Addressing Kelly's concerns, a number of them have already been addressed in this thread. However, point by point:
1. Dan claims not to want any political problems during the organization of this event, yet two of the Professor's chosen Datu are not listed, there are 6 total.
1A. Dan may or may not agree, in the Western Hemisphere the Datu ranked practitioners were and are senior in status and longevity in the art of Modern Arnis, all 6 ! That would include Bong Sun Jornales, although not consistently active in the affairs of Modern Arnis (due to political choice) he none the less was active enough to sign and assist in the Promotions of both Tim Hartman and Dan Anderson himself.
1B. Additionally not listed is Datu David Hoffman, I believe David actually knew Professor Presas longer than any of us, and was trusted to deal with the personal trust of Professor's which is still in turmoil. So as we struggle for our positions in the public eye of martial arts Datu Hoffman is left to struggle with issues superseding anything we are personally facing as seniors of the art. His importance and status should not be ignored, he should be offered to participate in an event of this magnitude, he is a Datu of Modern Arnis...
2. Possibly he was not chosen by Dan because of Bram's personal issue's with Datu Hoffman?
3. Or Dan's personal and business association to Bram Frank who is now considered a senior in the re-written history of Modern Arnis? Since when? Since the passing of Professor? It seems that Chuck Gauss and Datu David were on Bram's Modern Arnis Examination Board for his first test in 1994 , how is that a Senior?
4. I also believe if this is indeed a Senior Instructor event that Dr. Wilfredo Matias who was indeed the Senior ranked 7th degree practitioner of Modern Arnis in North America when Professor was alive should be included.
5. In regards to Remy Jr. in the short 3 year time period since the inception of MARPPIO Remy Jr. has put forth a great deal of effort to spread the art of Modern Arnis and is succeeding without question. Like it or not he is the direct Presas Bloodline and is willing to teach and demonstrate his interpretation of the art next to anyone, further I attest to his skill level as being extremely exceptional for such an event. This fact alone opens the door for magazine editors to seek coverage to document a historical event involving the Son of Remy Presas and the actual seniors together in an instructional event.
6. In personal discussions with Randi Shea, he seems hesitant to be involved for a number of reasons, some which are mentioned here.
7. Well over 6 months ago I was contacted by Datu Tim Hartman to participate in a seminar with the Datus of Modern Arnis, I agreed, what happened to that event, is Dan Anderson now jumping ahead of the game in an effort to say it was first in the staging area? Let me say it since others won't, are there underline agenda's surrounding promoting this event?
8. Another concern worth mentioning is the proposed International participation of Datu Dieter and Senior master Tito Roland Dantes, anyone ever heard of baby steps? Could we actually put together an event and get the support of those within the United States prior to an attempt to capture the World? Big Dreams considering lingering issues still prevalent here in the United States...
Just some thought's
Datu
_________________
Kelly S. Worden
1. No question there. This is documented.
1A. As to the legacy, positioning, etc. of the Datus, I will not be drawn into this. This has already been addressed on various other threads and since Prof. Presas did not state anything to me regarding the title, I have nothing to offer one way or the other regarding it. Yes, the group of Datus includes Ric Jornales. If you look at the instructor line up, it consists of mainstream Modern Arnis instructors. Datu Bong teaches Arnis Sikaran. I have met and worked under Bong. I have the higest respect for him. He
is my senior. And yes, he did okay my petition. My not listing him to the instructor line up is that his main art is Arnis Sikarn.
1B. I have already addressed why I did not initially invite David Hoffman.
2. I didn't put David Hoffman on the list because apparantly he has dropped off the face of the earth. The last couple of emails I sent him (via private messages from different forums) have not been answered. He is somewhat of an enigma to me. It appears he submerges, surfaces, and submerges now and again. If he pops up and merely says, "Hi." I will extend an invitation to him as well. There is no need for him to ask to participate as RP gave him datu title and 5th degree as well.
2. As I have stated many, many times before to many, many people, I base my relationships with other people on the basis of how
we get along, not on the basis of how they get along with my friends. Any issues Bram and David have is their business. David and I have never had a cross word between us so there are no issues there. He has been invited privately and publicly on this thread. I hope he accepts.
3. This has also been addressed in this thread.
1. Why is Bram Frank on the list? He isn't a datu, senior master, MoTT, high ranker, or an acknowledged senior in the art?
1. I acknowledge the lack of higher ranking and senior titles/status. Bram has researched an area most Modern Arnisadors are lacking in - Modern Arnis use of the blade. He lives in Florida where Prof. Presas also had property and spent a lot of time in. Bram and RP spent a lot of time together. When you see the bolo DVDs or his modular series DVDs, you see that what he is doing is Modern Arnis blade, not Sayoc or Pekiti. That he has had other influences as well, okay. I looked over a video of his last night and saw a number of drills I haven't seen before. Could they have been (insert name of any other well known or not so well known blade instructor here) drills? I suppose. I don't really know so I can't really say. It also doesn't matter to me. Look at what he is doing in present time. This is Modern Arnis blade.
There is no attempt to re-write Modern Arnis history by me.
4. This has been addressed on this thread as well.
Was either Dr. Matias or Dr. Remy Presas, Jr. invited? No. They are wonderful instructors but I had to draw the line somewhere or else I would have to try and fund many, many more instructors than I could.
5. I think Dr. Presas has done a wonderful job of promoting the art in the short time MARPPIO has been in existance in the US. One heck of a job! My push for this event has nothing to do with whether it will sway or influence the magazine editors.
6. I am currently in communication with Dr. Schea and he has let me know of his concerns as well.
7. This is the first I have heard of a proposed Datus event. That would be great to see one occur. Am I jumping ahead in the staging of this? I suppose so since Tim never told me about the proposed event. Underlying agenda? No.
8. Baby steps? Big accomplishments do not occur without big dreams and the attempts to actualize them. I would never have become a world champion without having a big dream.
Yours,
Dan Anderson
