The System or the Practitioner: What Actually Makes a Martial Art Legendary?

We all hear the hype – these “legendary” systems: Balintawak, Modern Arnis, Pekiti-Tirsia. They’re supposedly the best. But let’s cut through the noise. Are these arts truly legendary – or was it the legends behind them?

Is the art really that good, or was it Bacon, Presas, and Gaje who made it shine?

I’ll tell you straight – I’m not convinced any system is inherently amazing. I’ve got thoughts on that, but that’s for another time. What I know? It’s the person who makes the system, not the other way around.

I’ve been saying this for years: A system is only as good as the people sweating for it.

I’ve seen every system under the sun – karate, taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, kung fu, FMA – and in every one, I’ve seen both top-tier people and bottom-of-the-barrel. It’s not the system – it’s who’s doing the work.

Early on, I’d show up at events, and people would ask: “Tim, are you sure you’re Modern Arnis?” I’d say, “Yeah, why?” They’d say, “Because you’re good.” Why the surprise? Because a lot of folks were just dabbling – cross-training. They weren’t trying to become Filipino martial artists. They were adding FMA bits to something else. You can’t expect the same result.

Even now, I hear, “Tim, you and your people are solid – but how do you explain this other person?” Easy. Sometimes standards were low. Sometimes they got rank based on time served. Or maybe they’re better teachers than fighters. And guess what? That’s fine. There’s room for that too.

Kenpo gets it: The first five degrees are what you take from the art; the next five are what you give back.

Now when I judge someone, I want the whole picture. Are they a technician? A competitor? A teacher? Maybe all of the above. Maybe none. I’ve seen it all.

At countless seminars – FMA and beyond – I get compliments. Not because I’m special, but because I put in the effort. I know I’d excel in any Filipino system because I outwork the hype. It’s obvious when my crew and I show up – we stand out. Even in systems we don’t teach, people pair with us. We’ll figure out the techniques, even if the instructor’s busy.

I’ve been offered rank in other systems because of my work ethic – sometimes outperforming the host. I don’t take inflated ranks, though. But I know I can make any Filipino system work – because I make it work.

So, what makes a martial art legendary? The system? Or the person doing the work?

Don’t assume the name makes it great. Go see for yourself. You might be surprised which “legendary” art is solid – or not.

In the end, I know this: It’s not about the system. It’s about how you apply what you learn.

So what do you think? Let’s hear it.

Respectfully,
Datu Tim Hartman
Modern Arnis Tribal Chief