July, 2004

The month of July is always one of my favorites. Not just because my birthday falls in July (always too much fun), but it is a month where everyone has so many things planned. Vacations, visits, and events. The FMS family has been no exception, as we have had quite a busy month. Here are some updates:

FMS Hollister: Inst. Schleeter has been very busy the last few months. He recently appeared in a couple of newspapers. They did some very nice interviews on him as a teacher at San Benito High School and the connection as a martial arts instructor.

Also highlighted was a return visit by the world famous Frank Shamrock. What an enlightening, stimulating and fun experience. Mr. Shamrock is not only an amazingly gifted fighter, but an equally lucid and articulate teacher. His method of laying down a foundation, building upon it and expanding the intricate concepts involved was very impressive. We worked on everything from sound stand up to clinch drills, to take downs and ground work. Very good stuff! After our work out, we all went over Inst. Schleeters house for some tasty BBQ and a dip in the hot tub. Not only were Hollister and WHQ students there, but we were very happy to see Inst. Ken Gibson and Christina from NY and Inst. Larry Saindon make it up from Huntington Beach. Special thanks to Vince Troia for putting this all together again. What a blast, I can't wait for next year.

For more pictures of the Frank Shamrock seminar click HERE

FMS Puerto Rico: Master Vega is working very hard not only in teaching FMS, and traveling with his competition team, but also preparing for our upcoming visit and seminar in September. We are planning some great black belt training and open seminars as well as having some fun taking in some of the beauty that is Puerto Rico. If you've never been there before, trust me, you are missing out. Put it on your list! We will be doing the main seminar on Saturday, the 11th of September at the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. For more information contact Master Vega at: (787) 347-0485

FMS Portugal: Inst. Pinto has been very busy with his FMS schedule: Teaching, demos and seminars. His hard work is really starting to show great results as he now has several satellite branches in Portugal with the help of his very talented and loyal students (Pedro Silva and Tiago Silva). Also, Inst. Jorge Lobo has began the transition from TKD into FMS and is beginning to teach at his schools in Lisbon and Barcarena. Good job everyone! Inst. Pinto also recently made an appearance on the very popular TV Show: Herman SIC. Inst. Pinto and students put on a great show. Congratulations, we are all very proud of you! Also, FMS Portugal has just launched a new website. It is loaded with tons of information in Portuguese and soon in English. Check it out at www.farangmusulportugal.com

1- Inst. Nelson Pinto w/ Herman Jose, 2- Asst. Inst. Pedro Silva and Asst. Inst. Tiago Silva self defense Demo, 3- Patricia executes Axe Kick Break, 4- Inst. Nelson Pinto doing his famous Blindfolded Flying Spin Kick Demo

FMS Germany: Master Wachsmann and the German FMS groups are in heavy training for the upcoming Euro Cup competition. They made a very impressive showing last year, and are planning to make an even bigger splash this time around. This year there will be students from Poland and Portugal joining in to show everyone Modern Farang Mu Sul® has arrived! Wow, this should be very fun. I only wish I could be there personally. For sure I'll be there in spirit, and we will all be rooting for you. FARANG!!!

- My god-daughter Justine Wachsmann works out on Dad

FMS - WHQ: Lots of things going on at WHQ. Master James De Alba and his lovely wife Dolores recently celebrated their 6th wedding anniversary. We went out for a wonderful brunch at the Alta Mira Hotel, which is where they originally celebrated their wedding reception. It was a spectacular day, and views were breathtaking. Congratulations Sir!

And speaking of celebrations, we had the best time at the Ocean Beach Chalet on the 23rd. The event was the celebration of the 22nd anniversary of my 25th birthday. Yes, I continue to turn 25 every year. Inst. Kim Leith and my wife Justine coordinated everything, and it was awesome. It was a night of good food, great drinks, sparkling conversation and not to forget the cubanskis. Inst. King got his hands on some pre-ban, pre-Castro Cubans. Wow, they were awesome. Thank you to all for the wonderful time and all the calls, e-mails, cards and gifts. You made me feel very loved and special. Farang!

For more pictures of the birthday celebration click HERE

Also, since we have black belt testing coming up next month, we have been engaging in quite a bit of black belt training both here at WHQ and down in Hollister. There are approximately 9 students slated to test. 3 going for 1st Dan, 4 going for 2nd Dan, and 2 for 3rd Dan. Good luck everyone. Just do what you've been doing and don't let anyone, nor anything get in your way.

- Inst. Kim Leith and Inst. Beth Dudzik work on their sword form

Other News: And speaking of tests, I received news that the FMS schools in Spokane, Wa. and in Long Island, NY have recently conducted color belt tests. Congratulations to all the students on a job well done. Down the pipe, FMS Huntington Beach and WHQ are both in the process of preparing students for their upcoming color belt tests next month. Good luck to you all. I am confident that you will do well, because I know how hard you have been training. And last but not least, FMS Chicago: Inst. Talbott and his two sons have been burning up the tournament circuit. They have either won or placed in just about every major tournament around. We are all very happy and proud of you Sir! Keep up the good work. FARANG!!!

That's all for now, With brotherhood,

Kuk Sa – De Alba

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