Greetings,
The WMAA is proud to announce the success of our first annual federation
training camp! Fifty eight people attended our event. To our knowledge, this
was the largest Modern Arnis camp in North America since Professor Presas'
retirement. We would like to thank, first and foremost, the instructors who
taught at this event: Dr. Maung Gyi, Datu Tim Hartman, Guro Jaye Spiro, Guro
Rick Manglinong and Guro Tom Macaluso. Secondly, we would like to thank all
the participants for showing their most enthusiastic support of this event.
Friday sessions were led by Guros Rick Manglinong, Tom Macaluso and Grand
Master Maung Gyi. Following the instruction was a black belt grading. The
following were promoted to Lakan/Dayang Isa (First Degree Black):
Michael Dawdy
Bryson Ingram
Vince Markowicz
Jennifer Reyes
Sal Todaro
Also promoted in this test was Cori Talbot to Likah Isa (First Degree Brown).
Congratulations to all !
On Saturday, there was instruction from Datu Tim Hartman, Guros Rick Manglinong
and Jaye Spiro and Grand Master Maung Gyi. The level of energy throughout
the entire day was phenomenal. Following the instruction there was a round
table meeting open to all to discuss the future of Modern Arnis and what
role the WMAA would play in it. Saturday evening was the banquet. Certificates
of participation were handed out to all participants. Dr. Jeffrey Leader
and Mr. Paul Janulis were promoted to third and second degree black belt,
respectively, for their efforts in promoting the art of Modern Arnis. In
addition to this, all the instructors teaching at the event were given plaques
of appreciation by Mr. Hartman for their support in making this event happen.
Paul Dawdy from London, Ontario received a plaque for his efforts in being
the most supportive school. After the awards, Mr. Hartman's Youth Demonstration
Team gave an exhibition on the open hand and stick forms. Sunday morning
instruction was started off by Jaye Spiro and finished with an hour and a
half healing yoga session by Grand Master Maung Gyi.
We feel very honored for all the positive energy and support we received
this weekend in such a difficult time, while mourning the passing of our
teacher. If this camp was an indication of what the future has in store for
Modern Arnis, it will aspire to great things.
Next years camp will be May 2-4, 2003. Our tentative list of instructors
and their backgrounds are as follows:
Datu Tim Hartman Modern Arnis & Balintawak
Sr. Master Dan Anderson Modern Arnis & American Freestyle Karate
Datu Bong Jornales Arnis Sikaran
Guro Dan Carr Modern Arnis & Police Tactics
Guro A. Paul Dawdy Modern Arnis & Parkers' Kenpo
Guro Chad Dulin Modern Arnis & Ryukyu Kempo
Guro Jack Latorre Pekiti-Tirsia
Special Guest Ed Parker Jr.
We will also be adding a Black Belt class on Thursday May 1st.
