MODERN ARNIS REMY P. PRESAS INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION

I got my email for the FMA Digest and checked out this issue.

Wow.

I had no idea what the Presas family has gone through since GM Remy passed. I didn't realize that there are all these other modern arnis guys that are calling themselves Grandmaster. I mean...I guess I've seen them around, but I thought they were all somehow affiliated with us. I guess this isn't true.

What does everyone else think of all this?

Rlazo, I have read this recent article and find it interesting to hear the Families feelings and responses to Modern Arnis today. It is getting around to the other forums and not getting good reviews. Some are a little sensitive to some of what is in the articles, especially about the current Grandmasters of Modern Arnis. I think a firestorm has been unleashed amongst the other organizations here in the U.S. and probably some of those back in PI.
I look forward to the August Seminar here in Detroit and welcome all who may be interested to come and check it out.
Yours in Modern Arnis,
Ben.

hi Guro Ben,

I've read some of the responses in FMA Talk. As a matter of fact, I responded to someone on that forum when they mentioned that I was wrong in placing the leadership of Modern Arnis with the Presas family. I feel very strongly about this because, according to the FMA Digest article, were it not for the existence of the Presas family (logically speaking), Modern Arnis simply would not be.

So, when the family wants to set the record straight and create distinction with this Martial Art among other FMA by re-asserting their leadership to Modern Arnis, a few people become nervous.

I think they are nervous because their livelihoods are at stake, plain and simple. A few of those guys have made lots of $$$ as a high-level leader of their brand of Modern Arnis. Now, the family wants to reclaim leadership and this could mean loss of their livelihood.

This is a tough thing for a lot of people to deal with but IMHO, the Presas family's way is the best way to articulate this art. All others are fine and that's all. Dr. Remy Presas Jr. knows not only the history of FMA and Modern Arnis but, more importantly, knows where it is headed.

I hope the August seminar brings a lot of students and that you all have a great time!

Rlazo,
I agree, that is why I have aligned my Club with the Presas Family. What better way to honor the "Father of Modern Arnis" than by supporting the Presas Family.
I spent a few years after the death of Grandmaster attending seminars and training at local Modern Arnis clubs here in Michigan to see what direction they were going and who I should support. Needless to say, I chose to start our own group and align it with MARPPIO.
The infighting amongst the Modern Arnis organizations here was very rough initially after the death of the Professor. And it was very disheartening, to say the least. It has calmed down in the last couple of years, But, there is still no love lost between them today.
Michigan was very big in the late 1980's and 1990's, with the Lansing Michigan Summer Camp every year, in promoting and training Modern Arnis. There were several schools and clubs throughout Michigan that taught Modern Arnis.
But the breakup occurred and that changed everything. Now the "political" climate here has been a little dificult to get through. Most people I have talked to over the years have their loyalties to their groups and feel they cannot or are not allowed to participate with MARPPIO as it may seem they are not being loyal.
I maintain they are welcome and can come with not strings attached to at least meet and train with Dr. Presas. But, I am learning that there maybe some "bad apples" wanting to cause some issues so I have had to take a stand, (privately) with some who may not have honorable intentions.
It has been quite a learning experience.
I believe I have to quit trying to get "New wine in old wine skins" and start with new people who want to learn Modern Arnis. That is why with my club, most are new to Modern Arnis and have no blinders on. It makes it fun to teach with out having to get into explanations of things that have little relevance to learning the "ART"!
Thanks for your input,
Ben.

Hi,

First time poster here. There are several things in the article I find interesting from a historical point of view. If Dr. Remy could take the time to answer some of the questions, that could fill in some gaps. The quotes are from his mom's interview.

QUOTE:
Rosemary made innovations in every training drill he amassed. Every time he learns something, she changes it. In fact, everything he learned, she modified it.

Can we get any specifics on this? Did she change some of the techniques he learned from his grandfather, Leon, or was this from his balintawak training?

QUOTE:
A long time ago my husband Remy Presas was only practicing arnis or escrima. At that time he was practicing judo, jujitsu, karate, wrestling, and boxing.

Does she mean he was only teaching arnis or escrima?

QUOTE:
They exchanged talents and then he got his judo lessons from the Japanese Founder, I forgot his name (Jugoro Kano).

Hadn't Jigoro Kano passed away by this time? Did she mean Dr. Lengson trained under Kano?

QUOTE:
I gave rank and recognition to to people in the Philippines because Remy was not around. I had my own Organization which I continued with Remy's work because I didn't want Modern Arnis to die in the Philippines; so, I continued Remy's crusade in my country.

What was the organization's name? Who did she give rank to? What was the time span of the organization (i.e. when did she begin it and so on)?

As a long time Modern Arnis (as well as karate) practitioner and student of the founder, I am very interested in the answers. This is all history that is missing in the US and can fill in gaps regarding Modern Arnis in the PI.

Thanks in advance.

Yours,
Dan Anderson