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Dedicated to the Filipino Martial Arts and the Culture of the Philippines Mini Issue 2010 Contents FMAdigest Publishers Desk Publisher Masters Hal of Fame Overview 2 Steven K. Dowd Inductees Punong Guro/Master Marc Lawrence 4 FMAdigest Representatives Grandmaster Felix Roiles 5 Marc Lawrence Grandmaster Lowell “Bud” Cothern 6 Grandmaster Alexander B. France 6 Coach Kidd Jason 7 Grandmaster Antonio E. Somera 8 Grandmaster Narrie Babao 8 Grandmaster Richard S. Bustillo 9 Great Grandmaster Carlito A. Lanada, Sr. 11 Contributors Gallery 12 Marc Lawrence Thank You, Grandmaster Darren Tibon 15 Alex France Darren Tibon Appointed Abassador 16 Kamatoy Media Group FMAdigest Archives

Photos Coutesy of: Melody Lawrence Eric Jue Zena Sultana Babao Felix Roiles Richard Bustillo

The FMAdigest is published quarterly. Each issue features practitioners of martial arts and other internal arts of the Philippines. Other features include historical, theoretical and technical articles; reflections, Filipino martial arts, healing arts and other related subjects. The ideas and opinions expressed in this digest are those of the authors or instructors being interviewed and are not necessarily the views of the pub- The articles are the prop- lisher or editor. erty of the author’s that wrote them We solicit comments and/or suggestions. Articles are also welcome. and cannot be used without the The authors and publisher of this online magazine are not responsible permission of the author. for any injury, which may result from following the instructions contained in the The FMAdigest is the magazine. Before embarking on any of the physical activates described in the property of Steven K. Dowd and is magazine, the reader should consult his or her physician for advice regarding for the promulgation and promo- their individual suitability for performing such activity. tion of the Filipino martial arts and the Philippines. The information in the FMAdigest is a compilation of many sources. If there NO issue can be printed is any misinformation or information that is not given the proper credit, please and Sold for Monies, without the contact us. express permission of the Owner FMAdigest 1297 Eider Circle Fallon, NV 89406 and Publisher Steven K. Dowd. (775) 423-3253 [email protected] Publishers Desk

Kumusta The Masters Hall of Fame was founded in 1999 and was recognized as one of the premier martial arts events on the West Coast. The Academy of Masters awards Excellence Awards for Developing Leadership in the martial arts. In 2009 Darren Tibon was a recipient of the Life Achievement Award (for his unrelenting and tireless promulgation, promotion and support of the Filipino martial arts, with his Orga- nization the USFMAF) and also became an Ambassador in the Academy for the Filipino martial arts. So in 2010 Darren Tibon wanted to bring forth some of the best in the Filipino martial arts to be recognized for their contributions, promulgation and promotion of the Filipino martial arts. This year with recipients such as Grandmaster Richard Bustillo one of the pioneers in researching and studying the Filipino martial arts of Kali/Escrima/ Arnis, and as a result, having been credited worldwide for reviving and promoting the martial arts of the Philippines. Master Marc Lawrence, who researches and puts forth continuous information on the different facets and history of the Fili- pino martial arts. www.usfmaf.org Such recipients such as Grandmaster Antonio E. Somera, Grandmaster Alexander B. France, Grandmaster Lowell Cothern, Grandmaster Felix Roiles, Grandmaster Narrie Babao, and Great Grandmaster Carlito A. Lanada, Sr. who have dedicated their lives to continually support and promote not only their arts but the Filipino martial arts in general. The FMAdigest would like to congratulate these practitioners for their recognition in the Master Hall of Fame for their dedication and support to the Filipino martial arts.

Maraming Salamat Po Masters Hall of Fame overview

Introduction The Masters Hall of Fame man- ing plan on martial arts supplies, The Masters Hall of Fame has ap- agement team consists of the bringing the Academy of Masters plied and is awaiting acceptance as Board of Directors and Executive membership base to the martial a 503c non-profit Organization to Officers that work closely with the arts community and inter-member benefit martial arts, Masters Hall Chief Executive Officer. product distribution. of Fame works to enhance Excel- Services Mission lence in the martial arts by promot- Masters Hall of Fame provides a The Masters Hall of Fame is an ing martial arts events to the mar- variety of services to the martial association of martial artist and tial arts community, and assisting arts community including the other interested parties that works martial artist improve Leadership scheduling and coordination of a to recognize, develop, enhance and skill within their organizations. number of activities and events; improve the martial arts leaders The Organization these include Annual Awards Ban- and businesses by “Developing Masters Hall of Fame was Found- quet, martial arts demonstrations, and Recognizing Excellence” in ed in 1999 and was recognized seminars, tournaments, meetings, the martial arts communities. as one of the premier martial arts a Martial Arts Festival, and a VIP events on the West Coast. In 2006 reception. Most of the services under new leadership of Daniel are developed around an annual Hect the Masters Hall of Fame Masters Hall of Fame Induction expanded the focus and opera- event, however as the organization tions to include the recognition of grows the Masters Hall of Fame exceptional martial arts leaders will develop additional marketing and legends through Induction and services for the Masters Organiza- Recognition in the Masters Hall of tion members. Fame an Academy of Masters. In addition, the Masters provides The Masters Hall of Fame Ambas- direct services to the Masters sadors nominate martial arts lead- Members and their businesses that ers for induction on the Masters include communications in the Hall of Fame; Inductees are a cross form of the Academy of Masters section of the martial arts com- Online Magazine, event support, munity from Police and Military as well as special bulletins, press Leaders, Martial Arts Legends, and releases and group benefits like Karate Champions. discounts from Martial Arts Sup- pliers and distributor’s affiliation The Academy of Masters awards programs discounts and seminars. Excellence Awards for Developing Leadership in the martial arts. The Among the benefits planned in the Masters Organization continues to near future is five College Schol- develop future leaders by mentor- arships for $1000 to a college or ing and developing leadership college bound student pursuing qualities. a college education, group buy- 2 Event Program: 5:00pm doors opened-Social Hour 6:00pm Welcome by-CEO Daniel R.Hect. Executive Team Introductions Presentation to 2010 Masters Ambas- sadors 6:20pm Invocation by Dr. Ben Hubbard 6:30pm Dinner was served/ Entertainment- The seven future young stars of Karate Demos and movie shorts and the Special Short The Many Faces opf James Hong 7:30pm Master of Ceremony: Master Bo Sveson Academy of Masters Awards Presentations Scholarship Award Presentation 8:30pm Special guest speaker Grand Master Eric “Lionman” O Neal Creator of Lionman and the seven Kuro- dos 9:00pm Masters Hall of Fame Awards Presentations Founders Award Presentation Hanshi Daniel Hect Bushido Award Presentation 11:45pm The Event Ends

In 2009 at the Masters Hall of Fame awards the Filipino martial arts recipients’ were Grand Maestro Jon Bais of Bais Tres Manos (www.ksk-fma.net) and Pangulong Guro / Master Darren Tibon of Angels Disciples (www.angelsdisciples.net) and Founder and President of the United States Filipino Martial Arts Federation (USFMAF) (www.usfmaf.org) This year (2010) at the Masters Hall of Fame the Filipino martial arts expanded and more practitioners were recognized for their contributions to the Filipino martial arts and martial arts in general.

3 Life Achievement Award Punong Guro/Master Marc Lawrence Marc Lawrence was presented a lifetime achievement award by Masters Hall Of Fame, Filipino martial arts Ambassador Darren Tibon. Marc Lawrence a Master and Punong Guro (Head Instructor) of South Bay Filipino Martial Arts Club received the Lifetime Achievement Award for the continual support and propagation of the Filipino Martial Arts regard- less of the style. Some of his achievements include writing books and articles on the subject of Filipino martial arts, developing and publishing a kid’s book to introduce children to Filipino martial arts, resurrecting the lost art of the making of Filipino martial arts weapons and training aids with local materials and teaching these methods, developing a community outreach program hosting and teaching free classes to the public, establishing a Filipino martial arts Commu- nity Center in the North Torrance-South Gardena Community and developed his own style called Modified Pangamut. Master Lawrence and his students have appeared and demonstrated Filipino martial arts on the Kidd D. Jason Martial Arts show. He and his students have supported Filipino martial arts tournaments, events and schools throughout California over the years. He continues in his tireless support of Filipino martial arts schools and teachers in the support of the arts. Marc Lawrence is also a contributor to the FMAdigest researching historical and factual information on the Filipino martial arts, and is always looking for a story, interview etc., to not only further his knowledge but to share with all interested in the Filipino martial arts The following are some of the articles that he has written for the FMAdigest: Regular Issues - JEDOKAN - Vol6 No2 - Filipino Martial Arts in the United States - Vol6 No3 - Carin’s Doce Pares - Vol7 No2 - LAHUKA Eskrima - Guro Jovelyn Minoza - Vol7 No3 Special Issues - Young Practitioners III - Keeping Tradition Alive in Torrance - Disneyland Martial Arts Festival Anaheim, CA. 2009 Special Editions Download - Pakamut - The Beginnings of PAKAMUT, The Early Training Years of Master Felix Roiles, Best of the Best 2006, and 2007 Stick Fighting Tournament, - FMA Law Enforcement and Military Training II - FMA training for Law Enforcement Officers - Homemade Training Equipment Building Your Own FMA Back Yard/Garage Studio and Homemade Weap- onry - FMA Daga II - Basic Knife Fighting - Philippine Weaponry - Entire Issue Mini Issues - FMA Long Beach Internationals - USFMAF & South Bay FMA Club Judging & Referee Workshop and South Bay Filipino Martial Arts Club Adventures at Long Beach International - Stick Grappling Workshop - Main Article - SBFMA Workshop - Main Article

4 For more information about Master Marc Lawrence and the Modified Pangamut System. Club location: 15205 Crenshaw, Gardena, Ca, 90249 Phone: (310) 961-1266 Email: [email protected] Website: wwwsouthbayfmaclub.com

Silver Life Achievement Award Grandmaster Felix Roiles

Felix Roiles was presented a lifetime achievement award by Masters Hall Of Fame, Filipino martial arts Ambassador Darren Tibon. Grandmaster Felix Roiles of Pakamut International gave thanks to his teacher who was his grandfather when he received the Lifetime Achievement Award for the continual support and propagation of the Filipino Martial Arts regard- less of the style. Felix said that it was his grandfather who shared his fighting methods with him. Some of his achievements include re-establishing the Mountain Visayan System from his area called Pakamut. He established the Paka- mut International Association to help spread Filipino Martial Arts in other countries like United States, Mexico, and Norway as well the Philippines. He was part of Original Doce Pares competition team of the 1995. He established VAL/FLEX productions and produced Filipino martial arts training videos for Doce Pares Multi-system. He has supported many different styles of the Filipino martial arts by teaching seminars at FMA events around the Unites States, assisting at tournaments and hosting tournaments throughout California. He provided training to the USMC and to the US Marshall’s service. Felix used his own personal resources and contact to establish the US wholesale Equipment Company (Roiles Gears) for Filipino martial arts sparring gear and training materials after the main US wholesaler became defunct. For more information him at: PAKAMUT International Association P.O. Box 65552 Los Angeles, CA. 90065-0552 U.S.A. Phone: (323) 350-8500 Email: [email protected] Website: www.pakamut.com Or Roiles Gears Ltd. Phone: (562) 590-6517 Email: [email protected] Website: www.roilesgearsltd.com Learn more about Grandmaster Roiles and the art of PAKAMUT

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5 Golden Life Achievement Award Grandmaster Lowell “Bud” Cothern Lowell Cothern has been a dedicated practitioner of Kuntaw, (The Fili- pino Hand & Foot Fighting Art) for over 40 years. Being promoted to Grandmaster by Great Grandmaster Carlito Lanada of Kuntaw, Grand- master Cothern has tireless supported and been a strong supporter of Kuntaw and all martial arts in the Southern California area, and is known throughout Kuntaw as a technical advisor in the art, Grandmaster Coth- ern’s knowledge is unsurpassed in the art of Kuntaw. Grandmaster Cothern has con- tinuously promulgated and promoted the martial arts, Grandmaster Cothern and his students have supported not only Filipino martial arts tournaments, events and schools throughout southern California over the years, but has supported all martial arts events. He continues his quest in Kuntaw to ensure the knowledge of the art will continue on for future prati- tioners.

Golden Life Achievement Award Grandmaster Alexander B. France Alex France was a die-hard Wado Ryu practitioner under Sensei Hidy Hi- raoka when he first saw Filipino martial arts in action. Not in the Philip- pines, but in a tournament in the United States. Grandmaster Jonathon “Jon” Bais came to Vallejo, California that Alex gave Filipino martial arts a chance. He was the one that converted Alex, showing him the deadly beauty of our country’s art. Alex met Great Grandmaster, Ernesto Presas and then-brown belt, now Grandmaster, Warlito “Lito” Concepcion. Grandmaster Presas took him under his wing, becoming his mentor and instilling in Alex the foundation he needed to stand on his own and to discover things for himself. And then, Balintawak Grandmaster, Veraqui “Ver” Villasin came to town. Grandmaster Ver is an exacting teacher, teaching the way his teacher, Great Grandmaster Jose Villasin, taught him, patiently going over and over the same thing. It was Grandmaster Villasin that showed Alex the roots. So in summary, Alex France is studying the arts of three Filipino warrior clans, Bais, Presas, and Villa- sin. Three families, four teachers. He holds them all close to his heart. Based in the Northern California city of Vallejo, Alex France serves as the IPMAF’s Secretary General, a post he has held for many years. Grandmaster France is a main organizer and advocate for Great Grandmaster Presas’ art and effectively keeps the Federation’s vast membership linked and informed of current goings-on.

6 Grandmaster France is also the Vice President, United States Filipino Martial Arts Federation (USF- MAF) Hayward Martial Arts 1024 B St. #1, Hayward, CA. 94541 Phone: (925) 864-7477 or (925) 924-4498 Email: [email protected] Website: www.philippinemartialartsacademy.com Or Knuckle Up 4380 Sonoma Blvd #224, Vallejo, CA 94589

Golden Life Achievement Award Coach Kidd Jason Coach Kidd D. Jason of All Systems Open Fighting Art accepted The Golden Life Time Achievement Award for his support of the Filipino Martial Arts. Kidd D. Jason has been involved with the Filipino martial arts since 1977. Kidd D. Jason has hosted tournaments that included stick fighting methods in weapons divisions since 1978. Kidd D. Jason has produced, directs a martial arts TV program for cable TV for many years. He first aired the Filipino martial arts on his program in 1996 with Nelson Trini- dad being interviewed and demonstrating. Kidd D. Jason has continued with his support of the Filipino martial arts in his tournament circuit with stick form divisions, mixed weapons divisions and self defense technique divisions for many years. Kidd has been supporting the concept of stick fighting as an Olympic event for many years with continual plugs on his TV show since 1996. Kidd D. Jason organized the United Fighters Training Club for the purpose of sharing with all styles and systems and the Filipino martial arts has been part of the club for last 20 years. Kidd D. Jason has assisted a number of martial artists in publishing books. Kidd started in 1981 promoting the Filipino martial arts, with other martial arts in sponsored award ceremonies known as the Kick-Punch Awards. Kidd D Jason is best known for his Founding of the West Coast Eruption Martial Arts Association. A quote by Coach Kidd D. Jason: About Martial Artists and Fighters Kidd D. Jason is a Martial Artist who believes that all martial arts are good, he has never seen a bad martial art. A martial art is only as good as you make it for yourself. If there was only one superior fighting art that would be the fighting art everybody would be in it.

West Coast Eruption Phone: (951)243-0960 Email: [email protected] Website: kiddjason.com 7 Golden Life Achievement Award Grandmaster Antonio E. Somera

In accepting his induction into the Masters Hall of Champions, Grand- master Somera wishes to pay tribute to the enormous contributions Grandmaster Emeritus Leo Giron made to the fields of martial arts and specifically Filipino martial arts. Grandmaster Emeritus Giron was the Father of Larga Mano in America, a WWII veteran, and a martial arts Icon. “He was a super star, he was our star and he was our shinning light of life. He gave us all the liberty of freedom to learn of life and the arts, Equality in having the necessary ability and strength, Fraternity in which the same beliefs in work along with fellowship and family,” says Grandmaster Somera. As a boy Grandmaster Somera began his lessons in the martial arts in the fields of his family’s farm in Stockton, using his father’s bolo knife to chop down rows of corn stalks. After years of formal training, Somera was awarded a 3rd degree black belt in Goju Royu Karate and is the highest ranking student in Mande Muda Silat, a Indonesian martial art system. However, he is best known as the leading authority in Bahala Na® Mar- tial Arts and the only person to be promoted to the ranks of Master and Grand- master by its founder, the late Grandmaster Emeritus Leo M. Giron. Somera has carried on the legacy of his mentor through his dedication to the principles, philosophy, and purpose of Bahala Na® Martial Arts and by sharing the rich Filipino History and culture embodied in the art of Giron® Arnis Escrima. Giron® Arnis Eskrima Bahala Na® Martial Arts/Association 7920 Kelly Dr., Stockton, CA. Phone: (209) 401-8261 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bahalana.org

Platinum Life Achievement Award Grandmaster Narrie Babao Narrie Babao father, the late Buenaventura “Turing” Babao, started teaching Narrie the Batangas method of Arnis in 1963. In February of 1968, Narrie received notice to report to Sang- ley Point in Cavite, for a written and physical exam, the first process in enlisting with the United States Navy. Narrie preferred to join the United States Marine Corps, but that window of opportunity was not open yet. Narrie swore his allegiance to defend the United States from all enemies, both foreign and domestic. Every time Narrie went on leave in the Philip- pines, he would consult his father about Arnis techniques. In the history of Ed Parker’s annual Long Beach Internationals tournament, Narrie was the first practitioner to demonstrate the use of the balisong knife in the weapons form competition. It was also in 1976 when Inosanto introduced Narrie to Kali 8 Master Ben Largusa, who accepted him as a disciple. It was in November of that same year, when Narrie and Inosanto formally introduced the arts of Arnis and Eskrima to the people of San Diego, California. In July 1978, Narrie became the first Weapons Sparring Champion at a tournament sponsored by Kyu- kushinkai instructor Ben Singleton of Vista, California. This type of competition was the first of its kind in the American martial arts scene. The head referee was Solomon Kahewalu of the Hawaiian Lua system. Narrie defeated other fighters who used esoteric weapons like the Nunchakus, Bo, and Shinai. It was also on that same year when Narrie was promoted as Kali Guro’ by then Grandmaster Floro Villabrille and Grandmaster Ben Largusa. It was in 1981 when Doce Pares Great Grandmaster Cacoy Canete arrived in the United States. He conducted a seminar at the Filipino Kali Academy. Narrie was captivated by the close quarter combat fluidity of Eskrido, which was developed by Grandmaster Cacoy in 1948. Like the three sides of the triangle, the current Babao Arnis system is composed of three combative methods: the Villabrille-Largusa Kali, Grandmaster Cacoy’s Doce Pares Eskrido, and the original Batangas Arnis taught by Turing Babao. Babao Arnis Email: [email protected]

Learn More About Grandmaster Narrie Babao and the Babao Arnis System.

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Platinum Life Achievement Award Grandmaster Richard S. Bustillo Richard S. Bustillo is the Founder and Chief Instructor of the IMB (In- ternational Martial arts & Boxing) Academy in Torrance, California. An original student of the legendary Bruce Lee and a Founding member of the Bruce Lee Educational Foundation (Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do Nucleus) Board of Directors. He is also a former lecturer at California State University, and is certified as a law enforcement defensive tactics instructor by the FBI, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the Los Angeles Police Department, where he functions as a consultant for the LAPD’s Civilian Martial Arts Advisory Panel. In 1967, along with training partner at the time Dan Inosanto, 9 Bustillo began to research and study the Filipino martial arts of kali/escrima/arnis. As a result, he and Inosanto have been credited worldwide for reviving and promoting the martial arts of the Philippines. In 1974, the two co-founded the Filipino Kali Academy in Torrance, California, in order both to share their experience of Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do with others and to preserve and advance the Filipino arts. In addition to being recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on Bruce Lee’s Jeet Kune Do, Richard’s martial arts resume includes a broad array of instructor credentials. In 1978, he began studying Muay Thai kickboxing and was awarded the title of Kru (instructor) in 1985 from former Olympian and Muay Thai champion Nanfa “Chiridichoi” Satenglam. He is also a certified USA Olympic Training Center coach and offi- cial for U.S. Amateur Boxing of Southern California, a Sensei (instructor) with the Catch-As-Catch-Can Wres- tling Association of Japan, a Guro (instructor) in Kali/Escrima/Arnis, and a 9th degree black belt (Grandmaster) under the fame Cacoy Doce Pares Organization of Cebu City, Philippines. In 1986, after managing the personnel department of a major Los Angeles airline for three years (as the culmination of a twenty-year career), Grandmaster Bustillo elected for early retirement in order to dedicate himself full-time to the martial arts. His ultimate goal is to contribute not only to the martial arts, but to society in general, by helping to instill a sense of confidence and well being in the lives of everyone he teaches. Other notable points in Grandmaster Bustillo’s career include his tenure as a former columnist for Mar- tial Arts Training and serving as President of the World Eskrima/Kali/Arnis Federation (WEKAF) from 1994- 96. As an adjunct to his rigorous schedule of teaching at the IMB, coaching and officiating boxing and kickboxing, and conducting martial arts seminars across the country and abroad, Grandmaster Bustillo also serves his community in a number of auxiliary capacities. IMB Academy 22109 S. Vermont Ave., Torrance, CA 90502 Phone: (310) 787-8793 Email: [email protected] Website: www.imbacademy.com

Learn More About Grandmaster Richard Bustillo and the IMB Academy

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10 Platinum Life Achievement Award Great Grandmaster Carlito A. Lanada, Sr. Carlito left his province in 1958 going to Olongapo City to commence to establish the art of Kuntaw. At first not being taken seriously and essen- tially being laughed at and challenged by other martial arts Organizations, he was finding the way rough and not very prosperous at all. Here was a young man wearing a belt colored red, white, and blue claiming to be a sixth degree of an art that had been secretly taught for hundreds of years. The belt given to him by his father represented the Filipino flag and the determination, courage, and freedom the nation stood for in its self. To all who came near, Carlito talked of unity of the fighting arts, unity in that each should show and have respect for each art as a separate art and all arts as a whole, a belief which he still most strongly has lec- tured on throughout time up to the today. When first opening his school called the “Philippine Kung Fu KuntawAssociation,” Kung Fu being used to fit in with the ideas of the martial arts then being that everyone thought of the martial arts as Kung Fu, Ka- rate, or Judo. In 1964 moving his school he reinstated the name of Maharlika Kuntaw (Royal Blood of Kuntaw), “the original name handed down from his Grandfather Yoyong. In 1968, Carlito Lanada was acclaimed the youngest martial arts Founder in the Philippines. In 1972 proud of his accomplishments in getting Kuntaw recognized on Luzon Island and with the art commencing to spread throughout the Philippines incorporated the name of Kuntaw ng Pilipinas (Kuntaw of the Philippines). Kuntaw continued to grow with schools located throughout the world in such places as Italy, Germany, Bahrain, the Arab Emerates, Yemen, Canada, and the United States. Kuntaw was International so in 1977, Grandmaster Lanada established the International Kuntaw Federation. In 1984 that Grandmaster Lanada father Amang Iban Lanada passed away. But not before seeing his son making his dream come true. The dream of Kuntaw reaching out throughout the world and commence to be established among all martial arts throughout the world. Today living in the United States, Great Grandmaster Lanada still teaches and continues to promote the art of Kuntaw. Email: [email protected] Website: www.kuntaw.net

11 12 13 14 Thank You, Grandmaster Darren Tibon Last year, Grandmaster Darren Tibon scored a major coup for the Filipino martial arts when he was nominated and inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame (one of the few Hall of Fame’s where you cannot “buy your honor”) and became one of that Organization’s Ambassadors. This year, instead of sitting on his laurels, he utilized his ambassadorship to open wide the doors for his fellow Filipino martial arts practitioners to also be recognized and honored (on a world-wide stage, no less!) for their individual accomplishments and lifetime dedication to the martial arts. The Filipino martial arts contingent brought for induction was warmly received by accomplished, honored, and distinguished representatives of various martial art systems from all around the world. I want to personally thank, and congratulate, Grandmaster Darren Tibon for all that he has accomplished in the world of Filipino martial arts. • His lifetime dedication to his teacher, Great Grandmaster Angel Cabales • His masterful teaching, molding and development of his students • His tremendous promotion of Filipino martial arts through various venues • And for his unselfish, extremely generous sharing of all the enjoyment and rewards that came about through his efforts, hard work, and single-minded determination to bring Filipino martial arts to the forefront of public perception. We are all warriors and we all walk our own path. I for one (among many), consider myself very fortu- nate that Darren’s path and mine converged for these past five years. I’m sure our paths will diverge (and con- verge, and diverge again) as we follow our own calling, but I will always remember, and will always be thank- ful for, those times we walked together. Alex(ander Bautista Bayot France) Grandmaster Darren, I salute you. Pleasanton, California 15 The Eugene and Darren Tibon Join the Masters Hall of Fame Ambassador Team.

Date Released: October 14, 2009 Moreno Valley, California, October 13, 2009 - Daniel Hect, Chairman and CEO of the Masters Hall of Fame (www.MastersHallofFame.com), has announced the appointment of Tibon brothers to the Masters Hall of Fame Ambassador team; Grandmas- ter Eugene Tibon a leader in the Traditional Japanese Martial Arts world as well as Grandmaster Darren Eugene Tibon and Darren Tibon receiving Lifetime Tibon, a leading Ambassador in Filipino Marital Arts Achievement Award and also Appointed Ambassadors for will add their considerable expertise to the Masters the Masters Hall of Fame,

Hall of Fame Ambassador team. for the Martial Arts Community.” are excited to have both of them on The Masters Hall of Fame said Daniel Hect, Chairman and our team. Dye continued. is excited to announce the Tibon CEO. “Establishing exceptional The Masters Organization brothers to the Masters Hall of leadership is critical in preparing is 503c non-profit organization Fame Ambassador team; as Am- the Masters to meet the signifi- dedicated to “Recognizing Excel- bassadors the Tibon brothers will cant growth we are experiencing. lence” in the Martial Arts by devel- use their significant reach within Eugene and Darren will join a oping leadership in the martial arts the martial arts community to con- dedicated and established team; community. The continued growth tinue to “Recognize Excellence.” the team is excited about what of the Masters Hall of Fame relies “The Masters Hall of Fame Tibon brothers bring to the Or- on the combined leadership skills Ambassadors are the Heart and ganization. We have some of the with in the Masters Hall of Fame Soul of the Masters Hall of Fame,” best martial artist in the industry organization. said Lyn Walker, Masters Hall on our Ambassador team and we “As Masters Hall of Fame of Fame’s Senior Vice President. expect great things for the Martial Ambassadors, Eugene and Darren “Eugene and Darren will join the Arts Community as we go for- will be responsible for nominating Masters Hall of Fame Ambas- ward.” Hect added. leaders in the Martial Arts Com- sadors, these Ambassadors are “Eugene and Darren’s in- munity for induction, said Daniel responsibility for nominated the volvement with the Masters could Hect, Masters Hall of Fame CEO. next class of inductees; this is the not have come at a better time,” The Tibon brothers have significant single most important responsi- said David Dye, Masters Hall of reach within the Martial Arts Com- bility within the Masters Hall of Fame President. Eugene was a sig- munity and we are excited about Fame. Lyn continued. nificant factor in the development what they bring to the Masters “The Masters organization of the Disney Martial Arts Festival Hall of Fame team.” Hect contin- is in the right place at the right relationship. The Tibon brothers ued. time, as an organization are very are very respected Leaders in the optimistic about the opportunities Martial Arts Community and we

For more information on the Masters Hall of Fame visit www.MastersHallofFame.com, or contact Daniel Hect at [email protected]. 16 Darren Tibon the Filipino martial arts Ambassador to the Masters Hall of Fame and President of the USFMAF who has opened the doors and promulgated and promoted the Filipino martial arts with his wife Darlene Tibon. The FMAdigest would like to make note that a driving force behind Darren is his wife Darlene who has contributed countless hours in support to the goals of her husband and has contributed greatly to the FMAdigest in providing and supporting the Filipino martial arts through articles, and information so the FMAdigest could provide articles, Special Issues, Special Editions and Mini Issues to its readers. The FMAdigest thanks Darren and Darlene for their constant and continued support.

Darren and Darlene Tibon www.usfmaf.org

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17 The FMAdigest has been designed to provide access to articles, information, events, news, seminars, techniques, etc… pertinent to the Filipino Martial Arts and the Philippines. The Filipino Martial Arts Digest besides providing information on Filipino martial arts has an online digest which you can subscribe too for Free and comes out quarterly, also with Spe- cial Editions that are on particular systems or styles, and Special Issues on events of the Filipino martial arts. Do not miss out! Download past issues and subscribe today so not to miss future issues.

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