2023 World Modern Arnis Instructor Development Camp: A Grand Affair!

The 2023 Modern Arnis Instructor Development Camp (IDC) surpassed all our expectations! With a turnout of over 20 in-person attendees and another 13 joining virtually, the event boasted an international aura. We welcomed participants from states including New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, and Maine. Canada was well-represented with enthusiasts from Sudbury, North Bay, and London, ON. To top it off, our virtual attendees hailed from countries like Sweden, Austria, and Germany.

Our journey began on Thursday with a pre-conference workout, where we touched upon a myriad of subjects ranging from disarming techniques to Panantukan and nuances of Tapi-Tapi. Friday marked the official camp inauguration, and we delved straight into Panantukan levels 1 and 2. A significant highlight was our in-depth exploration of the Astig Balintawak program, understanding the concepts Professor Presas incorporated from Balintawak, shaping Modern Arnis. It’s pivotal to revisit the roots of our system to propel it forward, and that’s precisely what we aimed for. Beyond this, participants got hands-on with stick, stick and dagger, long sword, staff, and nunchaku forms integral to our curriculum.

Saturday was insightful as several instructors joined the family class. The idea was to grasp child-teaching techniques, ensuring we mold the coming generations of Arnisadors effectively.

Recalling our previous spring camp, we faced some technical hitches with our printer, which made issuing diplomas a challenge. This time, however, we successfully awarded diplomas to deserving candidates. A moment of pride was promoting Tuhon Brock Genevro to the 4th-degree black belt and welcoming him to the senior advisory board of the World Modern Arnis Alliance.

A special shoutout to Vulpes Training blades! Our participants were thrilled with their synthetic blades, elevating the authenticity of our training sessions.

Our Saturday concluded with a heartwarming cookout at my residence. It was an evening of camaraderie, discussions about future endeavors, individual instructor goals, and organizational aspirations. Amidst all the fun, my two furry companions, Brenna and Tyr, ensured they got their share of attention!

Sunday was more relaxed, with participants getting ready to depart. Though the session concluded by 12:30 PM, many stayed back till 3:00 PM, soaking in the last bits of the experience.

Preparations for the 2024 IDC, scheduled from August 23rd to 25th, are already underway. We aim to restrict the number of participants to 24 to maintain an optimal student-teacher ratio. We eagerly await next year’s gathering and hope to see many familiar faces.

Warm regards,
Datu Tim Hartman
World Modern Arnis Alliance

Since 2015, I’ve been privileged to attend Hanshi Bruce Juchnik’s Gathering in California and Nevada, and each visit has marked a poignant moment in my journey. My first time there, the late Grand Master Glenn Abrescy honored me with one of my teacher’s original stick bags, a gesture that moved me to tears. This past weekend, another profound moment unfolded.

Each year, Bruce pays tribute to the departed luminaries of the martial arts world on a memorial wall. This time, among those being honored was one of my former instructors, the late Grand Master Ernesto Presas, who passed away over a decade ago. As Bruce shared the Presas family’s contributions over the years, I had no idea what was to come. When the moment arrived to hang GM Ernesto’s plaque, I was called upon for the honor. I was left speechless.

Ernesto’s passing still affects me deeply, much like the loss of his older brother, Remy. I am profoundly grateful to Hanshi Juchnik and wish to extend my thanks on behalf of both the Presas and Kombatan families for recognizing the significant contributions Ernesto made throughout his life.

Humbly yours,
Tim Hartman
Presas Family Systems

Announcement: Welcoming a New Black Belt to the World Modern Arnis Alliance Family

It is with immense pleasure that we announce the conferment of the Lakan basic Black Belt upon Professor Tales Azevedo from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The rigorous examination, spanning over ninety minutes, was conducted virtually under the watchful eyes of PG Craig Mason and myself.

Professor Tales and his dedicated training partner showcased commendable dedication and skill throughout the assessment. In line with our established protocol for virtual examinations of international participants, the Lakan basic Black Belt is awarded. Furthermore, I eagerly await my visit to Brazil this coming April, where I will have the honor of evaluating Professor Tales for his subsequent degrees.

Since joining the World Modern Arnis Alliance, Professor Tales’s progression and dedication have been evident. We are optimistic about both him and his students advancing in ranks, potentially emerging as prominent black belt degree holders and esteemed leaders within the Brazilian community.

Warm regards,
Datu Tim Hartman
World Modern Arnis Alliance.

#modernarnis #blackbelt #brazil #worldmodernarnis #filipinomartialarts 

A Memorable Time at the 2023 Renaissance Martial Arts Festival

Last weekend, I was honored to be a part of the renowned 2023 Renaissance Martial Arts Festival, expertly hosted by Mark Cardona in the charming city of Rochester, NY. Year after year, this event gathers a diverse group of enthusiasts and experts, spanning not only New York, Virginia, and Connecticut but also the Midwest. To top it off, this edition even saw an international participant all the way from Canada.

Though my schedule doesn’t always align with the festival, it’s an occasion I never want to miss. This year was particularly special for me. After over a decade, I had the privilege of bringing a group of my teenage students to experience the festival. While I frequently host events and invite external instructors to Horizon Martial Arts, there’s a unique charm in allowing students to step out and experience different environments. Especially with younger learners, finding the right mix of safety, creativity, and a friendly atmosphere in an external event can be challenging. However, this festival lived up to expectations. My students, aged 11 to 16, not only had a fantastic time but also earned accolades from senior black belts present.

Regarding my session, I let the attendees lead the way. We delved deep into the utilization of edge weapons as educational tools for open hand combatives. Moreover, I emphasized the distinction between techniques and drills, highlighting that drills mainly cater to skill development rather than tactical application. This insight ignited a cascade of questions, both during the session and informal side discussions.

For those yet to experience the Renaissance Martial Arts Festival, it comes with my highest recommendation. It’s not just about martial arts; it’s about community. The after-hours social interactions only add to its charm. Although it’s traditionally spread over two days, prior commitments limited me to just one this year. But rest assured, I eagerly await my next opportunity to join and contribute, schedules permitting.

A heartfelt thank you to Mark for curating such a communal event and allowing me to impart knowledge.

Warm regards,

Datu Tim Hartman
World Modern Arnis Alliance & Horizon Martial Arts

#MartialArtsFestival2023 #RenaissanceMartialArts #HorizonMartialArts #LearningBeyondBorders #EdgeWeaponsEducation #YouthInMartialArts #RochesterEvents #MartialArtsCommunity #SkillsAndDrills #ModernArnisAlliance #DatuHartman #MasterclassSession #MartialArtsJourney #FestivalHighlights

Featured Instructor:
Punong -Guro Sam Wolf
Wolfpak Martial Arts
Mount Gilead, Ohio USA

When did your journey in martial arts begin?

I began practicing martial arts in 1981 when I was 6 years old. I took a brief hiatus and resumed training at 19, and I’ve been consistent ever since.

How did you become involved with Filipino martial arts?

During our training sessions with Greg Fears at The PAL, there were specific stick requirements for the senior belt levels. Back in the early 2000s, their origins were unclear to us. My instructor at the time, Darrel Trudo, and I delved into some research and discovered that our training was rooted in Modern Arnis. Since that revelation, my passion for it has only grown.

Do you operate a club or school, and if so, is it on a part-time or full-time basis?

Full time basis

Have you ever received training from Professor Presas?

No, I had one chance and passed it up thinking I would have another but sadly I did not.

When did you become a member of the World Modern Arnis Alliance (WMAA)?

I joined the WMAA in Feb. of 2007

Among the various groups and organizations, why did you opt for the WMAA?

I began my journey with IMAF, but due to some political shifts in 2005, I had to leave. Later, I connected with Datu Tim, and after a few discussions, I decided to join. I’ve been extremely satisfied with my decision ever since.

What are your aspirations for the future?

To educate, absorb knowledge, and impart wisdom to the upcoming generation of martial artists.

What would you consider your most significant achievement in the realm of Filipino martial arts?

I’ve had the privilege of teaching or assisting at seminars and camps across 7 states and 2 countries.

Punong – Guro Wolf’s credentials

6th Degree Presas Arnis
6th Dan Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo
5th Dan Shurite Kempo
4th Dan Koryo Gumdo
4th Dan Shotokan Karate
4th Dan Moo Duk Kwan Tang Soo Do
2nd Dan USNTF Hapkido
Instructor Tai chi Wang style
Purple sash Ship Pal Gi Kung Fu
Yellow belt Lanada Kuntaw

Contact info:
Email info@wolfpakteam.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WolfpakMartialArts
Phone: 419-947-9900
Website www.wolfpakteam.com

Unraveling the Essence of a Grandmaster: A Perspective on Leadership in Martial Arts 

Understanding the concept of a ‘grandmaster’ can often be challenging. However, one shared quality among all grandmasters is undeniably their innate leadership skills. Taking Modern Arnis as our reference point, we see a clear hierarchy – from the students to the Guros (teachers), ascending to the Masters, the Datus, and finally, the Grandmaster. This pyramid illustrates the evolution of leadership, with each rank commanding the one beneath.

At the pinnacle, the grandmaster symbolizes the embodiment of leadership, often likened to a president or a king. They bear the responsibility of guiding all other ranks, setting the course for the future of the organization, and embodying the essence of the art.

However, recently there has been a surge in individuals seeking to earn the title of ‘grandmaster’ for personal prestige, with little or no intention of shouldering the leadership responsibilities that the title demands. It’s my humble belief that such behavior undermines the sanctity of the title and the art.

Take note, martial arts aspirants who have achieved the esteemed title of ‘grandmaster’, yet only lead a handful of students from a school, recreation center, backyard or garage, it’s time to either rise to the occasion or respectfully step aside.

I present these thoughts as my personal perspective. I acknowledge and respect the diversity of opinions in the martial arts community and I am open to engaging in constructive conversations about this or related topics.

So, dear readers, community members, and fellow martial arts enthusiasts, I invite your feedback. Do my sentiments resonate, or am I just being overly critical? Are we, as part of this revered tradition, upholding the high standards set by our predecessors?

Thank you for considering my viewpoint, and I look forward to our dialogue.

With all due respect,
Datu Tim Hartman
World Modern Arnis Alliance

#modernarnis #DatuHartman #arnis #datu #Filipinomartialarts #grandmaster #martialarts