Datu Shishir wanted me to post this.
January 12, 2002
To Datu Tim Hartman
World Modern Arnis Alliance
Dear Datu Tim Hartman,
Thank for posting my letter to you and to all our brothers and sisters in Modern Arnis and the Filipino Martial Arts Community in your martialartstalk.com "Modern Arnis" Column.
I want to clarify some issues raise by the moderator. Where do I stand? And whom I give support regarding the "Modern Arnis groups in USA?
First, I want to commend you for propagating "Modern Arnis" and continuing the Legacy of Grandmaster Remy Presas. Professor Presas is my mentor, teacher and adopted father anyone that loves him and his Art I love them too. In the early 80's, he nurtured me in the art of "Modern Arnis" and the FMA. 1984 he promoted and gave me certification to 6th degree BB and "Datu". He also helps me with my "Balisong" book and tapes I produced. We traveled together and shared vision together. In the 1990, we represented America's to the first International Arnis Congress in the Philippines. He was the Chairman for Arnis Philippines International Affairs Committee. He appointed me as his Vice-Chairman (see letter in my
www.arnisaction.com site photo gallery). 1992-97 I was contracted by Golden Harvest to do Ninja Turtle Movie and later by Fox/Saban for the TV Series. We communicated long distance and everyone in the martial arts community. 1995 during my break I went back to the Philippines, Professor ask me to activate and re-organize "Modern Arnis" in the Philippines. He appointed me as his President. Since then, he had been back and forth Philippines working with our group there. In his last visit 1998 Modern Arnis became nation wide, he created IMAF Philippines. We are working in coordination with PIGSSAI (affiliated with Phil Tourism Authority) and supports Arnis Philippines (member Phil. Olympic Committee/ Phil. Sports Commission). When Professor is in Victoria recuperating from his operation. I was back and forth Philippines and Vancouver. I have visited him and talk to him regularly even in his last days. He had asked me how my work in the Philippines. We talk about his book we are publishing there, Our plan in Bicol farm and working with the Phil. Government to give support to Arnis in the Philippines and the world. Everytime his students visit him he calls me and get me to talk to them. He wanted me to work with Rolan Dantes and Dr. Shea. I have met with Dr. Shea he updated me of the Prof. condition and IMAF. When Prof. passed away. I have volunteered to take Prof. to his hometown in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental, Philippines. This was an honor for me and a great sacrifice. I have to break a contract with my new TV series and face a family feud. The New York terror attack did not help either. It was a miracle that Professor actually made it home to Hinigaran and I thank everyone for doing their part. Dr. Shea for assisting me financially, to Evette Wong for giving permission to have Prof. body ship to the Philippines. To Prof. brother and sisters for allowing us to bury Prof. in Hinigaran. To the First Family of Presas for doing everything they can in the Philippines and in Canada to have Prof. last wish fulfilled. To be buried in his hometown. To IMAF Phil. for securing and connecting with the local people and families. To Eng. Diaz, PIGSSAI members and Rolan Dantes for coordinating with the well wishers and government. Finally after a month of waiting and 3 funerals Prof. was given a hero's parade and burial in Hinigaran. After the burial The First Family of Presas and PIGSSAI gave tribute to the Professor. All Filipino Martial Arts Masters and students present in the tribute bowed for unity in the FMA world. The Presas children headed by Dr. Remy Presas Jr. had announced the formation of MARPPIO. PIGSSAI and ARNIS Philippines had supported this move. Not only they have the legal authority for Modern Arnis in the Philippines, but also it is a Family tradition to inherit their parent's assets. This becomes a big issue for all of us because Prof. also authorized, promoted students and left a will before his death. This problem arises in the Philippines where Prof. wife and children has the right and corporate registration for Modern Arnis and books. However, after talking to the Presas Family they have recognized IMAF PHILIPPINES. After spending time with the Prof. Presas Children, I felt sadness because they are left out in the whole organization of IMAF. I also commend them for their decision to follow their father's legacy. I felt their sincerity and gigantic work ahead of them.
In regards to IMAF USA. My professional opinion is for us to follow Prof.Presas will and wishes. I have not personally seen the Prof. will. However, in my understanding Dr. Shea is the Chairman of IMAF USA/successor and Prof. executor. Jeff Delany is his co-successor. If this is the Prof. wish we should all respect that and help them in their big job. As far as the other Modern Arnis groups and Instructors/leaders we should also support them for propagating Prof. mission and taking on the huge work Prof. has left all of us.
My role now is to continue my work with the Philippines and all other Filipino Martial arts in the different countries. I will do this under the Philippine Government body of Arnis-IAF to the different government , Filipino communities and sports institution worldwide. I know it is a gigantic job, but Prof. gave us the knowledge and the spirit lets us use it for the good of everyone.
I wish you all the success in your work. Let me know if there is anything I can assist you.
Your brother in Modern Arnis
Sincerely,
Shishir Inocalla
VP- International Arnis Federation