Featured Instructor:
Guro Robert Guida; North Tonawanda, New York, USA

When did your journey in martial arts begin?
At the age of 17, I successfully persuaded my parents to enroll me in Praying Mantis Kung Fu classes, which I diligently pursued for approximately one year. Subsequently, upon commencing my higher education in Baltimore, I dedicated a year to studying Hapkido. Following my time in Baltimore, I returned to Buffalo and discovered a Nihon Goshin Aikido school, an art form that deeply resonated with me. My engagement with this discipline spanned three years, until my enlistment in the military necessitated a pause in my traditional martial arts pursuits. During my military service, I received extensive training within my units. Upon concluding my tenure in the armed forces, I embarked on a quest to locate my former Nihon Goshin Aikido school, only to find its closure. My fortunes shifted when fate led me to a local Kenpo Instructor. Thus, in 2010, I established my foundational martial arts training under the tutelage of this Kenpo Instructor.

How did you become involved with Filipino martial arts?
My study of martial arts led me to Wing Chun, a pursuit that eventually steered me towards the exploration of Jeet Kune Do. Subsequently, the transition to Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) felt like a natural progression. While my search for local instructors in Wing Chun and Jeet Kune Do proved futile, I fortuitously encountered a nearby school dedicated to Filipino Martial Arts… 

Do you operate a club or school, and if so, is it on a part-time or full-time basis?
I manage a part-time school that operates on a full-time schedule. While maintaining a day job, I allocate my evenings and weekends to teaching. This commitment amounts to approximately 30-35 instructional hours per week. 

Have you ever received training from Professor Presas?
Unfortunately, no.

When did you become a member of the World Modern Arnis Alliance (WMAA)?
5-6 years ago when I met Datu

Among the various groups and organizations, why did you opt for the WMAA?
Certainly, this question doesn’t quite align with common sense. I’m situated a mere 30-minute drive away from one of the seven globally renowned Datu figures in Modern Arnis. The idea of seeking training elsewhere seems rather unconventional, given the proximity and stature of this instructor.

What are your aspirations for the future?
My aspiration is to expand my school while fostering the development of accomplished Black Belts in American Kenpo and Modern Arnis. It’s important to note that I maintain the distinctiveness of both systems in my teaching approach, rather than amalgamating them into something novel. Consequently, my objective revolves around nurturing students capable of successfully demonstrating their skills before both the Kenpo International Board and the WMAA Board.

What would you consider your most significant achievement in the realm of Filipino martial arts?
Attaining my Modern Arnis Black Belt held a distinct significance. Several factors contributed to this, as I hadn’t engaged in testing for nearly nine years. Moreover, my previous test had been an intimate affair with just a few participants. Thus, the experience of testing before the WMAA board, in the company of approximately 60 individuals, carried a unique and momentous sentiment.

 Guro Guida’s Martial Arts Certifications
2nd Degree Black Belt Parker’s Kenpo
1st Degree Black Belt Modern Arnis

Contacts:
MSD Kenpo Karate
525 Wheatfield St Suite 25
North Tonawanda, NY 14120
(716) 426-8898
Site: https://msdkenpo.com

#modernarnis #presasarnis #arnis #filipinomartialarts #robertguida #worldmodernarnis

Datu Hartman presents at The Calling 10?

Recently, I had the opportunity to return to Exeter for the 10th anniversary of “The Calling,” an annual kenpo event hosted by the charismatic Damian Abbott. This was my second visit, and what I love most about this gathering isn’t just the rigorous training sessions but also the well-planned sightseeing excursions. This year, we were treated to a delightful visit to the coast, and as is tradition, a train ride – I have a sneaking suspicion Mr. Abbott has a soft spot for trains!

The event was truly international, with attendees from the U.S., Holland, Jersey Island, Canada, and various UK regions. The weekend was divided into two main training sessions. The Friday evening was more casual, emphasizing peer learning. Sunday, however, was the highlight – a congregation of Kenpo experts sharing their wisdom. I was deeply honored to represent Modern Arnis, initiating the day’s proceedings.

One of the most memorable experiences was witnessing Mr. Abbott’s testing for his eighth-degree black belt in Parker’s Kempo. It reinforced the reasons for my fondness and respect for the Kempo community. The day concluded with the training hall transforming into an impromptu dance floor – a mix of great food, drinks, music, and the company of fellow enthusiasts.

I’m profoundly grateful to Mr. Abbott for inviting me and allowing me to present my teacher’s techniques. My deepest appreciation to everyone who joined us, bringing their passion and an open mind to the mat. I’m eager for our paths to cross again!

As a side note, I’m excited to announce that I’ll be hosting the North American Kempo Summit on September 21 & 22, 2024, in Buffalo, NY. Hope to see many familiar faces there!

Respectfully yours,
Datu Tim Hartman
World Modern Arnis
www.wmarnis.com

#modernarnis #DatuHartman #arnis #datu #Filipinomartialarts #England #kenpo

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

Modern Arnis: More than Just an Art within Your Art
I frequently hear the phrase “The Art within Your Art” being used, but often, its profound meaning appears lost. This term speaks to enriching one’s primary martial arts training by integrating elements from other styles without diluting the original form. Essentially, it is a sophisticated form of cross-training.

Take, for instance, someone practicing a stand-up martial art who integrates Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ground techniques to enhance their own practice. It’s akin to attending a BJJ seminar; you’re taught Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu regardless of your previous background. This method was commonly employed by Professor Remy Presas in teaching his Modern Arnis.

When teaching to a group primarily consisting of Karate or Taekwondo practitioners, he was able to draw parallels to their known martial arts ‘DNA’ without compromising the core system he was teaching. The essence of “The Art within Your Art” arises from this understanding. Those who specialized in Remy Presas’ Modern Arnis know that teaching methodology wasn’t the only thing he focused on; testing was just as important. If you came from a different background, Professor Presas set different levels of expectation, acknowledging that your background would inevitably influence your technique.

When we talk about “The Art within Your Art”, it is not a blanket permission for practitioners to adopt any style they fancy. It must be understood in the context of performing Kata. While the form should be uniform for everyone, the time for personal interpretation comes with applications. If we want Modern Arnis, as taught by Remy Presas, to continue its legacy, we need to retain the original base material rather than heavily modify it.

Let’s use a metaphor to clarify this. Consider a mixed drink: you can combine Jack Daniels with various mixers, but what happens when you run out of Jack Daniels? You could replace it with whiskey, vodka, or rum, but without the base fluid, the original drink can no longer be created. The same applies to martial arts: a majority of Presas’ students practiced Arnis in combination with other styles, such as Karate, Kung Fu, or Jiu-Jitsu. To preserve the purity of the art, we need specialists in Arnis itself.

Often, I find myself in conversations with people who respond to this logical proposition with juvenile rebuttals. The fact remains simple: Professor Presas taught Arnis, not Karate or Taekwondo. He demonstrated how to blend it with these arts while staying true to the Filipino martial art of Arnis. It’s regrettable that such a multifaceted art often gets relegated to a secondary or tertiary role, or simply as an enrichment program.

As an instructor, my objective is to perpetuate Professor Presas’ teachings for the next generation. I delve into the roots of the arts, exploring the contributing systems to help evolve the art for future generations while adhering to the rules and concepts set by our teacher. Modern Arnis deserves recognition as a standalone program and holds its unique place at the martial arts table, not just as an enrichment program.

Whether or not everyone agrees with me is subjective, but I remain steadfast in my commitment to the teachings I received from Professor Presas. I continue to impart these teachings to my students locally and globally through seminars and training camps. If you are keen on learning the art in its original form, I invite you to reach out to myself or any member of our organization.

Respectfully,
Datu Tim Hartman
World Modern Arnis Alliance
www.wmarnis.com
#modernarnis #arnis #filipinomartialarts

Back in July 2011, I had the privilege to organize the Modern Arnis Family Reunion Camp, aimed at bridging gaps within our cherished community. It was an event that encompassed much more than just training; it was a stepping stone for mending our disjointed community, benefiting both instructors and students alike. Participants traveled from far and wide, with representatives from diverse locations including the United States, Canada, Austria, and Germany. It was a period for unity, healing, and communal growth.

This memorable event also laid the groundwork for various subsequent initiatives. Its positive impact sparked the birth of several other events, such as the Best of the West Camp, the Best of the East Camp, and the East meets West Camp, along with a series of seminars and camps.

Fast forward ten years to 2021, I had plans to host the 20th year reunion, but the global pandemic turned those plans on their heads. Given the restrictions and regulations imposed by the New York State at that time, I found myself releasing numerous instructors months before the event to save them from any potential financial losses.

It was around this time I began noticing a trend, not only in our camps but in other gatherings as well. I have long emphasized the need for us to shift our focus from reunion events, which are more about surviving members, to creating a roadmap for the future. The reason for this perspective became all too real to me during my 40th high school reunion, a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life.

While the reunion allowed me to reconnect with long-lost friends, it was tinged with sadness. A poster bearing the images of those no longer with us, 41 in total, stirred powerful emotions within me. These were individuals, some of whom I knew since elementary school, who were now gone.

This hard-hitting realization made me reaffirm my belief that, while reunions may serve a purpose in our personal lives, in the sphere of Modern Arnis, our focus should be on the development of future generations, rather than dwelling on the pioneers. That’s why I’ve decided to step away from hosting any more reunion events.

In the past, I named our 20-year gathering the 20th Reunion & Remy Presas Memorial Camp. Despite the significance of this event, I feel the need to move beyond commemorating the past. Instead, I envision hosting anniversary camps that celebrate the ongoing journey of our art form and its perpetuation in future generations.

Our collective goal should be to nurture those who will carry the torch of Modern Arnis forward, rather than focusing on those who have survived. Our role should be to foster students’ growth into instructors and beyond, instilling in them the same sense of responsibility to pass on their knowledge. We should all strive to be training our successors, who should, in turn, be doing the same for the next generations.

I can sometimes be quite passionate and emotional about this, but if you want to truly understand my perspective, attend your next reunion. Count the faces that are missing. As the Modern Arnis family, we’ve lost our teacher and numerous members over the years. To ensure the survival of our beloved art, we need to shift our focus from ourselves to the nurturing of our students, their students, and the generations to come.

I welcome your thoughts and opinions on this matter.

Respectfully,
Datu Tim Hartman
World Modern Arnis Alliance

#modernarnis #filipinomartialarts #datuhartman