Welcome to Modern Farang Mu Sul

September, 2005
With all of the activity in Modern Farang Mu Sul®, it is nice to get even a small break, and we finally get a chance to catch our breath, for at least a minute. Although, I do feel as if this is the calm before the storm for Modern Farang Mu Sul® because next month is going to be very busy, and this will continue for the rest of the year. Hang in there everyone, here are some updates:

FMS - WHQ: Fresh off his FMS black belt test, Inst. Wyatt Kern decided to stay a little extra time here in the Bay Area before heading back home to the East Coast. We were very pleased to have Inst. Kern drop by WHQ for some good training and also take in a little of San Francisco. Welcome anytime Sir. Please consider this your home on the West Coast.

(Pictures: 1- Inst. Wyatt Kern (2nd from right) at FMS-WHQ, 2- Out for a little night life in San Francisco with KSN and crew)

We also took advantage of some lovely weather and went on our annual canoe trip and picnic up in Russian River. This was our 6th trip. Joining Justine, our boys, the crew of Le Colonial and several other De Alba's were Master David Dehnert and Asst. Inst. Alessandro Padovani. We had a completely wonderful time. Nothing like a good row in such beautiful surroundings. I can still remember the year that Inst. Pinto came up with us for his 25th birthday and was doing the rope swing jump into the river! Time flies when you're having fun. Looking forward to next year.

Earlier in the month we were very honored to join our very own Inst. Stuart McCalla and Aya De Leon on the occasion that was their blessed wedding. A couple of days before the event, a few of us took Stuart out for a night in Berkeley and did our best to persuade him "NOT to do it"......but he still did...

The day was a gorgeous day bestowed upon us for this momentous occasion. The ceremony was held in Tilden Park. We finally got to meet most of Stuart's family as well as Aya's large extended family too. After the ceremony we all met up at La Peña in Berkeley for the celebration party. And what a PARTY. Food, salsa dancing and lots of stimulating conversation. Congratulations Stuart and Aya, may this be the beginning of a long and wonderful journey filled with much love, joy and exciting adventures.

(Pictures: 1- Stuart's bachelor party at Jack London Square, 2- Stuart and Aya with the McCalla family, 3- Stuart with the FMS family)

Also on our social calendar this month, was my beautiful wife Justine's ....get this...20th high school reunion. It was held at the Miyako Hotel in Japantown, and was a total flash back to the 80's. What made it extra special was the fact that not only did she get to see and get caught up with many of her old friends, but also, two of her best girlfriends were with her (Hydie and Alise). These ladies have known each other since kindergarten! They went to Elementary, Middle and High School together, and are still the best of friends. That is simply amazing. I'm soo jealous.

FMS Germany: Master Klaus Wachsmann is keeping a very busy schedule. Upon returning from Portugal Master Wachsmann went right to work and did another seminar and color belt testing in Winterberg and Fredeburg, Germany. Good job Sir, and congratulations to all the new color belts. Keep up the good work.

After a full day of training and testing, the German students surprised Asst. Inst. Markus Höhne with a BBQ Birthday party. Farang! Way to go. Don't you just love birthdays? I do. A very happy birthday Markus from all of us too.

FMS - Hollister: All right everyone. It's getting closer to that time of the year again. You all know what I'm talking about: The 2nd Annual Faultline Warrior Classic Martial Arts Competition. Last year's inaugural event was a huge success, and we are expecting a similar turnout again this year. There will be the same events, including the coveted Ultimate Warrior Belt for the best Male, Female and Junior competitor of the day. Good luck everyone. I'll see you all in Hollister, at San Benito High School on October 22nd. FARANG!

Also, right on tap is the third seminar by World Champion: Frank Shamrock. That is scheduled for October 8th. So don't miss out. For more information on the Frank Shamrock seminar and Faultline Warrior Classic, contact Master Schleeter at: 831-630-3177.

FMS Portugal: Inst. Nelson Pinto and the Portugal FMS family are still reeling from Master Klaus Wachsmann's recent visit.There are plans to work on several projects together ranging from joint seminars, tournaments, demonstrations and even making some videos. That is just incredible. I foresee much expansion for Modern Farang Mu Sul® in Europe in the next few years. How great is that?!!

Inst. Pinto notified me that they recently conducted color belt testing in Cadaval and Villar. CONGRATULATIONS! It makes me soo happy to see this art being transferred to the next generations. Good work everyone. Keep it up.

Inst. Pinto also informed me that one of our Farang Mu Sul® students took part in a ballet presentation. It was none other than Vera. She looks as graceful as she is lovely. Just beautiful. Congratulations Vera!

And finally, the FMS Portugal family also surprised Inst. Pinto with a wonderful Birthday Party. Farang! Happy birthday Sir. I know it was so much fun. I only wish I could have been there. You are not only a fantastic martial artist that inspires so many people, but you are one amazing and generous human being as well. Much love Nelson.

FMS - Puerto Rico: Master Vega has notified me that they are in the process of relocating to a new Dojang in the Arecibo, Puerto Rico area. Wow, that sounds exciting! Congratulations Sir, I know it will be a wonderful academy. I look forward to seeing it as well as all of the FMS family in Puerto Rico in December. Farang!

FMS - Australia: It is with great pride and joy that I would like to welcome our newest member into the Modern Farang Mu Sul® family. Let me introduce Inst. Nigel May from Bendigo, Australia. He has begun working on our long distance training program and has decided introduce this awesome art to Australia. He comes with a great martial arts background including black belt ranks in several Korean martial arts. We look forward to many great things together.

FMS - New York: As many of you may now know, we have been holding our breath for the next round of Modern Farang Mu Sul® - Team Vale Tudo action, and it looks like we are just about here now. The date, location and opponents for the next Ring Of Combat have changed almost as much as the weather, but we are now all set for a night of fights including a championship match, on October 29th, in Asbury Park, NJ. World Champion, Lou Neglia has asked no less than 5 FMS-TVT black belts to take part in this event. Wow, that is unprecedented. Slated to fight are: Inst. Michael Iannone, Inst. Joseph Spataro, Inst. Ken Gibson, Inst. Anthony Spataro, and for the Ring of Combat World Welter Weight Championship: Inst. Marlon Sims.

Also, earlier in the month, October 15th to be exact, FMS-TVT's first ever junior fighter will be making his debut sanctioned Amateur Kick Boxing fight at the "Junior Fighters Show" in New Brunswick, NJ. The name of our little warrior is Ryan Washer from Dragon's Gate - FMS East Coast. How exciting is that!!!??? I can hardly wait. Let's all definitely be there to support our brave warriors.

Other News: It is with great sadness that I report that Inst. Chris Knight from Spokane has decided to leave Modern Farang Mu Sul®. There was some apparent irreconcilable conflict with his religious beliefs. This is very unfortunate because if I haven't made it clear before, let me make it VERY clear right now, that Modern Farang Mu Sul® does not promote any religious or political agenda, what-so-ever. We are all about respect and tolerance for people of all creeds and colors.

I respect his beliefs and wishes as much as I respect the religious beliefs of all Modern Farang Mu Sul® members. Let me say straight up that there are no hard feelings. Chris has always been very correct and proper with me, and as such I wish him good luck and all the best in his new direction. May God bless him. He and all of the Spokane FMS group will be sorely missed.

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. Nelson Pinto Sept -2nd, Inst. Larry Saindon Sept -26th, and Inst. Carlos Sanchez Sept -28th. Remember, you are an inspiration to so many, and this is your special day!