July 22 – 28, 2024 – Mandaue City Sports Complex, Cebu, Philippines.

Tim Hartman, of West Seneca’s Horizon Martial Arts, also known as “the Datu,” traveled to the Philippines to compete in the 17th WEKAF (World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation) World Championships. He was the sole representative from the Western New York area, competing in multiple divisions, including one forms division and two different fighting divisions.

During his time in the Philippines, Hartman met participants from 16 countries, with over 300 competitors vying for the gold. As one of the eldest members of Team USA, Hartman drew from his extensive experience, despite suffering from both a torn rotator cuff and meniscus. At the end of the competition, Hartman earned bronze, silver, and gold medals, proudly representing the United States.

In various interviews, Hartman emphasized the camaraderie among competitors, noting that despite fierce competition in the ring, the atmosphere afterwards felt like old friends reuniting. The event also featured multiple demonstrations and was attended by Senator Migz Zubiri, marking a significant step forward for Filipino martial arts.

Hartman is also excited to announce that he will be hosting the World Filipino Martial Arts Championships from October 3rd through 5th, 2025, at The Rock in West Seneca. For more information, contact Horizon Martial Arts at 716-675-0899.

West Seneca is proud of Datu Hartman for his achievements and his role as an ambassador for both martial arts and our region.

The esteemed Professor Remy A. Presas once stated, “You can not be the best if you only have a few students. I want to spread out the art.” This perspective clearly illustrates why he was unparalleled in his field. His global travels, engaging with tens of thousands, enriched him with diverse energies and insights, fundamentally shaping his martial artistry. Such extensive, hands-on experience is vital to reaching his level of mastery. His primary motivation in spreading his art was not personal glory, fame, or financial gain, but a commitment to the future generations of martial artists.

I attribute my own development as a martial artist to my teacher’s dedication and the breadth of his life experiences, which greatly influenced the evolution of his martial arts. There are certain experiences unique to his journey, shaped by survival in harsh environments and life-threatening situations, that are irreplaceable and, in some cases, should not be replicated.

Professor Presas was a trailblazer, laying a strong foundation for future generations. While I recognize that in some aspects I may never match his achievements, in others, I have already exceeded them. We have established significant milestones such as a dedicated headquarters, a structured curriculum accessible globally, and a well-organized association, all contributing to the art’s legacy.

Each generation bears the responsibility of elevating the art to new heights. My pursuit of excellence involves engaging with as many practitioners as possible. While small training groups have their merits, to truly advance the art and prepare it for future generations, extensive interaction and a broad base of practitioners are essential. This approach ensures the art’s resilience and adaptability.

I invite your thoughts on this perspective.

Respectfully,
Datu Tim Hartman.

For the full interview for Prof Presas’ quote follow this link:
https://wmarnis.com/the-w-m-a-a/grandmaster-profiles/46-2/

What is a Datu… Not again?

Once more, my ‘Datu’ title is under attack, this time by a faceless Instagram critic, chevroletallday6161. Honestly, I couldn’t care less about what anyone thinks of my title. What I won’t tolerate is mockery of a meaningful Christmas gift—a license plate reading “DATU 1″—especially when it hurts someone close to me. This coward had every chance to confront me in person or pick any of my other public posts. But no, they chose a cheap, anonymous jab.

chevroletallday6161 wrote:

“If you are a Datu aka (chief) in the Filipino arts, do you even work with the Filipino community in your area? Do you cook or eat Filipino food? Speak Tagalog? You can’t call yourself Datu if you don’t know the cultural basics. I disagree with your Datu title.”

Well, I’ve already replied to this on Instagram, but I’m addressing it here too, for anyone else who might be wondering. Let’s break this down:

• Working with the Filipino community?

Absolutely. I’ve been actively involved with the Filipino community in Western New York and the Toronto area since the 90s. In Buffalo, I’ve mentored countless students in Arnis, helping them connect with their roots. I’ve collaborated with the Filipino student association at the University of Buffalo. In Toronto, I was the sole American invited to perform at the Filipino Independence Day celebration.

• Cooking and eating Filipino food?

What does that have to do with being a leader? Nonetheless, Filipino cuisine is a significant part of my life. I regularly cook and enjoy dishes like adobo, longanisa, and pancit.

• Speaking Tagalog?

I’m not fluent, but I understand and speak some Tagalog—or Taglish, to be precise. I ensure my students learn commands, counting, colors, body parts, and other terms in Filipino languages.

• The ‘Datu’ title?

This is where everyone gets it twisted. I didn’t self-appoint; the late Grandmaster Remy Amador Presas bestowed the title on me, among six individuals. Presas played a crucial role in reviving Filipino martial arts. Those who had issues with his decision should’ve confronted him, not cowardly complain now. If you’re too young to know, do your research before spouting nonsense.

Further, under Presas’ tutelage, I ran the only successful full-time professional Modern Arnis school. I’ve produced more black belts than any other instructor, taught in numerous countries, and even brought Arnis to places it had never been, like Iceland. I’ve also taught extensively in the Philippines, the heartland of Arnis.

Regarding the term ‘Datu’—it’s simply Filipino for ‘tribal leader,’ used widely in various contexts. If you’re hung up on my skin color, consider this: I’ve seen more interest in Arnis abroad than in the Philippines, where it’s often overshadowed by other pastimes.

So, should I use the title? I honor my teacher’s wishes, respecting the legacy and responsibility he entrusted to me. I continue his work, expanding his teachings worldwide.

And finally, to the instigator of this whole mess: I’m addressing this because you mocked a precious gift from someone I care deeply about. Attack me all you want; I can take it. But drag my friends, family, or loved ones into it, and you’ve crossed a line. They are off-limits, as should be anyone’s loved ones.

Respectfully,

Tim Hartman
CEO, World Modern Arnis Alliance
Datu of Modern Arnis

#datu #datuhartman #modernarnis #filipinomartialarts #fyp #arnis #critic 

Balintawak Eskrima: The Legacy of Masters and the Fusion of Traditional and Modern Training Methods

Balintawak Eskrima, a renowned martial art, has recently gained significant popularity. This art form traces its roots back to Grand Master Anciong Bacon, its founding figure. Over the years, Balintawak Eskrima has been meticulously preserved and disseminated by a lineage of skilled grandmasters. Notably, Grandmasters Bobby Taboada and Nick Elazar have played critical roles in this lineage, focusing primarily on the evolution and refinement of the art’s grouping systems.

Another prominent figure in this lineage is Grand Master Ted Buot, who was recognized as the designated successor of this revered martial arts system. Although he never assumed a formal leadership position, GM Ted Buot was vital in maintaining the legacy of Balintawak Eskrima. He dedicated his life to teaching the art, particularly focusing on the original, ungrouped system as established by GM Anciong Bacon. Under GM Buot’s guidance, the art’s authenticity and traditional integrity were preserved, staying true to Bacon’s original techniques.

To clarify, Balintawak Eskrima has two primary teaching methodologies: the original ungrouped system by Anciong Bacon and the grouping method popularized by Jose Villasin. Bacon’s ungrouped system, which emphasizes scenario-based training with a focus on precision, timing, and strategy, requires one-on-one instruction, limiting its widespread dissemination. On the other hand, Villasin’s grouping method, comprising five pre-arranged sets, is more conducive to teaching larger groups, emphasizing speed and explosiveness.

In my experience, both methods are invaluable. As a personal student of the late Grandmaster Ted Buot and a mentee of GM Bobby in the grouping methodology, I believe that a comprehensive understanding of Balintawak Eskrima requires training in both approaches. Each method offers unique insights and contributes to a fuller understanding of the art. My journey through both methodologies has profoundly impacted my perspective on martial arts, and I am grateful for the knowledge and experience shared by my mentors.

Respectfully,
Datu Tim Hartman
World Modern Arnis Alliance