Welcome to Modern Farang Mu Sul

August, 2005
There is no question that if Modern Farang Mu Sul® keeps growing the way it is growing, we will need a bigger news page just to give all the news from all over the globe. This has to be one of the most busy months that we've seen here at WHQ and all over for that matter. Buckle up, here are some updates:

FMS - WHQ: This month started off for us here at WHQ taking part in another black belt testing and ceremony at our good friend Kaiso Dave Bendigkeight's Shintaikido academy in Pacifica. Several of our extended family from several martial arts in the Bay Area were also in attendance, and we were honored and proud to represent Modern Farang Mu Sul®. Thank you so much.

(Pictures: 1- Group shot of the Masters and new black belts at Shintaikido of Pacifica, 2- KSN with Prof Carlos Navarro and Grand Master Bob Maschmeier, 3- Inst. Stuart McCalla, KSN and Inst. John Stensom, 4- FMS crew with Kaiso Dave Bendigkeight)

We were all overjoyed to help Inst. Kim Leith celebrate her latest birthday. Justine helped to coordinate a fabulous party at Le Colonial. A diversity of Kim's friends, family and FMS family were all on hand to partake in the fun. And what fun we had. As has become customary, we rendezvoused at the scenic restaurant: The Ramp on the next morning for brunch and some great live music. Congratulations Kim! You are one amazing and inspirational woman.

(Pictures: 1- John, Kenny, Stuart, Marlon and KSN celebrate with Kim at Le Colonial, 2- Inst. Kim Leith opens one of her presents the next day at the Ramp - The first FMS black belt bomber jacket)

We were very honored and happy to help coordinate and assist Prof. Carlos Navarro and Grand Master Rubi Navarro on their latest grand martial arts competition. This was a huge tournament with everything from sparring, forms, sport Jiujitsu, Knife Sparring and Full Contact Kick Boxing. Inst. Marlon Sims helped KSN run the Muay Thai and Kick Boxing divisions. As a special treat, Prof. Navarro, the Halbuna Kajukenbo students and a who's who of martial arts Grand Masters honored Grand Master Bob Maschmeier with a special lifetime achievement award. What a wonderful surprise. A good time was had by all for sure. Can't wait for next year.

Finally, after months and months of hardcore training, sacrifice and preparations, the 29th FMS black belt test was here at last. FMS black belts and black belt candidates converged into Master Schleeter's academy in Hollister to show that they were up to the challenge and rise to the challenge they did. Congratulations to Inst. Larry Saindon (Huntington Beach, CA), Inst. Earl Boyd (Hollister, CA), and Inst. Nicole Miller (Huntington Beach, CA) on passing their 2nd Dan test, and to Inst. Michael Nickles (Hershey, PA), Inst. Wyatt Kern (Long Island, NY), Inst. Shayna Merwin (Huntington Beach, CA), Inst. Dylan Hamilton (Huntington Beach, CA), and Inst. Matthew Wagner (Huntington Beach, CA) on achieving the coveted FMS 1st Dan. It was a long and demanding 8 hr. test, followed by a celebration dinner banquet in quaint San Juan Bautista, with plenty of friends and family on hand. The students from Huntington Beach had several surprises planned. They had special awards for Inst. Saindon, Master Schleeter and myself, not to forget a wonderful chocolate/chocolate cake. Thank you so much. Last was the very emotional black belt ceremony. What a truly magical and amazing experience. Congratulations to all. We are very proud of this incredible accomplishment. Job well done, and much deserved. Farang!

(Pictures: 1- After 29th FMS Black Belt Test, 2- Master Schleeter receives award at dinner banquet, 3- KSN receives award, 4- Inst. Saindon receives special sword set award, 5- FMS family enjoying dinner and conversation, 6- Master James De Alba leads the 29th FMS Black Belt Award Ceremony, 7- The new FMS Warriors)

FMS Michigan: In the midst of one of Michigan's hottest and most humid summers on record, Head Inst. Robert Hudson recently conducted color belt tests at two separate club locations. Congratulations to all of the students on their new rank. This is a fantastic accomplishment, so be proud. Job well done. Keep up the good work. Farang!

FMS Germany: Master Klaus Wachsmann is in Portugal conducting a series of seminars and color belt testing. Speaking of color belt testing, the students in Winterberg and Fredeburg better be getting ready because you are all next once Master Wachsmann gets back to Germany in September.

FMS - Hollister: After the 29th FMS Black Belt testing and Ceremony which was held in Hollister, several black belts wanted to do a little shooting. So we did. Master Schleeter's student Nathan hooked us up at his ranch, and we had a blast (literally). We shot several high powered rifles (AR15, G3 and FN/FAL) as well as shot guns and various hand guns. We did various combat movement drills, rapid fire drills and combat weapon transition and reloading drills. That was such awesome training that we do not get enough of. Looking to do more for sure! Farang!

FMS Portugal: Inst. Nelson Pinto and the Portugal FMS family recently had the pleasure of hosting Master Klaus Wachsmann from Germany. While in Portugal, Master Wachsmann conducted several special classes for adults and children at the HQ in Villar, as well as an open seminar in Cadaval. All the students had a great time working on empty hand combatives, grappling, weapons, forms and several sessions on special acrobatics. What a truly wonderful experience. It is simply awesome to see the true brotherhood shared by all FMS students.

(Pictures: 1- Master Wachsmann w/seminar group, 2- Master Wachsmann congratulates a little warrior on a great job, 3- Master Wachsmann and the kids ham it up, 4- Master Wachsmann and Inst. Pinto give out special seminar certificates, 5- Master Wachsmann teaching acrobatics, 6- Master Wachsmann sets the example, 7- Master Wachsmann helps a student with a flip, 8- Master Wachsmann w/seminar group)

FMS Modesto: Chief Inst. John Pantoja has begun to rebuild his fledgling program in the Modesto area with the help of new FMS student John Sayre. They are very excited and have lots of big plans. That's awesome! Count me in.

Other News: We are very pleased to announce that we have made the perfect connections to have some gorgeous FMS apparel custom made here in San Francisco. For our first batch, we have special FMS black belt only bomber jackets. They are of the best quality with beautiful embroidery stitching. So, all of you FMS black belts know what to do. Get them while they're hot. Next on the horizon are FMS bomber jackets for all IDSC members, so stay tuned.

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. Earl Boyd Aug -5th, Inst. Kimberly Leith Aug -15th and Inst. Robert Hudson Aug -27th. Wishing you all the best. Remember, you are an inspiration to so many, and this is your special day!

Next month of Sept. will be: Inst. Nelson Pinto Sept -2nd, Inst. Larry Saindon Sept -26th and Inst. Carlos Sanchez Sept -28th.