IMAFP International News - USA

Professor Remy Presas was honoured as the Founder and Pioneer of the Art of Modern Arnis by the Martial Art Hall of Fame.

The Martial Arts Hall of Fame was held from Sept. 2-3, 2005 in Orlando, Florida by the World Head of Family Sokeship Council. The CSSDSC delegation received the posthumous award in behalf of Grandmaster Remy Presas during the Gala Award Night. CSSDSC plans to donate the plaque and certificate to IMAFP in Manila.

The Hall of Fame weekend began with seminars on Friday night. Each session lasted for 50 minutes. Friday Night was prime time, and the art on stage was Modern Arnis! IMAFP was represented by Guro Dayang Edessa Ramo, who also had the distinction of being the only woman in the instructors line-up.Also instructing were Master Bram Frank (CSSDSC) and Master Shishir Inocalla (IMAF).

Guro Edessa Ramos focused on disarming techniques with single and double sticks. There were about 20 participants coming from various martial arts. Everyone had a deep appreciation for the Filipino martial arts. “I’ve always wanted to learn more FMA,” said Tito from the New York Police Department, “but don’t get enough chances to do so. Thank you for sharing with us.”

Master Bram Frank taught a number of bolo techniques. His module incorporated Remy Presas style locks, which he then integrated into a system that allowed the user a range of choices, from escalating to de-escalating the level of blade reponse against an attacker. It was indeed an evening of practical self-defense.

A big number of Combat Arnis instructors from CSSDSC also received awards.Among them was IMAFP and CSSDSC official Edessa Ramos, who was named the Arnis Instructor of the Year.