Welcome to Modern Farang Mu Sul

What an AMAZING month! I don't know if we can top this one. Seminars, Black Belts testing, Color Belt testing, training, and soo much fun. Here are some updates:

FMS - WHQ: First and foremost, I am so happy and proud to announce the results of the 28th Black Sash promotional examination on the East Coast. After weathering countless hours of travel, hot-humid-heat, layovers, and dodging two hurricanes, etc, all I can say is that I have one HUGE smile on my face. It was all worth it. We had a truly magical time in New York. There were no less than 6 black belts from California that made it to NY to be there for their East Coast brothers test. Actually, Inst. John Pantoja missed the last black sash test here in the West Coast, so he made it up in NY. What an amazing test. Everyone performed superbly. It was such an inspiring occasion. We also had yet another awesome seminar, where we covered tons of stand up to clinch, to ground work, not to mention weapons (knife and stick). Good job and congratulations to all the new black belts: Inst. Pat Brennan, Inst. Ken Gibson, Inst. Mike Iannone, (1st Dan) Inst. Robert Hudson, Inst. Anthony Spataro, Inst. Joseph Spataro, (2nd Dan) and Inst. John Pantoja (3rd Dan).
We also managed to make a quick trip to Manhattan, where we hooked up with Inst. Brennan and Inst. John Stenson's sister Christina (who lives there). We had another of "the greatest burgers in the world" at the Corner Bistro in the village. We also made our pilgrimage to "Hogs and Heffers". Too much fun, can't wait 'till next year.

For more pictures of the 28th Black Sash Test and Ceremony, click HERE
For more pictures of the East Coast Trip and seminar, click HERE

FMS Puerto Rico: Inst. John Stenson and myself just returned from THE BEST trip to Puerto Rico, EVER. Master Vega, Inst. Delgado and all of the FMS - Puerto Rico family made us feel soo at home, and took super good care of us. Aside from dodging HURRICAINS!!!...it was a completely awesome experience. We got in some great training reviewing forms, drills, weapons, and more. We also had a completely wonderful seminar (which we dedicated to the victims of 9/11, as it fell on 9/11). Afterwards we had a delicious dinner banquette. We trained at beautiful beaches in Arecibo and Oajataca, and even squeezed in a trip down south to Ponce, and took in the National Museum of Art. We ate "Mofongo" and drank "Mavi", and anything else Master Vega would put in front of us, ha.ha. What an awesome experience. Thank you so much Master Vega and Inst. Delgado for coordinating everything, and taking such good care of us. Also special thanks to Gimasoa Vega, and Ruth Delgado for allowing us to steal away your husbands for such a long time. You are awesome! And of course, all the FMS family that came out, is was so much fun meeting and working with you all.

FMS Germany: We would like to a a moment to wish a special happy birthday to my god-daughter Justine Wachsmann, who turns a big 7 years old! (...time sure flies when you're having fun....) FARANG!!!

FMS Poland: It is with great joy and happiness that we announce the wedding of Inst. Katarzyna Furdyna and her longtime fiancée, Asst. Inst. Andrzej Klepczyk. The joyous event took place on September 18, 2004 in Wroclaw, Poland. There was plenty of family, friends and FMS family on hand to celebrate and share the moment. I wish that I could have been there, but rest assured that I was there in Spirit. Boy, it's going to take some time in getting used to calling her Inst. Klepczyk! CONGRATULTIONS from all of us!

FMS Hollister: At this point we are in high gear for the first ever: Faultline Warrior Classic martial arts tournament. As previously noted, it will be held at San Benito High School in Hollister on Saturday, November 20th, 2004. The divisions for competition will mirror the ones from Warrior Quest, so that should be lots of fun. We will be able to compete in Forms, Weapon Forms, Self Defense, Stand Up Sparring, FMS Grappling, Sport Jujitsu, and of course Middle Stick and Knife sparring. Wow, I can hardly wait! So, let's all make plans to be there and support this awesome event. Be there or be square.

FMS Huntington Beach: It is just about that time of the year again. Inst. Saindon is coordinating our annual FMS seminar, picnic and Black Belt work out. It will be on Saturday, October 16, 2004 in Huntington Beach. We had soo much fun last year, and we are looking forward to more of the same. I can't wait!

FMS Portugal: Inst. Pinto recently had some special training in the beach of Foz do Arelho close from the city in Caldas da Rainha. He will soon be opening up yet another club there very soon. Wow, that's excellent! Good job Sir!

FMS - STK (somewhere in Iraq): I just got word from Master Greg Walker that all is going well in Iraq. This last tour has proven to be the most challenging experience ever. Good news is that he and his crew will be coming home very soon. Come on back! We miss you like crazy. You are doing good and noble work, that only those that have been there will ever understand. Be safe, watch you six, and get home quick Sir! God speed.

Other News: Starting this month, we are going 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. Nelson Pinto - Portugal - Sept. 2nd, Inst. Larry Saindon - Huntington Beach, CA - Sept. 26th, and Inst. Carlos Sanchez Sept -28th - Denver. Wishing you all the best. Remember, you are an inspiration to so many, and this is your special day!

Next month of October will be: Inst. Johnothan Pantoja - Modesto, CA - Oct. 17!