Its been many years now, since GM Remy has passed. I'm sure when he was alive, he had goals, visions, etc, that he had for his art. So, that leads us to this thread.
What direction do you see the art of Modern Arnis heading in today?
TBH I believe the art is getting better and more diverse. I believe that as the different MA groups have put aside many of the differences between them, students are able to see different instructors, who have different perspectives on the Professor's art.
When the Professor was alive you only got his view (for the most part), he was the head, the authority, the leader and everyone took a back seat to him (as it should be). However with his passing a lot more material has come out (learning materials I'm speaking about) i.e. DVDs, books, You Tube Videos etc. etc. from some excellent instructors, Datu Dieter, SM Dan Anderson, Ken Smith, Bruce Chui, Bram Frank to name a few. Whereas if the Professor was alive I doubt if all of what is available would be out there.
Likewise now these same individuals and more, are out teaching seminars putting their stamp or their way or view of MA out there, again I believe if the Professor was alive this wouldn't be happening as much. So I believe that Modern Arnis is becoming more diverse and better taught now than before.
What direction would you like to see it head in?
Personally I like the gatherings, the healing type events, where different instructors all get out and teach. Like the idea behind the Symposium in 03, the Brevard camp in 05, the DAV summer camps, the Time of Healing camp in Buffalo last year. As someone who has attended these events I'm glad to see the variety of instruction and the HIGH level of instruction at the camps. I really believe this is a positive step in the right direction.
TBH I believe that MA can grow and continue to improve if the instructors and the students step out of their comfort zones and support events such as these and other local MA camps no matter which organization they are currently in (if any). And in case anyone thinks I'm speaking out against anyone here, I'm not. I harp on my students as well about this, in fact it is my goal to hopefully in the not to distant future attend one of the IMAF camps here in TX with them. We need to look at this as a growth exercise and an infusion of ideas and a challenge to get out and work with other MA groups. I know it takes $$$ and commitment but I can dream and hope can't I (I'm referring to my own students here).
Do you feel that GM Remys goals that he had, are still in effect today?
Yes and know. I believe he wanted his art to grow and I believe his goals are being met there, maybe not just like he intended though. I only say this because he set up a sort of governing body and I don't think that it worked out quite like he wanted, but ...... I wasn't involved so I can't really speak to it. However the main thing is I believe the art is growing and I believe the instruction is getting better as well.
