Welcome to Modern Farang Mu Sul

February, 2005

As we begin to march onwards with 2005, let's all keep in contact, and try to hook up with one another as much as possible. Life will keep us plenty busy, and if we try to include plans to see one another, it will afford us more of a chance to make that happen. For sure let's all strive to make a trip here to SF be one of those annual plans. What a better time than for our Warrior Quest Championship and Black Belt Summit? OK, here are some updates:

FMS - WHQ: We were very happy to support yet another great ATAMA event recently. For this occasion, GM Alemany was visiting from Hawaii, and did a seminar on stick fighting. This alone would be a great reason to be there, but it got even better. The seminar by GM Alemany was actually a separate event, followed by the SF ATAMA Chapters' first seminar of 2005. Presenting workshops were: Prof. Bill Grossman, Prof. Leroy Rodriguez, Sensei Alan Nutley, Sensei Susan Miller and Sifu Tim Alemany. Immediately following the seminars was the now familiar open sparring session. What a great time, lots of fun action. I can't wait for the next one!

1- Group picture after seminar - 2- Sifu John Nash, KSN, GM Alemany & Sifu Rod Reape

We were also recently invited by our good freinds Kasio Dave Bendigkeight and Sifu Andy Ching to take part in one of the best martial arts demonstrations we've seen in a long time. Not so much for the great demos, which were awesome, not so much by the notable attendees, which we very honored by, but the main cause: Raise funds for the Red Cross, Asian Tsunami Relief. We were honored to participate in all the events of the day. There was Lion Dancing to bless the event and Chinese New Year. Many awesome demonstrations, of which to me one of the main highlights was Grand Master Clarence Lee, who at the tender age of 80-something, performed something like 9 or 10 forms in a row! Including a Tai Chi set, Choy La Fut set, Kamas, Dbl Broad Swords, 3-Section Staff, and two separate Kwan Do sets, to name a few. Just awe-inspiring. He moved like a man half his age, and even did the splits, and did the famous rolling with the weapons whipping under and around your body techniques. Wow. Super cool. I hope that I am half as good and energetic as him when I am his age!

There were many great masters there such as: Great Grand Master Ralph Castro, Grand Master Bob Maschmeier, Grand Master Clarence Lee, Grand Master Ming Lum, Grand Master Carlos Navarro (my 1st official teacher), Grand Master C.R. Crimi, and many others. It was a huge pleasure and honor to have been able to represent FMS at such an awesome event and noble cause.

1- Group picture after event - 2 - KSN demonstrates an FMS form - 3 - The ever young GM Clarence Lee going thru a Tai Chi set - 4 - GM C.R. Crimi, Great GM Ralph Castro and KSN

Master James De Alba has become quite the Master bike rider now too. Upon moving back to northern Cal. (I.e.: Sonoma), he has taken his motorcycle riding skills to new levels. He goes on weekly group rides with some of the AFM racers. He explores many of the scenic areas of Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino. What can we say, the man loves speed. I guess so, he did always have those quick kicks!

FMS Hollister: Master Schleeter recently had Mr. Lee at his academy who is the main gymnastics coach at San Benito High School. He conducted a great workshop that included lots of basics, core body exercises, and tumbling. It was great to see everyone doing rolls, cartwheels (on both sides), and even back hand springs. Very cool. This type of training is right in line with our art and can only help to improve those area for us all. Thank you very much Sir!

FMS Portugal: Inst. Nelson Pinto and the FMS Portugal crew recently took advantage of the Portuguese Carnaval period to get together and have some fun. And boy what fun. For those not familiar with Carnaval (aka: Carnival), it is the traditional time frame right before Easter, where the people celebrate and have fun. Usually, in costume. Most famous and colorful are the Carnaval in Rio De Janeiro in Brazil, Venice - Italy and of course, New Orleans - USA, but Portugal also knows how to "get their party-on". Looks like they all had a blast!

FMS Huntington Beach: HUGE congratulations to Inst. Larry Saindon and all the FMS Huntington Beach crew on making a great showing at the recent Red Scorpion Tournament. It is a very big completion in So. Cal, and the gang did awesome. This despite of the fact that Inst. Saindon just had surgery a few days before the event. Wow. Inst. Van Doren, and Inst. Miller came through in the clutch to help out and coach all day. Way to come together and help your teacher and fellow students. Good job everyone!

FMS - New York: We are getting closer to the professional debut of the East Coast Crews' upcoming NHB fight. It is set for March 19, 2005 in New Jersey. TVT fighters set to fight are: Inst. Anthony Spataro, Inst. Joseph Spataro, and Inst. Mike Iannone. Master Schleeter, Inst. King and myself are going to be there from the West Coast. (wouldn't miss it for the world!) Don't forget that they have made special FMS-TVT t-shirts, so get them while they're hot. They are not going to last. Wow, I can't wait! Check out the Ring Of Combat website for pictures, poster and more information: http://www.ringofcombat.com

FMS - Germany: Master Wachsmann has kept busy in Germany with the first couple of seminars on his schedule. Stops included the cities of Fredeburg and Köln. Next on tap are visits to Winterberg - Germany, Cadaval - Portugal, Wroclaw - Poland, and then back to Essen - Germany. Sounds like tons of fun. I know all the FMS students will take advantage for some great training and have some fun too.

Birthday News: We are happy to announce the birthdays of our FMS Black Belts from all over the world, so all of you students will know exactly when you can show your gratitude and celebrate with your teachers. FMS Black Belt Birthdays for this month:
Inst. Anthony Spataro Feb -19th, Joseph Spataro Feb -19th, and Joseph Gumina Feb -24th. Wishing you all the best. Remember, you are an inspiration to so many, and this is your special day!