Featured Instructor: Prof. Tales from Rio de Janerio, Brazil
When did your journey in martial arts begin?
My martial arts journey began as a child with Judo. During adolescence, I had the opportunity to train in Karate and Tae Kwon Do, and around the age of 20, I started to train and develop in Boxing – a contact sport that I remain involved with to this day.
How did you become involved with Filipino martial arts?
It was in the early 2000s, with the movie The Bourne Identity. I liked the movie so much that I sought to learn more about that martial art. From there, I began my search for places in Brazil where I could learn more about it, and due to the lack of local references, I started looking for masters abroad.
Do you operate a club or school, and if so, is it on a part-time or full-time basis?
Currently, I dedicate myself part-time to teaching Modern Arnis, with regular classes in two different neighborhoods in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Besides, I devote myself to writing books and producing content on the subject.
Have you ever received training from Professor Presas?
Unfortunately, no.
When did you become a member of the World Modern Arnis Alliance (WMAA)?
I officially became a member in 2023, after having the honor of undergoing an intense training period with Datu Hartman and PG Mason.
Among the various groups and organizations, why did you opt for the WMAA?
The transparency of the operating model, the establishment of a structured and standardized curriculum, the concern to keep alive the core of Modern Arnis while leaving room for the practice of related systems, and the respect for the diversities of different localities, were fundamental parameters that led me to seek the WMAA.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I hope to continue teaching and spreading Modern Arnis in Brazil, not as a system focused solely on police and military means, but as a comprehensive and inclusive martial art that can be practiced by anyone.
What would you consider your most significant achievement in the realm of Filipino martial arts?
From a public perspective, maintaining the first Portuguese-language website about FMA for over 10 years and continuing to produce books and content about the art is my most significant achievement. On a personal level, it’s being able to meet, get to know, and train with great masters of the martial arts, even while living far from the main global FMA circuit.
Prof. Tales Martial Arts Certifications
4th Degree Black Belt in Modern Arnis by the Modern Arnis Master Cooperation of the Philippines
3rd Degree Black Belt in Arnis Kali Maharlika by Academia Magka-Isa
2nd Degree Black Belt in Modern Arnis by IMAFP
Level 9 in Inosanto LaCoste Kali by AFJKD et Kali
Inosanto LaCoste Kali Instructor by AIMAA
Level 1 in Kali by FCS Kali
Boxing Coach by ABB – Brazilian Association of Amateur and Professional Boxing
Boxing Coach Level 1 by CBBoxe – Brazilian Boxing Confederation
Boxing Coach by FBERJ – Boxing Federation of the State of Rio de Janeiro
Black Belt in Bushidoryu by CKBB
Level 9 in Jun Fan Gung Fu – Jeet Kune Do by AFJKD et Kali
Green Belt in Sambo by CBSA
White Glove in Savate by FBSav Federation
Blue Belt in Judo by Associação Shiai-Kan
Contact Information:
Tales de Azevedo Team
Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Mobile / WhatsApp: +55 (21) 97958-9653
Website: www.talesaz.com
E-Mail: talesaz@outlook.com
