The unveiling of the World Modern Alliance Panantukan program 2.0 was truly a triumph! The event was graced by attendees in person, from the vibrant states of Pennsylvania and New York, and even from our northern neighbor, Ontario, Canada. But the connection didn’t stop there, we also brought together a global digital audience, hailing from as close as Alabama, Ohio, Delaware, Texas, Oregon, and reaching across borders to Austria, Brazil, Canada, and Germany. A remarkable congregation indeed!

And what sets the release of 2.0 apart? The answer lies in the evolution of the program, from being a cross-training module to a standalone program, now complete with rank certification. We’ve meticulously crafted five distinct levels, each with its own technical and physical requirements, that will guide you on a journey to becoming a black belt trainer. It’s an opportunity that is nothing short of transformative.

The attendees’ feedback was overwhelmingly positive, resonating with appreciation and enthusiasm. We are already experiencing a wave of registrations for the upcoming session on August 19th, 2023, a testament to the program’s resonance with the community.

Each level of the program has been thoughtfully designed to offer a logical, straightforward progression, making the journey accessible and inviting. Excitingly, we are making provisional plans for our inaugural black belt grading, tentatively set for 2025.

For any inquiries or additional details, feel warmly invited to reach out to Hartman at the World Modern Arnis Alliance Headquarters. Join us in this exciting evolution of martial arts education.

Register for the August seminar below.

I had the incredible opportunity to be part of the 2023 Kombatan Super Camp and European Championships, marking my return since the inaugural event in Pori, Finland back in 2018. It was a tremendous honor to be one of the three special guests at the camp, alongside Alfred Plath and Renee Tongson.

The training camp was filled with exceptional classes led by amazing instructors. I had the privilege of conducting several sessions on Panantukan and even had a class dedicated to Kombatan stick and dagger techniques. During this session, I delved into the three levels of training – technical skills, timing, and non-compliance. It was a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate how Modern Arnis and Kombatan, two branches of the martial arts family, complement each other so well.

Throughout the camp, I had the pleasure of spending time with Alfred and Renee, engaging in discussions about the history and development of Modern Arnis and Kombatan in the United States, Europe, and the Philippines. These conversations provided us with a deeper understanding of the art’s origins and the diverse teaching approaches associated with it.

One of the highlights was the Kombatan European Championships held on Saturday. Referees from various nations were present to ensure the smooth running of the event, and based on my experience, I was selected as the primary center referee. Additionally, I had the honor of coaching two Swedish competitors, Christian Areschoug and Kristoffer Sund, in the black belt divisions. Both individuals represented their art and country admirably, with Christian emerging as the victor in the bronze medal match. To wrap up the tournament, the Austrian demo team delivered an impressive exhibition performance.

Following the training sessions, a night gala took place where all the awards were presented. As instructors, including myself, we were graciously presented with gifts by the host, Perry Smugg, as a token of appreciation for our collective efforts in making the weekend a resounding success. The gala featured captivating entertainment, including a mesmerizing Taiko drumming group. I even had the opportunity to try out their large drum after their performance! On a personal note, I formed new friendships and strengthened existing relationships, which holds great significance to me.

Words cannot fully capture the essence of this event. However, I am thrilled to announce that in October 2024, I will be hosting the upcoming Super Camp and World Championships in the metropolitan Buffalo, NY area. I brought along the prototype championship belt for all the grand champions of the next tournament, ensuring that it will be an unforgettable event. I am sincerely grateful to all the teachers, participants, and everyone involved in making this event a remarkable triumph.

The WMAA 4th Annual DelMarVa Summer Camp, affectionately known as Chad Camp, was an incredible three-day event dedicated to immersive martial arts training. Participants experienced a wealth of knowledge, fantastic instruction, and active participation throughout the camp. Let’s revisit the highlights:

Day 1: The camp began with a pre-day event, graciously hosted by PG Chad, who set the tone with warm hospitality. Participants engaged in knowledge-sharing sessions on various martial arts topics. Coach Jeff Burger introduced tai chi, qigongs, and the fundamentals of Thai kickboxing movement. Guro Dave Iron Tree Kali conducted a captivating blade concepts drill, focusing on the importance of positioning and biomechanics during cutting techniques. PG Tye provided valuable insights into timing-based strategies for dealing with grabs, including leveraging the inside of the grabbing wrist to release and strike, targeting the opponent’s hand, controlling their hand while striking simultaneously, continuing to strike, or trapping. The day encompassed diverse scenarios, emphasizing effective follow-ups for each technique.

Day 2: The main event took place at Cornerstone Martial Arts in Hockessin, Delaware, courtesy of owner Rob Kloss. The day featured an impressive lineup of workshops delivered by esteemed instructors. Guro Dave Iron Tree Kali shared his expertise in blade concepts, while Coach JM Burger explored movement, power, positioning, and analysis for sparring and kickboxing. PG Sam Wolf showcased the art of connecting sword, stick, and walking cane in self-defense. Participants also engaged in exhilarating sparring flows, setups, and chaos training led by PG Chad. PG Tye guided the attendees through drills focusing on harnessing whole-body power, releases, and opportunistic locking triggered by any contact. The instructors emphasized the importance of staying present and maintaining good intent while executing the drills.

Day 3: The final day was marked by captivating workshops led by Coach JM Burger, focusing on stepping and managing distance, and Guro Dave Iron Tree Kali, covering sumbradas and their variations. A delightful surprise awaited everyone with the presence of guest instructor GM Eddie Guerera, who treated the attendees to impressive demonstrations and shared insights into his early training. Camp guest instructors GM John Ralston and GM Michelle Ralston showcased their mastery of long blade (bolo) work, incorporating flat-of-blade blocking and opportunistic cutting techniques. PG Tye concluded the camp by using the sumbrada work from the day to reinforce essential concepts and principles taught throughout the camp, such as simultaneous movements, leverage, strategic use of grabbing, and capitalizing on opportunities as they arise. He also introduced a fun and engaging drill involving two individuals and two sticks, focusing on grip, sensitivity, and the art of opportunistic leverage and striking.

Overall, the three-day camp provided a comprehensive and diverse learning experience for all participants. The focus remained on practical martial arts techniques and concepts tailored specifically for self-defense and combat scenarios. We are incredibly proud of the commitment and enthusiasm displayed by everyone involved!

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting events from WMAA as we continue our journey of martial arts excellence. ???

#WMAA #DelMarVaSummerCamp #ChadCamp #MartialArtsTraining #SelfDefense #CombatTechniques

Yesterday marked a significant day, the 10-year anniversary of the passing of Grandmaster Ted Buot, my esteemed Balintawak instructor, a guide, a mentor, and a true inspiration. Today, I find myself reflecting on the transformative journey that led me to GM Buot, a journey that I owe to the equally admirable Professor Remy Presas.

As an accomplished stick fighter, I had already formed a robust foundation. But it was the generous opportunity offered by Prof. Presas that led me to the brilliant GM Buot. A breakfast meeting that reunited Prof. Presas and GM Buot after years apart was my introduction to this extraordinary mentorship that would shape my art in unforeseen ways.

The first year with GM Buot was not so much about learning new techniques as it was about refining the mechanics I had been taught, about understanding and mastering the nuances. It was a revelation when I realized that the special classes given by Prof. Presas over the years had in fact been an introduction to Balintawak. I remember Prof. Presas advising me that to truly excel as a stick fighter, I should train under GM Buot. The true meaning of those words only became apparent once I began my journey with GM Buot.

Prof. Presas was a master of his craft, focusing on teaching how to enhance one’s primary martial arts system by blending it with Filipino concepts. He emphasized self-defense strategies infused with Filipino tactics. As one of his senior students, I was privy to numerous one-on-one sessions that profoundly deepened my understanding of the art form.

Training with GM Buot was a paradigm shift. His classes were finely tuned to focus on combat with another trained opponent, the distinctive speciality of Balintawak Eskrima. Every session was an adventure, every engagement a lesson in humility. The more I thought I had a handle on it, the more I found myself being artfully directed down a path of discovery, learning, and growth. The master was always a step ahead, always setting the stage for unanticipated turns that challenged me, pushed my limits, and opened up new horizons.

The beauty of training with GM Buot lay not only in the mastery of moves but also in the understanding of the self that it brought along. Every lock-up, every moment of confusion was, in reality, a mirror held up to myself. I found myself learning not just about the art, but also about my teacher, and most importantly, about myself. The only regret I carry from those precious training sessions is that they had to end.

My dedication was such that I would drive four hours each way from Buffalo, NY to metro Detroit, spend two to four hours in private training, and then drive back the same day. The drive back, filled with contemplation and review of the day’s learning while navigating through the throng of Canadian drivers, was an education in itself.

GM Buot’s influence on my martial arts journey is irrefutable. As I celebrate my 23rd year in the art this month, it is with mixed feelings. The joy of the journey is tinged with the sorrow of remembering the loss of GM Ted Buot a decade ago. But such is the nature of life, a balance of bitter and sweet. In memory of GM Buot, I am dedicated to carrying forward the torch of knowledge he passed on, honoring his legacy through my continuous commitment to this timeless art form.

Forever grateful,
Datu Tim Hartman
World Modern Arnis

The experience of traveling to Brazil was truly remarkable, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us for the events. A special thanks goes to Professor Tales for graciously hosting us during our stay. It was a pleasure to meet new friends and immerse myself in the breathtaking landscapes of Brazil. Exploring the rich history of the country was also a highlight of the trip. I would like to express my gratitude to Punong Guro Craig Mason from Canada for joining me as my assistant. We are eagerly anticipating our return to Brazil in the future!

The 2023 Modern Arnis Training Camp was an exhilarating triumph! We experienced an incredible time at this year’s camp, with participants hailing from both the United States and Canada. The attendees represented various states, including Alabama, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. True to form, the Punong-Guros delivered exceptional instruction, and we were fortunate to have Guros Mike and May Williams impart their expertise in the introductory WMAA Silat Modules.

We were in for a delightful surprise with the addition of two new staff members. The first was our esteemed friend, Master Dominic Violante, who taught defensive tactics employing a walking cane. Furthermore, we had the privilege of welcoming Michael Perri, COO of the Martial Arts Industry Association (MAIA), who conducted informative sessions on martial arts business management for club and school owners.

The pinnacle of the weekend for me was the test. In an innovative approach, we introduced a new evaluation format, wherein every participant at the camp underwent a comprehensive assessment for future promotions. Additionally, those testing for their next belt had the opportunity to showcase their skills. I am immensely proud to announce that 14 individuals successfully passed the test, ranging from black belt to third-degree black belt. My pride extends not only to those who excelled but also to their dedicated instructors. Our organization firmly upholds the principle of producing, rather than simply promoting, black belts. For years, I have emphasized the importance of cultivating a greater quantity of exceptional black belts to ensure the longevity of our art for future generations. I eagerly anticipate next year’s camp and hope to see each and every one of you there!

With utmost respect,
Datu Tim Hartman
World Modern Arnis