Misquoted? Let’s Clear the Air on the True Essence of Modern Arnis
By Datu Tim Hartman

As usual, people misquote me and twist what I say to suit their own agendas. Lately, some are claiming I said I teach “pure Arnis,” then try to discredit that by pointing out how Professor Presas’s system was influenced by other styles over the years.

Here’s the irony: that’s exactly what I’ve been saying all along.

I’ve never claimed that what I do is “pure Filipino martial arts.” And anyone who’s spent any real time around me knows that. Professor Presas traveled the world, trained with countless systems, and constantly evolved his art based on those influences. But the key point people miss is this: it was his synthesis. He took those experiences and turned them into something cohesive. That’s the art we call Modern Arnis.

Modern Arnis can be approached in two ways:

As a cross-training program — “the art within your art” — an idea used to help people integrate elements into their base systems.

Or as a standalone system — which is how I, and others like me, trained and continue to teach it.

The whole “pure” thing wasn’t even my quote. That came from my friend Eric Alexander, who invited me to teach a seminar in Connecticut back in 1991. I asked him why he brought me in, when there were so many instructors closer to him. His answer? That I taught the art as close to Professor’s original expression as you could get without being Professor himself.

He had tried working with others, but saw too many blending Modern Arnis with Tai Chi, Kenpo, and other arts. While he respected their efforts, he was looking for something that preserved the structure and intent of what Professor actually taught.

That’s what I’ve committed myself to. Not someone else’s version. Not a hybrid or fusion. But the actual system Professor Presas developed — the one he traveled the world teaching. He made it a complete martial art, codified with three books and 25 videos. He wasn’t the “Grandmaster of Cross Training.” He was the Grandmaster of Modern Arnis.

Yes, for those who couldn’t or wouldn’t dedicate themselves to learning the full system, he offered options — cross-training paths, modular content, and certifications. But he also built a curriculum for those who did want to carry the system forward in its entirety.

I lived that. I trained under him. I tested under him. And I produced more black belts during his lifetime than any other instructor or state — thirty black belts ranging from 1st through 3rd degree, all while many so-called leaders were still trying to figure out the basics.

While they were still learning the system, I was learning how to teach it. And I was already building the next generation. Today, we’re four generations deep in our lineage, with active students still training in the system.

Yes, I cross-train. Yes, I study the roots of our techniques. But I’m crystal clear about what comes from Professor, what comes from my own innovations, and what came from other influences.

There’s a difference between being a student of the art and being a steward of the system. I chose the latter.

Respectfully
Datu Tim Hartman
World Modern Arnis