Part of ProfessorÂ’s genius was his remarkable ability to grasp and learn fundamental truths from a variety of arts. Professor would then adapt, modify and usually improve them, blending these truths seamlessly in his own creation: Modern Arnis. Professor acknowledged these other influences calling his art, Modern Arnis-Jujitsu-Karate. ProfessorÂ’s essential mastery of the Martial Arts in general led many to compare his abilities in arts other than Modern Arnis with great masters from other arts. By way of example, my good friend Master Biff, an expert Aikido player and Modern Arnis instructor compared ProfessorÂ’s ability to execute throws with his instructor Toyota Sensei. I never saw Professor throw anyone else with such force and technique as only an advanced Aikido player could safely serve as his uke in this way. I heard similar comments from advanced players from disparate arts including Wing Chun, Jujitsu, Karate, Kung Fu and many more. Professor would engage, and amaze, each student according to their ability, speciality and experience.
Professor, despite his vast knowledge and ability, was always happy and keen to learn new things, both from Great Grandmasters such as Wally Jay, as well as from ordinary students. Because of this, to my and others amazement, Professor continued to improve and develop his art year after year. We all thought it was already perfect! It was a remarkable and beautiful thing to see Modern Arnis, already a world class Martial Art from itÂ’s inception, continuously evolve and develop to greater heights. Professor was never content to rely on his history and reputation and continuously trained and improved. It never ceased to amaze me that, as Professor grew older, he became better and stronger.
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