June, 2008

Welcome to our June Modern Farang Mu Sul® newspage. June has been another stellar month for Modern Farang Mu Sul® all over the globe. We have received news ranging everything from testing, seminars, tournaments to graduations and more. And of course, one of our big news items is our annual FMS Tournament: Warrior Quest. We had a fantastic turnout, with more schools coming and so many FMS family member making the trip. It was a huge success. More on that later. OK, we have lots of Modern Farang Mu Sul® news from all around the world, so let's get to it. Here are some updates:

FMS - WHQ: This month we start off with some family news. In the De Alba household we love to celebrate our birthdays. It is a very special day, and should be celebrated. Oddly enough, Thomas De Alba's birthday falls on the same day as Inst. Terry King.

So this was Thomas' big 17th birthday. Wow, time sure flies when you are having fun. Wasn't it just yesterday when he was running around the dojang in diapers, getting in everyone's way and cutting in line to do the rolls and flips. Wow.

This year, casa De Alba was just about over run with teenagers, and Thomas had a totally fun party with his crew of friends from high school, and a couple form San Francisco too. Well, let's just say they had a great time.

And speaking of great family time. Kuk Sa Nim's youngest son, Brandon De Alba graduated from Middle school. If that isn't an occasion for celebration, I don't know what is. Congratulations Brandon.

Now, it's off to high school. We understand he will be in the same school as his older brother Thomas. Look out everyone, there will be double trouble at Piner High. Thomas says he already has a spot on the tennis team for Brandon. Of course he has to earn his way on, but that should be no problem. Congratulations again.

( Very proud parents of the new graduate)

And now we get to talk about one of our favorite FMS events of the year. One in which all FMS brothers and sisters get the opportunity to come together, bond, laugh, share and demonstrate our art to the world. What and awesome time we all had at the 9th Annual Warrior Quest Championships. WQ9 was nothing short of a complete success.

Tremendous thanks to all that came and especially to those FMS students that stepped up to the plate to plan, coordinate and execute the events, while Kuk Sa Nim has been so tied down. Great job Inst. Kim Leith, Inst. Terry King, Inst. Earl Boyd, Master Patrick Schleeter, and Inst. Stuart McCalla. You guys ROCKED! Huge thanks to all the FMS family that came from near and far to join in on the fun, such as Master Nelson Pinto, from Portugal, Master Dennis Vega (and huge crew) from Puerto Rico, Inst. Carlos Sanchez from Colorado, Inst. Nicole Miller, Inst. Dylan Hamilton, Inst. Matt Wagner and ALL the Huntington Beach family, Master David Dehnert from Venice, Master Schleeter, Inst. Beth Matulich and Inst. Earl Boyd with all the FMS Hollister crew, and of course all the WHQ - FMS crew.

And not to forget our extended family, Grand Master Rubi Navarro, Sensei Eric Reed, Prof. Bill Grossmann, and Simu Pati Grossman, Sifu John Nash, and so many more.

9th Annual Warrior Quest - Pics - Pics

Wow, it just keeps getting better every year. We had an awesome turnout, and believe me when we say, it was action packed. The master demo was spectacular as usual, and had a special twist, as we celebrated a couple black belt ceremonies.

Our good friend Sensei Reed awarded one of his loyal students his black belt in front of the world, and we followed with the awarding of Master Nelson Pinto to 4th Dan, Head Master David Dehnert to 5th Dan and Chief Master James De Alba to 7th Dan. That was incredibly moving and soo special. Congratulations all.

This year we took our FMS black belt camp up to scenic Mt. Tamalpais. The hike up and the rocky cliffs was spectacular. We were blessed with beautiful weather and some of the most breathtaking views. We had mountains, forests, ocean and the heavens. All of natures' beauty in full splendor.

We were able to practice meditation, empty hand and weapon training in the same way our Farang ancestors did back in ancient Korea. Kuk Sa Nim spent some extra time teaching advanced meditation techniques to the masters on hand. Everyone worked on an entire Jang Gum Sul sword vs sword set, advanced knife fighting techniques, and more. What an amazing experience. Thanks again to all. We look forward to next year, so everyone get ready for WARRIOR QUEST X!!! We are expecting everyone, and are planning some very special events to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Warrior Quest.

Farang!!!

- Black Belt Summit Camp 2008 - Pics

While in Santa Rosa, Master Vega and the FMS-PR group got in as much extra training as possible. On top of the great time they had at the black belt camp, they joined some of the new FMS Santa Rosa students at Kuk Sa Nim's private gym for some good fun. They worked tons of weapons, self defense, sparring and some special meditation and KI development sessions. Too much fun.

Farang!!!

And if that were not enough, Kuk Sa Nim had some more tricks up his sleeve. We have always enjoyed the opportunity to join other schools for some good old fashion training, sparring and sharing. As you may know, Kuk Sa Nim has a great friendship with UFC veteran, Dave Terrell, and his gym, the Nor-Cal Fighting Alliance. Sensei Terrell invited the whole FMS-PR family to come down and join them for some great training. That was awesome.

All of the FMS students in Santa Rosa went down to the academy to have some fun and work some Gracie Jujitsu and Muay Thai. They had so much fun, that they even got Kuk Sa Nim on the mats for some rolling. What a blast. Thanks so much Sensei Terrell and the whole Nor-Cal family. That is the beauty of this true brotherhood.

Two of the students from Puerto Rico may be spending some extra time in Santa Rosa with Kuk Sa Nim. They are Inst. Ismael Roman and Jorge Ramos. They are looking to get in lots of extra training. We hear Kuk Sa Nim has some special sessions planned.

On the heels of WQ9, Kuk Sa Nim traveled up to the great Northwest, to do a special joint seminar with his good friend, Grand Master Rudy Timmerman. The special seminars were sponsored by Ki Do Kwan founder Chief Master Robert Ott. Kuk Sa Nim has developed a very special and warn relationship with Mast Ott in the last year. Joining in the activities is Sa Ja Nim Timmerman's right hand man, Master Kevin Janessie from Portland, Oregon. Needless to say, it was a huge success.

The seminars were held at both "The Temple of Certain Victory" and the "Northwest Tang Soo Do Association" that is Owned and Operated by Master Bob Aubrey. Participants of this event came from all different areas of the Country including California, Texas, New Jersey, Canada, Oregon and Washington.

Sa Ja Nim Timmerman focused on both the Dan Bong (Short staff) and Gum Sool (Sword techniques) while Kuk Sa Nim De Alba shared numerous variations of Yu Sool Makki (Soft style blocking) with counter strikes, joint locks, takedowns and follow ups along with knife fighting and defense against knife (Dan Gum Sool, Dan Gum Makki Sul) attacks. As mentioned earlier, assisting Grand Master Rudy Timmerman was Master Kevin Janisse who demonstrated a beautiful Korean sword form called Yuk Gum Hyung.

During their time of stay in the Northwest both the Grand Masters were treated with high respect from all of the participants, with overwhelming feelings of humility, honor, brotherhood, true passion for knowledge and sharing. What a wonderful and historic occasion. All left with a deeper understanding of what the Korean martial arts and being a true master is all about. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity, and we can't wait for the next one. For more info click : HERE

(Pictures: 1- Group shot at the Yelm seminar, 2- Master Ott does a sword cut, 3- Sa Ja Nim Timmerman, Master Ott and Kuk Sa Nim, 4- Kuk Sa Nim recognizes Master Ott as 6th Dan in Hapkido, 5- Group shot after seminar at the Temple of Certain Victory Dojang)

FMS Germany : Inst. Michael Klockner informs us that the Köln - Farang Mu Sul® Tcrew are buzzing after they were guests on the TV show: Rheinsport auf Center TV. They have received lots of praise and positive feedback.

Not only are the getting new students, but some old faces have begun to surface. That is awesome. Great job everyone.

They are motivated more than ever, and have been very busy with some great work outs. They are also looking at expanding a new FMS program at another location. That will definitely keep Inst. Klockner's schedule very busy. Keep up the good work. Farang!!!

FMS Puerto Rico : We got word from Inst. Francisco Delgado that the students at the FMS-Hatillo Dojang are doing great. They recently tested for their next belt and all of the students passed with flying colors. Congratulations everyone! Well, since then, they have been having some very inspired workouts. Good job you all. Keep up the good work. Farang!

FMS Portugal: Police Training with Master Nelson Pinto - The police Agents have participated in several Modern Farang Mu Sul® seminars with Master Pinto. The workshops have been focusing on real life personal self defense (immobilizations, arrest & control) defense against firearms and knife, techniques with middle
stick, body grabs defense),etc..

The Agents of PSP (Police of Public Security) considered this Art extremely practical, effective and useful, and certainly more in line with their needs. With this training, they have more confidence to face to the inherent dangers of the conditions in their line of work. So they take advantage of Master Nelson Pinto's teachings and ask for permission and authorization of the Commander of the Police Station of the city of Caldas da Rainha, to begin classes in FMS-CQC-STK, directly in the Gym of the police station.

The Agents consider this art extremely valuable, for the population that they serve and protect. They feel this Art supplies them good and practical resources to work in many conflict situations. In this society that we live, we are faced with a new social and economical metamorphosis. It is such a challenge that our police agents to search for ways prepare and face eventual conflict situations, with the best professional training and. Modern Farang Mu Sul® and Master Nelson Pinto are the answer they have been searching for.

They have taken training from the traditional methods and found modern applications for the needs of today. They train indoors, outdoors, at the beach, with traditional weapons, with blades and firearms. They cover it all, and are getting a very well rounded education. Good job Master Pinto.

Lecture and FMS Demo in the School of ETEO - Getting the word out in the city of Caldas da Rainha-Portugal. Here are here some pictures, of the photo session, done by FMS student, Ana Sofia of the School of ETEO - Publicity and Marketing of the city of Caldas da Rainha. She prepared a demo in her school and a lecture on the philosophy and history of Farang Mu Sul®. The exhibition was 5 stars, as was the lecture. A special thanks to her, for having developed this work on behalf of the promotion of FMS, and thanks again to all FMS students, that participated
in the demo. You are all fantastic. Farang!

International Seminar Inter Styles – Arruda dos Vinhos – Portugal. - The Modern Farang Mu Sul® School of Caldas da Rainha recently participated in the International Seminar in Arruda dos Vinhos, Portugal. This event was coordinated by the Portuguese Federation of Kosho Ryu Kenpo, headed up by Sensei Pedro Porém and by Lim's Hawaii Kenpo-Portugal, and also by Sigung Nuno Nunes. There were several renowned International Grand Masters from the USA that came, to teach at the seminar such as: Olohe Solomon Kaihewalu (Hawaiian Lua), Professor James Muro (Kosho Ryu, Danzan Ryu Jujitsu and Escrima), Teacher George Lim(Lim’s Hawaii Kenpo), Sigung Patrice Lim (Hawaii Kenpo) and Sifu Randy Ong (Kajukenbo).

With the spirit of friendship, camaraderie, sharing and learning, several systems participated together: Modern Farang Mu Sul®, Chinese Kenpo, TKD-Tao Chung Sin Do, Sakura Jujutsu, Taekwondo, Karaté, Kyusho, and others. What a fantastic opportunity, and what a fun time shared by all. Farang!!!

FMS New York : And for some news from back East. We haven't got much news lately, but this makes up for it all.

We got word that Inst. Joseph Spataro and his lovely wife Stephanie are due to have a baby any day now. We understand it is supposed to be a girl. We can't wait. Congratulations Sir. Farang!!!

Other News : As some may know, Kuk Sa Nim's sister and FMS student Norma De Alba and Master James De Alba share a very special thing. They are 364 days apart. Master James is actually the younger sibling, and they are both the same age for one day. He was born on June 21st and she was born on the 22nd. Isn't that something?

Well it has been their custom to celebrate their birthday together as much as possible. So this year since Norma was going to be in town, they decided to take advantage. They had a great celebration party in Sonoma. Lots of family, fun, food and conversation. Happy Birthday you two. Farang!!!

We close this moth with some very painful and sad news. It is with the deepest sadness that a parent can experience that we inform you all of the passing of Kuk Sa Nim's beautiful nephew Salvador "Chavita" Ortiz De Alba. He was the oldest son of his sister Betsy and Salvador Sr.

The cause of his death was Bacterial meningitis. It is actually found worldwide, and the bacteria often lives harmlessly in a person's mouth and throat. In rare instances, however, they can break through the body's immune defenses and travel to the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. There they begin to multiply quickly. Soon, the thin membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord (meninges) becomes swollen and inflamed, leading to the classic symptoms of meningitis.

VIRAL MENINGITIS is usually relatively mild. It clears up within a week or two without specific treatment. Viral meningitis is also called aseptic meningitis. BACTERIAL MENINGITIS is much more serious. It can cause severe disease that can result in brain damage and even death.

Unfortunately, Sal was victim to the latter disease. He somehow contracted bacterial meningitis, and it got into his blood system, where spread so fast in his body, and shut him down. The doctors' that treated him were completely stunned at how fast the bacteria acted.

He has been staying with Master James De Alba in Sonoma while attending Sonoma State University. He went to bed with a fever and not feeling too well on Tuesday and woke up James on Wednesday morning at 6am complaining he couldn't feel his hands or feet. James rushed him to the hospital, and he died two hours later.

We are all completely overwhelmed with grief, and have all gathered to support one another in Sonoma. Family is coming in from Mexico and LA, to support one another, pay respects, and be present for Chavita's mass and ceremony.

Chavita was only 23 years old. He was a young man with an old soul. He was a free spirit, philosopher, music lover, an awesome son, grand son, brother, cousin, nephew, friend, student, and the best person you could know.

He was a longtime FMS student, and what a great student he was. In FMS, he was a true brother and friend to all.

He was one of the original students of the kids class at the San Francisco Dojang. Kuk Sa Nim loved him and helped raise him as his own son. We love you little Sal. There is a hole in our hearts that will never be filled.

May God keep you close. Rest In Peace.

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:

This month of June will be: Inst. Juan Carlos Pellot June - 10th, Master David Dehnert June - 11th, Master Patrick Schleeter June - 13th, Master James De Alba June - 21st , and Inst. Matt Wagner June - 22nd.

Next month of July will be: Inst. Dylan Hamilton July - 12th, and Kuk Sa Nim July - 23rd.

Farang!!!

That's all for now. With brotherhood,

Modern Farang Mu Sul® World HQ – SF

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