July, 2007

Welcome back. July is one of our favorite months of the year. The weather is usually warm, kids are out of school, and most people take a vacation. What's not to like? We have lots of Modern Farang Mu Sul® news from all around the globe. Here are some updates:

FMS - WHQ: So let's start this months news with a bang. The fourth of July is a special holiday here in the United States. It celebrates our nations birth. It is a time for celebration and appreciation of the many blessings we have been afforded. All politics aside (we do not care for politics), this is a great country, and we are fortunate to witness it's many wonders and marvel at it's beauty.

Every year there is a fabulous fireworks display over the San Francisco bay (as there are in cities all over the US). So, this year, my wife Justine, my sons Thomas and Brandon and I decided to brave the crowds, and go down to the marina to take in the celebration. We packed a picnic and headed for the bay to enjoy to show. And boy what a show. For once, the weather was warm and the skies were clear. Everyone seemed to be in such a great and festive mood, and the fireworks display was nothing short of spectacular. Too much fun. Those are memories that as a family, we will cherish forever. Happy birthday USA!!!

Speaking of birthday celebrations, this month is also the annual FMS ritual of celebrating the anniversary of my 25th birthday. This year was a biggie. We celebrated the 25th anniversary, in other words, the big 5-0. That's right, my 50th birthday. I'll tell you, it was incredibly wonderful. It turned out to be a three day affair with lots of De Alba family, FMS family and friends. I have never felt soo blessed. The celebrations started out with a dinner on Friday night at a posh restaurant in the South of Market area of San Francisco. There were FMS family in abundance, and even Inst. Nelson Pinto and his lovely wife Vera joined us. That was a fantastic surprise. Among the gifts, the FMS students presented me with a very special, custom made new gold dobok and topo. Wow, I was stunned and totally humbled with all the love. Thank you soo much everyone.

The celebrations continued the next day with a cruise on the scenic San Francisco bay, followed by a brunch on the Embarcadero. Super nice. We were fortunate to have a pristine, clear and sunny day. We traveled around the bay and took in such sights as AT&T Park (the home of the San Francisco Giants) and Mc Covey cove, both sides of the Bay Bridge (including the new, incomplete side), Yerba Buena Island, Treasure Island, and of course the world famous Alcatraz Island and Golden Gate Bridge. I'll tell you, on a cruise such as this, one gets amazing views of the city and bay area that you can not get anywhere else. All I can say is it was spectacular. Thank you all again so very much. You guys just melt my heart.

And as if that were not enough, there was one more celebration that I was wishing for all along. And that was to spend my birthday, celebrating it with my family in my new house. Well, I got my wish. We went up to our new "Casa De Alba" in Santa Rosa where my wife's family joined us in the first celebration breaking in the new house. What more could one ask for. Again, I feel like a broken record, but I'll say it again. I am so lucky and blessed. Thank you everyone. I received tons of birthday wishes from our wonderful FMS family all over the world. From East to West coast, and all over the globe including Portugal, Germany, Poland, Puerto Rico and more. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of the calls, letters, and emails filled with love and warm wishes. You guys are the greatest. Farang!

And now on to more news. As I mentioned earlier, I was pleasantly surprised with Inst. Nelson Pinto and Vera at my birthday party. The reason was that just a few weeks before they came up to visit me here San Francisco. It was Vera Pinto's first trip to this lovely city by the bay, and I think she "left her heart here" too. It happens. We had such fantastic time touring around the city, from the Golden Gate bridge, to the downtown financial district. We hit them all. The highlight being a special trip to "La Taqueria" on 25th and Mission St, for some serous burritos. Yummm! So, OK, now you know the way Vera. I love sharing my wonderful city with all FMS family. If you haven't made it here yet....well....what are you waiting for?

(Pictures: 1- Awesome views at the Golden Gate Bridge, 2- Lombard Street "The Most Crooked Street in the World", 3- Downtown SF with the "Pyramid" building in the background, 4- The main entrance to Chinatown, 5- Spectacular views from on top Twin Peaks)

FMS Puerto Rico : I got news from Master Dennis Vega, that he and his wife Gimasoa just got back from a special vacation. They love to travel around the world, and this time around, they set their sights on China. This trip was years in the planning, and they finally did it. That is so awesome. They made stops in Beijing, Xian, and other cities. They said the forbidden city and great wall of China were overwhelming in their wonder and magnificent history. What an amazing trip indeed.

Master Vega also informs me that the FMS Puerto Rico crew sponsored the first FMS tournament in Puerto Rico. They had all of the divisions of competition familiar to FMS such as stand up sparring, grappling, weapon forms and weapon sparring. The turn out was tremendous, and their first FMS tournament is in the history books and mark it as a huge success. Congratulations to all the FMS Puerto Rico family on a job well done. Trust me, I know how much work goes into promoting these events. Keep up the good work. Farang!!!

FMS - Hollister : It seems that some of the FMS instructors from Hollister have found a second home down in Southern California. Inst. Beth Matulich tells me one day she got in her car for a drive and ended up in Huntington Beach. That is very cool. Inst Earl Boyd has also seemed to have found his way down South with ease lately, and needless to say, they have been having a great time training and sharing good times with the FMS Huntington Beach crew. This exemplifies the beauty of the true brotherhood of Modern Farang Mu Sul®.

FMS - Huntington Beach : Now, in keeping with our theme of birthday celebrations, we found out that Inst. Dylan Hamilton celebrated his birthday and I hear it was a blast.

He not only shared the day with his family, but the FMS Huntington Beach family was a big part of the celebration.

Congratulations Inst. Hamilton. It has been my personal pleasure to observe you grow into a strong young man who personifies strength, humility, character, love, loyalty, intelligence, desire and so much more. All hallmarks of a true Farang warrior. Keep you thirst for improvement never-ending, and balance it with your obvious gifts of teaching and sharing of this journey. I know your parents are extremely proud of you. Keep up the good work. Happy birthday and FARANG!

There are more reasons for celebration in Huntington Beach. Inst. Larry Saindon and his wife Kathy inform me that they now have a young graduate on their hands. Inst. Matt Wagner recently graduated from middle school.

That is so awesome. Congratulations Matt! This is such a tremendous milestone in your bright academic career. Keep making your parents proud, and equally as important, keep making yourself proud. You have many great role models, and all are looking up to you. Next step high school, and next college and whatever your heart chooses. You are so blessed with such a fantastic support group. Congratulations again.

More celebrations are on hand down in Southern California. Inst. Nelson Pinto and Vera celebrated their 1st year wedding anniversary.

Wow, time sure flies! I can't believe that it has already been one year since Inst. Nelson Pinto and Vera's wedding.

It seems like just yesterday that Inst. Terry King and myself were in an ancient church on the grounds of a medieval castle in Portugal, witnessing these two lovebirds taking their vows. It was such an honor to celebrate with their families as well as the FMS Portugal family.

And now, here we are one year later, and so much has happened in their life. Congratulations you two. May your life be filled with lots of rewarding experiences, fun, laughter, prosperity, all guided by your love and compassion. Farang!

As part of their celebration, they have been doing some traveling around Southern California. They have been hitting some of the famous sights and destinations such as Hollywood, Disneyland and San Diego. How cool. Enjoy to the fullest. You deserve this and so much more.

Inst. Nelson Pinto tells me that he has been keeping very busy with developing the adult FMS training program. As part of the FMS Alliance that he has started back in Portugal, he is developing several programs. This includes programs he is overseeing in Portugal, Brazil, and here in the US too. Good Work Sir. His programs reflect an emphasis on the conceptual aspects of Modern Farang Mu Sul®, with a distinct focus fighting. This is accomplished the good 'ol fashioned way: Getting back to basics. One can never get enough of basics. In FMS these are recognizing the main tools needed for the five main fighting ranges. Developing them to higher and higher levels, and devising drills that promote these fundamental moves of Boxing, Kickboxing, Trapping, Joint Locks, Takedowns, Ground work, Weapons, Mental and Internal Energy Development as well as Physical Conditioning. You can't go wrong there. He is keeping his new group on their toes, and working hard. Those that have had the good fortune to have worked with Inst. Pinto know his incredible work ethic, high spirit and seemingly unending energy. Good job Sir. Keep it up! Farang.

FMS Portugal: I got word from Portugal that Asst. Inst. Bruno Franco from Lisbon has been very busy working on the FMS-CQC-Sulsa military tactics. He recently conducted some very good training workshops in the capitol, and his work has been very well received. Good job Sir. Farang!

I was also informed that the FMS Braganca group recently had their first open seminar as well as color belt testing. Inst. Tiago Silva traveled up North to join Inst. Sergio Anes and the FMS family there to teach and support their events. They worked on a variety of things from FMS empty hand CQC, and practical weapons as well. The comprehensiveness of their teachings were very well received and appreciated. Good work gentlemen.

The FMS Braganca color belt test was that much more special with Inst. Tiago Silva (from the FMS Cadaval group) sitting on the judges panel. As expected the students performed to their potential and beyond. They did a fantastic job. Huge congratulations to all. I know Inst. Pinto is very proud of you all as am I. But, It's extra special for Inst. Pinto to see you all doing so well, working hard, and setting such a good example, carrying on the tremendous work that he began. Keep up the good work. I look forward to seeing you all in Portugal in 2008.

And speaking of keeping busy, I was also informed that Inst. Tiago Suares and Inst. Tiago Silva from the FMS Caldes De Rainha and Cadaval groups recently conducted a special Law Enforcement training seminar. These special LE seminars are extremely valuable, and the elements of the Portuguese GNR are happy beneficiaries. The FMS-CQC-Sulsa program has had great success and acceptance by these fine modern day warriors. Keep up the good work everyone. We are all very proud of you. Farang!!!

FMS Germany : Inst. Michael Klockner from FMS Köln informs me that he is just about ready for the 32nd FMS black belt test here in the USA. Of course one is never completely ready, but this process has been going on for several years now, and it is time. He has committed to come to the USA to present his test. While here we will do any needed last minute tweaking and get him totally ready. How exciting!

And speaking of testing, the students in Köln are just about ready for another color belt test. They are scheduling one for next month. Therefore, they are working very hard in preparation for the test. I have lots of faith that they will do a good job. Just keep training. Farang!

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:

This month of July will be: Inst. Dylan Hamilton July - 12th, and Kuk Sa Nim July - 23rd.

Next month of August will be: Inst. Earl Boyd Aug - 05th, Inst. Kimberly Leith Aug - 15th, Inst. Robert Hudson Aug - 27th, and Master Dennis Vega Aug - 31st.

Farang!!!

That's all for now. With brotherhood,

Kuk Sa – De Alba

Modern Farang Mu Sul® World HQ – SF

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