Yesterday marked a significant day, the 10-year anniversary of the passing of Grandmaster Ted Buot, my esteemed Balintawak instructor, a guide, a mentor, and a true inspiration. Today, I find myself reflecting on the transformative journey that led me to GM Buot, a journey that I owe to the equally admirable Professor Remy Presas.
As an accomplished stick fighter, I had already formed a robust foundation. But it was the generous opportunity offered by Prof. Presas that led me to the brilliant GM Buot. A breakfast meeting that reunited Prof. Presas and GM Buot after years apart was my introduction to this extraordinary mentorship that would shape my art in unforeseen ways.
The first year with GM Buot was not so much about learning new techniques as it was about refining the mechanics I had been taught, about understanding and mastering the nuances. It was a revelation when I realized that the special classes given by Prof. Presas over the years had in fact been an introduction to Balintawak. I remember Prof. Presas advising me that to truly excel as a stick fighter, I should train under GM Buot. The true meaning of those words only became apparent once I began my journey with GM Buot.
Prof. Presas was a master of his craft, focusing on teaching how to enhance one’s primary martial arts system by blending it with Filipino concepts. He emphasized self-defense strategies infused with Filipino tactics. As one of his senior students, I was privy to numerous one-on-one sessions that profoundly deepened my understanding of the art form.
Training with GM Buot was a paradigm shift. His classes were finely tuned to focus on combat with another trained opponent, the distinctive speciality of Balintawak Eskrima. Every session was an adventure, every engagement a lesson in humility. The more I thought I had a handle on it, the more I found myself being artfully directed down a path of discovery, learning, and growth. The master was always a step ahead, always setting the stage for unanticipated turns that challenged me, pushed my limits, and opened up new horizons.
The beauty of training with GM Buot lay not only in the mastery of moves but also in the understanding of the self that it brought along. Every lock-up, every moment of confusion was, in reality, a mirror held up to myself. I found myself learning not just about the art, but also about my teacher, and most importantly, about myself. The only regret I carry from those precious training sessions is that they had to end.
My dedication was such that I would drive four hours each way from Buffalo, NY to metro Detroit, spend two to four hours in private training, and then drive back the same day. The drive back, filled with contemplation and review of the day’s learning while navigating through the throng of Canadian drivers, was an education in itself.
GM Buot’s influence on my martial arts journey is irrefutable. As I celebrate my 23rd year in the art this month, it is with mixed feelings. The joy of the journey is tinged with the sorrow of remembering the loss of GM Ted Buot a decade ago. But such is the nature of life, a balance of bitter and sweet. In memory of GM Buot, I am dedicated to carrying forward the torch of knowledge he passed on, honoring his legacy through my continuous commitment to this timeless art form.
Forever grateful,
Datu Tim Hartman
World Modern Arnis
