced a significant loss, with 80-90% of our community disappearing. This highlighted the urgent need for reconstruction and rebuilding to ensure a future generation of Modern Arnis practitioners.

In honor of this milestone, we’re setting three ambitious goals: to achieve 70 levels of black belt promotions, to have 70 black belt promotions, and ultimately to produce 70 brand new black belts. These goals aren’t just about numbers; they’re about revitalizing our ranks, rebuilding a strong and vibrant community, and ensuring that the legacy of Modern Arnis continues for generations to come.

This movement is not about randomly promoting people or rubber-stamping promotions. We are dedicated to training individuals to become competent martial artists who will properly represent the art now and into the future.

To make this vision a reality, we’ll be hosting a series of seminars over the next two years, culminating in our anniversary camp in May 2027. While we may not be able to accommodate everyone at the camp, our year-end goal remains to reach 70 new black belts. This journey of reconstruction and renewal is one we invite everyone to be a part of, honoring our past while building a strong future for Modern Arnis.

For those interested in becoming part of this movement, please reach out to me at datutim@gmail.com or on WhatsApp at 716-432-0600. Together, we can rebuild and ensure a bright future for Modern Arnis.