Welcome to Modern Farang Mu Sul

The Christmas and New Year holidays are here. All of the FMS schools around the world are enjoying a wonderful celebration, and I only wish I could be at them all. But I can't. I almost feel like a broken record when I say that this has truly been another banner year for FMS, but IT HAS!! The fact that we had 17 students test for black belt, in three different parts of the world says it all. Here are some updates:

FMS - WHQ: As you may all know, Asst. Inst. Markus Höhne from Germany was here at WHQ for some intense training. Well, we certainly had plenty of training as well as all sorts of fun, but we also managed to get him thru his next couple of belts and did a special test at WHQ before he left. As I was hoping, he did a fantastic job and passed with flying colors.

He has now returned to Germany where he will have plenty of time to work on tons of new material, and impart it to his students in Winterberg and Fredeburg, Germany. Congratulations Sir!!

Good News and Bad News: After years of dealing with knee problems, Master David Dehnert had finally come to a decision. He seriously injured his right knee during his last major surfing trip. Master Dehnert chases all the best waves, and literally surfs all over the world. It turns out he ripped up the cartilage on the tibia on his right knee and needed reconstructive surgery. The doctors are giving him an 80% recovery. He recently went under the knife, and is now at home recovering. Sir, I feel your pain, as I suffered that very same injury years ago. My doctors only gave me a 40% recovery rate, and said I would not be able to kick or jump. Needless to say, I proved them wrong (even without surgery). I just know you'll be fine Sir. Let us all give Master Dehnert our best wishes for a speedy recovery. I know that you'll be back in action, catching those waves again soon!

More congratulations are in order: We were once again honored to participate and assist Grand Master Ruby Navarro in their annual Martial Arts Tournament. The day was filled with fighting, forms and ended in the now famous Muay Thai Kickboxing competition. What a blast! Thank you also to Inst. Terry King, Inst. Marlon Sims from WHQ, and Master Schleeter from Hollister for coming out and helping with the judging all day. I look forward to next years event. Congratulations!!!

Also on hand we had the momentous occasion of Inst. Stuart McCalla's big Birthday. We had the most pleasant, warm and family time celebrating with a "Bowling Party Night".....yes, I said Bowling. It was soo much fun. Congratulations Sir.

1- Kim get a high 5 on a strike!! - 2- Thomas explains his strategy and amazing bowling technique to Inst. Stuart McCalla

As is custom, we had our annual WHQ Christmas Party again here in San Francisco. This year Inst. Kim Leith arranged for a wonderful dinner at the trendy restaurant: Mijool. It was a beautiful night of Mediterrainian food, drinks, awards, gifts and plenty of conversation. We came back to "Casa De Alba" for after dinner drinks, Cubanskis, and we also broke out my special Gran Duque De Alba for the students to enjoy. And enjoy we did. Thank you so much to all the FMS students for contributing on my gifts, and making it out to San Francisco for such a special night. Special thanks to Master Schleeter and Inst. Boyd for coming from Hollister, and Asst. Inst. Jeff Winter and the lovely Danielle, for coming down all the way from Mt. Shasta. FARANG!!

1- Inst. Kimberly Leith, KSN & Master Patrick Schleeter - 2- Brandon De Alba, Danielle Winters, Inst. Chris Mague, Reiko Mague & little Alex Mague

FMS Mt. Shasta: And speaking of Mt. Shasta, Asst. Inst. Winter was recently invited to Alaska for a film festival. While up North, he took advantage and did something he had been wanting to do for a long time: Going mushing with a Dog Sled Team. Wow, what an experience!

FMS Hollister: Master Schleeter and the FMS group in Hollister also had their annual Christmas Party, and final color belt testing for 2005. Congratulations to everyone on such a great year. So much was accomplished from expanding the student base, several students making black belt (some higher than 1st Dan), Master Schleeter finally achieving his 5th Dan, and the inaugural Faultline Warrior Classic Martial Arts Tournament, and so much more. HUGE Congratulations!

FMS Portugal: Inst. Nelson Pinto and the entire FMS Portugal family have had a very busy month. Asst. Inst. Jorge Lobo sponsored Inst. Pinto for a special FMS Seminar in Lisbon.

Several schools came out to support the event and enjoy the diversity of training sessions. Inst. Pinto also performed another amazing demo. Very cool, and good job Sir!

Inst. Pinto and crew also celebrated their annual Christmas Party, with a great, fun, family time. On the next day, they had the final color belt testing for 2004. I feel sorry for the students that celebrated the night before, as they had to report at 8am the following morning for a brisk morning jog and over an hour of meditation on top of the Mountain: Serra de Montejunto. The temperature was a refreshing 5 deg. Celsius (that's around 38 deg. Fahrenheit).....!!! Then came the rest of the test....Good job everyone. That should be one test you won't soon forget. Actually, this is the normal test protocol for Inst. Pinto's students. This was just the coldest time of the year to test.

FMS Spokane: Inst. Chris Knight has also been keeping very busy up in beautiful Spokane, Washington. They had "buddy days", their annual Christmas Party, and the final color Belt testing for 2004. It has been some year! Training, Demos, Competitions, Seminars, Testings, Traveling to California (twice!) and so much more. Congratulations Sir, and good job to all of the students for supporting your teacher, and representing FMS. We are proud of you all! 2005 will be an even greater year. You just watch. FARANG!

FMS Puerto Rico: I recently received word from Master Vega that he and several of his students will be making it out to San Francisco next year for our 6th Annual Warrior Quest Martial Arts Championships. That is just FANTASTIC!!! I am so excited. I am soo looking forward to seeing you all again, and can hardly wait!

FMS Miami: Inst. Manuel Herrera recently notified me that he is still working hard on relocating his dojang and establishing an official FMS program in Miami. This is very exciting. You wouldn't believe how many people contact us from the Miami area, asking about a school to train at. Needless to say, we are constantly pointing them to you, so a new dojang will be very good.

Other news from Miami, Inst. Herrera gave me the great news that his daughter Amanda recently performed at her Christmas recital. They were a HIT. Congratulations!!! That is awesome. It takes a lot to get up in front of so many strangers and perform.

Also, huge congratulations to his son Adrian on kicking his way to 2nd place with his soccer team. We like those kicks!!!

FMS - New York: I received word from the East Coast Crew that their upcoming NHB fight has been moved from January to March 2005. Oh well, welcome to the world of professional fighting. Delays and cancellations are an unfortunate part of the game. Keep your chin up guys, and just scale down your training until about 6 weeks before the actual fights. Otherwise you will over train or burn out and that will not do. Gotta play smart, and be at the top of your game. You can count on me and the West Coast FMS - TVT (Team Vale Tudo) to be there. Wild horses couldn't keep us away. FARANG!!!

FMS Michigan: Head Inst. Robert Hudson has informed me that he conducted his first FMS children's color belt test. Despite some nerves, the students rose to the occasion and did all that they had been practicing on for months, and passed with flying colors. Congratulations to Bobby Hudson Jr., Michael Garnett and his brother Nicholas Garnett.

FMS - Iraq: I recently received some great news from Master Greg Walker. He has completed his last tour in Iraq and is coming back home. He will be relocating back to Bend, Oregon where he and his family lived before. Actually, that is where we first met. Funny how life has it's circles... So welcome home Sir. Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and we'll get caught up and back into some serious training again in 2005. We have so much to do!!

Other News: I would like to take a moment to welcome our latest IDSC members doing our long distance training program. They are: Master Michael Massie from Georgetown, TX, Master Juan Rangel from Grand Rapids, MI, and Mr. David Rodrigues from Arecibo, PR. Welcome aboard gentlemen, ...welcome. It is a distinct pleasure to work with you all and it is inspiring to see the dedication you bring to the table. I pledge equal commitment and all of the support we can muster, to help you achieve all of your goals. Remember, your success is our success, and vice-versa. Looking forward to working with you all more this upcoming year.

FMS - Germany: In case you have not heard, the German FMS groups have two new websites. Asst. Inst. Höhne has been working very diligently with me on updating the Official German FMS site, and the Köln group has also worked on a very beautiful and informative site as well. Check them out at:

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. Ken Gibson Dec - 02nd, and Inst. Stuart McCalla Dec -17th. Wishing you all the best. Remember, you are an inspiration to so many, and this is your special day!

And now I would like to wish everyone a Happy, Safe and Prosperous New Year. 2005 is going to be "all the way live". Let us set our individual and collective goals, and let nothing get in our way.

"When the World is at Peace, a gentleman keeps his Sword by his side" - Wu Tsu

"He Who Knows Others Is Wise. He Who Knows Himself Is Enlightened" -Tao Te Ching